Moving to Florida is a lifestyle decision blessed with choices: the slower Treasure Coast, the storied Gold Coast, the international energy of Miami. This guide helps you pick the right county, price the move, and arrive with everything in place.
Wiz's tip
Spend a week in your shortlisted counties before deciding. Rent an Airbnb, commute the school run, eat the local food, and feel the pace. Then buy.
The steps, in order
01
Choose your region
The Treasure Coast (Indian River, St. Lucie, Martin) offers quieter, more affordable coastal living. South Florida (Palm Beach, Broward, Miami-Dade) offers bigger markets, airports, and energy.
02
Match a county to your life
Schools, commute, waterfront, new construction, and community: each county has a profile in the Living In guides. Compare them side by side.
03
Plan the financial part
Compare prices in Cost of Living guides, then get pre-approved before you tour. Out-of-state buyers gain ground with a verified pre-approval.
04
Handle the logistics
Book movers, transfer utilities, update your driver's license and registration, and notify insurance. The Moving Checklist in Planning Tools has it all.
05
Arrive with a plan
Michael helps relocating buyers coordinate a temporary stay or coordinated closing, so you move once, not twice.
Treasure Coast vs. South Florida in one paragraph
The Treasure Coast is where Florida slows down gracefully: river towns, barrier islands, equestrian country, and family-friendly new construction, at lower price points. South Florida is where the state's energy concentrates: yachts, international airports, luxury markets, and the strongest price ceiling. Both exist within Michael's service area, which means you get honest advice about which one fits you, not just which one he sells.
What out-of-state buyers ask most
Can I buy remotely? Yes, routinely, with video tours and digital closings. Do I need to visit first? Strongly recommended when possible, and Michael tours with you by video when it is not. What about insurance? Florida's homeowners insurance market is expensive and coastal properties pay more, so it belongs in the budget from the very first calculation.