Monthly Archives: September 2023

AAA Flat Rate Moving & Storage

Top 5 Up & Coming Cities in Florida to Move to

Dubbed the Sunshine State for its sunny, temperate weather year round, Florida is a stunning, diverse state in the southeastern corner of the United States. In this gorgeous state, there are several up-and-coming cities to discover. These wonderful, inviting towns offer wonderful spots for people to relocate to.

Searching for a location to move to in the Sunshine State? Discover our list of the top five rising cities in Florida!

 

Which Growing Florida City is Right for You?

Curious about the fastest-growing cities in Florida? Read about our five favorite selections below, and learn more about these appealing moving destinations…

 

  • Fort Myers

Population: 92,245 | Growth: 6.8% increase from 2020 to 2021

Claim to Fame: The winter estates of Thomas Edison (“Seminole Lodge”) and Henry Ford (“The Mangoes”)

If you’re considering a move to a growing location in Florida, consider Fort Myers! This popular tourist city sits on the beautiful Florida Gulf Coast, and although it attracts many visitors, it also serves as a great place to call home.

If you love having an active, busy lifestyle, Fort Myers has everything you could possibly want and so much more. From beaches and parks to arts and entertainment, this city has attractions for the entire family. Love the outdoors? Fort Myers is where you want to be. All year long, you can enjoy ​​boating, fishing, hiking, and golfing—just to name a few. 

 

  • Winter Garden

Population: 46,502 | Growth: 54% increase since 2009

Claim to Fame: Commercial and cultural capital of West Orange County

Welcome to Winter Garden, a city located 14 miles west of Downtown Orlando. The city’s tagline is “Where good things grow,” and we think this is the perfect fit for a place as great as Winter Garden! If you’re looking for a great home for your family, Winter Garden has ranked as a top choice for families. Why? Winter Garden has a strong sense of community, and with an array of special events and ways to get involved, you can easily find community members to connect with.

This city also has plenty to offer in terms of arts and culture, with places such as the SoBo Gallery and Art Center and the Garden Theatre as popular attractions. The Winter Garden Art Association even offers art workshops and lectures for all different age groups—a wonderful way to express your creativity. Plus, with such close proximity to Orlando, theme park trips are a breeze when you live here!

 

  • Fruitland Park

Population: 8,605 | Growth: 94.5% increase since 2015

Claim to Fame: Lake Griffin

Looking for a smaller city to move to? Despite its exponential growth in recent years, Fruitland Park has the smallest population on our list, offering a more lowkey option for those who aren’t interested in a bigger city. Fruitland Park, known as “The Friendly City,” is located in Central Florida, making it a unique spot since rather than the ocean, it offers the appeal of the lake!

Additionally, this smaller city offers a tight-knit community; in fact, just one look at the community calendar shows a wide array of clubs and meetings that can allow you to connect with like-minded people in the area. You can also discover a variety of wonderful events in Fruitland Park, offering plenty of entertainment! 

 

  • Doral

Population: 75,966 | Growth: 25.3% increase since 2018

Claim to Fame: World-class golf courses

Just 13 miles west of Downtown Miami and 5 miles from Miami International Airport, you can find beautiful Doral! If you’re interested in being near Miami but don’t want to live in the city itself, Doral offers an option to still have easy access to the larger city, all while enjoying the perks of living in Doral.

This community is around 83% Hispanic or Latino, meaning that this culture is an important part of the city’s colors. You can expect to enjoy many events in this community celebrating Hispanic and Latino culture, such as the Hispanic Heritage Doral Art Exhibit and the Latin Music Festival. In addition, there is an array of different programs catering to interests in sports, fitness, art, and much more. 

 

  • Winter Haven

Population: 52,710 | Growth: 17.2% increase from 2018 to 2021

Claim to Fame: Chain of Lakes

Last but not least, we have another Central Florida city on our list with Winter Haven, known as the Chain of Lakes City. With a grand total of 50 lakes within or bordering city limits, spending time on the water is just a part of life here, and you can do everything from fishing to paddleboarding on these gorgeous waters. Plus, Winter Haven offers something for the entire family, as there are events for a range of age groups in this town.

From children to seniors, you can find a group or an activity that suits the interests of every family member, allowing you to connect to the community and get involved. And your kids will be excited to find out that Winter Haven is home to the world’s largest LEGOLAND, a fun theme park for your little ones to enjoy!

 

Get Started on Your Florida Move Today!

With so many incredible locations to choose from, the most difficult part is figuring out which one is the best for you. So what are you waiting for? Make your decision, and get started on your Florida relocation as soon as possible! Need a reliable moving company to help you get there? Count on AAA Flat Rate Moving & Storage to accommodate your needs.

We are your proven Florida Gulf Coast Movers, and our solutions are designed to facilitate stress-free, streamlined relocations. Request a quote online today, and discover our expert solutions at affordable prices! 

Sarasota Storage Solutions

What to Look for in a Florida Moving Company

Searching for a professional moving company in Florida, but not quite sure what to look for? When it comes to choosing movers for your upcoming relocation, it may seem like every company is the same. However, the truth is that there is a variety of professional movers out there, and they aren’t all made the same.

How to Look for Florida Movers

As you look through a selection of moving companies, it’s important to know what qualities are desirable during your search. Interested in finding out what to look for in a Florida moving company? Keep reading to discover eight standout traits in the ideal moving company!

 

  • Verified Licensing

First and foremost, it’s crucial for your movers to have verifiable licenses. As a moving company, there are several required licenses and certificates that allow the company to provide the services that they offer. These are legally required and cannot be overlooked, and there are even additional certifications needed for companies that provide interstate moving services.

Verify that any moving company you consider working with has a Motor Carrier (MC) number from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). If the company provides interstate services, make sure they have a United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) number as well. 

More specific to Florida, the Sunshine State’s moving companies are regulated by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Service (FDACS), so it’s important to verify that they have their Mover’s License from the FDACS. The company’s vehicles should also be registered with the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV). All of these considerations allow you to rest assured that a moving company has all the right qualifications to reliably facilitate your move.

 

  • Positive Reviews and Reputation

Everyone has opinions, and in the world of moving, these opinions are incredibly valuable for your own decision-making. Understanding the general reputation of a moving company can be incredibly valuable in your search, as it enables you to know what other customers of the moving company experienced when they received their services.

Luckily, reviews are readily available and easily accessible through various online platforms, allowing you to read feedback and see what a company’s average rating is. All of these tools are pertinent to you as you comb through various movers to choose the right one for you. If a company has a significant number of negative reviews, it’s likely in your best interest to continue your search elsewhere!

 

  • Fair Pricing

Not too low, not too high, but just right—that’s the philosophy when it comes to finding a trustworthy Florida moving company! When you’re looking for a moving company you can count on, it’s impossible not to factor price into your decision. As you’re comparing movers, a crucial part of the process is receiving in-home estimates from various companies.

Although your first reaction might be to go with the company that offers the lowest pricing, the reality is that suspiciously low pricing can be just as undesirable as unfairly high pricing. You can still aim to get a great deal while ensuring you receive a fair price, as super-low prices can sometimes be a sign that a company will tack on outrageous hidden fees upon the completion of your services.

 

  • Proven Track Record

When you’re trusting a company to handle your relocation, you want to make sure you’re counting on movers who know what they’re doing. After all, this is a big project, and it’s crucial to have professionals that can get the job done right.

For this reason, it’s of the utmost importance that you choose a moving company with a proven track record. If you opt for movers that have decades of history in the area, that means they will be much more likely to have the knowledge and expertise to complete the job with the highest quality possible.

Plus, if they have familiarity with the region, you can also expect efficient, seamless transportation of your belongings. All of these elements are a huge part of finding reliable movers.

 

  • Comprehensive Services

As you search for your ideal movers, it’s crucial to consider whether or not a company will be able to thoroughly meet your needs. When perusing the various moving company options in your area, be sure to assess the services they offer to make sure they can meet your needs comprehensively.

For instance, if you’re looking to find movers who can also provide packing options, make sure you opt for a company that can reliably do both. It’s also important to ask plenty of questions regarding the services you need when you receive your in-home assessment so you can make sure your needs will be met.

 

  • Dependable Insurance Coverage

Despite the very best efforts, moving your belongings can result in damage, no matter how mindful you and your movers are to pack securely and move carefully. For this reason, it’s important to ensure your moving company offers insurance and liability coverage.

Especially for valuable, fragile items, it’s important to make sure you aren’t putting yourself at financial risk in case those belongings sustain damage in transit. Make sure their coverage will be able to provide peace of mind for you during your relocation.

 

  • Trustworthy Complaint Resolution

For any company, complaints are a part of the territory, even if you provide stellar services and leave 99% of customers feeling happy and satisfied.

In order to tackle any complaints that may arise, an established, reputable moving company should always have a complaint resolution procedure in place. This allows the movers to efficiently address any issues that their customers experience with the utmost professionalism and care. Ask any potential movers about their process for handling disputes and complaints.

 

  • Customer Communication

Last but not least, consider how movers communicate with their customers. Any moving company you work with should be able to provide professional, prompt communication, responding to customers in a timely fashion with kindness and consideration.

Even gauging how a company’s staff responds to you in your first few interactions can be a great indicator of what you can expect from them moving forward. If they have a slow response time and don’t communicate professionally, you might want to continue your search.

 

Florida Movers You Can Trust!

Now that you know what to look for in a reputable moving company, you’re all set to make a decision that improves your move and provides you with the excellent services you’re seeking. But there’s even better news! If you want to skip the search, count on none other than AAA Flat Rate Moving & Storage.

As your premier Florida Gulf Coast movers, AAA Flat Rate has provided the highest quality services to the region and beyond for over 40 years. Through our reliable moving solutions, you can trust that your move will be convenient, efficient, and worry-free. Interested in discovering how we can accomplish your moving goals? Request a free quote today, and find out more about the benefits of working with AAA Flat Rate Moving & Storage!