[NYLATINQT]

MOst people think that Florida is cheap when they relocate from the Northern states. It used to be cheap once upon a time. On $45k, you can rent and be comfortable, but forget about buying a home. I've never lived in D.C, but i can tell you that compared to NY, Florida living expenses, other than housing, are pretty much the same, sometimes higher. I found groceries definitely higher, utilities slightly higher, and clothing also. The good thing about Florida is no state taxes so at least you'll save money there. But don't go into thinking that suddenly you'll be better off, especially taking a 50% reduction in your salary. I wouldn't do it. It doesn't add up. Oh, and my car insurance actually went up in Orlando. That was a shocker.

[sunrico90]

Originally Posted by Rich F

I have an offer in Sarasota for a job that pays $45K per year, which is about half of what I currently make in Washington DC. The DC area is really expensive across the board - so much so that I commute over an hour each way just to be able to afford a decent house here - and it's barely just decent... What would $45K get me within an hour of Sarasota? Thanks!

Rich F,

Based on the posts Sarasota might be a 50 - 50 chance. If you really want to move to Fl, benchmark your trait. If you can get in the Northwest Florida you might have a better chance of success. $45K is good money here, you can buy a house 1800SQ for $189K, you can't touch a home in Sarasota. Life is a bit more relax, bit cheaper and less traffic than Central & South Florida. You can rent for $600.00 to $700.00 a month for a decent apartment. Use the career.com, usajobs.com, and monster.com to search jobs in the Pensacola to Panama City area. Many folks are moving here to escape the Florida metro areas. We have lived here for 8 years and my trait is well compensated.

Keep your options open, have your future employer paid for you to travel to the area. Request a relocation package from the future employer, let them paid for you to move. If they are really interested they will paid in a flash....

Let me know if you need assistance (PM)...

[MrTudo]

It really depends on how you quantify living and whether or not that living also includes saving real money for the future.

45 G's ain't much, I don't care where you are.

[Need_affordable_home]

I agree with the other posters. Stay in DC and keep the high salary. $45k wont get you more than a 1/1 condo or mobile home in s. FL

[sunrico90]

Originally Posted by MrTudo

It really depends on how you quantify living and whether or not that living also includes saving real money for the future.

45 G's ain't much, I don't care where you are.

You can get less expensive housing in Northwest Florida!!!!

http://images.traderonline.com/img/11/anet/PHOTOS/651/651-00306228_A-d.jpg (broken link)

Fabulous Price! 2 Story Patio Home, Built in 2000, 3 Bedrooms, 2 1/2 Baths, 1408sf., Neutral Carpet, High Ceilings, White Cabinetry, Vinyl Sided Exterior, 2 Car Attached... $139,900



http://images.traderonline.com/img/11/anet/PHOTOS/650/650-00356641_A-d.jpg (broken link)

Great Location! 3 Bedrooms, 2 Full Baths, 1718sf., Formal Dining Room, "Wood Looking" & Ceramic Tile Floors, Good Sized Kitchen w/ Lots of White Cabinetry, Brick & Vin. $143,900

[MrTudo]

Originally Posted by sunrico90

You can get less expensive housing in Northwest Florida!!!!

http://images.traderonline.com/img/11/anet/PHOTOS/651/651-00306228_A-d.jpg (broken link)

Fabulous Price! 2 Story Patio Home, Built in 2000, 3 Bedrooms, 2 1/2 Baths, 1408sf., Neutral Carpet, High Ceilings, White Cabinetry, Vinyl Sided Exterior, 2 Car Attached... $139,900



http://images.traderonline.com/img/11/anet/PHOTOS/650/650-00356641_A-d.jpg (broken link)

Great Location! 3 Bedrooms, 2 Full Baths, 1718sf., Formal Dining Room, "Wood Looking" & Ceramic Tile Floors, Good Sized Kitchen w/ Lots of White Cabinetry, Brick & Vin. $143,900

Terrific if that's what floats your boat.

It does not float mine.

[Need_affordable_home]

Not too bad. NW FL is certainly cheaper and as cheap as it gets in Florida. It appears the further south you go, the higher the prices. In NE Florida, prices are a little higher. Central Florida is even higher and south Florida very high. The southernmost tip is extremly high!

Originally Posted by MrTudo

Terrific if that's what floats your boat.

It does not float mine.

Those houses are good looking if a bit on the small side. If I could get one like that where I live for that price, I might stay in south Florida

[sunrico90]

Originally Posted by MrTudo

Terrific if that's what floats your boat.

It does not float mine.

Is not my float is that you can make it with $45K per year is you are willing to do your research and get away from the large cities. We still have locations that are within the reach of the average person.

Your post "45 G's ain't much, I don't care where you are."

[sunrico90]

Originally Posted by Need_affordable_home

Not too bad. NW FL is certainly cheaper and as cheap as it gets in Florida. It appears the further south you go, the higher the prices. In NE Florida, prices are a little higher. Central Florida is even higher and south Florida very high. The southernmost tip is extremly high!





Those houses are good looking if a bit on the small side. If I could get one like that where I live for that price, I might stay in south Florida

For the older families that don't need the 3000SF house this is better. Remember that your taxes are based on your home value.

MY search was to keep the cost under $150K.

[Need_affordable_home]

I would be house poor if I spent $140k on a house on a $45k annual gross salary. Dont forget all the other expenses and if you have children, that can be several thousand a year per child! I would not spend more than $80k to $120k on a house based on that salary depending what other expenses and bills I have. I will be happy to make $45k myself on my home business doing graphics design. This is better than any job will pay me. Even if I could afford a $140k house, I can get a much bigger and better house for the same price in Texas!