The days are getting shorter and you’re already dreading another winter in the cold? Layering up to leave the house, stashing away your swimsuits, paying a fortune in electricity bills to cover the heating… Moving to a warmer climate before the winter sets in feels pretty appealing right about now.
If you’ve started to set your sights on sunnier pastures, good for you! As with anything, warmer climates have their advantages and disadvantages. It’s good to have a clear picture before you start giving away all of your cozy winter coats. We’ll cover everything you need to know about moving to a warm-weather city.
Advantages of a Warm-Weather City
Let’s start with some of the highlights of living in a warmer, sunnier place. There are some definite perks living in warmer climates that you may be missing out on in your current cooler environment.
You’ll have more chances to get outdoors
Without the harsh winters, you’ll be able to enjoy year-round outdoor activities in your new home. Jogging, cycling, fishing, outdoor exercise, sports, all these, and more will be available to you in a more temperate climate. You’ll be able to go for walks without layering up and pulling on boots and sit in the park for a nice sunny lunch with friends.
You’ll save money
Winter costs money. You need winter gear to keep you warm. If you’re in a cold and snowy place, you have costs of home and car maintenance to contend with the extreme weather. Your energy bill spikes when the temperature drops as you try to keep your home warm and cozy. Winter means your bills swing to extremes when the cold weather sets in.
Your physical and mental health will improve
Vitamin D is a known mood booster. With all of the extra sunshine and clear days, your energy and demeanor will improve. Vitamin D – a bit of a gift from the sunshine – is an immune booster, helping to keep you physically healthy. It also contributes to bone and heart disease prevention. You’ll feel more active, your mind more clear, and the sunshine vitamin is a great companion to all of that extra physical activity available to you!
Your kids will thank you
If you have kids (including the furry kind) they’ll also be happy to be able to get out of the house more often, too! Rather than being parked in front of video games or finding the warmest patch of sun in front of a window, they can go out and play with friends or accompany you on a walk to the park.
Disadvantages of a Warm-Weather City
Naturally, there are also some downsides to moving to a warmer place. It’s good to understand the full scope of what you’re getting yourself into before you take the plunge.
You’ll encounter more crawly things
Warmer climates are a favorite not only amongst humans who want to live there. They’re also popular amongst bug, insect, and reptile populations. Expect to see more bugs than you may be used to. Mosquitoes, flies, ticks, wasps, bees, spiders, and others will be your new (often very close) neighbors. In colder months (even if you don’t consider it “cold”, the bugs do) some of these critters move inside to seek shelter.
You’ll have to adjust to the heat
Depending on where you move, the heat may take some getting used to. If you’re moving south, expect humidity at 70% or higher in many areas. Even in drier climates, the temperatures can get high in the summer. Since the summer days are long, if you’re not used to the heat they can feel neverending. You may find yourself spending a lot of time in the AC – shops, restaurants, and homes are running cold air throughout these warm months. This means you’re often dodging between hot and cold temperatures as you move indoors and out.
You may find you have allergies
Warmer climates are great for crops but produce more pollen than colder ones. If you’re sensitive to pollen you may find yourself battling allergy symptoms. Some get sinus issues, headaches, coughs, and sneezes. Some people have increased asthma attacks. Seeing an allergy doctor can help alleviate these symptoms.
It’s an Adjustment
If you’re still convinced that a warmer climate is right for you, great! It will take a bit of adjusting to settle in, but the same can be said for any move to a new place. Your definition of seasons will change, and at some point, you’ll have a little laugh at what your new idea of “cold” is. It will all be worth it when your friends are posting about snowstorms while you’re having your morning coffee outside on a cafe patio!
When you’re ready to make the move, FlatRate can help. Our local and long-distance movers can safely get you and your things to a brighter, sunnier place.