[riveree]

I made the move from NYC to FL as a single woman and I don't regret it (been here appx a decade now).

I think you have to be ready for a complete change - it's not just the weather .

Will you be okay without some of your favorite foods/restaurants/stores?

How about a different way of interacting with neighbors, co-workers, etc.? The etiquette rules are different down here.

The culture is different here, the houses are different, clothing styles are different...it's a total change.

It can take some time to adjust too. What if you're miserable for the first 6 months or so? Can you stick it out to see if it gets better?

Moving such a distance - and especially as a single person - can really shake things up. It can be exciting as well. If you're up for something completely new, I say go for it!

[Bubba Cue]

Originally Posted by irishgal00

Any advise from the Yankees who have made the plunge? Good idea or no?

NO.

Deal with your issues where you are. A change of geography doesn't mean a change of happiness.

I'm a southerner who tried to change my happiness by moving to the northwest. OK, yes, I'm happier now. But I don't know anyone who's done the opposite and is better off for it.

[Magnulus]

Don't give up a good job in the northeast just to come to Florida for the weather. You will regret it. Yes, winter up north probably sucks but the job market down here is terrible.

[irishgal00]

for your advise. I know that I have a great job here in the NE and family/friends but I am so depressed in the winter, because of the weather.
I don't go out of my house because it's so cold. My body really feels the cold more than others. I have a little dog who loves going outside, unfortunately I only take her out once in a while when it's a little warmer but otherwise I hibernate. It's not good for the psyche. When I am in FL visiting my parents, I hardly ever watch tv and stay indoors, I am outside until it's dark.
I just don't know how I can live through another winter here.
Bright lights and high heating bills is not helping.

I think the most challenging thing would be to get a job that pays well. I have a good chunk of money saved up and a good 401k so I am not so worried about money. Also, my parents said I could stay with them until I get settled

I visited there in January for 2 weeks and last year I was there for 7 weeks (medical reasons). I hardly called back home and did not miss it one bit.

I know the warm weather is not going to solve problems but if someone truly loves nature and prefers to be outdoors most of the time, why should i have to live in a place where I am miserable, just for a job & money.

[irishgal00]

The things that I am not too keen on in FL is definitely the culture shock. No offense but the people down there are much different than in NE. Also the food isn't that great, again sorry but the Italian restaurants down there don't compare.

Decisions, decisions.

[Daytonadelphian]

I am from Philly and have lived here since 2003. I don't regret coming down here and there are things about Florida that I really love. My husband and I are in the process of trying to move back home only because we have a son now and we want to be closer to the family for that reason. I am sure that we will be back down here again at some point in our lives, it is just not where we need to be right now. When we moved, my husband flew down and interviewed at a few companies. He landed a job and we rented an apartment until we decided on the area that was best for us. Change is never easy and it won't be all roses but my suggestion is to figure out the companies you would like to apply to, be very proactive in trying to get recruited. Businesses down here want to know that you are committed and not going to come and go. The hardest part of going back home is the cold and the congested feeling of the northeast. Time away from that was good for us.

[Denise in Fla]

Originally Posted by irishgal00

The things that I am not too keen on in FL is definitely the culture shock. No offense but the people down there are much different than in NE. Also the food isn't that great, again sorry but the Italian restaurants down there don't compare.

Decisions, decisions.

Totally agree about the Italian food here, can't even get good pizza!

[SouthernStar]

Well, weather is really not a great reason to move. But I do understand your situation. Quality of life--now that IS a good reason. I was born and raised in a small town on the coast of Florida and my entire family still lives there(out of state with the military now ). It sounds like you were happier down here, so go for it! Honestly, you're single so that makes things much easier. If you don't like it, it's not like you can't leave again.

Life is too short. We get so caught up in the daily grind that we forget to live our lives. Do you really need to make $100 K to live? No, not if you adjust your lifestyle accordingly. You can't expect to go to Florida and make the same amount of money and buy a house three times the size you had in the northeast. That just isn't reasonable. But if you're willing to adjust your expectations you'll do just fine.

[Magnulus]

Originally Posted by irishgal00

for your advise. I know that I have a great job here in the NE and family/friends but I am so depressed in the winter, because of the weather.
I don't go out of my house because it's so cold. My body really feels the cold more than others.

In Florida in the summer alot of people don't go out of the house, either. Have you visited Florida in the summer? Outside of places like Miami, which gets a sea breeze, most of the state is a sweltering swamp- Jurassic Park. The thermostat will say 90-94 but it'll feel like 110 degrees in the shade.

[Minier]

I hate cold weather also and understand how much of an impact it can have on your whole life (and mental health) if it doesn't agree with you. I think some people say "I hate cold weather" but they are perfectly functional in it. For some of us, it truly does cripple us. It's taken me many years to realize that about myself and respect it, rather than tell myself I'm a wimp and should just find a way to enjoy winter. I just absolutely don't. I get depressed and lethargic and all that comes with that. My husband and I are looking into places to move and one of the TOP requirements is weather. So I don't think there's anything wrong with moving for weather reasons - it can be a huge deal.

Since your parents are there part of the year, you might not get as lonely and you'll have their support during the transition.

Sounds like there are some things that you will have put in place before moving to avoid the mentioned pitfalls .... maybe start looking for work down there, investigate the housing market and which area you'd like to live in and could afford on the expected pay cut. Can you enhance your skill set so that you are more marketable or have something else to fall on if you can't find any IT jobs right away?

Basically, I say MOVE and find your warmer weather. But BEFORE you move, take your time to do your homework and to find a job. Since you aren't in a rush, you have the time to do it right. (and I agree to visit for part of a summer to check out the sweltering heat). Good luck.