Relocate to..Arizona or Florida...opinions? (Phoenix, Tucson: relocating, transplants, tornado)

[SirenSong71]

Okay currently I live in PA. My hubby is a fire-fighter/emt. We're sick of the taxes spiraling out of control here, the astronomical price of housing and the weather. We long to lose our winter gear and opt for shorts most of the year. Two small children (below school age). I posted this thread on the Florida forum and y'all won't believe the slug-fest it turned into (don't know why) and the nasty things said about AZ in general. My brother lives there, (Chandler area) is originally from NJ and absolutely loves it.

What do you think? Arizona...or Florida?

I love to read your opinions

Thanks!

[Annie31]

I live in Florida and alot of people here are wanting to leave and move somewhere else with less crime, better schools, lower cost of living, less traffic. My Inlaws live in Tucson, Arizona and been there for about 10yrs now and we been to visit a few times out there and it was really nice. I have no idea what the crime is or anything else going on in that area. But, my inlaws say they would never come back here to Florida to live and love it there in Tucson,AZ. If you are considering Florida, where are you looking at, in what area? I can probaly help you out, I lived down here for 25yrs and so has my husband. I will try to help you out if you have any queshtions about Florida. Just ask away!

[sheena]

Originally Posted by SirenSong71

Okay currently I live in PA. My hubby is a fire-fighter/emt. We're sick of the taxes spiraling out of control here, the astronomical price of housing and the weather. We long to lose our winter gear and opt for shorts most of the year. Two small children (below school age). I posted this thread on the Florida forum and y'all won't believe the slug-fest it turned into (don't know why) and the nasty things said about AZ in general. My brother lives there, (Chandler area) is originally from NJ and absolutely loves it.

What do you think? Arizona...or Florida?

I love to read your opinions

Thanks!

If your choices are those 2 do you really feel like dealing with huricanes and tornados. Do you really like the beach? If you answered no to all those than Phoenix is your place.

[SirenSong71]

Originally Posted by Annie31

I live in Florida and alot of people here are wanting to leave and move somewhere else with less crime, better schools, lower cost of living, less traffic. My Inlaws live in Tucson, Arizona and been there for about 10yrs now and we been to visit a few times out there and it was really nice. I have no idea what the crime is or anything else going on in that area. But, my inlaws say they would never come back here to Florida to live and love it there in Tucson,AZ. If you are considering Florida, where are you looking at, in what area? I can probaly help you out, I lived down here for 25yrs and so has my husband. I will try to help you out if you have any queshtions about Florida. Just ask away!

Thank you for being kind. Your post was the only one though. That's a sad representation of people in AZ on this board to say the least.

We're looking at the Winter Haven/Lakeland area. I know people say FL doesn't have the greatest schools, but we are looking for the best in that area.

Whatever info you have will be greatly appreciated and once again, thank you so much for your help.

[SirenSong71]

Originally Posted by sheena

If your choices are those 2 do you really feel like dealing with huricanes and tornados. Do you really like the beach? If you answered no to all those than Phoenix is your place.

Thanks for your help. No the hurricanes freak me out but then so do scorpions. I do like the beach but prefer a nice sparking pool over a beach anyday. (No sharks)

[Steve-o]

In AZ you wont be able to wear shorts year round, winters are alot nicer than PA, but you can experience snow and freezing temps more often than you think. If you want shorts year round, move to Florida (southern FL that is). Then youll have to deal with hurricanes.

[sheena]

Originally Posted by SirenSong71

Thanks for your help. No the hurricanes freak me out but then so do scorpions. I do like the beach but prefer a nice sparking pool over a beach anyday. (No sharks)

I've lived there a long time 19 years and have never seen a scorpion but to be fair I know many, many, many people that have. It's hit or miss it really is. I say AZ for you.

[jhlcomp]

We're always hoping that it's greener on the other side :-). I live in south Florida and wonder about moving to AZ.

I like AZ and visit often enough. We are going back out to see if it is for us. There was a thread some time back and the person provided such an excellent list for newcomers - I wish I could find it again.

PS. I believe it was Gretchen B who wrote that thread.

[Annie31]

I am not to sure about the Lakeland area/WinterHaven area, if I were you, I would post a thread over in the Florida area and see if some of the locals that live there can tell you more about it. I lived in Pine Hills, Apopka, Mt.Dora areas and I know about everything around the Downtown Orlando areas. There are tons to do down here with kids, you got theme parks, beaches and tons of other things to do. It does get pretty hot in the summers, I think if you can get through the first year then you will be fine, it will be a big change if you have never felt the Florida summers before. I just would recomend you do some research on the areas you are looking into, there is alot of crime down here in Florida, the taxes & insurance is very high and traffic is bad. It just depends on the area. I would say to make sure you visit Florida once or twice before you make a move and do plenty of research. We have been living in the Lake County area for the last 6 yrs and have had no problems at all.

[SirenSong71]

Originally Posted by Annie31

I am not to sure about the Lakeland area/WinterHaven area, if I were you, I would post a thread over in the Florida area and see if some of the locals that live there can tell you more about it. I lived in Pine Hills, Apopka, Mt.Dora areas and I know about everything around the Downtown Orlando areas. There are tons to do down here with kids, you got theme parks, beaches and tons of other things to do. It does get pretty hot in the summers, I think if you can get through the first year then you will be fine, it will be a big change if you have never felt the Florida summers before. I just would recomend you do some research on the areas you are looking into, there is alot of crime down here in Florida, the taxes & insurance is very high and traffic is bad. It just depends on the area. I would say to make sure you visit Florida once or twice before you make a move and do plenty of research. We have been living in the Lake County area for the last 6 yrs and have had no problems at all.

I would love to ask questions about relocating to Fl on the Fl board, too. The info you just gave sirensong is very helpful for me as well. I would stay away from the FL board though. Those people really hate transplants..wow! So many negative posts about them. My post would be eaten alive!!!!