What is negative about living in South Florida?

[gitondowntheroad]

Negatives...hmmmm...people from the NE

[kidyankee764]

There are negatives to living everywhere, however perhaps the biggest negative to South FL (maybe all of FL, I don’t know), is the abysmal customer service. This isn’t only in retail, but extends to both independent contractors and companies. I have noticed these companies, once they get your money, treat you like garbage. I have lived in four states in the NE, South and West, and never - ever - have I experienced such horrid treatment as I have in South FL.

That is, by far, the biggest negative about life in SFL. The drivers are an easy #2.

[paleoveg]

I have lived here for 38 years. I love it here. However, I could never afford to buy a house and live here if I had not been here for so long purchased my home in 2000 and my rental houses in the 80s. Property taxes are insane. $6800 a year on a house I paid $320 for in 2000. My house I paid $120 for 5 years ago property tax $5000. Insurance also very high. Cost of living very high-going to grocery store $100 gets you basically nothing. Rents very high for anything commercial (I have a business here for 3000 sq foot warehouse pay $4000/mo). Wages are very low (as an ARNP working for Minute Clinic $38/hr vs Texas $48/hr as an example). You need to speak Spanish if you go anywhere near Miami and a lot of ppl in Broward don't speak English. Drivers are dangerous- speed limit is 70, I go 80 and am harassed/tailgated all the time by drivers doing 90-100 on expressways. Crime is very high-my mom just had her car stolen outside of my business in a good area. People are incredibly rude. Employees especially low level like foodservice/min wage are horrible work ethics very hard to get ppl who care about even showing up to work let alone doing a good job. What's great is the roads, sun, beaches, parks, every store you want at your fingertips. S.FL is mostly beautiful, lots of hospitals, tons of entertainment, easy airport access to travel, cruise ship ports, convenience. YOu don't have to drive far to get whatever you want.

[Marble cake]

I love south Florida. I always wanted to come down here to live and here I am. As far as negatives, there are negatives in every place you will ever live. And that's a fact. It all depends what you want in life. Some people like mountains, some like the beach, others the city, while others love the country. Its a good thing we are all different or we would all be in the same place.

I was always a summer person so the constant warm weather doesn't bother me at all. I like that there's not really any seasons here. I save money on clothing because previously, for each season, I had a full wardrobe. But that's me. Many people miss the seasons. I do not. To me there enough positives here that make me happy and want to stay.

If I had to say what are the negatives to this particular part of the state, I would agree with others. Crime and drivers. But that's not to say others parts of the US don't have similar issues. I used to live in an area where the traffic and crime were minimal, but there were other aspects about that area that I was not a fan of as all. Those aspects don't exist here. Its all about what you want most, and make the best of what you don't like. If possible, relocation is an option.

[MisterNY]

As ex-residents, my wife and I agree on:

1. Drivers (extremely aggressive/rude and fast). At least the roads are good.
2. Housing isn't cheap in most places nowadays, but for what people get paid, outrageous down there.
3. Astronomical home owners insurance and property taxes (same for auto insurance)
4. Hurricanes/Flooding issues (related to high insurance costs)
5. During our time there, we met both really nice people and downright dimwits with horrible attitudes. (evens out)
6. Morning/Evening traffic was not much better than NYC, LA or Atlanta from our experience.
7. Customer service was hit or miss many times.
8. Too many tolls. It seems like every trip we take, they add some.


Now that we don't live there anymore, going down is limited to a few days to a week max. After day 3 (after seeing friends and family), we are reminded why we left and never looked back. Still not the worse place on Earth. But people will have their own preferences.

[justjagginyinz]

South Florida is great for a long weekend getaway. Otherwise, it is hot, flat, rude, expensive and overrated. Run, don't walk. You're welcome.

[City Guy997S]

It also has been proclaimed the least safe city in the USA! Of course that includes hurricane/covid threats among the issues:

https://www.sun-sentinel.com/local/b...v3e-story.html

[City Guy997S]

Originally Posted by justjagginyinz

South Florida is great for a long weekend getaway. Otherwise, it is hot, flat, rude, expensive and overrated. Run, don't walk. You're welcome.

Be fair, Pittsburgh isn't exactly paradise.............

Let's breakdown your interpretations:

Its Hot............bet that isn't an issue from October to April when Pittsburgh is nasty.

Flat/Expensive..........what beach area isn't flat and expensive? People pay a premium to be near the coast.

Rude/Overrated...........yet you mention it is great for a long weekend? Maybe your wallet runs short after 3 days? Rude compared to NYC/Pittsburgh? It might be rude compared to Mayberry but I'd bet it is on par with any large east coast city.

[popcorn247]

Originally Posted by BNBR

This isn't a real issue. Hurricanes don't swoosh away your backyard. Build things properly and you don't need to worry. Everyone down here has amazing backyards, and they last through hurricanes just fine.

Just asking: Were you living in Homestead when Hurricane Andrew hit?

[Rumann Koch]

Naval mines washing up on shore!