Moving From San Diego to Jacksonville, FL: A Comprehensive Guide
May 27, 2024
For those leaving San Diego as part of the Great Californian Exodus, Jacksonville, Florida, emerges as a great option to relocate. From sunny weather to diverse culture to a vibrant economy, everything just seems too perfect. But as with any location, there are a few things you should know before moving from San Diego to Jacksonville.
In this all-encompassing comprehensive guide on moving from San Diego to Jacksonville, FL, learn everything you need to know before making a move. Plus, as a reputed moving company, we will also present actionable tips on how to make a successful move.
Sunnier and More Humid
Everybody knows Florida is sunny. After all, it’s fondly called The Sunshine State. But what most moving into Florida don’t know is it’s a humid state. This is where California and Florida diverge dramatically.
California is generally dry, with a refreshing ocean breeze that tempers the heat. Florida’s humidity, however, is a constant presence. It makes even mild temperatures feel sticky and uncomfortable. Think of that muggy feeling you get right after a summer rain, but all the time.
In contrast to San Diego’s pleasant year-round weather, Jacksonville has a subtropic climate. So expect humid mornings and afternoons with occasional downpours towards the evening hours.
Because of a subtropical climate, Florida also tends to be a hurricane-prone area. In the Sunshine State, the hurricane season runs from June to November, so it’s important to be prepared with hurricane shutters, supplies, and a plan.
Florida is Slow-Paced (Comparatively) but Touristy
The Californian culture is all about hustle and bustle. The fast-paced lifestyle isn’t suited for everyone, which is why they seek refuge in regions that are suited for a slow-paced lifestyle. While Florida is not typically a village, it is relatively slow-paced. You’ll find people more relaxed and laid-back.
That’s why Florida is the second-best state for retirees, with 21.3% of the population designed as retirees.
While it’s slow-paced, you should also know that the state is touristy. This means there are people year-round visiting from all parts of the United States and the world over. Popular tourist cities like Miami, Orlando, and Daytona are always swarmed with tourists. Jacksonville, not so much, but it isn’t completely devoid of tourists either. So, expect people to enjoy their holidays around you.
Florida is Tax Friendlier
Get ready for a major tax shift when you move from California to Florida. In Jacksonville, FL, you’re welcome to the land of no state income tax! Florida is one of just a handful of states with no income tax for residents. This can be a huge financial advantage, especially for high earners. However, Florida does have a sales tax of 6%, which is lower than California’s base rate.
Jacksonville itself levies a local sales tax of 1.5%, which is added on top of the state’s 6% rate, bringing the total sales tax in Jacksonville to 7.5%.
When it comes to property taxes both California and Florida have property taxes, but they work a little differently. California’s property tax rates are generally lower than Florida’s. However, California’s housing market is much more expensive, so Californians often end up paying more in property taxes simply because their homes are worth more. Jacksonville’s property tax rates are in line with the state average.
Florida is a Swing State
Florida is arguably America’s most famous swing state. This means the political landscape changes every election cycle. You’ll have times when Democrats rule the state and are followed by Republican rule. So, expect to be an active participant in politics.
Cost of Living is Lower in Jacksonville, FL
As you may already know, the cost of living is lower in Florida than in San Diego. The question is how much. This is an important thing to calculate before you make the move.
As per the latest stats, the cost of living for a family of 4 in Jacksonville, FL, is approximately $4,000 per month. This is without rent. The same figure is around $4,700 a month for San Diego. Thus, there’s $700 savings every month. You can save more by selecting a less popular neighborhood or moving to the outskirts.
Sinkholes are Real in Jacksonville, FL
In case you’re unaware, Florida has more sinkholes than any other state in the US. Jacksonville, FL, is not an exception.
Jacksonville sits on carbonate rock, which is susceptible to erosion by groundwater. The limestone bedrock dissolves slowly over time, creating cavities that can eventually collapse and form sinkholes. Heavy rainfall, droughts, and human activities like water pumping can accelerate this process.
Jacksonville sits in the Zone 4 sinkhole zone. This means sinkholes are uncommon in the region. But they occur from time to time and are large enough to swallow homes. So, this is something you need to be aware of.
Moving Tips for Relocating to Jacksonville, FL, from San Diego, California
As you can see, moving to Jacksonville has both pros and cons. If you feel the pros outweigh the cons and decide to make the move, then congratulations on the new journey. Here are some moving tips to make the move a breeze:
1. Research and budget
Research is the cornerstone of a successful move. You need to research the locality, the neighborhood, and everything before moving to Jacksonville. Get to know the main landmarks, local weather, economy, crime rate, among other things. Next is budgeting. Prepare a budget for 2-3 months after you move in. Have a buffer of $1,000-$1,500 to account for unforeseen expenses.
2. Update utilities and paperwork
Most people leave paperwork till the very last minute. But we recommend you get it done as soon as possible. It takes time for the address change request to be reflected in official records. So you may still receive important mails and documents at your old address after you’ve moved. To avoid this, update paperwork at the earliest, ideally a month before making the move.
3. Declutter and downsize
Decluttering and downsizing before a move, especially a long-distance move like San Diego to Jacksonville, offers an opportunity to get rid of unwanted stuff and make room for new ones at your new home.
Over time, you may have accumulated stuff you no longer need. So this is a prime time to get rid of such items. This also reduces the transportation cost and helps with finances if you opt to sell those items.
4. Package everything in advance
The looming task of packing everything at once can be overwhelming. Packing early avoids the last-minute scramble. When you scramble, that is when you make mistakes.
You can pack a box or two each day over a longer period, making the process less daunting and more manageable. Also, packing in advance allows you to identify fragile items early on and ensure they are properly wrapped and protected with bubble wrap or packing peanuts.
5. Make the move in winters
It’s important to select the right time to move in. The best time is the winters, which run from December through February. This is the time when the climate is pleasant, and there’s no risk of tornadoes or hurricanes.
Relocating in the winter allows you enough time to settle in and experience the sunny Florida climate in the summers. So, if time permits, plan your move in the winter months.
6. Settle in and explore Jacksonville
Jacksonville has something from everyone. From theme parks to sporting action to wildlife, you have a lot to look forward to.
The Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens is a 117-acre zoo that is home to over 2,000 animals and 1,000 plants. Then you can visit the Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens, which houses an impressive collection of European and American art from the 18th century to the present day.
Not to forget the gorgeous beaches, which are ideal for swimming, surfing, and sunbathing. Some of the most popular beaches include Jacksonville Beach, Atlantic Beach, and Neptune Beach. So settle in quickly and get out there to explore your new home.
Move From San Diego To Jacksonville, FL With Us!
When it’s time to move from San Diego to Jacksonville, FL, trust the intrastate movers at Atlas Allied. With top-notch, full-service moving solutions and a history dating back to 1925, we ensure a seamless transition. Whether you’re a senior needing specialized moving services or you’re planning a long-distance residential move, our comprehensive solutions are tailored to meet your needs and make your relocation a success. Contact us today to learn more.