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Talk to a Specialist →The Equity Conversion
The median home value in Pennsylvania is approximately $275,000. After selling costs (6% agent commission + closing costs), a typical PA homeowner nets roughly 92–93% of sale price. Here is what that equity buys in Palm Beach County:
| PA Home Sale | Net After Costs | PBC Option | Cash Left Over |
|---|---|---|---|
| $400K | ~$370K | Legacy condo ($130K) | ~$240K |
| $400K | ~$370K | Mid-tier villa ($280K) | ~$90K |
| $600K | ~$555K | GL Homes Valencia ($450K) | ~$105K |
| $800K | ~$740K | Cresswind/Regency ($650K) | ~$90K |
| $1M+ | ~$925K | Valencia Sound/Del Mar ($750K) | ~$175K |
Income Tax: Pennsylvania vs Florida
Pennsylvania has a flat state income tax of 3.07% but does not tax retirement income (pensions, 401k/IRA withdrawals, Social Security). This means PA retirees on fixed retirement income may see minimal income tax savings from moving to Florida. The savings come from property tax reduction and the elimination of the 3.07% tax on any non-retirement income (investment gains, part-time work).
The Honest Caveat
Pennsylvania is one of the few states where the income tax savings from moving to Florida are modest for retirees living on pensions and Social Security. If your move decision is primarily tax-motivated, run the actual numbers — the savings may be smaller than you expect. The lifestyle and weather motivations are separate and valid, but do not overestimate the tax case.
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Property Tax Comparison
Florida effective property tax rate in Palm Beach County is approximately 1.1–1.3% depending on municipality. Pennsylvania rates vary but typically run 1.2–1.8% effective. The comparison depends on your specific home values in both states. Use this framework:
If your PA home is assessed at $500K and your PBC home will be assessed at $400K, your property tax likely decreases — both because of the lower assessment and because Florida homestead exemption removes $50K from assessed value. But if you are moving from a state with property tax caps or senior exemptions that reduced your PA bill below the nominal rate, the Florida bill may be comparable or higher in year one.
5What Pennsylvania Buyers Typically Choose
Based on the communities we cover, Pennsylvania relocators tend to cluster in two tiers: legacy condos (Kings Point, Century Village) for budget-conscious buyers who want to maximize cash reserves, and GL Homes Valencias for buyers who sold a $500K+ home and want resort-quality living. The golf communities (Hunters Run, Indian Spring) draw Pennsylvania golfers who previously belonged to private clubs.
Related Research
← Back to Palm Beach County HubTotal Cost Comparison Table →PBC Property Tax Guide →Legacy Condo Guide →Moving from Pennsylvania?
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