[richard222]

Wife and I are interested in looking into the Florence, Al. area. We are coming from the Northwest and am a little concerned about the weather differences between here and there. I suppose we would get acclimated, but I do not like the heavy humidity. Maybe we could go on vacation during that time of the year. My son lives in nearby Tennessee, so that is the main reason we are looking in the area. We are retiring next year and would like to keep a house close to my son and travel several months out of the year. We love Mexico. I really like the tax laws for retirement income and the low property taxes in Al. Real Estate also seems very low priced to us after living here. We plan on making a visit to see about the area come this next February. Any Northwest transplants living there that would like to clue me in to the local culture, please do! Florence area would be close to my son, but also would like to hear if any of you have other suggestions. A little extra drive to see them would be o.k. Thanks for any help you can give.

[Southlander]

If you want to see if you can stand the hot 'n' humid weather, come on down right now! Highs in the 100s, heat index upwards of 115...or higher. Humidity is fairly low right now because it's so dry. But the other evening, it rained hard here in my Decatur neighborhood about 6 p.m. Steamy - literally - after that.

[Copper1272]

Originally Posted by richard222

Wife and I are interested in looking into the Florence, Al. area. We are coming from the Northwest and am a little concerned about the weather differences between here and there. I suppose we would get acclimated, but I do not like the heavy humidity. Maybe we could go on vacation during that time of the year. My son lives in nearby Tennessee, so that is the main reason we are looking in the area. We are retiring next year and would like to keep a house close to my son and travel several months out of the year. We love Mexico. I really like the tax laws for retirement income and the low property taxes in Al. Real Estate also seems very low priced to us after living here. We plan on making a visit to see about the area come this next February. Any Northwest transplants living there that would like to clue me in to the local culture, please do! Florence area would be close to my son, but also would like to hear if any of you have other suggestions. A little extra drive to see them would be o.k. Thanks for any help you can give.

Being from the Northwest myself, Couer delene, Id I was recently in Florence in the last 2 weeks. I live in south Florida now which is extremely humid and thought to myself that the heat reminded me of up home. It is a touch humid but nothing like the area I live in now. Florence is a pretty town and we were told that the city itself was starting to cater to retirees in general. I really loved it there and there were alot of blooming flowers and such which also reminded me of home. Plenty of water and fishing as well. Hope this helps, we are relocting into that area (northern Alabama) at the beginning of 08'. I agree with Southlander that it would be wise to visit during the hot months just to be sure. Everything in general is air conditioned where as I know alot of places in the northwest are not.

[pacnwgirl]

My husband and I are visiting Florence in Sept. Have really researched the area and have heard lots of good things about Florence. We are semi-retiring in late 08 or early 09.
Whar part of the NW are you from????

[jciz4u]

The humidity in NW AL is really high. Who said we humans can't breathe underwater? Ha!

[ymp54]

Originally Posted by Copper1272

Being from the Northwest myself, Couer delene, Id I was recently in Florence in the last 2 weeks. I live in south Florida now which is extremely humid and thought to myself that the heat reminded me of up home. It is a touch humid but nothing like the area I live in now. Florence is a pretty town and we were told that the city itself was starting to cater to retirees in general. I really loved it there and there were alot of blooming flowers and such which also reminded me of home. Plenty of water and fishing as well. Hope this helps, we are relocting into that area (northern Alabama) at the beginning of 08'. I agree with Southlander that it would be wise to visit during the hot months just to be sure. Everything in general is air conditioned where as I know alot of places in the northwest are not.

I am curious, did you relocate early 08 and how do you like Florence area? Any negatives?

[Cant_decide!]

Yeah, I would like to know the same, because I hate it here.
I believe it's a nice place if you are retired, conservative, religious, or not very ambitious about college. Oh, and you have to like football.

[KMK]

Having spent time in NY I can say you most likely will not like the humidity in NW Alabama. The heat does not bother me at all so I can deal with it but if you are not used to the humidity you will suffer. Ironically because of the hum you will find our winter months of Jan Feb and a good portion of March to be bone chilling because it is a wet cold. Granted we have not had a drop of rain since probably May ,it is now a dust bowl. I love the Cant decide description. It is right on !! After our economy bottomed out approx 8 years ago there has been an attempt to turn this into a retirement community. Most of our youth, with the exception of the non ambitious as described above have exited. (not youth friendly) If you like to fish or play golf you might find it somewhat enjoyable? Otherwise there is absolutely nothing here to do!! Any fun to be had will require a very long boring 3 hour drive to Memphis, Birmingham, or Nashville. Thee only nice store here is Target. Unless you relish Walmart shopping. It is true you do get more house for your money, but you better like staying at home because you will be desperate for much else to do. And true property taxes are low. But food prices. gas prices, clothing(taxed), sales taxes, are all equal to or above the national average. So in reality it evens out. And one final word of caution, granted there may be attempts to make this a retirement community but folks are not particularly warm to transplants beyond the formalities. This is the land of extended families beyond your wildest dreams and not much need of new,close friendships with any depth. If you strike a true retirement, transient style community(I do not know of one in the area ) perhaps other transplants might be more open to developing friendships with more depth. Lastly if you plan to travel then that might not bother you but we have experienced a tremendous influx of property theft in recent years and leaving an empty home yet alone an occupied one might be a target. I will be glad to assist you with any further questions you might have. Good Luck!!

[marmac]

KMK says regarding cost of living--------"So in reality it evens out"

Cost of living indexes take into account everything you mentioned and it is still ranked low in cost of living compared to the national average.

[jsherman9901]

I think Florence is a great little town. There are numerous great non-chain restaurants, some really good shopping (who needs malls anyway), museums, galleries, the university, and a lot of outdoor activities available.