A Transplants Honest Opinion of Living in South Florida
South Florida is one of those places that people either love or love to complain about. After nearly six years of living here, I’ve seen it all—the good, the bad, and everything in between. As a transplant turned resident, I wanted to share my honest perspective on what life is really like down here. Forget the polished pros and cons lists for a second; this is straight from my experience, tackling the three big comments I see over and over: it’s overpriced, overcrowded, and full of transplants. Let’s dive in and see if South Florida could be the right fit for you.
South Florida: Expensive? Sure. But That’s Life.
Let’s address the elephant in the room—South Florida isn’t as cheap as it used to be. When I moved here in 2019, I snagged a one-bedroom apartment near the Intracoastal for $1,250 a month. Fast forward a few years, and that same apartment would cost over $2,200. I get it—no one likes paying more than they used to. But here’s the thing: this is what happens in places where people want to live. Between the beaches, perfect weather, and endless opportunities, demand is sky-high. For those coming from high-tax areas like I did, it’s still a pretty good deal overall. If you want the lifestyle—boating, entertainment, art, fashion, or just living in paradise—it’s going to come with a price.
Overcrowding: Seasonal Traffic and Snowbird Shenanigans
Yes, it’s crowded. I won’t sugarcoat that. With over a thousand people moving to Florida every day, you feel it—especially during snowbird season. Around late October, you start noticing more cars on the road, more people at the beach, and a general “I don’t need to be anywhere on time” driving attitude. That’s just life in South Florida. But here’s the flip side: summers are quieter, and even at its busiest, the lifestyle here more than makes up for the extra traffic. Plus, let’s be real—Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and West Palm Beach are part of a huge metro area. Crowds come with the territory, but they also bring energy, growth, and opportunities you won’t find in smaller cities.
South Florida: The Melting Pot That Keeps On Growing
One of the best things about South Florida is the diversity. This has always been a place where people from all over the country—and the world—come to live the dream. Whether they moved here 30 years ago or six months ago, nearly everyone has that “I finally made it” excitement. Sure, some people online like to complain about transplants ruining things, but honestly, I’ve never seen that attitude in real life. South Florida’s melting pot of cultures, backgrounds, and perspectives is what makes it such a special place to call home.
At the end of the day, living in South Florida is what you make of it. It’s not perfect, but the lifestyle, opportunities, and diversity are hard to beat. Whether you’re thinking about making the move or just curious about life here, I’d love to help you figure out if South Florida is right for you. Reach out anytime—whether you’re buying, selling, or just exploring the idea—we’re here to make your next move your best one.
