South Florida
The Classic Destination
South Florida is where most NJ families end up, and for good reason. From the upscale communities of Palm Beach County to the international energy of Miami and the affordable alternative of the Treasure Coast, this region offers the closest Florida experience to what you know from the Northeast.
The Northeast Corridor of the South
South Florida has long been the most popular destination for NJ families making the move. The region from Palm Beach County down through Broward to Miami-Dade feels more familiar to Northeast transplants than anywhere else in Florida. The infrastructure is built for you: direct flights to every major Northeast city, supermarkets that stock bagels and deli sections, and a community of former neighbors who made the same move.
Yes, South Florida is more expensive than the rest of the state. Home prices, insurance premiums, and the cost of living are all higher here. But for many NJ families, the convenience, the schools, the amenities, and the community make it worth the premium. You pay more, but you get the closest thing to a seamless transition from New Jersey to Florida.
$400K+
Entry home price
3 major
Airports to NJ/NY
1.0-1.3%
Property tax rate
#1
NJ-to-FL destination
Counties and Communities
South Florida spans four distinct counties, each with its own personality. Here is how they compare for NJ families.
Miami-Dade County
1.0-1.3% taxThe International Gateway to the Americas
Miami is unlike any other city in America. It is a truly international metropolis where Spanish is heard as often as English, and the culture spans Latin America, Europe, and the Caribbean. The housing market is expensive, the pace is fast, and the energy is electric. For NJ transplants who want an urban, cosmopolitan lifestyle with year-round heat and world-class dining, nightlife, and arts, Miami delivers.
Best for: International professionals, entrepreneurs, luxury buyers, those who thrive in a fast-paced urban environment, Spanish speakers
Broward County
1.0-1.3% taxFort Lauderdale, Plantation, Weston, Davie — Suburban Diversity
Broward County offers the best balance of South Florida living. Fort Lauderdale provides a vibrant downtown with canals, restaurants, and nightlife, while suburbs like Weston, Parkland, and Davie offer excellent schools, newer homes, and community-oriented communities. Plantation and Coral Springs are well-established with strong community feels. Broward is more affordable than Miami-Dade or Palm Beach while offering the same beach lifestyle.
Best for: Families seeking well-rated schools, suburban living with urban access, airport proximity, diversity
Palm Beach County
1.0-1.3% taxThe Gold Coast — Upscale, Beaches, Strong Schools
Palm Beach County is the most popular destination for Bergen County families relocating to Florida. Towns like Boca Raton, Delray Beach, and Jupiter offer excellent A-rated schools, beautiful beaches, and a strong Northeast transplant community. The county strikes the perfect balance for NJ families: upscale but not flashy, suburban but with great dining and shopping, and close enough to the airports and amenities of Broward and Miami.
Best for: Northeast transplants, anyone wanting top schools, beach lifestyle with suburban comfort, retirees seeking amenities
Treasure Coast (Stuart, Port St. Lucie, Vero Beach)
0.9-1.2% taxThe Affordable Palm Beach — Growing Fast
The Treasure Coast is Palm Beach County's northern neighbor, offering a similar coastal lifestyle at significantly lower prices. Stuart is known as the "Sailfish Capital of the World" with a charming downtown. Port St. Lucie is one of the fastest-growing cities in the US, with abundant new construction and community-oriented master-planned communities. Vero Beach offers an upscale but relaxed coastal lifestyle. For NJ families priced out of Boca Raton, the Treasure Coast is an increasingly popular alternative.
Best for: Budget-conscious buyers who want coastal living, families seeking newer homes, retirees, NJ transplants looking for community
The South Florida Advantage
Here is why South Florida remains a top destination for those relocating from New Jersey.
Important Considerations
South Florida is wonderful, but it is not for everyone. Here are the factors to weigh carefully.
Higher Home Prices
Entry-level homes in desirable areas start around $400,000 and climb quickly. The same budget that buys a spacious home in North Florida may only get a condo in Boca Raton or Fort Lauderdale.
Expensive Insurance
Homeowners insurance in South Florida is the highest in the state, often 40-60% more than North Florida. Flood insurance is required in many zones. Budget $3,000-$7,000+ annually for insurance.
Traffic and Congestion
I-95 through Palm Beach and Broward Counties is notorious. Seasonal traffic from November to April adds significant commute times. Plan your home location carefully around your daily routes.
Summer Heat
South Florida is hot and humid from May through October. While Northeast transplants adjust, the extended summer can be a shock. Most activity moves indoors or to the water during peak heat hours.
Is South Florida Right for You?
South Florida is the perfect choice if you value convenience above all else. If you want the shortest flights back to New Jersey, the largest Northeast transplant community, the best schools, and the most established Florida lifestyle, South Florida delivers. You will pay more, but you get the closest thing to a seamless transition.
For NJ families who are priced out of Boca Raton or Delray Beach, the Treasure Coast offers a compelling alternative: a similar coastal lifestyle at significantly lower prices. And for those who value space and savings over convenience, North Florida may be a better fit.
Ready to Find Your South Florida Home?
Scott Selleck knows every town in South Florida and has helped hundreds of Bergen County families find their perfect home here. From Boca Raton to the Treasure Coast, let's find yours.