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Moving from Illinois to Jacksonville

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

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Why Chicago suburbs / DuPage / Lake / Cook County Buyers Choose the First Coast

Illinois has a flat 4.95% income tax with no retirement income exclusion and no Social Security exemption. Florida has zero. A couple drawing $100K from IRAs in Illinois pays approximately $4,950/year in state income tax. In Florida, zero. Combined property tax and income tax savings for Chicago suburb buyers are often $8,000–$15,000/year — among the strongest financial cases we see.

Illinois / Chicago suburb buyers respond strongly to Del Webb brand recognition and typically have enough equity for Del Webb Nocatee at mid-range pricing. Del Webb Nocatee and Del Webb Ponte Vedra are the most common landing spots. Buyers from further suburbs with more modest equity frequently choose Del Webb eTown.

The Property Tax Comparison

Annual Property Tax — Illinois vs First Coast Florida

Current IL annual property tax~$6,000–$13,000/yr on a $500K home (Cook, DuPage, Lake County effective rates)
First Coast FL — primary homestead~$6,000–$7,500/yr (St. Johns County, primary homestead, $500K)
Est. annual property tax change~$0–$5,500/yr on property tax (Cook County buyers see largest savings)
These are estimates based on typical IL county effective rates and St. Johns / Duval County millage with primary homestead exemption. Your actual numbers depend on your specific IL 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 $250K–$750K in Illinois Equity Buys on the First Coast

Del Webb Nocatee →Del Webb Ponte Vedra →Del Webb eTown →

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 Illinois — 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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