Relocation Guide
No state income tax. More house for less money.
45 minutes from the Atlantic.
Whether you're coming from New York, New Jersey, Chicago, California, or Canada — here's exactly what changes when you move to Orlando.
The Number That Changes Everything
On a $250,000 household income, here's what you stop paying the day you establish Florida residency.
| Coming from | State / city tax rate | Annual income tax bill | In Florida |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York City | Up to 10.9% state + 3.876% city | $37,000–$50,000+ | $0 |
| New Jersey | Up to 10.75% | $20,000–$35,000+ | $0 |
| Illinois | 4.95% flat | $12,000–$20,000+ | $0 |
| California | Up to 13.3% | $25,000–$45,000+ | $0 |
Estimates based on $250K household income for illustration. Consult a CPA for your specific situation.
The Home Comparison
The same dollars that buy a modest condo in your current market buy a fully finished pool home in Orlando.
Manhattan / NYC
$1.3M–$2.5M
900–1,400 sq ft condo, no yard, HOA $2K+/mo
Orlando equivalent
$700K–$1.5M
4–5 bed pool home, 3-car garage, quarter-acre lot
NJ Suburbs (Morris / Somerset Co.)
$700K–$1.1M
3–4 bed colonial, $18K–$26K/yr property tax
Orlando equivalent
$550K–$950K
4–5 bed pool home, $6K–$10K/yr property tax
Chicago Suburbs (Naperville / Hinsdale)
$500K–$900K
4 bed colonial, $12K–$22K/yr property tax
Orlando equivalent
$450K–$800K
4–5 bed pool home, $5K–$9K/yr property tax
LA / San Fernando Valley
$900K–$1.6M
3 bed ranch, small lot, state income tax 9–13%
Orlando equivalent
$650K–$1.3M
4–5 bed pool home, no state income tax
Where You Should Look
Different feeder markets have different priorities. Here's where buyers from each market typically land — and why.
Moving from
Walkability, culture, restaurants, character
Winter Park is Orlando's Park Slope — tree-lined streets, independent restaurants, a real downtown on Park Avenue. Thornton Park and College Park deliver the walkable urban energy without the condo price tag.
Moving from
Top-rated schools, cul-de-sacs, community feel
Dr. Phillips and Windermere are the Orange County equivalent of Westchester — gated communities, A-rated schools, golf, and lakes. Seminole County (Heathrow, Lake Mary) mirrors the Morristown-suburb feel at lower price points.
Moving from
Space, good schools, reasonable commute
Horizon West and Winter Garden are the new-construction answer to Naperville — master-planned, family-oriented, good value. Casselberry and Longwood land closer to Downers Grove in character and price.
Moving from
High-end lifestyle, privacy, trophy address
California equity buyers often discover they can finally afford the waterfront compound they couldn't touch in Newport Beach or Marin. Isleworth and the Butler Chain of Lakes deliver at a fraction of the cost.
Moving from
Sun, investment value, new construction
Canadian buyers cluster in Lake Nona (Medical City, new construction, KPMG campus) and southwest Orange County. Florida is the top destination for Canadian real estate purchases — the FIRPTA and cross-border tax picture is manageable with the right team.
How It Works
Most out-of-state buyers close within 90 days of their first call. Here's what that looks like.
01
Orlando isn't one market — it's five employment corridors. Where you work determines where you should buy. We start by mapping your commute, school requirements, and price range before you look at a single listing.
02
Most relocation buyers view 8–12 homes in a single 3-day trip. I'll pre-screen 30+ properties so your visit is focused. Video walkthroughs and detailed neighborhood briefs mean you arrive informed, not overwhelmed.
03
Relocation buyers sometimes lose to locals who move faster. Having pre-approval locked, contingencies structured correctly, and a local agent who knows seller-side agents is the difference between closing and losing.
04
Florida allows remote closing via mail-away or mobile notary. You don't have to be here on closing day. We've closed buyers still physically in New York and Toronto.
“Wow, what an amazing experience. Ryan was able to help me find the best home in Windermere. He is very knowledgeable and very resourceful. He helped me close a very big deal.”
Verified Zillow review · Windermere buyer
“My husband and I recently bought our first home and used Ryan Solberg as our realtor. We were nervous to begin the process — Ryan was absolutely outstanding. We could not have had a smoother home buying process.”
Verified Zillow review · First-time buyers
“Ryan was amazing. Extremely knowledgeable and doesn't want to waste time. Process was very smooth and he always answered all of my calls and questions immediately.”
Deanna Salman · Verified Zillow review
5.0★ on Zillow · 42 verified reviews
Ready to Make the Move
I work almost exclusively with buyers — many of them moving from high-tax states. Tell me where you're coming from, what you're leaving behind, and what you're looking for. We'll find it.