moving to florida

Moving to
Southwest Florida in 2026

Escape the taxes, traffic and tension — Moving to SW Florida offers more space, sunshine and savings!

Nearly 900,000 people relocated to Florida in 2024
— Florida is the #1 state-to-state move in the country.

—Orlando News6

Investment
Opportunities
Vacation Homes · Rental Income
Just
Built!
Brand New Home Without The Wait!
Waterfront
Homes
Boating Communities

What sets SW Florida apart?

Southwest Florida is one of the few places where a relocation decision can be both emotional and rational—without you having to lie to yourself about the trade-offs.

People move here because it checks boxes that are hard to find in one market:

  • It holds up as a long-term purchase. SWFL attracts buyers from outside the region year after year—full-time residents, seasonal buyers, and retirees—so when you eventually sell, you’re typically selling into a broader pool than “locals only.”

  • You can choose a lifestyle and a strategy. Waterfront, golf communities, gated neighborhoods, condos, new construction, acreage, and multi-gen layouts aren’t edge cases here. That variety makes it easier to buy what fits your life now and still makes sense later.

  • The homes match the way people live here. Practical outdoor living space (lanais, pools, screened areas) is part of the value equation in SWFL because buyers actually use it—so it isn’t a “nice extra,” it’s functional square footage in this market.

  • It works across life seasons. A lot of people start part-time and shift to full-time. Others buy with a future plan in mind. SWFL is one of the few markets where that kind of flexibility is common—and resale demand reflects it.

Cost of Living Comparison

Fort Myers, FL vs Major Cities in the USA

In cities like New York, Boston, Hoboken, and Philadelphia, everyday expenses stack up fast — from housing to groceries to simple nights out. Fort Myers offers a different reality: more space, lower costs, and a lifestyle that doesn’t require constant sacrifice.

Here’s how the numbers add up: living in those major cities costs 37% to 65% more than in Fort Myers. That’s money you can redirect into your home, your family, and the life you actually want to live.

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New York, NY

40 % higher

Boston, MA

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Hoboken, NJ

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Philadelphia, PA

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Cost of Living

SW Florida offers a meaningful cost-of-living advantage over major northern cities—particularly in housing and daily expenses.

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Tax-Free Retirement Income

Florida is very tax-friendly toward retirees. Social Security is not taxed. Withdrawals from retirement accounts are not taxed. Public and private pension income are not taxed.

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Zero State Income Tax

Whether you’re working full-time or living off investments, you'll get to keep more of every dollar living in Florida — no state cut from your paycheck, pension, or capital gains.

Ready for a life that make's sense?

SW Florida Featured Properties

Sunshine, square footage, and even a pool?
See what $450k buys in Fort Myers, Florida

your Florida life is waiting

moving to florida from ny

let's get started!

Ready to turn “someday” into an address change?
Contact me today and receive the best home deals from a lifetime SW Florida resident with almost two decades as a local REALTOR®. 

Moving to SW Florida

Trade the high rise for high ceilings and zero state income tax.
See what $450k buys in Cape Coral, Florida

Benefits of Home Ownership in SW Florida

Real-Life Differences That Matter

Homes in Fort Myers cost about half as much as homes in New York City. Median home prices in NYC hover around $760,000, while Fort Myers averages closer to $400,000 — and that’s for more space, a yard, and sunshine year-round.

—Source: NY City Comptroller

Fort Myers offers a significantly lower crime experience than New York City, Boston and Philadelphia — with greater peace of mind.

Compared to NYC, Fort Myers has 25% lower property crime and 25% lower violent crime rates (per capita), making SWFL a noticeably calmer environment.

—Source: Home Snacks Demographics

In Fort Myers, you can forget snow shovels and parka layering. With zero annual snowfall and 271 sunny days a year, life here happens outside. Morning walks, patio dinners, beach weekends — even in January. It’s not just warmer. It’s livable.

—Source: Best Places

Cities like NYC and Boston can trigger chronic stress due to noise, crowds, high-stress commutes, and limited nature access.

In contrast, SWFL offers sunshine, slower pace, and spacious outdoor living. Multiple studies show exposure to nature —green and blue spaces—leads to lower stress, improved mood, better focus and even reduced depression.

—Source: Science Alert

Many families are moving for more than just money — they’re seeking alignment, calm, and freedom from what they feel is dysfunction or overreach. Florida offers a different tone and pace of life.

From Up-North to SWFL Florida!
The Right Realtor Makes it Simple

As a lifelong Southwest Florida resident, I know these neighborhoods inside and out — not just the listings, but the lifestyle that comes with them. I’ve built a track record of excellence by helping new residents find their place here. From day one, you’ll have a responsive, knowledgeable partner who’s committed to making your move smooth, smart, and successful.

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Gina Calamari profile picture
Gina Calamari
2 years ago
Shelby Tompkins was absolutely amazing. Before we even went looking at places for me, we met at Starbucks and she listened - LISTENED - and took notes - as to what I wanted in a home. She appreciated that I had a specific goal and budget and that I didn't want to waste her time. With my check-list in hand, we set out a few days later with a few properties that exactly fit my criteria, and by the end of the day I had put an offer in on my dream property. The negotiation went smoothly and Shelby was so helpful with handling all the closing issues as it was all a bit overwhelming for me. By far, it was the most stress-free home purchase I'd ever done. Not only would I, and do I recommend Shelby to anyone in need of selling or looking for real estate, if I ever decide to move on from where I am, I will absolutely use her services!! - Gina C.
Yaya Rod profile picture
Yaya Rod
2 years ago
As a new agent, it is very important to me to be surrounded by knowledgeable, honest and professional people such as Shelby. She is my go-to person for any questions or clarifications I may have and explains everything thoroughly . I learn a lot from her interactions with her clients and I can see that she has a built a great rapport as they trust her to get the job done. I am extremely lucky to have found someone as organized and trustworthy to be my mentor. Thank you Shelby for all your support and encouragement!
Arielle Yeatter profile picture
Arielle Yeatter
2 years ago
I’ve had the pleasure of working with Shelby Tompkins for over 10 years, and I can confidently say she’s one of the best in the business. Her extensive knowledge of the Southwest Florida market is unmatched, making every buying or selling experience smooth and stress-free. Shelby always goes above and beyond to ensure her clients are 100% satisfied, consistently exceeding expectations with her dedication and expertise. Her professionalism, responsiveness, and personalized approach set her apart from the rest. If you’re looking for a realtor who truly cares and delivers exceptional results, Shelby is the one to call!
Kevin Karnes profile picture
Kevin Karnes
2 years ago
Shelby is an incredible real estate agent. She is professional, attentive, and knows the market amazingly well. Shelby has an incredible personality and is agent that I completely trust. If you are looking for a communicative, personable, honest, and experienced agent, Shelby is the person you are looking for. At the end of the process, you'll not only end up with the home of your dreams, you'll likely make a friend in the process. Shelby - thank you for everything.
Kristen Kerans profile picture
Kristen Kerans
4 years ago
Shelby made the process of selling our home and building our new home seamless. From the first meeting with Shelby, we knew we were in good hands. Her years of experience and bubbly personality made her a joy to work with. We never felt pressured into any decisions and she was always up front with us every step of the way. We will definely call on Shelby for any of our real estate needs in the future.

SW Florida Lifestyle Highlights

Best Perks of Moving to Florida

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