Florida has long been a popular destination for retirees, known for its warm weather and relaxed lifestyle. However, soaring home prices and the constant threat of hurricanes are driving many retirees to seek new homes on the West Coast, where hurricanes are a non-issue. But what makes the West Coast immune to hurricanes, and why are Floridians, particularly retirees, increasingly moving there?
Hurricanes form over warm ocean waters, needing sea surface temperatures of at least 80°F to sustain their strength. While the Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico regularly reach these temperatures, the Pacific Ocean along the West Coast remains much cooler.
The California Current, which brings cold water down from Alaska, keeps sea temperatures too low for hurricanes to develop. Additionally, the trade winds in the Pacific push storms away from the U.S. coastline, steering them toward the open ocean rather than inland. This combination of cooler waters and wind patterns ensures that the West Coast remains free from hurricanes.
While hurricanes are a part of life in Florida, retirees are facing an even greater challenge: rising home prices. Over the past five years, the median price of a single-family home in Florida has jumped 60%, from $250,000 in 2018 to $409,700 by July 2024. The influx of remote workers and wealthy newcomers has driven up housing costs, leaving retirees on fixed incomes struggling to afford homes. Faced with rising costs and unpredictable hurricane seasons, many are looking to the West Coast for stability and affordability.
In 2022, more than 28,000 Floridians moved to California, making up 5.83% of new residents in the state. However, California isn’t the only destination drawing retirees. Oregon and Washington have also become popular for Floridians seeking a more affordable and predictable climate. In 2022, 3,501 Floridians moved to Oregon, accounting for 0.71% of outbound moves, while 8,368 moved to Washington, making up 1.71% of Floridians leaving the state.
For retirees, the Pacific Northwest offers not only cooler, hurricane-free weather but also scenic landscapes and outdoor activities.
Oregon and Washington are seen as quieter, more affordable alternatives to California’s higher-priced urban centers, yet they still offer a high quality of life. California, too, remains attractive for retirees looking for regions with more moderate living costs, such as Northern California or the Central Valley, along with access to top-tier healthcare.
Retirees moving westward are finding relief from both the rising home prices and the looming threat of hurricanes in Florida. By relocating to the West Coast, they can enjoy a more stable and relaxed lifestyle without the anxiety of storm seasons. As Florida’s housing market continues to squeeze those on fixed incomes, the West Coast is becoming a favored destination for those seeking a peaceful, secure, and affordable retirement.
