How One Family from New York Tried Palm Coast for a Year and Stayed for Good

In recent years, Palm Coast, Florida, has quietly become a destination for people seeking a different pace of life. Among its newcomers is the Martinez family, who left the hustle and bustle of New York City for the subtropical tranquility of Florida’s Atlantic Coast. What was originally meant to be a one-year experiment turned into a permanent decision — and a story that reflects a growing relocation trend across the Sunshine State.

1. A Change of Scenery

When the Martinez family first arrived in Palm Coast, their plan was simple: escape the crowded streets, high living costs, and harsh winters of New York. Like many Northern transplants, they were drawn by Palm Coast’s more affordable housing, year-round sunshine, and family-friendly neighborhoods — attributes frequently cited by people relocating from expensive urban centers.

Originally, the move was intended to last just a year. They rented a home near the Intracoastal Waterway, balancing remote work with daily walks on tree-lined suburban streets. As the months passed, the tranquil pace and strong sense of community began to grow on them.

Palm Coast offered something the Martinez family hadn’t realized they were missing: breathing room. Instead of traffic congestion and packed sidewalks, they found open green spaces, bike paths, and beaches just minutes away. Their children adjusted quickly, thriving in schools that emphasized smaller class sizes and outdoor activities. Weekend routines shifted from indoor entertainment to kayaking, neighborhood barbecues, and sunset strolls along the water.

Financially, the move also made sense. Housing costs were significantly lower than in New York, allowing the family to rent a larger home with a yard — something that felt unattainable in their former city. Lower property taxes and everyday expenses eased their budget, giving them more flexibility to save and enjoy experiences together.

What truly transformed a temporary stay into a long-term decision was the community itself. Friendly neighbors, local events, and a slower pace of life created a sense of belonging. The Martinez family found that Palm Coast wasn’t just a place to live — it was a place to settle, grow, and reconnect with what mattered most.

By the end of their first year, the idea of returning north no longer appealed to them. What began as a short escape became a permanent change of scenery — one defined by balance, affordability, and a renewed appreciation for everyday life.

2. Quality of Life Matters

Palm Coast isn’t just another Florida town — its design emphasizes a slower, more connected lifestyle. Planned with nature and livability in mind, the city offers expansive outdoor spaces, miles of scenic trails, and easy access to beaches, parks, and waterways. For families like the Martinez’s, these features have become part of everyday life. Morning bike rides along shaded paths, weekend beach outings, and spontaneous kayaking adventures are no longer special occasions — they are routine moments woven into their schedule.

This emphasis on outdoor living has had a noticeable impact on the family’s overall well-being. Less time spent commuting and more time outdoors has created space for healthier habits and stronger family connections. Palm Coast’s layout encourages residents to step outside, interact with neighbors, and enjoy a pace of life that feels intentional rather than rushed.

Another major factor in the Martinez family’s decision to stay was the cost of living. Compared with New York — where housing prices, rent, and property taxes can be overwhelming — Palm Coast offered a far more sustainable path to long-term stability. Affordable home prices allowed them to consider ownership sooner than expected, while everyday expenses remained manageable.

Access to larger homes with private yards, often at a fraction of the cost of comparable properties in major northern cities, made raising their children easier and more comfortable. The extra space provided room to grow, play, and create a true sense of home. Combined with lower taxes and a community-oriented environment, Palm Coast proved that quality of life isn’t defined by speed or density, but by balance, affordability, and access to the outdoors.

For the Martinez family, the move reinforced a simple truth: where you live shapes how you live. In Palm Coast, quality of life isn’t a luxury — it’s part of the design.

3. Community and Schools

Education was a top priority for the Martinez family, and Palm Coast’s reputation for safe, family-oriented neighborhoods quickly reinforced their decision to stay. Local schools are often described as accessible and welcoming, with strong ties to the surrounding community. For families moving from large metropolitan areas, this sense of approachability — from teachers, administrators, and fellow parents — can make an enormous difference during a transition.

In Palm Coast, schools are closely connected to the neighborhoods they serve. Children walk or bike with friends, parents attend school events without long commutes, and outdoor spaces support both learning and play. These environments encourage social development, independence, and a sense of belonging — qualities the Martinez family valued as their children adjusted to a new home.

Beyond the classroom, the community itself played a major role. Many of the Martinez family’s neighbors were also transplants, with a surprising number originally from New York or other Northern states. What began as casual conversations over fences or during school drop-offs slowly grew into lasting friendships. The shared experience of leaving behind big-city life for a quieter, coastal community created instant common ground.

Palm Coast’s neighborhood design encourages interaction, whether through community events, youth sports, or simply spending time outdoors. Children play together after school, parents connect organically, and relationships develop without the formality often associated with larger cities. Over time, the Martinez family realized they weren’t just living in Palm Coast — they were part of it.

For families seeking more than just a change of address, Palm Coast offers something deeper: a supportive community and schools that work hand in hand to create a stable, welcoming environment for raising children.

4. From Visiting to Belonging

At the end of their initial year in Palm Coast, the Martinez family faced a decision they hadn’t anticipated making so soon: return to New York or put down permanent roots in Florida. What began as a temporary escape had quietly evolved into something more meaningful. When friends back home asked how they were feeling, their answer was simple and honest: “We haven’t been this happy in years.” That clarity made the decision easy. The family chose to stay.

Today, the Martinez family owns a home in Palm Coast. Their children are thriving in school, supported by a community that feels both safe and welcoming. Daily life looks very different from their former routine — the rush of subway platforms and crowded streets has been replaced by bike rides, open skies, and the steady Atlantic breeze. The slower rhythm hasn’t meant less opportunity; instead, it has created space for balance, connection, and peace of mind.

Their experience reflects a broader shift happening across Florida and similar coastal communities. Families from New York and other high-cost, densely populated cities are increasingly reevaluating what “home” means. Remote work flexibility, rising housing costs in major metros, and a growing desire for quality of life have prompted many to explore alternatives. Places like Palm Coast offer a compelling combination: economic value, natural beauty, strong schools, and a sense of belonging that can be harder to find in large urban centers.

What starts as a visit often becomes a realization — that life doesn’t have to be fast or expensive to be fulfilling. For families like the Martinez’s, Palm Coast isn’t just where they landed; it’s where they found home. Their story is not an exception, but part of a growing movement of people turning temporary stays into lasting beginnings.

Sources

• U.S. Census Bureau – Domestic Migration Trends

• Zillow Research – Housing Affordability and Migration Reports

• Florida Realtors® – Florida Relocation and Housing Market Insights

• City of Palm Coast – Parks, Trails, and Recreation Planning

• U.S. Census Bureau – Cost of Living and Domestic Migration Data

• Zillow Research – Regional Home Price and Affordability Reports

• Flagler County School District – Community and School Programs

• City of Palm Coast – Neighborhood and Family Services Information

• U.S. Census Bureau – Domestic Migration and Community Demographics

• U.S. Census Bureau – Interstate and Domestic Migration Trends

• Florida Realtors® – Relocation and Housing Market Reports

• Zillow Research – Migration Patterns and Housing Affordability Analysis

• Oasis Rentals, Why More Families Are Relocating to Palm Coast in 2025 — insights into housing, community planning, and family-friendly amenities.

• Pamela Capela, Everything You Need to Know About Moving to Palm Coast, FL — overview of climate, lifestyle, and relocation appeal.