Where are all the Floridians going? (Miami, Boca Raton: relocate, insurance, for sale)

[s01]

I just sold my condo and will be looking forward to moving out of state. I am a native Floridian as is my husband. We have both noticed a significant decline in the quality of life Florida has to offer. I'm sure it's great for younger folks, single folks, etc. But for families, and those looking to start a family- I'm not sure this a as wholesome or the best we could do for the quality of life we want. In selling my condo for more then I paid for it, the taxes on it will jump from the 1600 a year that I paid (with no land associated with it mind you- just the cement pad), to 3500 a year for the new owner. On top of that the monthly association fees are going up to 325$ a month from 225$ a month. We'll be saving thousands by renting rather then owning. Property is a great investment- but the taxes will kill ya. I can't imagine the mortgage these folks will be paying on the condo.
Most of the other concerns we have are already mentioned in here- so won't continue to bore you all. Perhaps if things stabilize and become realistic and the quality of living is something we see as an asset- perhaps one day we will move back. Somehow, I don't think so though....

[Stargazing Lisa]

and the facts remain the same, the taxes, insurance, increased rates, paying for hurricane damage, are still facts of life in Southern Florida. Due to the real estate slump, it looks like I'll be stuck here for awhile.

Now onto the subject of the Hispanic immigrants who refuse to learn/speak English. My grandmother came from an area in Europe that kept being warred over...so she, of necessity, spoke 8 languages. BUT when she came to America in the 1890's she learned English. To be sure she and my grandfather and occasionally my mother spoke another language when they didn't want the kids to understand- or in speaking to one another. BUT THEY LEARNED AND SPOKE ENGLISH.

What we are really talking about here is the ILLEGAL hispanics who refuse to learn or dont care about speaking English.

As for the rabbi who thinks Americans only speak English, my friend, perhaps you need a little education. When I went to school everyone had to take another language as part of the curriculum. And when I go to another country I at least attempt to speak to them in the language of their country, or as close a facsmilie as I can make it.

I have been reading all 20 threads here...and I do have another comment to make. Yes there are northerners and people from other states coming here. I'm one of them. But when some of you complain that they don't know Southern hospitality, you don't corner the market on hospitality. The north is made up of small towns also, where it is common to bring over a cake, or a bottle of wine, or something to greet and introduce yourself to the new neighbors. You may never do anything but wave at them and say hello, again, but country/suburban folk are friendly. You have thrown "nawtherners" into one big catch-all. It's not a matter of nawhterners. It's a matter of city people vs country people.

Just thought I'd do a bit of straightening up here

[dreamofmonterey]

Originally Posted by tallrick

I think it would be nice to make a database of all the positive and negative aspect in each state where Floridians have gone. Compare things like income, expenses, taxes, natural disasters, and so on. This site has a lot of comments on different states, but a master list would be nice. My ideal state would have no property tax, no mass migration, and as few rules as possible. Plenty of rain, lots of open space , and no gated communities, or zoning restrictions. Kind of like the old west but without the heat and lack of water. Too bad no such place exists anywhere on earth anymore.

Yes. To the above poster as well, there is good and bad in all places. People come here and complain about the area too. Re: gated communities- many people move from NY, thinking they are an improvement. To many they are not. Too cookie cutter- who wants to have the exact same house and mailbox? Something in between the city and country. I love my property and house now, but still miss the beach, but would NEVER live in a gated community again.

[hiknapster]

Originally Posted by bamboosmom

They come down here and think that they should be first everywhere.
They yell at the people who work in the stores and restaurants.
Pushy pushy people, I say. The majority of snowbirds where I live are from Michigan. They don't have much of a sense of humor either.
Ugh!

That sums up the snowbirds in SW Florida. Just a miserable bunch of folks. And to the person that said they help the economy I say, "Pshaw!"

If it weren't for these folks the housing wouldn't have gone sky high. Then we could have our minimum wage jobs but still have a roof over our heads.

Interesting that BamboosMom is moving out and I'm long gone from SW Florida. I remember that when I lived there they were all complaining about service. I bet they have less now!

[dreamofmonterey]

lol- hiknapster-

reminds me of this famous quote ..."They will do the jobs Americans will no longer do"

Who are "they" and why are all the low paying service jobs so easily created in Florida. Call centers are only built up in depressed areas- Thats why so many of them are in Florida.

[SunshineState]

Talking about all the "Snowbirds" .....As a hobby I enjoy going to garage sales on the weekends. I have to STOP in the winter because I am nearly run off the road by the northerners who are very rude and pushy at the sales. I went to one few weeks ago on my way home from an errand and was literally pushed out of the way by someone from Michigan reaching for an item on the table. He also rudly said if he had seen what I had bought before I bought it, it would have been "HIS" I simply commented it will look very nice in "MY" bathroom! I don't mind that the northerners like to enjoy great winters here and do realize they are a large part of our economy but they must remember they are "guests" to this state and don't "own" the roads and can be pushy to those of us who live here "all" year round. Thanks for letting me vent on that one!

[hiknapster]

I am the queen of the call centers, so I know what you mean!

I also hate the way the snowbirds complain all the time about how where they are from is SO MUCH BETTER. You want to tell these ignorant idiots to just go back.

Do you know when I complained about Florida? When I got out of the place. Looked at my husband as said, "Boy, did that place s---!"

[dreamofmonterey]

Originally Posted by hiknapster

I am the queen of the call centers, so I know what you mean!

I also hate the way the snowbirds complain all the time about how where they are from is SO MUCH BETTER. You want to tell these ignorant idiots to just go back.

Do you know when I complained about Florida? When I got out of the place. Looked at my husband as said, "Boy, did that place s---!"

lol if you check the Disney thread here- boy talk about defensive. Well for them I guess they felt the luxury of complaining, knowing they do not have to live in Florida all year 'round.

The other thread ended up w/someone railing on me bcs I was originally from up north ALL THIS PROVES things will continue to get worse in Florida- this is just a forum and look how people act!!! I worked in a Hollywood Law Office and one atty had a great point she said "cant we all just get along?"-and everyone burst out laughing- (meanwhile no one wanted to work in the front office bcs English was not spoken there-lol)

[Russel]

Originally Posted by BarbieGirl

I have noticed a huge trend of Floridians that have lived in FL 5+ years are looking to leave. Where are all of you relocating to and why?

Some are going to Panama City, Panama - Central America. It is a wonderful place.

[hiknapster]

I saw that thread, SunnyHelena! I stuck up for you and told that lady off.

She said that there aren't many retirees, but she is one. Also, does not see what we are complaining about, but she has owned her Florida home since the 70s.

It is funny on the different forums how they will say something that shows their true colors.

Like on the Tennessee forum I will say that the natives don't like Northeasterners. There will always be someone that shows up, says that I am completely wrong, but doesn't EVERYONE hate those Northeasterners, anyway?

Hilarious!!!!!!