Approximately 1,000 people move to the state of Florida each day of the year. While there are many great locations on the peninsula, many people move to areas on or near the beaches. One of the most desirable locations to live in the Sunshine State is in Sarasota. Nestled along the Gulf of Mexico on the central west coast of Florida, Sarasota has some of the most inspiring arts and culture, entertainment, and outdoor recreation opportunities in the whole state.
It’s known not only for its world renowned white sand beaches, but its many beautiful and challenging golf courses, its museums, and its laid back, tropical lifestyle. The County of Sarasota is essentially split in two: along the coastline and Sarasota Bay, there are many townhome, villa, and condo communities, as well as single family residences. In the eastern and southeastern portion of the county, there are many new master planned communities which are predominantly single family homes.
Though home prices vary greatly across the county, there are many places along and near the beach which have affordable homes. There are a number of condo communities have seasonal owners, people who live for three to six months and then return home, renting their properties while away. Quite a few of these owners eventually retire to their Sarasota residence to enjoy the spectacular weather.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT MOVING TO FLORIDA
You’ll find that Florida is a very affordable state in which to live, with low property taxes, no state income tax, and affordable utility costs. One of the reasons for lower utility costs is because there’s no need for home heating oil, and about three months of the year, there’s no need to turn on an air conditioner or run the heat. The state is also very accommodating of businesses and has many incentives for companies to relocate their headquarters or for entrepreneurs to start their own businesses.
“Nearly 1,000 people move to Florida each and every day. The migration comes from all over the United States from the north east, mid west, and the west coast. Many new Floridians are retirees and many are young working age families. The good news is that there is plenty of room in Florida. Housing is plentiful in many areas, jobs are plentiful, and the government of Florida is working hard to make it easy for new Florida residents to easily get settled.” —DMV Florida.org
When moving to Florida, you can lighten the load by donating your heavy winter clothing. In addition, you won’t need snow tires, and, speaking of tires, automobiles have much longer lifespans because vehicles are not exposed to salt, sand, and other chemicals used to combat ice on the road.
QUICK LIST SARASOTA RELOCATION GUIDE
After your moved to Sarasota, you’ll have a few matters to attend to and most of these you are required by law to do within 30 days of your relocation. Here’s a quick list relocation guide:
- Get to know the area before you make a final destination choice. As stated above, the county of Sarasota is essentially split in two: the coast, which runs along Sarasota Bay and the Gulf of Mexico, and, the inland area. Each are great places to live, and you ought to take some time to get to know the areas at the top of your list.
- Find an experienced relocation real estate professional. One of the best ways to learn about the county and lifestyle, as well as real estate values and prices, is to connect with a local real estate professional. This way, you have a dedicated person scoping neighborhoods which most appeal to you and can alert you when new listings become available.
- Enroll your children in public or private school. If you have school-age children, you must enroll them within 30 days of your move. Ask your real estate agent about which school districts rate among the highest and/or about local private schools.
- Transfer your driving privileges to the state of Florida. You have thirty days to transfer your driver’s license to the state. Information about how to transfer your out-of-state license is available at the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. In some instances, applicants do not have to test in order to transfer their driving privileges.
- Have your mail sent to your new address. You can have your mail permanently sent to your new Sarasota address, either by completing a paper form or by going online to the USPS website.
- Schedule utility hookups. It’s a good idea to have these scheduled as soon as possible. Because you’re moving from out-of-state or even from across the state, you’ll have to establish new electric, water, phone, internet and cable service in your name.
- File for homestead exemption. Under Florida law, you have the right to file for homestead exemption, to substantially lower your property taxes.
- Update your car insurance. You must update your automobile insurance to your new address within 30 days.
- Apply for a Florida vehicle registration and license plate. There is also a thirty day deadline for applying for a state vehicle registration and license plate.
Last, but certainly not least on the list is you should also register to vote within thirty days of your move.