Whether you’re considering moving to Tallahassee for college or you’re looking for a great place to raise a family, you can find what you’re looking for in the Florida state capital. Tallahassee is an underrated city nestled in the northern part of the Sunshine State. The theme parks of Orlando and the bustling beaches of Miami may attract more visitors. Still, Tallahassee offers a lower cost of living, a lively community buoyed by college crowds, and quiet, historic neighborhoods.
But before you pack your bags, it’s helpful to get a feel for what life in Tallahassee is like. This article will cover what you need to know, including the best places to live in Tallahassee, the cost of living in Tallahassee, Florida, and how to prepare for your move.
8 Things to Know About Living in Tallahassee
Florida offers many advantages, including mild winters, access to world-class beaches, and no state income tax. If you’re looking for the best cities to move to in Florida, Tallahassee should be on your list.
But before you pack the moving truck, is Tallahassee a good place to live? The short answer: It depends on what you’re looking for—Tallahassee offers a slower pace and strong community feel that many residents love. Still, its hot and humid climate and other factors might not suit everyone. It’s important to consider what sort of lifestyle you can reasonably expect before moving to Tallahassee. In this section, we’ll discuss what living in Tallahassee looks like.
1. Living in Tallahassee is Easier on the Wallet
How much do you need to make to live comfortably in Tallahassee, FL? The average household income currently hovers around $60,000, lower than the national average of $79,446. But Tallahassee also has a lower cost of living, which means your dollar stretches further.
The cost of living in Tallahassee is 4% lower, overall, than the national average. Contributing to that lower average is housing, which is 10% below the national average, and utility costs, which are 13% lower than the national average. In comparison, Georgia’s cost of living is 4% higher than the national average. This could make moving to Tallahassee a smart choice for those who want to be close to Georgia but would like more room in their budget. And what’s more, Tallahassee is just a four-hour drive from all the exciting things to do in Atlanta.
Not only does Tallahassee have a lower-than-average cost of living, but Florida has no income tax. This makes living in Tallahassee appealing to those looking to take home more of their paycheck. Florida’s property tax rate is also lower than the national average, 0.82%, compared to the national average of 0.90%, with the average homeowner paying $2,386 in property taxes each year. On the other hand, because of the risk of hurricanes, Florida is the most expensive state for homeowners’ insurance, which is something to factor into the cost of living in Tallahassee, Florida.
2. There’s a Tallahassee Neighborhood to Fit Every Lifestyle
Is Tallahassee a good place to live? Some people see Tallahassee as just a college town, but the truth is, no matter your lifestyle, you can find an area to fit your needs. In Tallahassee’s 51 official neighborhoods, you can find everything from bustling, urban areas with vibrant nightlife to quiet, spacious areas with strong school systems. Here are our picks for three of the best places to live in Tallahassee.
For a curated list of places to consider living in Tallahassee, check out our guide to the best Tallahassee neighborhoods.
Betton Hills: Best for Families
Betton Hills is a quiet, safe corner in Northeast Tallahassee. Considered one of the best places to live in Tallahassee, it’s no surprise the area has been named Tallahassee’s “Neighborhood of the Year.” The rolling hills, top schools, and Southern charm make it great for families.
Levy Park: Best for Young Adults
Levy Park is a fast-growing, artsy neighborhood in Tallahassee with an eclectic and diverse community that still feels tightly knit. The area is centrally located, making it convenient for commuters working and living in Tallahassee.
Myers Park: Best for Retirees
Myers Park is the only residential historic preservation district in the city. The quiet ambiance and proximity to the Capital City Country Club make this Tallahassee neighborhood great for retirees.
3. Tallahassee Home Prices Are Dipping, but the Market Is Competitive
The Tallahassee housing market is somewhat competitive. The median home value in Tallahassee is $309K, compared to the national average home value of $360,727. Home sales are also up by 4%.
4. Tallahassee Is (Literally) Magnetic
Tallahassee is home to the National High Magnetic Field Laboratory at FSU, which houses the strongest magnet on Earth. It’s the only laboratory of its kind in America, and one of 12 high magnetic facilities in the world. Tallahassee residents joke that the magnetic lab keeps hurricanes away from the area.
The National High Magnetic Field Laboratory is accessible to the people living in Tallahassee through monthly tours, and its annual open house draws crowds of about 10,000 people.
5. Tallahassee Offers Escape for Those Who Hate the Cold
With its humid subtropical climate, Tallahassee provides respite for those who hate the cold. Winters are short and mild, with a January average of 51 degrees. Measurable snowfall is rare; however, flurries have been recorded every three to four years.
Residents can expect afternoon thunderstorms in summer. July is the hottest month, with an average of 82.9 degrees. While Florida gets hot, it’s possible to stay cool without AC, but you’ll definitely want to factor higher AC bills into your budget.
Even though several hurricanes have brushed up against Tallahassee, there have only been two direct hits on record: Hurricane Kate in 1985 and Hurricane Hermine in 2016. The Big Bend area of Florida does get tornadoes, but they generally tend to be weaker than in other parts of the state.
6. Tallahassee Has a Steady Job Market Anchored by Government and Higher Education
The unemployment rate in Tallahassee is 4.34% as of 2023, as tied with the national unemployment rate.
Government is a major part of the city’s economy, and there are many law firms and lobbying organizations. Technology, higher education, and healthcare are also big industries in Tallahassee. Florida State University alone employs 15,000 Florida residents, many of whom are local to the area.
7. Tallahassee Is the Ultimate College Town
Tallahassee is home to Florida State University, Florida A&M, and Tallahassee State College. There are over 70,000 students living in Tallahassee, which is why the city has the well-deserved reputation as a college town. FSU consistently ranks among the best colleges in the country and has a very selective 24% acceptance rate. Florida A&M University is one of the largest historically Black universities in America.
8. Tallahassee Has Something for Everyone, From Culture to Nature to Nightlife
Tallahassee may not be a beach town, but there are still tons of exciting things to do in Tallahassee.
- Visit the Governor’s Mansion, which is open to the public during scheduled tours.
- Walk the Tallahassee-St. Marks Historic Railroad State Trail, the oldest paved rail trail in Florida.
- Go to the Tree-to-Tree Adventure at the Tallahassee Museum and see what Tallahassee looks like 60 feet above the ground.
- Have a picnic at Tom Brown Park, one of the largest parks in Tallahassee.
- Go kayaking on the Wakulla River.
- Take art classes at Tallahassee Clay Arts.
- Root for the Seminoles at an FSU football game.
- Play the 79 arcade games or go bowling at Hangar 38.
- Party at Recess Day & Nightclub, a rooftop day and night club overlooking Doak Campbell Stadium.
Tips for Moving to Tallahassee, Florida
There are many perks to living in Tallahassee, especially if you enjoy historic charm. If you’ve decided to move to Tallahassee, Florida, the process might feel daunting, but there are a few options that can help make the process easier.
Choose the Right Moving Service
Getting help with your move doesn’t have to be expensive, and there are services for every budget and time frame. Here are your three main moving options:
DIY with a Rental Truck
The most affordable option is to pack your belongings yourself and move them with a rental truck. However, this is also the most time-intensive option and requires the most physical effort. Driving a truck, especially across country, might also be stressful. Those who choose this option might also have to ship or tow their vehicle to their new home, adding expense.
Full-Service Movers
Another option is to hire a company to handle all the moving logistics, from packing to transport to unloading at the new location. Full-service movers can have tight timelines, so make sure to book as early as possible. This is usually the most expensive option; however, it’s the least amount of work and can save you a lot of time.
Freight Trailers
Renting a freight trailer can be a happy medium between a fully DIY approach and using a full-service mover. This option requires you to pack and load your things. But once you’ve loaded the provided freight trailer, the company will pick it up and drive it to your destination. This option is more affordable than full-service movers, though you’ll have to handle the heavy lifting yourself or hire extra movers.
Plan for Storage
If your move-out and move-in dates don’t align, a storage unit can help make moving easier by giving you a space to store your belongings before your new move-in date. Renting a storage unit can also be helpful if you’re downsizing. Keep in mind that most Tallahassee homes don’t have basements, so there might be less in-home storage than you’re used to.
Whether you’re renting a storage unit as part of your move or as a long-term storage solution, it’s important to note that Tallahassee is a very humid area. Climate-controlled storage may be a good option for your belongings.
Living in Tallahassee also means residents can take advantage of beautiful weather year-round. If you have (or plan to get) kayaks, paddle boards, bicycles, or even a boat, consider putting your things in Tallahassee self-storage to keep them out of the way until you need them.
Living in Tallahassee Has Lots to Offer
From beautiful neighborhoods and historic landmarks to mild winters and no state income tax, living in Tallahassee really has something for everyone. Make room for all the Florida fun to come with CubeSmart. We offer storage to fit a variety of needs—including climate-controlled units and boat storage*. Find a CubeSmart storage facility near you.
*Storage unit sizes are approximate and subject to availability. Temperature and humidity levels within any storage space, including climate-controlled spaces, may vary.
