[goolsbyjazz]

Originally Posted by chickenoodle99

Silly. We are Arizona natives and after living in Destin for many years we've decided this is a far better place to raise our kids, which is why we've left all of our family across the country to stay here.

I was wondering when Arizona would be mentioned in this thread?! As native Arizonans you are well aware how many times Arizona has received this dubious distinction.
Years ago we left Arizona for Florida because we felt the schools were better. We also liked that our kids could play outside in the summer! Ended up returning to the desert a few years later because of a job opportunity.

[chopchop0]

Originally Posted by blueherons

Funny, I thought children are the product of their parents and how they were raised not the state they were raised in.

This.

[upgrader]

Originally Posted by blueherons

Funny, I thought children are the product of their parents and how they were raised not the state they were raised in.

Yes, but let's expand on this. If you are competent parents, in today's world, wouldn't you want to raise your children in a location they can be physically active all months of the year? When I grew up, there was this (OK old corny) TV show called "flipper", where the family enjoyed a great physical life. Add that into attending a school like Pineview Pine View School in Osprey, FL | US News Best High Schools
and I think you have pretty good odds of well raising your children.

From a raw statistical ranking, Florida might not have a good "kid raising track record". But if I had children, I'd sure give Florida a shot.

[chopchop0]

Originally Posted by upgrader

Yes, but let's expand on this. If you are competent parents, in today's world, wouldn't you want to raise your children in a location they can be physically active all months of the year? When I grew up, there was this (OK old corny) TV show called "flipper", where the family enjoyed a great physical life. Add that into attending a school like Pineview Pine View School in Osprey, FL | US News Best High Schools
and I think you have pretty good odds of well raising your children.

From a raw statistical ranking, Florida might not have a good "kid raising track record". But if I had children, I'd sure give Florida a shot.

I think FL ranking is weighed down by the transient weaklings that come down here with poor planning and resources and become negative statistics

[PDF]

Originally Posted by StreetSmarts

Personally, I'd put it below average. Mainly due to the transient nature, the schools being... Ok but not great, crime stats, high number of sex offenders, etc. Some areas are great, some not so much. But overall, I'd put it in the bottom half, maybe around the 30-35 mark (1 Being the best, 50 being the worst). I think that's about right.

I grew up in FL and it was fine but I guess I agree with these stats. These aren't things you really think about as a kid, but even though Florida has a cheaper COL it must be hard to raise a family these days with the low wages. It seems more often than not one of the spouses is making much more than the other and that's barely enough.

[071402]

Originally Posted by chopchop0

This.

This This

[upgrader]

Originally Posted by chopchop0

I think FL ranking is weighed down by the transient weaklings that come down here with poor planning and resources and become negative statistics

Hmm, that sounds like a problem that could be addressed by a Pine View school senior project.

[Swimmom32]

Bmw I happen to agree with you. We lived in Boca on eaat coast had a great experience with elem, middle and HS and the schools were fine..we will be moving back to florida Tampa area this time and florida is a fine place to raise a family..

[Spring Hillian]

Originally Posted by PDF

I grew up in FL and it was fine but I guess I agree with these stats. These aren't things you really think about as a kid, but even though Florida has a cheaper COL it must be hard to raise a family these days with the low wages. It seems more often than not one of the spouses is making much more than the other and that's barely enough.

How does a state make it to 3rd place in population, growth in non-farm payrolls, a recovering housing market and a $15 billion state government and is ranked #7 in state economies. (((State economy rankings, Q1 2015 - Business Insider))) "The unemployment rate in Florida, Florida, is 5.70%, with job growth of 3.10%. Future job growth over the next ten years is predicted to be 40.50%" (((Moderator cut: link removed, linking to competitor sites is not allowed))) and have a median household income is $47,309 (The US average is $53,657)

all while paying "low wages" ?

[Fredesch]

Other than schools being bad, Florida is a great place for kids. As far as schools go, there is always Mississippi and Alabama which are even worse.