Thinking about moving. (Miami, Tampa, Orlando: rent , jobs, housing)

[rvizi35]

I currently live in Michigan and looking to leave the state. Our economy isn't the greatest right now. I am in wood flooring and the market is dead. The only jobs there are is medial jobs that do not pay to live. If I a super degee and experience in that field I would have a great job. The state has bread a land of instability and rudeness over the past year. I am wondering if the flooring market is doing Ok in central or southern florida. I understand the economy is bad everywhere but I think Michigan needs a time out to decide where it is going. Everyone I know is worried about their job or has lost it. Starting a business is close to impossible. If someone could shed some light on the state of florida for me that would be greatly appreciated. Please only post if you have good info. I realize every state has its problems. I can see alot of people in florida do not have a lot of good things to say but remember, people reach out to get advice to make their life somewhat better. Not to have negativity hold them back. I am lloking in the central Orlando area or farther south. Please help

[TriMT7]

If you're in wood flooring, be careful about where you go to work. Many places are flooded with illegal immigrants who WILL undercut what you would expect for a wage.

[kmtjss]

Labor here is very tight right now. I work for one of the better contractors down here and were very lucky to have work. I estimate in the office and i'm bidding on jobs that usually have 3 bidders now they have 10. Jobs are being taken under cost just to keep in business. It will change in another year or 2 but right now it is hard. We have people applying every day at our shop and they are desperate. A lot of people moving to the Carolinas because they seem to have the work right now. Plus it's cheaper there than here. I like Florida but if it was my choice I would go back to Austin Texas. Half the price to live and a great place to raise a family.Houses here in Florida 5 years ago for 80 K are now in the 300 K with no land and high taxes. I hope it changes but again it will be a couple years before we see a change for the good. Than again if we get hit with another huricane than everyone will be moving.
Good Luck. A lot of people down here from where your from in the same boat.

[rvizi35]

If the flooring industry is down along with construction, what field of work is a paying field right now? I might have to re adjust my career if the housing industry doesn't pick up. Thanks for the replies so far.

[Lilybeans]

Anything to do with building or construction is down in Florida. Nurses are usually in demand.

[rvizi35]

What are good areas in florida to live as far as economical and somewhat safe? Looking to rent , not buy in this economy. Central or southern Florida?

[compelled to reply]

Originally Posted by rvizi35

What are good areas in florida to live as far as economical and somewhat safe? Looking to rent , not buy in this economy. Central or southern Florida?

What's "economical"? And also, do you mind living in an area with 5+ million people? I wouldn't recommend the Orlando or Miami area. The better places to be are around the Tampa area (South Tampa, Safety Harbor, Brandon, etc),large parts of SW Florida, Martin County, Vero Beach,and parts of the Ft. Lauderdale (Coral Springs, Davie, Pembroke Pines, etc) and Palm Beach County (Jupiter, Wellington, etc) area for safety.