[jayp19777]

do you think u made a good decision? what do u like and not like about florida? would u do it again if u had the chance?

[sunrico90]

Originally Posted by jayp19777

do you think u made a good decision? what do u like and not like about florida? would u do it again if u had the chance?

My story is a bit different, join the USAF in 1980 departed from Fort Hamilton. In 1988 got stationed in Satellite Beach for 4 wonderful years, traveled the Space Coast all over and got to experienced Cape Canaveral from the inside out. Got transferred to Homestead and Andrew cut our stay short. In 1998 returned to Florida got stationed in Hurlburt Field and retired after 22 years of service.

Every location in Florida has been great to our family, I don't like the hurricanes and insurance cost. Otherwise Navarre is a very nice and friendly place to leave. Still affordable and good schools, the area also offers excellent jobs in the aerospace industry. A bit of traffic on HWY 98, only one main HWY.

Would I do it again? YES For our family this is the best place to live...

[bale002]

From my perspective - i.e. one from the New York City area - New York is worth it if one has a top-notch career-type job (i.e. in corporate America) or profession and one makes so much money that in the long-run - but before one is too old to enjoy it - it may lead to a lifestyle where money is no longer an issue.

If not, there are other places that offer a better quality of life in the meantime, and I think Florida is one of them, but still one needs an independent source of decent income. Now, in southern Florida, this may be possible with the right combination of skills, experience, and contacts.

Florida in general is advantageous because it is a no income-state tax (and property taxes still compare favorably to northeast states like New York, not to mention NYC income taxes), the weather is great if you can cope with the humidity and the vagaries of "hurricane season", southern Florida in particular offers a diverse array of ethnic cultures, and Miami has a major international airport with direct flights to most major Caribbean, Latin American, and European cities.
Speaking of international, one of the fasting growing sectors of the Miami economy is international trade and marketing and the city has ambitions of being a player in the globalized economy.

This is a worldwide trend affecting many countries, regions, and cities, and I realize that there are winners and losers to varying degrees in this process, with millions of people caught in the middle, swaying in the balance.

In this context, the downside to the Miami area, and to most of southern/central Florida by now, is that if one does not have a certain level income and wealth, it is extremely difficult to procure decent, affordable housing as an owner in a decent neighborhood.

Of course, there are many other perspectives, like that of the retiree or the young person looking for fun in the sun.

[jayp19777]

Very Well Put Bale. Thx For The Response

[sunrico90]

Originally Posted by bale002

From my perspective - i.e. one from the New York City area - New York is worth it if one has a top-notch career-type job (i.e. in corporate America) or profession and one makes so much money that in the long-run - but before one is too old to enjoy it - it may lead to a lifestyle where money is no longer an issue.

If not, there are other places that offer a better quality of life in the meantime, and I think Florida is one of them, but still one needs an independent source of decent income. Now, in southern Florida, this may be possible with the right combination of skills, experience, and contacts.

Florida in general is advantageous because it is a no income-state tax (and property taxes still compare favorably to northeast states like New York, not to mention NYC income taxes), the weather is great if you can cope with the humidity and the vagaries of "hurricane season", southern Florida in particular offers a diverse array of ethnic cultures, and Miami has a major international airport with direct flights to most major Caribbean, Latin American, and European cities.
Speaking of international, one of the fasting growing sectors of the Miami economy is international trade and marketing and the city has ambitions of being a player in the globalized economy.

This is a worldwide trend affecting many countries, regions, and cities, and I realize that there are winners and losers to varying degrees in this process, with millions of people caught in the middle, swaying in the balance.

In this context, the downside to the Miami area, and to most of southern/central Florida by now, is that if one does not have a certain level income and wealth, it is extremely difficult to procure decent, affordable housing as an owner in a decent neighborhood.

Of course, there are many other perspectives, like that of the retiree or the young person looking for fun in the sun.

Bale002,

Hit the nail on the head Superb post....

[Shores9]

Originally Posted by jayp19777

do you think u made a good decision? what do u like and not like about florida? would u do it again if u had the chance?

Grew up Seaford LI raised my family in Plainview and Oyster Bay. Worked 15 yrs downtown NYC - great experience.
Moved here 10-31-2001

Best decision of my life. Love Tampa Bay even after 25 years of yearly vactions to Lauderdale and Miami (family’s 2nd home)

Only regret – not taking more time to make a better choice on housing. Bought a great condo but couldn’t get used to the lifestyle

Like about FLA – just read thread "4 good reason to live in Florida" – it says it all

Do it again? In a heartbeat

[NYC2BGI]

I am on my way to South Florida soon (maybe early-mid 2007). Several family and friends originally from the NYC area are already there.

[watsont3]

Originally Posted by Shores9

Grew up Seaford LI raised my family in Plainview and Oyster Bay. Worked 15 yrs downtown NYC - great experience.
Moved here 10-31-2001

Best decision of my life. Love Tampa Bay even after 25 years of yearly vactions to Lauderdale and Miami (family’s 2nd home)

Only regret – not taking more time to make a better choice on housing. Bought a great condo but couldn’t get used to the lifestyle

Like about FLA – just read thread "4 good reason to live in Florida" – it says it all

Do it again? In a heartbeat

Reread the thread you mentioned and it was nice to see a little less negativity.
While I live in Lancaster Pa now, I am originally from Long Island, out in the Hamptons. If people don't think that we have traffic on Long Island, try the Long Island Expressway during rush hour or Sunrise Highway/North Highway through Southampton at almost any time. Additionally, traffic in Lancaster is also getting horrendous.
Ask some of the people on Long Island who are paying $5000 to $8000 and more in property taxes along with a sales tax that was about 7.5%. They are making what sounds like great money but it takes that kind of income to just live there.
At this stage in my life, the positives in Florida definitely outweigh the negatives and we are going to a less crowded area in February with an eye to buying at that time.
When cold weather makes your breathing difficult and you are getting too old to shovel snow, the warm weather, the lack of a state income tax and the number of things to do and see in Florida make it an attractive destination for retirees.
Everywhere you look, there are positives and negatives, you just have to figure out what you like and don't like. Then you make a decision.

[Nancy Lynne]

are you moving to? Are you retired, have to find a job?

[watsont3]

Originally Posted by Nancy Lynne

are you moving to? Are you retired, have to find a job?

We are going to look at a place in Zephyrhills.
I have been retired since 1999 but I have been working 4-5 days a week at a local tourist attraction. Just left that job in November and I don't intend to work anymore if I can help it.