Top 5 States People are Moving to Florida From According to the Census Bureau, more people moved to Florida in 2023 than any other state besides Texas. So, who's all coming down? First things first: the primary state that sends most people per year to Florida is obvious. It's New York. At times, it can feel like every other person you meet (in Palm Beach County at least) is originally from New York. While people move to Florida from all over, there are definitely some common themes. Understanding the demographics of the influx of new residents from various states can help us to appreciate the shifts and the reasons behind these moves. Here are the top five states people are moving to Florida from.









       New York






So the trend continues. New York tops the list of people moving to Florida yet again. Obviously, retirement-aged New Yorkers have flocked to Florida for decades now, but the more recent boost in migration is from people aged 25-60 seeking a higher standard of living and lower taxes. However, Florida is now catching up in terms of the cost of living. But, in terms of real estate, what you get for your money in Florida can be much newer, cleaner, and bigger. Palm Beach County is connected to New York in more ways than just via I-95. At PBI, as many as 29 flights arrive from JFK, Newark, Laguardia, and Westchester every single day. For New Yorkers who now spend the majority of their time in the Palm Beaches, going back for a quick visit is easier than ever.






       New Jersey






This is also unsurprising, as word of the perks of South Florida life continues to spread into neighboring New Jersey. Except for New York, New Jersey is sending more people down our way than anywhere else. The most recent estimate is that about fifty thousand people are moving from Jersey to Florida every year. This move can be attributed to similar factors as those influencing New Yorkers, emphasizing economic benefits and better living conditions. If you've noticed an uptick in Jersey license plates all over the roads recently, you're not alone. It's happening. 






       Illinois






Southwest Florida is full of midwest transplants and snowbirds just like South Florida is full of Northeastern transplants and snowbirds. Illinois comes in third on this list, with Illinoisans heading to Florida for probably the same reasons as New Yorkers: economic, climate, and lifestyle changes. The exodus from Illinois highlights broader trends in migration from the Midwest to the Southeast, where other states like Georgia, the Carolinas, and Tenessee are seeing influxes in populations as well. 






       Pennsylvania






Another state license plate that seems to be popping up more frequently is the classic blue and yellow striped Pennsylvania plate. Pennsylvania is more similar to New York than most people realize. Philly; NYC and Pittsburg; Albany/Syracuse, or Upstate; the Poconos/Susquehanna River Valley. Similar climates, but different tax codes have kept more people up in Pennsylvania for longer. But the movement from Pennsylvania to Florida can be seen as part of the same pattern where Northeastern residents move southward driven by the search for growing companies & industries, golf, beaches, fishing, boating, etc.






       California






And another tax-heavy state is seeing a migration, but this time it's west to east instead of north to south. California is the fifth largest contributor to Florida’s inbound population. Aside from weather/climate, people tend to move from California to Florida for similar reasons people move from New York to Florida: taxes and political climates. There are states that are growing in population, and there are states that are shrinking, and California is the latter. People are leaving California for places like Colorado, Montana, Texas, and Florida. 


Florida Continues to Grow


Florida's economic boom has continued to draw more people to the Sunshine State. We are in the midst of a growth phase that is redefining what Florida is known for. While Florida used to be known in the rest of the country as the state that played host to retirees during the winters, these new waves of people continue to spread the word back where they came from about all of the reasons why they love living here.


Wondering when the best time to move to Florida is? Read our other blog post here.


And if you're looking for more of a nice beach town as opposed to the Miami hecticness, then read this blog about why people are moving from Miami to Jupiter.


And if you're a current Florida resident looking to move into a new place in Palm Beach or Martin County, or if you're one of the many friends and relatives of someone who has already made the move (and you're now considering making a move yourself) then browse these amazing homes that are currently for sale in our area 
https://www.waterfront-propert....ies.com/blog/moving-