[sag12]

I am a 38 year old mother of a 16 year old boy with severe Autism. I live in NH and am so sick of the weather and certain drama in my life and looking for a change. I am hoping for info on the cost of living and where would be a good place in Florida to look into. I currently have housing assistance here and live in my son's SSI. I can work but my hours are very limited. I would be looking for a small apartment with utilities included and where I could have my pets. Any info on how to go about this would be great. I have never been anywhere or moved away from this state but really want to! Thanks.

[vtallison]

You may want to use the search feature as I remember folks talking about the subject of Autism.

I am in VT and can't wait to move South!

[matzoman]

St Augustine is a very nice town on the east coast of Florida you might want to look into. It is near Jacksonville. It is not too expensive and St Augustine has very walkable streets near Flagler University. Many historical sites relating to the first Spaniards that landed there are common.

[blueherons]

Originally Posted by sag12

I am a 38 year old mother of a 16 year old boy with severe Autism. I live in NH and am so sick of the weather and certain drama in my life and looking for a change. I am hoping for info on the cost of living and where would be a good place in Florida to look into. I currently have housing assistance here and live in my son's SSI. I can work but my hours are very limited. I would be looking for a small apartment with utilities included and where I could have my pets. Any info on how to go about this would be great. I have never been anywhere or moved away from this state but really want to! Thanks.

If I were you, I'd plan a trip to Florida in August. While you might be tired of the long winters in New Hampshire, the long hot summers here are too much for a lot of people. Keep in mind that it does NOT cool down at night and the humidity can be brutal.

Start planning your trip now and doing research on cities that might work for you and your son.

Good luck and Godspeed!!

[RMD3819]

Your starting point needs to be services for your son.

Florida has a poor support system for special needs.

Maybe someone can chime in on where the best areas for special needs are.

[HarryWho?]

I hate to be a downer but Florida will undoubtedly put you in worse straits than you are now.

[kyle19125]

Originally Posted by sag12

I am a 38 year old mother of a 16 year old boy with severe Autism. I live in NH and am so sick of the weather and certain drama in my life and looking for a change. I am hoping for info on the cost of living and where would be a good place in Florida to look into. I currently have housing assistance here and live in my son's SSI. I can work but my hours are very limited. I would be looking for a small apartment with utilities included and where I could have my pets. Any info on how to go about this would be great. I have never been anywhere or moved away from this state but really want to! Thanks.

I agree with RMD, this is not the state for special needs children as the state can barely contain themselves from cutting services there year after year.

From an article on CBS News..."In 2011, nonprofit advocacy group Autism Speaks conducted a social media survey of 848 members of the autism community from 48 states and Washington D.C., about the quality and accessibility - among other factors - of supports and services where they lived. Texas, Virginia, Tennessee, Ohio, Florida, Michigan and California had the most negative responders."

South Carolina ranks pretty highly for autistic services (best in the South at #16) and has a similar milder climate (a bit cooler in the winter) and similar cost of living. Check out Columbia, the state capital and home of the state university. Columbia, South Carolina - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

[gypsychic]

Originally Posted by sag12

I am a 38 year old mother of a 16 year old boy with severe Autism. I live in NH and am so sick of the weather and certain drama in my life and looking for a change. I am hoping for info on the cost of living and where would be a good place in Florida to look into. I currently have housing assistance here and live in my son's SSI. I can work but my hours are very limited. I would be looking for a small apartment with utilities included and where I could have my pets. Any info on how to go about this would be great. I have never been anywhere or moved away from this state but really want to! Thanks.

Take the others advice and stay put. It would be far too difficult to get what you seek here. I wish you all the best.

[TXRyan23]

Originally Posted by kyle19125

From an article on CBS News..."In 2011, nonprofit advocacy group Autism Speaks conducted a social media survey of 848 members of the autism community from 48 states and Washington D.C., about the quality and accessibility - among other factors - of supports and services where they lived. Texas, Virginia, Tennessee, Ohio, Florida, Michigan and California had the most negative responders."

Ironic that most of those states quoted are high population states, especially states 1, 2, and 4 in total population.

[OptimusPrime69]

Originally Posted by HarryWho?

I hate to be a downer but Florida will undoubtedly put you in worse straits than you are now.

I agree.

I dont think the sunshine and palm trees will cure your drama and ur issues that ur having up north. That's such a false thought-process that millions have had before you.

I call fort Lauderdale sometimes..... "the BLVD of broken dreams"/
People come down for some new scenery, sunshine, warmth, palm trees and what they get is debt, scammed, and often times get themselves in a worse situation than what they left at home. At least at home u have some family as a support system, etc. . . where as in FL a palm tree will not support you when you've just been burglarized cuz u live in section 8 housing cuz u have no job or money.