[sinatras]

Originally Posted by JOinGA

Florida is far from my idea of perfect on so many levels, but it surprises me that those who want to scare away new residents don’t talk more about the dog killer toads.

Son of a gun....... now that you mention it. Turns out that all the people moving here means more dead pets by toad! It happens all the time in South Tampa. Dead dogs within minutes.

The "Free State of Florida," where you are free to have your dog eaten by a gator or poisoned by a toad!

https://www.wptv.com/news/protecting...ve-experts-say

[chiluvr1228]

Originally Posted by otterhere

Where are you going?

Colorado - my oldest son moved there almost 3 years ago and loves it. I enjoyed it when I visited him and while it will be a big change, I'm ready for it.

[Travelassie]

Originally Posted by double6's

in my neck of the woods, apts, condos and single and multi family homes are being built at breakneck speed..more so now than I've seen in my 9 years down here..

I think Charlotte county is being passed off as a more affordable place to live, comparatively speaking.

[Sand&Salt]

Originally Posted by EscAlaMike

I can definitely relate to the article.

I grew up in Florida, but moved my family to Alabama in 2009 for cost of living / quality of life issues. We are very happy here and have not looked back.

Of course if you are from New York, Chicagoland, or California then Florida will seem like paradise -- and it is!

However, if you have lived in Florida for many years, then you have experienced the ways in which it has changed for the worse and other southern states may be better options for you. Such was the case with me.

I don't think most Californians (like me) consider Florida a "paradise", lol.

Never given it any consideration for all the reasons others have listed.

[EscAlaMike]

Originally Posted by Sand&Salt

I don't think most Californians (like me) consider Florida a "paradise", lol.

Never given it any consideration for all the reasons others have listed.

I've never been to California so I can't comment on it from firsthand experience; but the raw numbers are there for everyone to see. California is experiencing an unprecedented population exodus, and Florida is one of the top destinations. Make of that whatever you will.

[MOforthewin]

Originally Posted by vaughanwilliams

Well, considering the average household income in WPB (the articles bi-line) is $82,600 there must be a disconnect between the article and reality. Maybe the younger married folk's first home shouldn't cost a million dollars.

I think that's HEAVILY skewed as I pointed out about Naples too. It seems so low for a multi million dollar area because it's mostly older folks who don't work. That's mainly investment income like stocks and interest payments from investments and savings accounts. While the salary might say $82,600 those people could have four million dollars in investments, 401k, money market accounts, etc. Naples (city) median household income in 2010 was 71k. LOL you're not going to be living in the CITY of Naples on 71k a year which 2023 would probably be about 79k when the housing is a million dollars on up. Naples like West Palm is an older persons area. Those people have money in the bank and in savings that isn't reported as income just the interest on their accounts. Those people in the CITY of Naples have a few million in the bank. Money they made in their working years and they're wealthy and retired now and live off investment dividends. That's what is reported as their income.

Only place in Naples a household income of under 82k a year you could afford would be those crappy projects behind Tin City.

[MOforthewin]

Originally Posted by EscAlaMike

I can definitely relate to the article.

I grew up in Florida, but moved my family to Alabama in 2009 for cost of living / quality of life issues. We are very happy here and have not looked back.

Of course if you are from New York, Chicagoland, or California then Florida will seem like paradise -- and it is!

However, if you have lived in Florida for many years, then you have experienced the ways in which it has changed for the worse and other southern states may be better options for you. Such was the case with me.

Someone from NY would think Alabama is a bunch of hicks. I'm from Missouri so I wouldn't mind it beause I'm pro gun, love bass fishing and Republican. Northern AL culturally is very similar to the Ozarks of southern Missouri and Northern AR. Same ancestors basically.

[gatorlyn]

This is a good thing. I want a Florida with a population of North Dakota

[sinatras]

Originally Posted by EscAlaMike

I've never been to California so I can't comment on it from firsthand experience; but the raw numbers are there for everyone to see. California is experiencing an unprecedented population exodus, and Florida is one of the top destinations. Make of that whatever you will.

Well, there's the problem with MOST Americans right there.

How can you be sure that you have found the perfect U.S. "paradise" if you have not visited all 50 states?

Yes I have visited all 50 states and therefore I am able to accurately opine on which state is best FOR ME!

[beach43ofus]

137.6M visited florida in 2022...the highest number ever.

22.3M is Florida's population, & increased by 2%...~420,000 people in 2022.

Our population could drop by 10% in 2024, but it wouldn't make a dent in the # of people here from November to April.

We might notice the drop in the off-season though.