[BlueWillowPlate]

Originally Posted by crazynip

North Florida with the exception of the IMMEDIATE Gainesville city area is 100% teabagger/republican/highly religious. So avoid if if you don't like that mindset.

This is simply not true. Sure it is very red here, there are plenty of conservative people, and McCain carried Jacksonville.
But Obama carried Florida, and anyone who focuses strictly on tea party stuff misses the bigger picture: Things are changing here. I am liberal/moderate, have friends living here who are the same, and I am not going to be leaving anytime soon.
However, we do have the occasional stereotypes rear their heads:

Originally Posted by ferret111

There are plenty of regular Joes up in the Panhandle, but it still has some of the South's worst stereotypes.

Yes. See below:

Originally Posted by dwc322

Gainesville, Florida is the most liberal city in Florida, period. They have the University of Florida there filled with liberal profs. The minister that wanted to burn the KORAN, wasn't necessarily wrong in wanting to do so. The Muslims in other countries don't have problems in killing Christians and Jews. They also don't have problems in burning the American flag.

[tone66]

From the panhandle of Florida so to me G-ville is central Florida. A quick way to know if you are in the south is order ice tea if isn't real sweet the you ain't in the south!

[CvaN1003]

Originally Posted by 2bohemians

Oh yeah ... meant to say ... don't come to the Panhandle ....
It's horrible .... the beaches are clean and emerald green .....
The sand is white .... the coastal dune lakes are rare ....
It's way to relaxed ... the food is bad ... especially the fresh local fish ...
There are way too many golf courses ....
And too many recreational water activities like boating, fishing, surfing or even just lounging on a float in the water all day ....
The people are just too friendly ...
It's just bad ....

Haha, i was going to say, Don't let the secret out about how great it is up here, Or else everyone will come and we will have to share!

[CaliWestCoast]

Originally Posted by tallrick

It's basically North America vs. South America.

Exactly that's an excellent way of looking at it

[CaliWestCoast]

North Florida: Southern culture
South Florida: Caribbean culture

[Hawaii4evr]

I prefer South Florida. More exotic, warmer, better beaches, more liberal, more exciting. North/Central FL is fine for visiting though.

[CaliWestCoast]

Originally Posted by Hawaii4evr

I prefer South Florida. More exotic, warmer, better beaches, more liberal, more exciting. North/Central FL is fine for visiting though.

Yeah me too South Florida is way better, but North Florida is way too country like Georgia and Alabama

[StreetSmarts]

Originally Posted by CaliWestCoast

Yeah me too South Florida is way better, but North Florida is way too country like Georgia and Alabama

I'm biting my tongue here, but...

What about S FL is better? You like the rude/egotistical/self-centeredness of S FL? That's attractive and enticing to be around to you?

[perry335654]

I think people are not too crazy about the rednecks who mostly reside in North Florida plus the weather cooler making South Florida more desirable.

[ByeByeLW]

Originally Posted by dreamofmonterey

Just some info- If you are working for the State of Fl- they have a one year probation period before you get medical insurance. Since you have children, that may be important to you.

Since you are aware of S. Florida, and the expense; better to check up north Sunrico and others from N. Florida have alot of good info regarding that area. Stay away from rapidly developing retired/gated communities. If you are looking for work, the construction boom (unless you are a developer) is an anomaly. Good luck!.

sunny.

^This. Many places seem affordable, then here come the developers, pricing you out of your new place.

I was considering buying in a place that I would now be priced out of. it's been annexed into the city, so the taxes will be higher than when it was county. And a huge development is rumored to be in the works.
Some people think that is good as there will be more money towards infrastructure improvements. Then your taxes will likely go up as well.

The Publix in Central Florida have a better selection of beer than the ones in South Florida. lol. I'm being silly. I don't see how the northern parts of Florida are "behind" any more. Things are changing.

Of course that's not all. The Publix in South Florida are older and smaller than the new stores up there. I'm a vegan and I was surprised to see stuff in the grocery stores up there that I can't get here unless I make the haul to Whole Foods or wherever.

In my experience, Central and North Florida aren't the ignorant hellholes many make them out to be.