"A major factor was affordability; the cost of living in Florida had gotten out of control. Prices increased for everything - homeowners' and auto insurance, and even for everyday expenses like groceries and eating out. Those costs felt particularly high in South Florida compared with other parts of the state."
"Another reason was that South Florida feels overly developed. If there's a corner available, they'll build a high-rise on it. It's turned into a congested, expensive city. I used to spend 2.5 hours a day commuting to and from work."
"When I passed another cluster of cranes and new buildings going up, I would always think: who's living in all of these places, especially at these prices? It's not the people who actually keep the city running. Not the teachers, the grocery store workers, or the hospitality workers."
Kimberly Jones, a 60-year-old lifelong South Florida resident, moved to North Carolina in 2025 with her husband after deciding Florida had become unrecognizable. Rising costs of living, including homeowners' insurance, auto insurance, and everyday expenses, made staying financially unsustainable. Overdevelopment transformed South Florida into a congested urban area with constant construction and high-rise buildings. Jones spent 2.5 hours daily commuting. Beyond affordability and congestion, the couple sought a slower pace of life. The decision was difficult given her children, extended family, friends, and entire life remained in Florida. She observes that even college-educated young adults struggle to afford housing unless sharing expenses with partners.
#florida-migration #cost-of-living-crisis #urban-development #quality-of-life #housing-affordability
Read at Business Insider
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