A Helpful Guide to Making Your Florida Move Your Best Move

From eager first-time homebuyers to empty nesters, deciding to move to a new home marks a thrilling chapter in any family’s journey. Yet, the process of finding and settling into a new location can be just as stressful as it is exciting. Many homebuyers, especially those with school-age children, opt to relocate during the summer months when school is out. Nevertheless, they shouldn’t wait until May or June to kickstart the planning process. Proactive research beforehand can streamline the process, sharpen your focus, and help identify your family’s top priorities. For those considering a move to North Florida, here are some tips to set your new home search up for success.

1. Understand Florida’s Financial Benefits

A state’s tax and financial benefits should be among the first things families consider when planning their move. These considerations can play a crucial role in saving money in the long run. Many choose to move to Florida for its tax-friendly environment, as it is one of only nine states that do not collect an individual income tax. Social security income, pension income, and income from an IRA or 401(k) also all go untaxed. Florida also offers numerous homestead incentives for those making the move. Governor Ron DeSantis’s Hometown Heroes program assists frontline workers receive down payment and closing cost assistance in the communities they serve. First-time buyers can also be eligible for grants that help with upfront costs, including a reduction of property tax bills or reducing the value of the home for the assessment of property taxes.

2. Determine Your Child’s Educational Needs

For families with young children, choosing the right school district is vital for their academic success. Parents should consider factors such as their child’s strengths, learning style, and interests when researching schools. Websites like GreatSchools.org and Niche.com offer valuable ratings, while the Florida Department of Education provides school report cards ranging from A to F. However, it’s essential to go beyond statistics and explore each school’s educational programs and resources through their websites and other sources. In Florida, the Nassau County School District boasts an A-rating, alleviating concerns about the necessity for private education.Top of Form Additionally, Florida’s public universities offer affordable bachelor’s degree programs, with initiatives like Florida Prepaid and the Bright Futures Scholarship ensuring quality education at a reasonable cost.

3. Explore Family-Friendly Activities Nearby

The town or community surrounding one’s new home is just as vital to consider. Be sure to research the area, including commute times and ample activities for all members of the family to enjoy. In North Florida, Nassau County has become the destination of choice for families seeking a high quality of life at an affordable cost. History buffs and wilderness explorers enjoy visiting the numerous state parks, including Four Creeks State Forest, Fort Clinch State Park, and the Talbot Island Parks. Amelia Island’s sandy shores are a favorite for beach lovers, while local museums like the Museum of Science & History and the Jacksonville Zoo offer endless family entertainment and educational opportunities. For those with a passion for shopping or food, districts like River City Marketplace, St. Johns Town Center, and Downtown Fernandina provide endless options. Easy access to I-95 and Florida’s Turnpike also puts theme parks, historic attractions, and more within a day trip’s reach.
Top of Form
Bottom of Form

4. Find the Nearest Healthcare Facilities

A family’s essential checklist should encompass the amenities and services available in the immediate vicinity, including access to top-tier healthcare facilities. Nassau County has emerged as the medical epicenter of North Florida, boasting a rapidly expanding medical industry that guarantees access to state-of-the-art medical facilities. The recent influx of four healthcare innovators – UF Health, Baptist Health, River City Rehabilitation Center, and Memorial Hospital – means that premier services and cutting-edge programs are conveniently located just minutes away. Additionally, Nassau County’s proximity to several military bases, such as Naval Air Station Jacksonville, Naval Station Mayport, and Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay, caters to veterans’ needs. Numerous VA Clinics in the area ensure personalized healthcare services are readily accessible.

5. Buy a New Home in a Growing Job Market

Buying a new home in an area experiencing economic growth can yield both immediate and long-term advantages for families. As job opportunities attract more people to the region, the demand for housing typically rises, fostering a competitive real estate market and potentially increasing property values, thus benefiting homeowners through appreciation. Since December 2022, Florida has added over 240,000 employment opportunities across various industries. Education and health services have led the surge, followed closely by trade, transportation, and business services. The establishment of new medical facilities and corporate headquarters has contributed to the creation of high-paying jobs in the area. Nassau County, in particular, consistently outpaces the rest of the state in terms of economic growth and an unemployment rate lower than the national average.

Discover North Florida’s Newest Master-Planned Community

When it comes to buying a new home, there are so many aspects that need to be considered. Tributary makes it easy to hit all the items on your wish list, with an impressive selection of new, single-family homes from the $300s. Tributary’s Model Home Village is open daily for tours, featuring seven designer-decorated model homes by four of the area’s best home builders – David Weekley Homes, Dream Finders Homes, Lennar, and Richmond American Homes. Additionally, homebuyers are loving Lakeview 55+, Nassau County’s newest active-adult neighborhood.

At Tributary, residents get to Explore More with a prime natural location and private on-site amenities. The Lookout Amenity Center is the community’s stylish social hub, featuring a fitness studio, a resort-style pool, two pickleball courts, a playground, a dog park, and more. Miles of scenic nature trails will wind throughout the community and provide direct access points to the Nassau River, neighboring trailheads of the Four Creeks State Forest, and Tributary Regional Park.

To hear from residents themselves on what makes life at Tributary so unique and rewarding, watch our new Community Video or download the Digital Brochure for an overview of the neighborhood and surrounding area. You can also visit TributaryLiving.com for more information.