Here at the Villages of Citrus Hills, we have a number of residents who have relocated from cities in the Northeast and Upper Midwest. They tell us that after years of struggling through the cold winter months, they wanted to live somewhere they can play golf, tennis, and enjoy the outdoors 365 days a year. For those looking for a warm-weather retreat, the mild climate and active, resort-style living at the Villages of Citrus Hill is the perfect fit.

As you seriously consider buying a home at the Villages of Citrus Hills, cost of living will certainly be a factor. The cost of groceries, gas and utilities can add up quickly. Your day-to-day budget will likely be affected, but for many living in a major metropolitan area in the Northeast or Upper Midwest, you will find a lower cost of living in Citrus Hills.

The lower cost of living isn’t just anecdotal. You can review well-respected research that confirms this, as well. The ACCRA Cost of Living Index is considered the most reliable city-to-city comparison for cost of living. Compiled by the Council for Community and Economic Research, its methods and research are recognized and used by the U.S. Census Bureau, Department of Labor and CNN Money.

According to the ACCRA Cost of Living Index, daily living expenses in the Tampa and Gainesville areas, both of which are close to Citrus Hills, are approximately 28 percent less than living expenses in Boston. In this chart below, you can see how other areas compare to our community.

Living in Citrus Hills vs living in the following cities

12% less than Chicago
21% less than Hartford, CT
25% less than Nassau County, NY
14% less than Baltimore
30% less than Washington, DC

Cost of living statistic show that utilities, health care and groceries tend to be less expensive than in states located in the Upper Midwest and Northeast. Of course, you’ll be spending less on your monthly heating bill as well.

Taxes often add unexpected costs to living expenses in a new city or state, but Florida is on par or less than most northern states. Florida has a 6 percent sales tax on all purchased goods except food and drugs, which includes prescription medication and over-the-counter drugs. Depending on the state you’re moving from, this could be a savings for you in the long-term. And within Florida some counties have higher sales tax rates than the six percent in Citrus County.

Florida is also a friendly state for people looking to save on income taxes. There is no income tax on money earned in Florida, and there is no income tax on retirement income either. That means the income you generate from stocks, mutual funds or cashing in your 401k will not be taxes on the state level.

If you become a permanent resident of Citrus Hills, you can also get discounts on your local property taxes. The Florida Homestead Exemption provides up to $50,000 off the assessed value of your home when calculating property taxes, as long as you are a permanent resident. Even if you keep a second home up north, you can get this benefit if you prove Florida is your home. That means doing things like registering your car, getting a driver’s license and registering to vote in the state.

While cost of living is a major consideration when deciding the location of your new home, so is quality of life, and at Citrus Hills, you’ll enjoy an enviable lifestyle. The Villages of Citrus Hills is home to world-class amenities, including four golf courses, tennis center, spa and fitness center, outdoor pools and recreational trails, all surrounded by the rolling hills and natural beauty of Florida’s Nature Coast. At Citrus Hills, you can find Florida living the way it once was: quiet neighborhoods, great outdoor activities and friendly neighbors all at an affordable price.