Hollywood is a city that’s located in the southeastern part of Florida, along the Atlantic coast. Many people know it for its warm, tropical climate and beautiful beaches. These features and more have made it a popular destination for relocation. However, just because there are some great ocean views doesn’t mean it’s ideal for everyone. If you’re considering a move to Hollywood, FL, it’s important to look at the pros and cons to help you determine if it’s the right place for you.
On the one hand, Hollywood is a vibrant city with plenty to see and do. The city has a diverse population and a vibrant arts and culture scene. There are also a variety of options for dining, shopping, and entertainment, alongside numerous parks and outdoor recreational opportunities. On the other hand, the cost of living is a little higher than average and the availability of employment opportunities may need to be assessed. In this blog post, we’ll take a look at some of the pros and cons of moving to Hollywood so that you can make the best decision for your lifestyle.
The Pros of Moving to Hollywood, FL
There’s no doubt about it, moving to Hollywood, FL definitely has its perks. It’s a great place for people who live an active lifestyle and enjoy spending most of their time outdoors. Plus, there’s always something to do, so chances are you’ll never get bored. If you’re someone who enjoys exploring new things, then you’ll definitely feel right at home in Hollywood. Some of the most notable benefits of relocating to this city in Florida include the following:
1. Warm, Tropical Climate
One of the most obvious benefits of moving to Hollywood, FL is the weather. Thanks to its location, it’s pretty much sunny all year round, which makes it a great place to live if you love spending time in nature. The climate is warm and tropical with hot, humid summers and very mild winters. This makes it perfect for individuals or families who want to enjoy the weather throughout the year and avoid extremely low temperatures and blizzards. Since it’s on the coast, you’ll also have plenty of opportunities to cool off during the summer.
2. Beautiful Beaches
Another one of the pros of moving to Hollywood is the number of impeccable beaches in the area. In fact, the beaches are known to be some of the best in the world. If you enjoy spending time in the water or even just relaxing on the sand, then you’ll definitely be happy living in Florida. Some of the most popular beaches include Hollywood Beach, Dania Beach, and Hollywood North Beach. There are also a few beaches that are dog friendly. The beaches offer opportunities for swimming, sunbathing, and other recreational activities.
3. Vibrant Arts and Cultural Scene
Hollywood has a vibrant arts and culture scene, with numerous galleries, theaters, and performance venues. This is a great place for anyone who wants to spend their free time submerged in creativity. There are also many festivals and events held throughout the year like Jazz Fest, antique festivals, and both free and paid concerts.
4. Diverse Amenities
In addition to the great cultural scene, Hollywood has an abundant number of amenities to enjoy. These include shopping centers, restaurants, and parks. There are also many recreational facilities, such as golf courses and tennis courts if you prefer to spend your days being active outdoors. Hollywood Beach Golf Club and The Club at Emerald Hills are a few local favorites.
5. Bountiful Nightlife
Hollywood is also a great place for those who enjoy some good nightlife. The city is home to numerous restaurants, bars, clubs, and other entertainment venues. Whether you want a night out on the town or a quiet evening at home, you’ll be able to find exactly what you’re looking for in this Florida town.
6. The Location Itself
Hollywood is located near many other major cities in South Florida, including Fort Lauderdale and Miami. This makes it a convenient location for those who want easy access to these cities for recreational or professional purposes.
The Cons of Moving to Hollywood, FL
Of course, there are also some drawbacks to living in this Florida town. One of the biggest is the cost of living. Housing costs are high, as are costs for food and other necessities. If you’re not careful with your budget, it’s easy to overspend. For more information on the potential cons of moving to Hollywood, FL refer to the following:
1. Cost of Living
As mentioned, the cost of living in Hollywood is generally higher than the national average, particularly when it comes to housing. In fact, housing costs are about living in this Florida town higher than the national average. The median home price is about $453,700 and the median rent is around $1,386/month. The utility prices are about 4% higher than the national average, with the average energy bill coming to around $177/month. What’s more, food and groceries tend to be roughly 19% higher than the national average. However, healthcare prices are the same as other parts of the country. Before moving to Hollywood, it’s important to make sure that your desired lifestyle is within your means. You may find that living within your budget means downsizing, but you can still make the most of your living space. If you are being relocated for a job, discuss pricing differences with your superiors to ensure that you can cover your expenses.
2. Traffic
Although commonly seen as a benefit, the location of Hollywood, Florida can also be a downfall. It’s within the Miami metropolitan area, which can experience heavy traffic at times. If you’ll need to commute to work, this may be something to consider. Traffic tends to be worse at peak times during the weekday, but public transportation may not be an alternative option depending on where you need to go. When searching for your new home, take some time to look into how you’d get to work, how long it would take, and whether or not the traffic is something you can handle. Knowing this ahead of time can help you be more strategic about housing.
3. Risk of Hurricanes
Like other parts of Florida, Hollywood is located in an area that’s prone to hurricanes. This can be a concern for those who are worried about the potential for property damage or other impacts from these storms. This doesn’t necessarily mean that you’ll be dealing with this type of weather yearly, but the possibility of them can be a dealbreaker for some. If you move to Hollywood, you’ll find that the city has implemented measures to help protect residents from storms, but it’s still important to be prepared and to have an emergency evacuation plan just in case.
4. Large Influx of Tourism
Finally, like many popular destinations in Florida, Hollywood is prone to a large influx of tourism during the peak season. Peak months tend to be March, April, and May, but you may also experience an increase in crowds during the winter, from December to February. If you’re not a fan of crowds or aren’t particularly thrilled about living in a tourism destination, you may want to avoid Hollywood during this time of the year.
Moving to Hollywood, FL could be a great opportunity for those who are attracted to the city’s warm climate, beautiful beaches, and vibrant arts and culture scene. However, it’s important to carefully consider the potential drawbacks, including the high cost of living, traffic, hurricane risk, and potential influx of tourism. Take the time to thoroughly research your options to make a decision that works for your lifestyle.
If you decide that moving to Florida is the right choice for you, you can make the process a little less overwhelming by utilizing temperature controlled self-storage from The Lock Up Self Storage. With our newly opened storage unit facility in Hollywood, FL, you can utilize short-term self-storage to help with the move or long-term self-storage to maximize the livable space in your new home. If you’re coming from out of state and are planning on renting a home before buying a permanent residence, The Lock Up is the perfect option. We also offer free moving trucks so you can transfer your belongings once you find your forever home. All of our self-storage units are safe, secure, and temperature controlled so you don’t have to worry about the safety of your things in the humid Florida weather. Call us today at (866) 327-LOCK to learn more about our Florida locations and inquire about our flexible leasing options.
