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Moving from Pennsylvania to Jacksonville

PA to FL — the tax math, the equity picture, and the First Coast communities that fit PA buyers

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Why Philadelphia suburbs / Pittsburgh / Lehigh Valley Buyers Choose the First Coast

PA has a flat 3.07% income tax — lower than most states. Florida has zero. A couple drawing $80K in retirement income saves approximately $2,500/year moving to Florida. The property tax savings from PA are smaller than NJ/NY — the income tax savings are the primary financial driver.

PA buyers who have been watching NJ and DE retirees move to the First Coast for years. Del Webb Ponte Vedra and Stillwater are common landing spots for PA buyers at $400K–$550K. Cascades WGV appeals to PA buyers coming from the Lehigh Valley and Central PA with more modest home equity.

The Property Tax Comparison

Annual Property Tax — Pennsylvania vs First Coast Florida

Current PA annual property tax~$4,500–$9,000/yr on a $450K home (Southeastern PA, Montgomery/Bucks/Chester County)
First Coast FL — primary homestead~$5,200–$6,300/yr (St. Johns County, primary homestead, $450K)
Est. annual property tax change~$0–$3,500/yr depending on PA county; smaller gap than NJ or NY
These are estimates based on typical PA county effective rates and St. Johns / Duval County millage with primary homestead exemption. Your actual numbers depend on your specific PA county, current assessed value, home price in FL, and whether you purchase in Nocatee (CDD fees apply) or Duval County (no CDD). Consult a CPA for your specific situation.
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What $200K–$650K in Pennsylvania Equity Buys on the First Coast

Del Webb Ponte Vedra →Stillwater →Cascades WGV →

The Florida Save Our Homes Advantage

Florida's Save Our Homes amendment caps your assessed value growth at 3%/year after year one of primary residency. This is the most powerful long-term property tax protection in any state we cover. Buyers from Pennsylvania — where assessed values typically track market values — will find this cap produces significant compounding tax savings over a 15–20 year retirement horizon.

St. Johns County Tax Guide →Nocatee CDD Fee →All First Coast Communities →

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