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[quote=Floridabound09;632271]The purpose of this thread is to ask the following questions.
For those who moved to Florida from somewhere else and have been there for awhile could you please answer some of these and also add your own tidbits as well.
1. Where did you come from and how long have you been in Florida
Pittsburgh, Pa-almost 8 mos.
2. What was the most important reason you moved to Florida?
It was always our plan to move somewhere south of Va and near the beach after we retired. Neither one of us are 65 yet, but we decided that with careful budgeting we could do it with reduced SS and pensions.
3. What make you pick the area you moved?
The carolina's were still a little chilly and we couldn't afford Charleston. Myrtle was too much sprawl and traffic. We do like areas of the panhandle, but our daughter was here, we came to visit and once we saw all the beautiful areas in Tampa Bay that was it.
4. How long did it take you to get comfortable with the move?
Uhmm, oh about 5 minutes.
5. If you had to do it over again would you still move, if no, would you have chosen another area in Florida?
Yes, yes,yes!
6. Is your "overall " life better or worse in Florida then where you moved from?
Much better, even on a budget we are able to rent MORE house than we had at home with less expense. No taxes, insurance, worry about replacing appliances or repairs on a home- I'm beginning to think we'll never buy again.
Cost of living is lower-fresh fish for $6.99 a pound, etc. We get more exercise, eat healthier and have incredible beaches, gorgeous scenery to look at all the time. And how can you get depressed when the sun shines brightly all the time.
7. Would you recommend others move to Florida?
It depends on what is important to you. If you don't like heat, then no don't choose Florida. If you like all those things those of us who are happy talk about as positives, then yes.
If you don't like heat, the beach, bugs, et. but must make a decision based on a career or family, then carefully consider and weigh the negatives and positives before making it.
Didn't really get a "choice" per se. It was dh's job promotion that if not taken would have not been a wise move professionally.
Did I want to move to FL? No.
Can I spend the rest of our time here being miserable about the taxes, heat, humidity, illegal immigrants, traffic, homeowners insurance (feel free to add)..sure...
But I am not. We are in SW FL. We will make the best of it.
We are originally from the northern states. It does take some time to get use to here, but we've been in the south for some time now.
Coming from where we were for the past 5 yrs (central TX)...this place is very nice! It has its good & bad like anywhere. We are prior military & if one has lived on a military post, most civilan places are far better.
I think that any person moving anywhere needs to know what they are moving into & what they have as backup to generate income.
Cultural Diversity - if you are racist...don't come...here in Orlando, we have 'little china" in the Mills/50 area, we have african american culture in the Eatonville area, we have 'little mexico' in the 436/50 area, florida cracker rednecks in Bithlo.... I live in a new relatively small community of 300 homes and I have neighbors of every type.....European descent white anglo, African American, New York Jewish, Southern Redneck, Oriental, Muslim, Spanish, Islanders, British, Indians from India, etc. It's great![/quote]
Thank you for adding that! And the same goes for Jax: If you are racist, don't come!
1. Where did you come from and how long have you been in Florida
Denver, Colorado, been here 17 months
2. What was the most important reason you moved to Florida?
Was ready for a change, tired of cold and snow, the husband found what we thought was a good job, I missed the beach
3. What make you pick the area you moved?
We had been here before and thought the future was in northwest Florida
4. How long did it take you to get comfortable with the move?
About a year
5. If you had to do it over again would you still move, if no, would you have chosen another area in Florida?
Well, our circumstances are not the same as they were when we came out here. The husband lost his job last summer.
The economy and taxes etc are a concern. However, neither of us have any regrets, and now he has a new job and we are moving to northeast Florida. We sure don't want to go back to Colorado. I really have not been homesick.
6. Is your "overall " life better or worse in Florida then where you moved from?
In some ways, better, in some ways, not. The traffic situation is excellent.
FRESH seafood! And I've been swimming all winter.
I've never seen such gorgeous beaches, or more incredible wildlife, and the state park is gorgeous.
However.
This is a VERY small town. Healthcare is minimal, ditto shopping/groceries.
I think I will be happier when we make our move next month.
7. Would you recommend others move to Florida?
Yes--but do your research and preparation.
As others have said, do not expect perfection. It's Florida, it gets hot--duh.
Hurricanes happen. Bugs happen, and a shark or gator might happen as well.
But I do think that some of the other problems mentioned here occur elsewhere, and we all just have to acknowledge them and deal with them as best we can.
For those who moved to Florida from somewhere else and have been there for awhile could you please answer some of these and also add your own tidbits as well.
1. Where did you come from and how long have you been in Florida
North of Boston and we've been here for a little over 2 years.
2. What was the most important reason you moved to Florida?
Early retirement. No more snow.
3. What make you pick the area you moved?
A few years earlier a friend drove us around and we fell in love with where we are now.
4. How long did it take you to get comfortable with the move?
In some ways, I'm still getting comfortable.
5. If you had to do it over again would you still move, if no, would you have chosen another area in Florida?
I'm happy where I am. The one thing we miss is being near a big city.
6. Is your "overall " life better or worse in Florida then where you moved from?
Better, much better.
7. Would you recommend others move to Florida?
Yes.
Many of us want and are looking to move to Florida and who better to ask them those who have done what we want, move from somewhere else to Florida then you guys.
Many posters on this board seem to be extremely happy with moving there, whether they moved 30 years ago or 6 months ago.
If you have any opinions/advise on anyone moving to Florida, what would they be?
Although I would like to keep this positive as possible, the bad is also welcome for those who have moved there, that way we all can judge for ourselves what you would consider bad or good and see if it would mean the same for us.
Input appreciated !
Please feel free to add your own info.
We like it here a lot. We enjoy having our family visit us and we enjoy our visits back to the northeast. We miss great restaurants, concert venues, and good shopping but we don't miss the traffic that these ammenities would bring. The way I see it, there's always tradeoffs in life.
1. Where did you come from and how long have you been in Florida
Fort Worth, TX.....1 month
2. What was the most important reason you moved to Florida?
Year round summer, less temperature fluctuations, beaches, beaches, beaches.
3. What make you pick the area you moved?
We originally thought we'd settle in St. Pete, but once we crossed the Skyway bridge to Bradenton / Anna Maria Island we were hooked.
4. How long did it take you to get comfortable with the move?
A minute
5. If you had to do it over again would you still move, if no, would you have chosen another area in Florida?
In a NY minute. If it is right for you, you'll know it. It's not all roses by any means, but other than missing the kids, it feels great.
6. [b]Is your "overall " life better or worse in Florida then where you moved from?
[b]
Much better. Hubby is making 2X what he made in TX and keeps getting better offers. He's a contractor/ handyman by the way. I got a job within 2 weeks of looking and they offered me even more than I asked for. Crazy. If you are willing to work, and have some decent skills, you'll have no problem.
7. Would you recommend others move to Florida?
Yes....BUT, just a few words to the wise:
a) Night and day between vacationing and living here full time.
b) You'll need lots of $ to get going if you do not have a job lined up when you get here. We got lucky. It could have been a very close call for us.
c) DO NOT pick a house, apt, town by looking at the internet. The pictures and discriptions are so deceiving. There are a lot of unsafe areas as there is in and around any city. Be careful. Don't commit to something you may not be comfortable with. Luckily we did not rent or buy before we got here. As I said earlier we originally thought we'd settle in ST Pete, but Anna Maria Island turned out to be what we were looking for. We love it.
d) I would not recommend SW FL to anyone with kids. I don't know anything about the schools, but the culture is not kid friendly from what I have seen.
e) Make sure if you move here for the relaxed lifestyle, but are not retired you know what you are in for. Luckily my husband is self employeed so we can MAKE our time. Don't get stuck working non stop to keep your head above water....you can do that anywhere.
f) Cost of living is much better than TX. We are so much better off financially. The only thing we will not be able to do is own a home again. I say this because we love the beach, but it would cost millions to own. We'll settle for our great rental just a block from the beach.
1. Where did you come from and how long have you been in Florida
Fort Worth, TX.....1 month
2. What was the most important reason you moved to Florida?
Year round summer, less temperature fluctuations, beaches, beaches, beaches.
3. What make you pick the area you moved?
We originally thought we'd settle in St. Pete, but once we crossed the Skyway bridge to Bradenton / Anna Maria Island we were hooked.
Awesome sight for sure, we often go back over it if we hit the sun going down at that time... what a view....
4. How long did it take you to get comfortable with the move?
A minute -- Wow, my kind of reply !!
5. If you had to do it over again would you still move, if no, would you have chosen another area in Florida?
In a NY minute. If it is right for you, you'll know it. It's not all roses by any means, but other than missing the kids, it feels great.
Maybe your kids will follow !!!
6. [b]Is your "overall " life better or worse in Florida then where you moved from?
[b]
Much better. Hubby is making 2X what he made in TX and keeps getting better offers. He's a contractor/ handyman by the way. I got a job within 2 weeks of looking and they offered me even more than I asked for. Crazy. If you are willing to work, and have some decent skills, you'll have no problem.
Great !! Making more money then before. You hit it right on, if you are willing to work there are jobs everywhere..........no matter where you are.
7. Would you recommend others move to Florida?
Yes....BUT, just a few words to the wise:
a) Night and day between vacationing and living here full time.
b) You'll need lots of $ to get going if you do not have a job lined up when you get here. We got lucky. It could have been a very close call for us.
c) DO NOT pick a house, apt, town by looking at the internet. The pictures and discriptions are so deceiving. There are a lot of unsafe areas as there is in and around any city. Be careful. Don't commit to something you may not be comfortable with. Luckily we did not rent or buy before we got here. As I said earlier we originally thought we'd settle in ST Pete, but Anna Maria Island turned out to be what we were looking for. We love it.
Great advise !!!
d) I would not recommend SW FL to anyone with kids. I don't know anything about the schools, but the culture is not kid friendly from what I have seen.
e) Make sure if you move here for the relaxed lifestyle, but are not retired you know what you are in for. Luckily my husband is self employeed so we can MAKE our time. Don't get stuck working non stop to keep your head above water....you can do that anywhere.
f) Cost of living is much better than TX. We are so much better off financially.
This is something that seems no one post, thank you!!!!!! Just shows us that making the right choices like you did can turn out to be better overall.
Seems you are not only happy which is the important thing, but you are making more money then in Texas...
Ana Maria Island is paradise, guess you found that out !!
The only thing we will not be able to do is own a home again. I say this because we love the beach, but it would cost millions to own. We'll settle for our great rental just a block from the beach.
Being that close I would rent as well. That way you can spend time at the beach..........and not spent time working on your house!!!
1. Where did you come from and how long have you been in Florida I am from Michigan been here in South Florida for about 4 years I think??
2. What was the most important reason you moved to Florida? No jobs in Michigan =(
3. What make you pick the area you moved? That is where I go the job
4. How long did it take you to get comfortable with the move? I'm still not
5. If you had to do it over again would you still move, if no, would you have chosen another area in Florida? No I would not do it over again, I would have stayed in Michigan and collected pop cans for a living! BUT since I am here, I am looking in other parts of Florida..Ie Ft. Myers, Jacksonville....just Not South Florida (I am in Fort Lauderdale
6. Is your "overall " life better or worse in Florida then where you moved from? Better as far as having a job - worse when it comes to my mental state of mind....this place is sucking the life out of me
7. Would you recommend others move to Florida? Sure as long as it is not South Florida
[quote=Floridabound09;632271]The purpose of this thread is to ask the following questions.
1. Where did you come from and how long have you been in Florida
We came from Iowa two years ago.
2. What was the most important reason you moved to Florida?
To get away from snow, ice, cold weather. Also, to have an adventure since we lived in the same place most of our lives.
3. What make you pick the area you moved?
My brother had bought a house here and we visited a lot of Florida but decided to be close to him. It is more rural than I would have picked but I love it here most of the time.
4. How long did it take you to get comfortable with the move?
Immediately, but we go north in the summer.
5. If you had to do it over again would you still move, if no, would you have chosen another area in Florida?
Yes, although I might consider the Sarasota area instead of inland.
6. Is your "overall " life better or worse in Florida then where you moved from?
No, just different. It is better in that I can relax more and worse because I miss some things more that I thought I would, such as family and old friends and nice shopping close by. I love the outdoors living in the winter though, the tropical plants and birds.
7. Would you recommend others move to Florida?
Only if they love it here when they visit!
Many of us want and are looking to move to Florida and who better to ask them those who have done what we want, move from somewhere else to Florida then you guys.
Many posters on this board seem to be extremely happy with moving there, whether they moved 30 years ago or 6 months ago.
If you have any opinions/advise on anyone moving to Florida, what would they be? My young niece and two friends packed up and moved to Fort Lauderdale without ever visiting there just after graduating from college. I think it has been a hard adjustment, but jobs weren't hard to get and they love the beaches and clubs.
Friendly optomistic people who enjoy life seem to meet others like themselves and will probably enjoy the good things about where they live.
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