WHY I MOVED FROM LOS ANGELES TO FORT LAUDERDALE, FLORIDA: TOP FIVE REASONS
Hello there! My name is Adela Philipson, and I've got an exciting story to share with you today. In 2019, I made a big move from the sunny shores of Los Angeles, California, to the equally beautiful city of Fort Lauderdale, Florida. If you're contemplating a similar move or simply curious about what life is like in Fort Lauderdale compared to Los Angeles, you've come to the right place. In this blog, I'm going to dive into the top five reasons why I made the move and why you might want to consider it too. Let's get started!
- AFFORDABILITY
First and foremost, affordability was a major factor in my decision to move. According to salary.com, the cost of living in Los Angeles is a whopping 26% more expensive than Fort Lauderdale. Consider this: a three bedroom, 2 bath home in a good area of Los Angeles with around 2000 square feet can easily set you back around $2 million. In contrast, a similar property in Fort Lauderdale would cost roughly half that price, coming in at about $1,000,000. The financial relief was undeniable.
- TAXES
Taxes can be a significant burden, especially for high earning couples. In California, you not only pay federal taxes but also state income tax and city tax. For example, my husband and I were paying a staggering 53% of our income in taxes to Uncle Sam while living in California. However, after our move to Florida, we finally get to keep more money in our pockets, thanks to the absence of state income tax. It's a game changer for our finances.
- WEATHER
The third reason, and arguably one of the most compelling, is the weather. Fort Lauderdale offers a year-round vacation like climate. Even in winter, when it gets slightly chilly for about two weeks, temperatures generally stay in the mid 70s. Summers bring warmth, with the mercury hitting the low 90s. While the humidity does rise during the summer, it's nothing a dip in the ocean or a swim in your pool can't fix. In contrast, California may be sunny, but it's noticeably colder, and the famous “May Gray” and June Gloom” can be quite the downer.
- GOLFING OPPORTUNITIES
If you or your spouse enjoys golf, Fort Lauderdale is a paradise. Los Angeles makes it difficult and expensive to belong to private Golf Clubs Like the Los Angeles Country Club or Riviera Country Club. These clubs are stunning, but they often require invitations and recommendations from multiple members. Initiation fees at country clubs like this cost anywhere between $250,000 to $350,000. In Fort Lauderdale, golf courses are abundant and accessible without breaking the bank, with initiation fees between $50,000 and $100,000, making it a golfer's dream.
- FRIENDLY PEOPLE
Last but not least, the people in Fort Lauderdale are incredibly friendly. It's a culture shock, especially if you're used to the hustle and bustle of places like Los Angeles. In Fort Lauderdale, simple acts of kindness, like holding the door open or making room for you at the grocery store, are the norm. It's a refreshing change of pace from the fast-paced, somewhat detached vibe of larger cities.
While I'll always have a special place in my heart for California, Fort Lauderdale has truly become my home. I get to enjoy the sunshine, lower costs, and a friendly community. Of course, I still visit my family in California, but it also gives them the perfect reason to escape the West Coast and experience the charms of Fort Lauderdale.
