North Florida vs. South Florida (Jacksonville, Miami: insurance, budget, condo)

[dennismpat]

OK, folks, here's a California resident starting a new thread in the Florida forums.

I'm wondering if there's anyone here who has moved from South Florida to North Florida, or vice versa. The reason I ask is that I have a couple of online friends who grew up in South Florida (one in Ft. Lauderdale, the other in the Miami area), and both now reside in Tallahassee. They both acknowledge that life up in the northern part of the state is different than the southern part, but in a good way.

Has anyone else done this and feel the same way?

[hiknapster]

Nope. I've lived in the central part of the state and the southern part of the state. But I've seen the northern part of the state and it is more "southern," if that makes any sense.

I mean that in a good way.

[BlueWillowPlate]

We live in north Florida.
We have several friends here who are Florida natives, who grew up in South Florida, but now reside here. Right off the bat I can think of about twenty people I've met here who used to live in South Florida. For some, the cooler weather was an adjustment. For others, the slower way of life took getting used to. But here they are, and here they'll stay.

[Jammie]

Cil, do they feel they're better off economically in northern Fla. then in southern Fla.?

[BlueWillowPlate]

Not especially, Jammie. Jobs here are not better paying.
They came up here for better quality of life.

[dreamofmonterey]

EVERYONE is better off in Northern or central Florida. Sorry, but everytime I see this topic, I imagine some young person starting out, and packing off to Ft. Lauderdale or Miami to find a house and a career. Unless you are retired and buying a condo, S. Florida has nothing to offer.

[sunrico90]

Originally Posted by dennismpat

OK, folks, here's a California resident starting a new thread in the Florida forums.

I'm wondering if there's anyone here who has moved from South Florida to North Florida, or vice versa. The reason I ask is that I have a couple of online friends who grew up in South Florida (one in Ft. Lauderdale, the other in the Miami area), and both now reside in Tallahassee. They both acknowledge that life up in the northern part of the state is different than the southern part, but in a good way.

Has anyone else done this and feel the same way?

Life in the north and west side of the state can be one full of joy an prosperity, but is up to the individual to fit in the enviroment not the enviroment to fit the individual. Had the opportunity to live in Homestead, Sattellie Beach, and now in Navarre. Each area has positive and negative areas.

What concerns the most is the jobs, education, housing, and insurance. I will tell you that if you set your mind you can make it. ONe friend that worked with us moved to the state capital because of a new job. The new job is a $17K paid raise, now making $51K. Another friend just got a civil service job with USAF as a GS-11, $20K paid raise. This guy used to work for the sherriff department.

No BA degrees, just AA degrees, but lot of experience and they got a better job.

Up here you don't have to compete with the JONES, you do what you want and not what everyone else is doing. Pianogal did an excellent presentation on the Orlando budget, Jungle George is living in a small budget, but is happy. Maybe we can all learn a bit from them.

[tallrick]

It's basically North America vs. South America.

[JimKing]

I have to disagree. I have lived in Pensacola, Tampa, Orlando, Jacksonville and now in South Florida. I think the southern portion is a lot less close minded and way more fun. There are dog parks all over, tennis courts everywhere, golfing, great shopping, unreal beaches.

South Florida, in my opinion, has it all over North Florida, especially for active people who like to socialize and meet people of different nationalities. So I say if you are close minded and inactive go north, active, fun loving, and more open minded head south.

[tallrick]

Originally Posted by JimKing

I have to disagree. I have lived in Pensacola, Tampa, Orlando, Jacksonville and now in South Florida. I think the southern portion is a lot less close minded and way more fun. There are dog parks all over, tennis courts everywhere, golfing, great shopping, unreal beaches.

South Florida, in my opinion, has it all over North Florida, especially for active people who like to socialize and meet people of different nationalities. So I say if you are close minded and inactive go north, active, fun loving, and more open minded head south.

And make sure you bring boatloads of $$$$$$$$$$$$$ or start some indoor farming! Oh yes and PLEASE complete your Spanish language course!