[LuisSuarez]

Originally Posted by Bobdreamz

The problem with Florida real estate?
There isn't enough of it.

And every hurricane there gets less

[expatCA]

Originally Posted by kyle19125

That's overly simplistic. There are many areas of the country where one doesn't routinely worry about natural disasters like tornadoes, earthquakes or flooding. I get where some are coming from on this issue, the trade off of warmer weather year round isn't worth the anxiety of events like this whether they're annually or every other year.

I have no anxiety. I will be moving there next year. I grew up in CA and never had any anxiety over Earthquakes, lived in the Outer Banks of NC and did not worry about hurricanes and lived in No Central TX and did not worry about tornadoes (Well OK a little). Being aware and prepared helps reduce or eliminate anxiety.

[popcorn247]

I lived in south Florida (south of Miami) for 40+ years, moving down in 1973. I 'experienced' Andrew, Dennis, Katrina, Rita and Wilma. After going through Hurricane Andrew (in Homestead), I developed anxiety over hurricanes. I was very well prepared. I bought hurricane supplies at the beginning of hurricane season and watched the weather forecasts like a hawk. I purchased a repaired home 6 months after Andrew. During the first year or two of living in the house, my homeowners' insurance started rising....each year. My house, built in the 1950's, was like a bunker. Insurance companies gradually moved out of Florida, leaving many people with few options. The last few years of living in Florida, my homeowners' insurance was $4,000.00+ annually! I knew many people who were getting hit with premiums of $8,000.00 or more. Citizen's Insurance was dropping homes and we had to settle for little known companies.

My State Farm Auto insurance was $2,000.00 per year the last couple years I lived in Miami-Dade (2014-2015). I had never had an accident nor any tickets. It was just way too expensive for me to live in south Florida. I moved back to Indiana and am enjoying a much less expensive, less hectic, safer, sane place.

[expatCA]

Originally Posted by popcorn247

I lived in south Florida (south of Miami) for 40+ years, moving down in 1973. I 'experienced' Andrew, Dennis, Katrina, Rita and Wilma. After going through Hurricane Andrew (in Homestead), I developed anxiety over hurricanes. I was very well prepared. I bought hurricane supplies at the beginning of hurricane season and watched the weather forecasts like a hawk. I purchased a repaired home 6 months after Andrew. During the first year or two of living in the house, my homeowners' insurance started rising....each year. My house, built in the 1950's, was like a bunker. Insurance companies gradually moved out of Florida, leaving many people with few options. The last few years of living in Florida, my homeowners' insurance was $4,000.00+ annually! I knew many people who were getting hit with premiums of $8,000.00 or more. Citizen's Insurance was dropping homes and we had to settle for little known companies.

My State Farm Auto insurance was $2,000.00 per year the last couple years I lived in Miami-Dade (2014-2015). I had never had an accident nor any tickets. It was just way too expensive for me to live in south Florida. I moved back to Indiana and am enjoying a much less expensive, less hectic, safer, sane place.

South FL is a problem area and that is part of what drives costs up. Other areas, even close to the beaches are not as bad. Kinda like comparing Indianapolis to Marion, IN and thinking the whole State is like Indy. Note I have lived in IN. Won't go back for anything.

[twowilldo]

Originally Posted by expatCA

Being aware and prepared helps reduce or eliminate anxiety.

We feel the same way, going in with lots of prior research and eyes wide open.

[expatCA]

Originally Posted by twowilldo

We feel the same way, going in with lots of prior research and eyes wide open.

Hurricanes take time to develop and get near, so there is time to prepare and leave if need be. I can be in TN by evening if I leave about 8AM. Visit family living there.

[twowilldo]

Originally Posted by expatCA

Hurricanes take time to develop and get near, so there is time to prepare and leave if need be. I can be in TN by evening if I leave about 8AM. Visit family living there.

Exactly.

Also we have researched building codes, what changes and improvements happened in which years, what the county has done in the past for flood mitigation, etc. We've spent the last five years observing, visiting, asking tons of questions, educating ourselves. Helps to have friends relating experiences too. We are ready.

[expatCA]

Originally Posted by twowilldo

Exactly.

Also we have researched building codes, what changes and improvements happened in which years, what the county has done in the past for flood mitigation, etc. We've spent the last five years observing, visiting, asking tons of questions, educating ourselves. Helps to have friends relating experiences too. We are ready.

That is the way to handle it.

[popcorn247]

For me, it wasn't necessarily the storm itself, but the weeks and months (possibly years) of recovery. I lived about 12 miles inland..... west of Krome Avenue.

[expatCA]

Originally Posted by popcorn247

For me, it wasn't necessarily the storm itself, but the weeks and months (possibly years) of recovery. I lived about 12 miles inland..... west of Krome Avenue.

The recovery period is a big issue for so many. That is always the case regardless of where you live as it impacts things in the whole State. Not just FL, but TX is facing this as well as is the whole US with gas prices. Business closed, workers with no pay check, clogged roads with needed supplies coming in, which creates a shortage elsewhere. For those with money or retired it isn't as bad, but for the average person he will feel the impact in many ways even if not directly impacted by the storm.