[EscAlaMike]

Originally Posted by OpalescentMoon

...hot AZ summers...

While Florida doesn't hit triple digit temperatures as often as Arizona does, Florida heat can be even more uncomfortable and oppressive than Arizona heat due to the humidity factor. The moisture does make everything lush and green though - which I personally prefer over barren rocks and dirt.

[kyle19125]

Originally Posted by Dave_n_Tenn

To avoid hurricanes don't live in Florida. However. if you do .. Middle Central/North Florida is the least likely to have category 3 > hurricanes. The Kissimmee Basin from Okeechobee north and north of the I-75 corridor above Wildwood to the Georgia border.

Or around the area of SE Georgia north of Jacksonville around St Mary's/Brunswick on up to Savannah which is very rarely impacted by hurricanes. Unlike coastal SC and NC which have become as frequented as much of FL.

[Racer46]

Originally Posted by OpalescentMoon

Change of scenery, hot AZ summers, ten years here, I'm tired of it. I know a couple of people that live in Fl, one in Orlando another in Ave Maria, and both like FL. I just hear stories about the high cost of insurance because of storms. Also big bugs, alligators, etc. That's why I'm looking for some real world info on living in Florida.

I have family who live in FL.



Hurricanes where the house is, is in Volusia County, are a non issue as the last hurricane was about 16 years ago and some roofs were damaged.


Driving and parking on the beach is nice and the ocean air mitigates humidity. I have been on it and I do not like humidity.


No one has seen an alligator in the area, even when looking for one, and they do not go after humans except a small child if near a pond and alone. Bugs are minimal, So Fl is worse.


Insurance is no big deal unless you live in a flood zone, which my family member does not.

[ocoilslick]

Originally Posted by OpalescentMoon

Change of scenery, hot AZ summers, ten years here, I'm tired of it. I know a couple of people that live in Fl, one in Orlando another in Ave Maria, and both like FL. I just hear stories about the high cost of insurance because of storms. Also big bugs, alligators, etc. That's why I'm looking for some real world info on living in Florida.

Going from mostly dry heat to mostly wet heat. Definitely need refrigeration in FL.

[Lillie767]

It's humid and wet in Florida. People extoll the great winter weather? Today it's 63 degrees (nice, cool) with 87% humidity (wet, clammy).

Generally no basements, and storage in garage is difficult due to the humidity. Well, you can imagine what cardboard storage boxes look like in the heat and humidity.

[Dave_n_Tenn]

Florida is like a pair of shoes... you should try it on before you buy. With that said, I'm originally from New Mexico and have been in Florida for 40+ years. Here's a few observations

Summers are tough on OLDER transplants, especially if you carry extra weight
You have to be tolerant of torrential rain, standing water and bugs
Florida is best for active people
Expect hurricanes every year and be prepared
Florida is three states in one and is EXTREMELY diverse
Must learn to love the water

I truly love Florida.

**PS ... carboard boxes draw bugs

[blueherons]

Hurricanes hit everywhere in the state and all over the east coast.

How old are you? Are you moving with family? Single? Hobbies? Health? What is your income?

Most importantly do you have a job?

People that move to Florida from locations that pay skilled and unskilled labor decently can't make ends meet here.

A couple of years ago a couple that moved here from Pennsylvania were complaining that the husband made $40 an hour laying carpet in PA couldn't find anything in Sarasota that paid more than $8.50 an hour. The wife was a CNA and couldn't find anything that paid more than minimum wage.

Move here with a job or at least have marketable skills.

Anything in healthcare or tourism.

[Arcenal813]

Originally Posted by blueherons

Hurricanes hit everywhere in the state and all over the east coast.

How old are you? Are you moving with family? Single? Hobbies? Health? What is your income?

Most importantly do you have a job?

People that move to Florida from locations that pay skilled and unskilled labor decently can't make ends meet here.

A couple of years ago a couple that moved here from Pennsylvania were complaining that the husband made $40 an hour laying carpet in PA couldn't find anything in Sarasota that paid more than $8.50 an hour. The wife was a CNA and couldn't find anything that paid more than minimum wage.

Move here with a job or at least have marketable skills.

Anything in healthcare or tourism.

CNA's a paid poorly everywhere though. In NYC, they make anywhere from $10-$18/hr. Looks like the average there is ~$14/hr.

https://www.ziprecruiter.com/Salarie...w-York-City,NY

That said, I always think of CNA being an entry to the nursing world, and that ambitious CNAs should seek to continue their nursing education to one day become RNs (skip the LPN phase.) Otherwise, it's a strange career choice.

True that here it's more like $10-$12/hr, but it's still terrible pretty much anywhere.

Now the carpet layer getting offered minimum wage is baffling... As I know a few who make over $50k/year, in Central Florida.

[Marysa Butzke]

People want badly to live here in FL are living in a make believe world most times - they actually think is a vacation everyday and paradise,lol which show great ignorance! it's paradise compared to say, Greenwood MS or Terre Haute, but...the place is getting stupid over the last5-7 years for sure!
Do your research and don't just look at FL, you'll be limiting your opportunities.

[Fredesch]

Ormond-by-the-sea (zip 32176) is a great area to live in. Statistically we are in an area with few hurricanes although we were hit by hurricane Matthew and lots of folks in my area (us included) had half our roofs striped of shingles. We responded by getting an aluminum roof and later impact resistant (hurricane) windows and doors. Our elevation is 13 feet and we do not need flood insurance because we are not a local low point. Wind insurance is usually part of your home owners policy. Florida is aggressive in wind resistant building codes. I believe our wind code in my area is 135mph. 30 miles inland they may only need to build for 105 mph winds.

I generally suggest looking at living very near the Atlantic Ocean so you can get cooling breezes. Our humidity can be very high and we can get almost daily thunderstorms during the summer. Without an Atlantic breeze you may feel muggy for months. But if you live in Phoenix you may be used to humid summer weather.