Things you learn when you move from a small town to a big city in Florida

Moving to a big city can bring on many positive changes in your life. You will have more options when it comes to schooling, job opportunities, meeting new people, etc. That is why so many people decide to move from a small town to a big city in Florida every year. On the other hand, you are probably going to encounter some things which you weren’t expecting. Living in the city is not all glitz and glamour, as you will soon learn yourself. To make the process a little easier and less stressful, we’ve compiled a list of everything people learn once they leave their hometowns for the lights of a big Florida city. Stick with us to see what they are!

Longer commutes are a given when you move from a small town to a big city in Florida

With Jacksonville’s population just under 1 million, you can imagine how difficult it can be to go through traffic each day. People who travel to work by car can spend hours stuck in traffic. However, large crowds are not the only problem of driving in the city. Another one is finding a parking spot. You may end up circling a lot for a long time until you find where to park your car. This makes quick trips to the grocery store virtually impossible. For this reason, many people who decide on moving to Florida will use public transportation. It is both better for the environment and saves you time by not forcing you to wait in traffic.

Traffic is inevitable when you move from a small town to a big city in Florida.
You will have to deal with traffic when you move to a big city.

It’s not that easy to find your way around

If you’ve lived in a small town your whole life, you’re used to knowing where everything is. In all likelihood, there is a small number of streets in your hometown, so it wasn’t hard figuring out their placement. However, once you arrive in the big city, you will have your work cut out for you. Since you are new to the area, chances are, you will get lost. And more than once.

Although it might seem scary to get lost in a new city, you shouldn’t fight it. After your movers in Fort Lauderdale are finished with your new home, you can explore the area. Venture out without a specific destination in mind. Over time, you will learn most, if not all, the names of the streets and where they lead to. This is a normal part of living in a big city, so don’t panic.

Food options are abundant when you move from a small town to a big city in Florida

In most small towns in Florida, there are only a couple of fast-food restaurants and maybe one or two fine dining options. If you are tired of this kind of cuisine, you will be thrilled after you move to a big city. Due to a large number of people and a mixture of different cultures, you can try food from all over the world. Chinese, Mexican, Italian, French and Cuban food are just a few options.

Aerial view of food and plates on a table.
Try a food you’ve never even heard of before – that’s the beauty of living in a big city.

Another benefit of living in the city is that you likely won’t have to look far to find an interesting restaurant. In fact, if you want a quick bite that is also flavorful and interesting, you can try some of Florida’s street food. This is an inexpensive way to try out some new food while also not having to spend time stuck in traffic.

It costs more money to live in a city

Even though a big city has many advantages over a small town, there are also some drawbacks. One of the biggest ones is that the cost of living can be much higher than in more rural areas. While you can find some cheap neighborhoods in Miami, the rent can consume a large portion of your budget. Especially if you are not willing to compromise on the size or location of your home. Moreover, there are additional expenses that you might not be aware of right away. If you own a car, the cost of your car insurance will rise once you make the move.

While you will definitely spend more money living in the city than in a small town, it’s more than likely that you will also make more money. Average incomes are higher in urban areas than in rural ones. That’s why it’s a good idea to have a job lined up before you move. Looking for a job in a large city where you don’t have any contacts can be quite a challenge.

Enjoy 24-hour stores after you move from a small town to a big city in Florida

One of the biggest downsides of living in a small town in Florida is that virtually everything closes at 9 P.M. If you need something from the store a half an hour later, you will have to wait for it to re-open tomorrow. This can be quite an inconvenience, especially if we are talking about an emergency. Once you move to the big city, you will be amazed by the number of stores that are open 24/7. And there is probably one in your new neighborhood!

An open sign hanging from a door.
Many people do their grocery shopping at night, in order to avoid big crowds and long lines.

What’s more, it doesn’t stop at convenience stores. Many diners and restaurants, and especially bars, are open all night as well. If you get a craving for an ice cream sundae at 2 in the morning, no problem. Most people would agree that this convenience makes up for any difficulties of city life.

You will never be bored in the city

A big city can offer you a lot more opportunities to grow and prosper than a big town. With so many options for different activities and interests, you will likely find out more about yourself and what you are good at. When you move from a small town to a big city in Florida, you should try out as many new experiences as you can. Try to go outside of your comfort zone and explore new things. Go to museums, cafes, clubs. Meeting new people also doesn’t have to be difficult, you just have to find the right approach. Whatever you decide, know that this is a great new chapter in your life. You should take full advantage of it.