Moving from Florida to Arizona

Florida is known for its fun-filled outdoor recreation, tourist attractions and stunning beaches. However, if you're tired of the unpredictable weather patterns and soaring housing prices, you may consider moving to a more affordable and livable state. One of the most popular places to move in the West is Arizona. 

Arizona is a vibrant desert city with beautiful landscapes, affordability and family-friendly suburbs. Over the last few years, many individuals, families and corporations have packed their bags to settle in this state. And now is your chance to do the same.

Florida is around 2,141 miles away from Arizona. If you plan on moving from Florida to Arizona, you'll need to plan and prepare accordingly for this big transition.

Benefits of Moving from Florida to Arizona

According to the North American Van Lines Moving Migration Report, Arizona has seen a significant uptick in inbound movers. Many individuals and families are moving to Arizona from Florida for the affordability and quality of life. The city with the highest influx of inbound travel is Tucson, Arizona. This is because many corporations are relocating their businesses to Tucson, leading to a thriving job market filled with opportunities. 

The thriving job market in Tucson isn't the only thing to look forward to. Here are many of the advantages you can enjoy once you make the move from Florida to Arizona:

Cost of Living Difference

According to data pulled by My Life Somewhere Else, the cost of living in Arizona is 0.9% higher than the cost of living in Florida. Individuals tend to pay more for eating out, transportation and entertainment. However, individuals in Arizona spend less on groceries, housing, and clothing. 

You'll also find that the major cities in Florida are much more expensive than cities in Arizona. Since the cost is so comparable, you'll want to compare the prices city by city. For example, according to Zillow, the average home value in Phoenix is around $447,882. In comparison, the average home value in Miami is around $571,215. If you're moving from Jacksonville, Lake City, or Deltona, the Phoenix home value may be significantly higher than your current living situation. 

Before moving to Arizona from Florida, consider breaking down the pros and cons and comparing the overall cost for your lifestyle and financial needs.

Beautiful Views in Arizona

Breathtaking desert landscapes surround every city in Arizona. If you love spending time outdoors, you'll find that Arizona has tons to offer. 

After work, you can enjoy a desert sunset in your backyard. Then, on the weekends, take the family to Antelope Canyon or Horseshoe Bend. If you live in Scottsdale, you'll get a stunning view of the Superstition Mountains, and if you're in Flagstaff, you can enjoy Buffalo Park. Everywhere you turn, you'll be surrounded by desert beauty that's all yours to enjoy. 

Active Outdoor Lifestyle

Arizona is so much more than a desert. It's the perfect state for individuals who want to commit to an active outdoor lifestyle and spend their weekends exploring. The state has some of the best places to camp, hike, boat, fish and bike. Since the weather is relatively mild year-round, you can plan outdoor excursions during almost every season.

Arizona has over 22 national parks and 34 state parks, which means adventure awaits at every corner. Some of the best outdoor activities include:

• Grand Canyon National Park
• Saguaro National Park
• Monument Valley
• Red Rock State Park
• Horseshoe Bend
• Havasu & Mooney Falls

Traffic and Commute

Florida has five major cities, while Arizona only has two. This means you'll find that traffic is a little more painful in Florida than in Arizona. Of course, if you live outside of Tucson or Phoenix, you may run into traffic during rush hour. 

However, since these cities are relatively more affordable than the major cities in Florida, you can likely afford to live closer to work. This eliminates the need for long commutes or weekdays stuck in traffic. So you can spend more time with your family and friends, enjoying all that your new home has to offer. 

Over 300 Golf Courses

You read that right. Arizona is home to more than 300 golf courses. This is why so many people decide to retire in Arizona or own a second home here. Some of the best golf courses in the state include:

• The Estancia Club
• Whisper Rock Golf Club
• Pine Canyon
• Desert Forest Golf Club
• Quintero Golf Club

If you're a golf lover, moving to Arizona from Florida is a great way to improve your game. Even if you spend every weekend exploring a new golf course, seeing them all would take nearly a year!

Best Cities to Live in Arizona

Even though Arizona only has two major cities, many different towns and suburbs are worth exploring. The further you live in the city, the cheaper it is to buy a home or to rent. If you're moving from Florida to Arizona and have some flexibility on where you can live, here are a few places to consider:

• Tempe: A lively city filled with family-friendly activities, affordable suburbs and a vibrant culinary scene. Tempe has a thriving job market and is surrounded by natural beauty. It's a great city for young families, retirees, and professionals wanting to kick-start their careers. 
• Mesa: An affordable suburb that's roughly 20 minutes from Phoenix., Mesa is situated between the Phoenix and the Superstition Mountains, providing incredible desert views and perfect proximity. 
• Phoenix: Home to approximately 1.64 million individuals, Phoenix is a lively city with great colleges, sports teams, restaurants and more. Phoenix is the biggest city in Arizona and has everything you need for a fulfilling life. 
• Scottsdale: The perfect spot for young professionals and college graduates, Scottsdale is known for its lively nightlife and bar scene. It has affordable places to live and some of the best golf courses in the state.
• Tucson: Tucson is surrounded by beautiful desert landscapes and has year-round warm weather. The city is known for its affordable housing, lively restaurants and endless outdoor recreational activities. 

Cost of moving from Florida to Arizona

Moving from Florida to Arizona isn't an easy task to take on by yourself. The DIY approach is also not your most affordable option. The cost of renting a moving truck, buying moving supplies and paying for gas along the way can start to add up. 

As you prepare to move from Florida to Arizona, you are probably concerned about the cost of your move. Long-distance moves can be expensive, so it’s important to choose a moving company that offers excellent service at an affordable price. North American is proud to offer superior service and competitive pricing. The average linehaul moving cost from Florida to Arizona with North American Van Lines is $5,100.

The actual price will be dependent on other variables such as the number of items being moved, the exact distance of the move, and any additional moving services such as packing and unpacking. The best way to get an accurate quote is by using our Quote on Demand tool above or calling our customer service representatives.

At North American Van Lines, our team is here to help you with every aspect of your cross-country moves. We offer flexible pricing, custom moving services, and a wide range of specialty services, including auto shipping, storage, and fragile-only packing. 

For a more accurate cost, request a free, no-obligation quote today.