Moving to Florida from the UK can be quite a culture shock, but there are plenty of delightful cities all over the state that can make the transition much more manageable. In this article, we’ll explore some of the main differences between the two different areas and talk about some things that might seem familiar to anyone moving from the UK. We’ll also talk about some of the best towns to consider if you’re thinking about moving to Florida that have affordable homes and fantastic features, so keep reading to see the best destinations in Florida for British residents.
Quite a few obvious differences exist between living in the UK and living in Florida. The weather will likely be the first thing you notice as Florida is known for its seemingly endless sunshine and the UK for its more rainy atmosphere, but there are plenty of other things that you might not have even considered. Let’s have a look at a few of the main differences between Florida and the UK:
Travel by Car VS Walking
Many Brits know walking half an hour to your destination is pretty standard, but not in Florida. Driving short distances is far more common, and so are drive-thru businesses, so be prepared to see far more cars than you’re used to.
School Setting
Private schools are prevalent in the UK and all over America, but most in the States are associated with various religions. Religion is not covered in the majority of public schools so don’t be surprised if your American friends are unfamiliar with “Sunday Worship.” There are also fewer boarding schools, and people typically attend a school that’s close to home so they can save money on housing fees.
Grocery Shopping & Supermarkets
Another culture shock that many Brits have when they come to America is the size of grocery stores and the massive selection. Buying in bulk is a staple in many American households. Instead of popping down to the shop for dinner ingredients, Americans will often shop weekly (or monthly!) at stores that carry large quantities of their everyday items to save money and time. You are more likely to see someone with a loaded cart at your local Walmart over seeing someone with a few items in their basket.
Bigger Homes, Bigger Amenities
Many homes in the UK need to be bigger to have extra appliances like clothing dryers and too old to have upgrades like AC/central heating. The power costs in America are far less expensive, so expect to see many different appliances that run more often than expected. Houses in America are also significantly more extensive, and many luxury apartment buildings have different amenities for their residents.
From UK to Florida | Top Cities to Consider
Florida has unique hidden gems and fantastic metro cities, so consider a few cities before deciding which one fits your needs. Let’s go through a few different cities in Florida to give you a good idea of what you can expect.
Boca Raton
Many people live in Florida to take advantage of the fantastic beaches, but finding an area that isn’t chock full of tourists can be tricky. Boca Raton is an amazing neighbourhood with stunning luxury homes and miles of beautiful sandy beaches. This incredible destination is also home to the main campus of Florida Atlantic University, so it’s a great place to live if you are attending the school.
Boca Raton has many different ordinances in place to keep it looking beautiful and free of advertisements. Hence, it’s a fantastic place to consider if you’re looking for a place in Florida where you can experience the state’s true beauty.
Daytona Beach
Daytona Beach has become synonymous with great entertainment and exciting nightlife. If you’re looking for a fun, fast, fabulous lifestyle, this may be the place for you! The city boasts plenty of fantastic features that make it appealing to new homebuyers, and it’s close to many “classic American” entertainment spots like Disney World and Daytona International Speedway. The home prices in Daytona Beach are far less than other Florida cities, with the median value sitting in the mid $200K range.
Sarasota
The beautiful city of Sarasota has made its mark in Florida as an arts and culture hub, which means it’s the perfect spot if you’re interested in the performing arts. Sarasota features various theatres, music performance venues, and festivals hosted year-round to celebrate various artistic endeavours. The home prices are in the mid $500K range, which is slightly higher than average, but plenty of smaller homes and apartments are great for newcomers.
Melbourne
Many Brits move to Florida to take advantage of the gorgeous weather and sandy beaches, and if you want to be as close to the ocean as possible, you’ll want to check out the city of Melbourne. This fantastic coastal city is situated right along the beautiful Indian River, and it’s one of the best spots to go if you want to be greeted by views of spectacular artwork. Art galleries and other intriguing cultural spots are all over the fantastic Eau Gallie arts district, making the town one of the most popular attractions for nearby art aficionados.
Miami
If you want easy access to all-day fun and late-night entertainment, Florida is the place to be. Miami is a beautiful city full of outstanding Latin American culture, and that fiery passion has made it the go-to spot for a great time. They have many restaurants, bars, nightclubs, and other nighttime entertainment options, so you can easily paint the town red any day of the week. Miami is also well known for being heavy on apartments and condos, so you have plenty of opportunities to find a home that suits your price range.
Many great cities in Florida have fun features and attractive amenities that will make you forget about the dreary weather you had to deal with back home. These are just a few of the best destinations in Florida that are good fits for former UK residents, but there are tons of charming towns and thriving cities all over the state. Take a look and find the place that suits you best!
Sources
https://theportablewife.com/living-abroad/moving-to-london/differences-living-in-us-vs-uk/
https://realestate.usnews.com/places/rankings/best-places-to-live-in-florida
https://www.rockethomes.com/real-estate-trends/fl/sarasota
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