No state income tax
Florida has no state personal income tax. Ask your tax advisor how establishing Florida residency and the homestead exemption apply to you.
Relocation · New York · New Jersey · Pennsylvania
Moving to South Florida from the North.
215 Properties has deep experience helping families relocate from New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and the Northeast to Palm Beach County. Good news is coming.
Why northerners choose Palm Beach County
Relocating to Florida, done right.
Year-round outdoor living
Beaches, boating, golf and tennis twelve months a year — no snow shovels required.
Easy flights back north
Palm Beach International and Fort Lauderdale airports offer frequent nonstop flights to the NYC, Newark and Philadelphia areas.
Every housing style
Oceanfront condos, gated golf communities, historic downtown homes and new construction out west.
New York
Moving to Florida from New York
From Manhattan co-ops to Long Island and Westchester homes, New Yorkers come to Palm Beach County for space, sunshine and Florida's lack of a state personal income tax. We help you compare Boca Raton condos, Palm Beach estates and Delray Beach walkable living against what you have today — and we can run showings by video while you're still up north.
Where our clients move from
Manhattan & Brooklyn · Long Island (Nassau & Suffolk) · Westchester · Staten Island
Popular with our New York clients
New Jersey
Moving to Florida from New Jersey
New Jersey buyers often trade high property taxes and long winters for golf-course communities, gated neighborhoods and beach towns. We know the questions you'll ask — homestead exemption, HOA rules, insurance and flood zones — and we answer them before you make an offer.
Where our clients move from
Bergen County · Monmouth County · Morris County · Essex County
Popular with our New Jersey clients
Pennsylvania
Moving to Florida from Pennsylvania
From Philadelphia and the Main Line to Pittsburgh and the Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania families relocate for year-round outdoor living, strong school options and waterfront access. We'll match your budget to the right corner of the county, from Jupiter's riverfront to Boca's family neighborhoods.
Where our clients move from
Philadelphia & the Main Line · Bucks County · Lehigh Valley · Pittsburgh
Popular with our Pennsylvania clients
Connecticut, Massachusetts & the Northeast
Relocating from New England and other northern states
Whether you're coming from Connecticut, Massachusetts, Maryland or the Midwest, the process is the same: understand Florida-specific costs, pick a lifestyle, then find the home. Snowbirds buying a seasonal residence are welcome too.
Where our clients move from
Fairfield County, CT · Greater Boston · Maryland suburbs · Long Island Sound towns
Popular with our Connecticut clients
Real costs compared
What changes in your wallet.
| State | State income tax | Avg. effective property tax |
|---|---|---|
| New York | 4% – 10.9% | ~1.4% |
| New Jersey | 1.4% – 10.75% | ~2.2% (highest in US) |
| Pennsylvania | 3.07% flat | ~1.4% |
| Florida | None | ~0.8% + homestead savings |
Homestead exemption
Primary residents can exempt up to $50,000 of assessed value, and "Save Our Homes" caps annual assessment increases at 3%.
Insurance is the big new line
Homeowners and windstorm coverage cost more than up north; roof age, wind mitigation and flood zone drive the premium. Get a quote before you commit.
HOA & club dues
Many condos and gated communities charge monthly dues and occasional special assessments — review budgets and reserves before buying.
Approximate rates based on published state tax schedules and Tax Foundation property-tax estimates; your actual costs depend on income, location and property. Consult a tax professional.
Schools
School districts, simplified.
Up north you chose a town for its school district. Here, all public schools belong to one countywide district, so school assignment depends on your exact address.
School District of Palm Beach County
One countywide public district — among the largest in the US — with magnet and choice programs such as Dreyfoos School of the Arts and Suncoast Community High. Admission to choice programs is by application.
Boca Raton & Delray Beach
Popular zoned schools include Boca Raton Community High and Spanish River High; families also consider private options like Saint Andrew's School and Pine Crest (Boca campus).
Jupiter & Palm Beach Gardens
Jupiter High and Palm Beach Gardens High are common zoned picks, with The Benjamin School and Jupiter Christian among private choices.
Always confirm zoned schools for a specific address with the School District of Palm Beach County boundary locator.
Relocation checklist
Your journey from up north, step by step.
0 / 14 done
3–6 months out
2–3 months out
1–2 months out
Moving month
After you arrive
Saved on this device. Timelines and requirements are general guidance — confirm deadlines with official Florida sources and your advisors.
Our relocation process
From up north to keys in hand.
- 01. Free relocation call to map budget, timing and lifestyle
- 02. Neighborhood shortlist with schools, commute and walkability
- 03. Virtual tours and video showings before you fly down
- 04. Focused in-person tour trip, planned around your dates
- 05. Florida-specific guidance: insurance, inspections, HOA, homestead
- 06. Trusted local lenders, title and insurance partners
- 07. Remote closing support if you can't be here in person
Relocation questions
What northern buyers ask us.
What is the best area of South Florida for people moving from New York?
It depends on lifestyle. Boca Raton and Delray Beach are popular with New Yorkers wanting walkable dining and culture; Palm Beach offers classic estates; Jupiter and Palm Beach Gardens suit buyers wanting more space and a quieter pace.
Can I buy a Florida home without visiting first?
Yes. We regularly run video showings and remote closings for out-of-state buyers, though most clients visit at least once before or during the contract period.
What costs surprise northern buyers in Florida?
Homeowners and windstorm insurance, possible flood insurance, HOA or club dues, and four-point or wind-mitigation inspections. We explain each before you make an offer.
Do you help me sell my home up north?
We can refer you to trusted agents in New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania and coordinate timing so your sale and purchase line up.
Planning your move south?
Read our buyer's guide or reach out for a free relocation call.