[Shoegal1075]

John - I can 100% tell you that is a fact!

[GLS2010]

FL is a great place to live. I love it here. It offers big city amenities in a suburban environent, and the weather in my opinion is much better than anything up north. there's no way I could live in grey cold days for 7 months out of the year. I don't dont enjoy outdoor activities unless it's 70+

[BabyBoomers2]

Moved to Jax last January 09 from the Charlotte, NC area where we lived for a year. Before that, we spent 5 1/2 years just south of Denver, CO. Should have moved here directly from CO, but was sort of scared about the talk we heard dealing with gators and hurricanes, so we went to NC. NC/Charlotte area just wasn't our "cup of tea", wife got laid off from her job, we made a trip to Jax for a week to look for an apt and found one.
Living in CO was cool, but after having a hip replacement and rotator cuff/shoulder surgery (from a fall in ice/snow), we knew we just couldn't stay living in CO anymore. We love boating/fishing and there is plenty of water for that in Jax and all over Florida. We don't have to shovel snow or drive in "white-out" conditions anymore......thank you Lord, thank you!!
The employment situation here is our only downfall, but both of us are continuing to work hard on that.
Other than employment, we love it here!

[GAisGreat]

I'm in the camp of wanting to move to FLA. We live in a great place now, but just absolutely love Florida. Tampa or Jax area. Have considered maybe Naples or Miami area, but the severe hurricanes scare us away from Miami, and the horrendous job market away from Naples.

Having visited FLA many many times, its a great place. Just really sucks the job market is so unstable :-(

[Moderate Guy]

Originally Posted by GAisGreat

I'm in the camp of wanting to move to FLA. We live in a great place now, but just absolutely love Florida. Tampa or Jax area. Have considered maybe Naples or Miami area, but the severe hurricanes scare us away from Miami, and the horrendous job market away from Naples.

Having visited FLA many many times, its a great place. Just really sucks the job market is so unstable :-(

The job situation can really be a deal breaker...it was for me even though I'm a degreed accountant as the major of two occupations I presently pursue. A City Data friend has been trying real hard to move down to S. Florida but the job prospects sometimes cast a shadow on her enthusiasm.

There's a saying that "a rising tide lifts all boats"...maybe when the national economy kicks back into gear, prospects will be better for those who so want to relocate there.

[GAisGreat]

Originally Posted by Moderate Guy

The job situation can really be a deal breaker...it was for me even though I'm a degreed accountant as the major of two occupations I presently pursue. A City Data friend has been trying real hard to move down to S. Florida but the job prospects sometimes cast a shadow on her enthusiasm.

There's a saying that "a rising tide lifts all boats"...maybe when the national economy kicks back into gear, prospects will be better for those who so want to relocate there.

Yeah before this economic mess started I always figured Florida was one of those states that would be one to be able to weather bad economies, closer to Texas on the economic survival scale than to Michigan. But it looks like I was completely wrong...That more so than anything has me wondering if we really should move to FL, if long-term it would be a good idea if the economy isn't that solid there.

[TANaples]

Originally Posted by JohnVosilla

A vast generalization but I'm sure many living up there would say the same thing about your beloved NYC. The trouble is with those expecting 'paradise' will solve their problems when they come here But change is good and helps you find a new positive energy or aprreciate what you had.

I did too in 1971, but those 30+ years, made me very complacent. I just thought it would never end.

[JohnVosilla]

TA that is why folks really need to go for it at certain points in their life even if it ends up being the wrong decision . In the end it is the things you didn't try that eats away at you never really knowing WHAT IF I took that fork in the road..

[Lancaster Gal]

Originally Posted by JohnVosilla

TA that is why folks really need to go for it at certain points in their life even if it ends up being the wrong decision . In the end it is the things you didn't try that eats away at you never really knowing WHAT IF I took that fork in the road..

I agree with you on this. This is the exact reason we want to move to Florida. We do not want to miss the opportunity to at least try it.

We understand the good and the bad but also see the same thing where we are living now. Might as well live in a warm beautiful town close to the things we love to do then never get the chance to see if we like it.

If all else fails we will not be moving back to a cold state and will move on to another warm weather state. But will try several towns in Florida first.

[JohnVosilla]

Originally Posted by Lancaster Gal

I agree with you on this. This is the exact reason we want to move to Florida. We do not want to miss the opportunity to at least try it.

We understand the good and the bad but also see the same thing where we are living now. Might as well live in a warm beautiful town close to the things we love to do then never get the chance to see if we like it.

If all else fails we will not be moving back to a cold state and will move on to another warm weather state. But will try several towns in Florida first.

Well you will be far better educated and aware of the pros and cons than people coming here 5-10-20 years ago. That is always a good thing.