[shopper30]

I just moved to Ozark, Al from Punta Gorda,FL. In fact, I haven't even moved my stuff yet. The cost of living here is half of what it is in FL. It took me over $3000.00 just to get in a rental home in Fl. That didn't include electricity and water deposits. I went today to sign my lease for my house in Ozark. I spent $1300.00 for everything. I mean everything, I am set to walk in the door and live there!! It was a huge shock to me how high things were and realize now why I had so much trouble making ends meet. The schools were very nice to me when I went to check them out and were very helpful by telling me where other things were that I would need. I think this will be a very fruitful move for my children and me..I hope so anyway!! Good luck on your search and if you would like any real estate numbers i would be glad to help you out there.

[military spouse]

Originally Posted by shopper30

I just moved to Ozark, Al from Punta Gorda,FL. In fact, I haven't even moved my stuff yet. The cost of living here is half of what it is in FL. It took me over $3000.00 just to get in a rental home in Fl. That didn't include electricity and water deposits. I went today to sign my lease for my house in Ozark. I spent $1300.00 for everything. I mean everything, I am set to walk in the door and live there!! It was a huge shock to me how high things were and realize now why I had so much trouble making ends meet. The schools were very nice to me when I went to check them out and were very helpful by telling me where other things were that I would need. I think this will be a very fruitful move for my children and me..I hope so anyway!! Good luck on your search and if you would like any real estate numbers i would be glad to help you out there.

When we moved to Dothan in 1998, we were coming from Germany and didn't want to spend another night in Temporary Lodging at Ft. Rucker. We signed a contract on one of Tom West's new houses, gave a $1,000 deposit, and moved in that night. I have never seen such an honest and trusting builder. Also, property taxes were under $30/month and they picked up our trash for free. Oh, and Hubby's favorite--no deposity on electricity!!

[Keeper]

I think the reasons so many people are leaving FL are the high property taxes, insurance, crime and traffic. I left Tampa as I think a lot of seniors are now doing because of the above issues. The differences are the following a difference of only 10k less in AL.
Property taxes FL 1750.00 AL 154.00
Homeowners 2000.00 AL 475.00
There is a state income tax but if you add the 500.00 I had to pay it still doesn't come anywhere close to what I paid in FL. Also, insurance rates keep going up, if you can get homeowner's at all. My nephew's house in Ft. Lauderdale area went up $5000.00 in one year. Hope this helps

[Southlander]

Dothan public schools are excellent. Can't speak to the surrounding county systems, but many folks in "LA" (lower Alabama) have to put their kids in private schools. And for those of you counting your costs in moving from Florida, remember that Alabama levies sales taxes on almost everything, including groceries. And you're supposed to pay a "consumers use tax" on anything you buy via mail order/internet/catalog that you don't pay state sales tax on.