[Rachael84]

Originally Posted by Tarastomsgirl

I lived in th Bronx for a short stint and was born there, and go back several times a year, anywhere in Florida is PARADISE compared to there

I teach in the south Bronx...anywhere in the country is paradise compared to there lol

Like another poster said, there's lots of different areas of the northeast. You have northern NH and downstate NY; 2 totally different different areas. They might as well be different countries, lol. But northeast is better in general, hands down.

[SgtAJC]

I came down to Florida (Wellington/Boynton) in August for a job. I had retired from a NYC job and was looking for something better for my 3, 10, and 13 year old kids. The schools down here are okay but I would say not as good as the schools in Staten Island. The weather is great, great, great (did I mention the weather is great). The people for the most part are nicer. I don't think groceries, gas, or any of my bills are much less than they were in New York. That is the catch, if you are coming to Florida, come with a job or a big pension because the cost of living in Southeast Florida is not much less than New York and some things are more expensive. I miss NOTHING about New York and am starting to love it here but I will say that there is more crime down here and it seems that no matter how good the area you live, if you travel a 1/2 to 1 mile east the neighborhood becomes an area where you would not want your wife or children to break down in. Be VERY selective when picking where you want to live. It is the most important decision you will make down here.....

[hiknapster]

Originally Posted by Petertherock

Some schools in the northeast are just as bad as some schools in Florida. At least in Florida you can choose where to send you kids. You don't have that option in the North East unless you are fortunate to be able to afford private schools.

You think so?

In Lee County they call it "School Choice." That means that they choose the school, no matter what they say.

[strick1]

I agree! We live in Central New York (Syracuse), and are not thrilled with the school our kids go to. We are planning on moving to Florida before the new school year begins. Brevard County seems to have mostly "A" rated schools, so that is where we are focusing our search. Greatschools.net currently grades the school our kids go to a 6 out of 10. In Brevard County, they would go to a school that rates either 9 or 10 out of 10! We are confused about people instantly saying that Florida schools are so bad. I think it is hit or miss, like it is anywhere. You do have to do your research though.

[novanative75]

Originally Posted by Petertherock

Some schools in the northeast are just as bad as some schools in Florida. At least in Florida you can choose where to send you kids. You don't have that option in the North East unless you are fortunate to be able to afford private schools.

Of course there are bad schools everywhere but in the county I live in now, and I live in one of the wealthiest counties in Florida, even the best school is horrible compared to counties up north. The opportunities for kids are not there like there are in the northeast, I have worked both up north and in Florida schools, there is no comparison overall. I have seen the difference. An example would be the offering of foreign language, schools in the north offer 5, 6, 7 different languages, here the best school offers 2. Overall Florida education is in the toilet, sure you can choose to send your kids where you want so maybe you can get the best of the worst!

[novanative75]

Originally Posted by strick1

I agree! We live in Central New York (Syracuse), and are not thrilled with the school our kids go to. We are planning on moving to Florida before the new school year begins. Brevard County seems to have mostly "A" rated schools, so that is where we are focusing our search. Greatschools.net currently grades the school our kids go to a 6 out of 10. In Brevard County, they would go to a school that rates either 9 or 10 out of 10! We are confused about people instantly saying that Florida schools are so bad. I think it is hit or miss, like it is anywhere. You do have to do your research though.

Please be careful when you talk about school ratings and grades. A rating or grade does not make a great school. You need to know to look beyond that. Everything these days is based on test scores, I mean, we all know to take those with a grain of salt.
Please, please do not choose your child's education based on websites like Greatschools.net!

[LM1]

In the NE, you're closer to great culture (if it isn't already right next door).
Also, the schools seem to be better. You also make more money, whatever profession you're in.

Florida is warmer and there are less taxes.

[sunrico90]

Originally Posted by flburgos

can we discuss some pros and cons for both areas as i am planning to move with my family in the coming months from the northeast.

As many member mentioned before, this is very difficult to compare. I will suggest as another member asked to provide specific cities/towns and you can get more tailored responses.


Like many of the members, I also lived in NYC and visited a large number of cities in the northeast cost. All areas have pros/cons and Florida is not the exception. The desires or needs of your family are the ones that need to be satisfied. Now define does desires or needs and you will get more specific answers.

Best of luck...

[AJ1972]

High property taxes and sales tax

You have some great information from posters. Thumbs up.
I just wanted to chime inhere on the high sales tax. Isn't our sales tax 6% all over the state. I live in SE Florida, so I don't know about Orlando. But 6% doesn't seem high to me.

[momix5]

Just moved to Fla, came from Long Island, the schools in my area are much better than where I was on Long Island. My electric bill for December was 170.00 and I had the pool filter on for 24 hours straight to straighten it out. My last oil delivery on LI was 800.00 and it lasted two months, then my electric bill was 320.00 and water bill for two months was 125.00 compared to 40 in Fla for two months. Is Fla paradise maybe not but my property taxes are 2500.00 a year here, for 1 acre of property and they were 8,400 in LI for less than 1/2 and acre. My friend lives IN Port Saint Lucie and has had a similar experience since she moved, we were both from the same schools on Long Island. I am trying to say to pay those king of taxes on LOng Island for a horrible school district just is not worth it to me.