[clevelind]

I have read many of the comments regarding relocation to Florida and its really scaring me. I have planned for the last 8 years to move to Florida, and now I'm not as sure. I love Florida, and what it has to offer in comparision to where I live. I live in upstate New York, school taxes, land taxes are very very high, gas, insurance, shopping is outragious. The town I live in has few stores, I need to drive one hour to be able to shop. Now the worst thing I find is the snow, I am stuck in the house for 7 months of the winter, I hate the snow and cold, driving anywhere is hazerdous, the heating oil is almost 3 dollors a gallon, I spend at least 4-5 thousand a year on heating. I have been to florida many times and I am excited to go everytime as if it was the first time. Every place has its ups and downs, for example a few years back we were without electricity in the winter for a week, because of the Ice storms we have here. NO heat, no cooking, no lights, really difficult. Florida has so much to offer, weather, activities, shopping just the availability is wonderful. My sister is a retired RN and she now lives in Punta Guarda and loves it. There are changes to accept but I believe the trade off is worth it.

[grammy164]

I've been reading all the negative comments too. I've even lived many of them since I've been here. The thing is--you find the same comments on all the forums--Florida isn't unique with it's problems.
Tomorrow my husband and I are going to Cocoa Beach. Never been there before. Each month we plan a day trip because there are so many things to see and do in Florida. That's what makes it unique.
Here and everywhere we just have to make sure we vote the right people into office to correct all problems we're having. I indend on doing that. Until then, I'm enjoying all the wonderful things in Florida. Come on down--I think you'll love it!

[pianogal]

Don't give up on your dream! Not everything in Florida is negative. Considering what you're already dealing with, it doesn't sound like Florida would be any more expensive AND you wouldn't be housebound 7 months of the year - unless you can't take humidity. I must admit this time of the year, I try to do any outside chores in the mornings.

There's alot of variety in Florida depending on the area you choose to live. We were recently on the west coast, Homossasa and Cedar Key, we drove for miles and saw nothing...if you drive just a little further south on the west coast...St. Petersburg, Clearwater area...you see urban sprawl for miles and miles. Florida is a BIG state...you can find most anything you want...from the rural towns of the Panhandle to the more cosmopolitan urban Miami/West Palm Beach/Ft. Lauderdale area.

[rkumar3]

FLorida is BEAUTIFUL and I wouldn't trade it for anything. Tell us a bit more about yourself... what are looking for in a place, your line of work, your housing budget, you intend to buy/rent etc and I am sure we can help you further. I live in Delray Beach (Palm Beach county) and love it here. It has everything from a small town living to being part of a big metro, wonderful downtown (right by the beach), that reminds me lovely beaches, arts, retaurtants, night life etc...

Good luck

[MrTudo]

It's Punta Gorda not Punta Guarda and there's no comparison between NJ and Fla. If you are fearful of Fla please stay in NJ. Thank you

[clevelind]

Mr. Tudo,
I wanted to say thank you for the spelling error on the name. I wanted to let you know I am not from NJ I am from upstate NY, thank you once again.

[LuvOldFlorida]

Fla has benefits and problems just like anywhere else. If you don’t like upstate NY, don’t expect to like FL after the honeymoon phase wears off. FL is becoming more like NY every day.

Here are come comparisons to your complaints about NY:

1. Taxes: NY’s average property tax is $40 per $1,000 according to http://www.bcnys.org/whatsnew/2006/0426propertytax.htm. FL’s average is $15 (varying widely by county), and is “doubling in 15 counties if this year's increases are approved after public hearings next month, according to an analysis of local tax data by the South Florida Sun-Sentinel.”

2. Energy prices are some higher in NY, but not much. For example, the average gasoline prices for 8/06 are NY $3.028, FL $2.869, difference of 16 cents. If you use 100 gallons a month, you’ll spend $16 more in NY. I calculated other energy costs and found similar results.

3. We’ve all been without electricity for weeks during hurricanes. I had no power for a month after hurricane Charley in the 95+ heat, 100% humidity. Everything molded and smelled horrible for a year afterwards.

4. Tropical problems such as excessive heat and humidity, mosquitoes, red tide, alligators, shark attacks, etc. can trap you in your home for months at a time as well. Now there’s a resurgence of malaria in FL, too!

FL used to be the paradise you've heard about, but the problems are moving in right along with the population. And why put so much energy into searching for greener pastures for tomorrow when you can enjoy today? Just some food for thought…

[Smithkl04]

I use to live in Florida & I miss it very much, but I'm starting not to miss it that much anymore. Everytime we go back we see how much the state has developed & it's so populated & the pay is crappy compared to other states (my husband makes double working in the Juvenile system (he has 3 degrees) compared to what he got when we lived in Florida). The insurance is sky high due to the hurricanes, but there is alot to do which I love (beaches, malls, theme parks)

To me, Florida is better off as a vacation spot than a place that I would live in again.

[pedro098]

well i live in orlando in florida and the school taxes are good and you don't have to pay for heating, ie. it is never cold, so i suggest to cleveland that at your earliest convenience you move to florida! what exactly is holding you back? is it kids or work? if you base your planning around those two hurdles you may find the transition a little more smooth! And i don't agree with Smithk, there are many places in florida which are still sparcely populated, and if you are in the right industry you will get the national average. however with the hurricaines, i guess you are very right in mentioning high insurance!

[sami]

I am from New Jersey and have lived in Puerto Rico before coming to Florida. Every place has its good and bad points......and you mentioned several reasons I left NJ.....I hate cold and snow for one thing..... Yes there are hurricanes, but there are ways to prepare....and what kinds of house to buy (cement with good roofs and some kind of protection for windows) and where (non-flood, non-evacation zones)...........................Things have gotten pricier, but if you can live in NY state...... The schools are not great, but, hey you can educate your kids in them..... I've seen worse..... If you can, I would research where I would want to live in Florida--I did and picked the St. Petersburg area and am quite satisfied with my choice--and get up some start up money, then come on down. There are loads of apartments.......from tiny working class places starting at maybe $450 to bigger 2 bedroom places starting at $600-$700 in nice areas and even on the beach...... Just come here, rent a cheaper place to start, get a job, and then check out the local scenery. Get to know the area..... See if you like it. You are not making an irreversable decision....you can move elsewhere........ Try it, you may like it. Peace.