Is Florida in the middle of a renaissance? Depending on who you ask, it might be true. In the past, plenty of Floridians left the Sunshine State to find better jobs or move somewhere where living prices aren’t as high. Of course, some folks just needed a change of scenery. Slowly, that trend seems to be reversing, with many people who moved out of Florida returning to their home states. That presents a golden opportunity for skilled real estate agents who understand what these returning Floridians are looking for in real estate and why they’re moving back.
With that in mind, let’s see why former Floridians are moving back — and how real estate agents can seize a great opportunity!
Partnering With Moving Companies
To successfully tap into the growing trend of Floridians returning to their home state, you must pinpoint exactly where they’re settling. Not every part of Florida holds the same appeal, even for those who once called it home. Many return for the familiar atmosphere but may opt for new locations based on job opportunities, affordability, and lifestyle preferences.
Economic factors play a crucial role—people relocate where they can secure stable employment and build a comfortable life. So, how do you determine the top destinations for returning Floridians?
One of the best resources you can use is professional moving companies. Establishing relationships with experienced movers provides invaluable market insights since most individuals and families rely on professional relocation services. Movers handling frequent interstate relocations can help identify trends, giving you an edge in understanding where people are heading. Therefore, a trusted company specializing in local and long-distance moves can be an excellent partner.
With years of experience handling seamless relocations, Dielman Moving & Storage assists individuals and families in transitioning smoothly to their new homes. By collaborating with such a reputable company, you gain insight into migration patterns and offer your clients an added support layer—connecting them with a reliable team that can handle everything from packing to transportation.
In turn, recommending a trusted mover enhances your reputation as a real estate professional who goes the extra mile to ensure a seamless relocation experience for your clients.
Why Former Floridians are Moving Back?
As everyone following real estate trends has noticed, Floridians are moving back to places like Delray Beach in increasing numbers. The question is, why exactly?
It’s important to note that we can’t give you a definitive, clear-cut answer that perfectly sums up all potential reasons. People move for all sorts of reasons — and while most of them are rational, you can never be sure everyone is moving somewhere because they’ve thought things through.
One main reason is living standards. That may seem strange, considering Florida consistently ranks as one of the least affordable states in the US. However, depending on your job and lifestyle, it can still be inexpensive.
Remember, Florida doesn’t have income tax, which makes it more affordable for high earners to earn a salary than other places. Plus, surrounding states have lost some of their appeal regarding affordability. In the past, property prices in Florida were much higher than in the rest of the country.
Now, things are slowly changing. Sure, Florida properties are still more expensive — but home prices in surrounding states have gone up as well. That has made moving out of Florida less of a no-brainer than it used to be.
Moving Back From The Midwest
For many former Floridians, deciding to return home isn’t just about nostalgia—it’s about practicality. One of the biggest factors influencing their move is location, which directly affects their budget and the type of home they can afford.
Missouri and other Midwestern states have been a common destination for Floridians seeking a quieter lifestyle and more affordable housing. However, many who relocated are now facing unexpected challenges. Rising property taxes in Missouri and other parts of the Midwest have made homeownership less economical. In addition, dwindling job opportunities and the region’s notoriously harsh winters have caused many to rethink their decision.
With Florida’s lack of state income tax and a warmer climate, the decision to return is becoming increasingly appealing. For many who once left, the cost-benefit equation has shifted, making the Sunshine State again the ideal place to call home.
As a result, a growing number of former Floridians are looking for a stress-free move to Florida, and many are turning to professional movers to handle the complexities of long-distance relocation. Moving from Missouri to Florida is no small feat, as it requires careful planning, packing, and coordination to ensure a smooth transition. Fortunately, experienced movers can help ease the burden by managing transportation, logistics, and even unpacking upon arrival.
Other Reasons People Are Returning
As we already mentioned, some of the main reasons people move back from northern states are job opportunities.
Whether Florida is an ideal place to find work depends on your career. Still, there’s no denying that the Sunshine State went through solid job growth in the past few years. In the past half-decade, employment grew by 3.5% each year.
That means Florida’s job market is growing faster than the national average, another reason former Floridians are moving back. Plus, many positions previously tied to offices in specific locations are now remote.
In the five years after COVID-19, many office jobs became hybrid or fully remote. That means many high-skilled employees could work from wherever they wanted — including their homes. And when that’s the case, Florida’s gorgeous weather suddenly becomes a great selling point.
Former Floridians may simply decide to move back because they miss their family and former lifestyle. Even the best career in a new place can’t always make up for friends and family. While some people easily make new friends and have a thriving social life wherever they go, others miss their previous social circles too much.
Capitalize On This Opportunity
With a well-planned outreach strategy, real estate agents can easily capitalize on the fact that Floridians are moving back. Use data analytics to track moving trends better than your competitors and establish contacts in key moving companies in your area. Then, use a combination of email outreach, referral, and social media ads to reach interested homebuyers.
You’ll soon find that you’ve gotten much more out of recent migration patterns than your competitors!
Author Bio: Jessica Carter is a relocation specialist interested in housing trends and migration patterns. She enjoys exploring the factors that drive people to relocate and how these shifts shape local economies. When she’s not researching moving trends, she loves traveling and discovering new cities.