[joyoma]

Relocated to large urban area in FL quite some time ago due to unexpected circumstances or would never have left Foley-Gulf Shores area. All of you who live there, enjoy and appreciate that unique small town atmosphere. You have NO idea how much I miss it and what I wouldn't give to return. Life here is the absolute PITS....traffic, third world atmosphere, high property taxes and impossible insurances. One of these days I shall return!! That is a promise I have made to myself.

[Ocuri]

On a side note, is the Gulf Shores area for the younger generation.... perhaps for someone in their 20s? I have a retired great uncle there but he's in his 70s and I've never visited, thinking about it though.

Employment opportunity?

[Keeper]

Gulf Shores only employement would be hotel/restaurant or retail. Foley has a little more but it depends on what type of work you are looking for.

To the OP, I can understand how you feel. I lived in Tpa and it is so different than Foley area. Good Luck..

[harry chickpea]

I feel your pain.

We lived in FL for twenty years, and missed AL all twenty of them. South FL had some perqs, but even those have been disappearing. I can't imagine going back to FL with it the way it is now.

[MsMuir]

I understand your pain!! We had to back to FL for the Thanksgiving holiday..trying to sell our home there so we can stay in AL...it was so hot and humid..even now..mosquitoe bites. red ant bites...and yes, the property taxes are now due! They are HUGE! Traffic was a mess the whole time....our house is on the Central Coast....am praying we find a buyer. Will see what the new agent can do.....

Wishing you the best of luck........

[leavin_florida]

I agree traffic was horrid = our 11 hour trip back from Huntsville turned into 14.

My daughters and I are joining my husband for good in Huntsville in December. After our Thanksgiving visit up there - I'm wondering what I've gotten myself into. I tried to be positive, but kept finding myself saying "If I can just get through the winter." Maybe it is because it was overcast up north and today is beautiful in Florida, but I find myself very sad to be leaving Florida now. The grass is still green, my favorite gopher tortoise is out back chomping on grass and the weather is just perfect.

We need to sell our house too - I wish anyone trying to do the same in Florida the best of luck.

[Capt. Dan]

"sweet Home Alabama.where The Skies Are So Blue!..............

[leavin_florida]

Maybe I just needed some extra sleep after my long drive. Florida is muggy. At least in Huntsville I was comfortable with a coat outside.

[Alatex]

is the Gulf Shores area for the younger generation.... perhaps for someone in their 20s? I have a retired great uncle there but he's in his 70s and I've never visited, thinking about it though.

By all means, visit ! I own a condo there, and love visiting. It is mostly
a quiet beach town with really beautiful beaches, not nearly so crowded as much of Florida or even up the Atlantic coast, generally geared toward families and retirees, rather than the rowdier or trendier types. Employment opportunities might be somewhat limited, but the retail sector is growing, it's not a bad place to open a small business of your own if you're young and energetic, and if you're willing to commute (<25 miles to Pensacola, < 50 to Mobile+eastern shore) there's a decent range of other kinds of jobs.