[doggiebus]

Is Florida kid friendly, I think so. Maybe not south west florida though, lots of older people. I have to be honest, if you can't afford your house in PA, I don't think Florida is your answer. Maybe the Carolina's?

And if you are sitting next to the air conditioner for three months in PA, try 7 months in Florida. Mid May till October is usually the worst. But this year it is more like Mid May to January, it feels like Mid May right now. December in Miami was so hot it averaged 82 degrees and 70% humidy most of the month. I would suggest visiting where ever you decide during August.

[dreamofmonterey]

Originally Posted by SunshineState

I have lived in Florida all my life, it was great when I was a child but much has changed. My husband and I are in the middle of an adoption and as soon as it is complete we are out of here! There "may" be some small town left in Florida that is ok to raise a child but finding work will be a struggle. Florida is FULL of pedophiles and gangs and is a low wage paying state. I was a triage nurse at a private hospital for 15 years and finally left 4 years ago to start my own business. I made wages that were equal to the poverty level in my county. As for the weather, you have not felt heat until it is 105° in the shade and you can't breath! Even now in "winter" you all up north think it feels great when the TV says 82° but it is hot muggy and I would die to open up my windows! If I were you I would consider Tennessee, North & South Carolina, or maybe Virginia.

wow- I have heard that with nursing. My cousin in Orlando was in the military and R.N. head nurse with a great deal of experience (over 20 years), and was so sick of the corporate takeovers and politics/job downsizing in Central Fl that she stopped working. It seems under-employment (euphemism) is the great secret for highly skilled professions in south and central Florida.

[hiknapster]

I'm originally from Mass.

Great posts on schools.

I found that school choice was a joke. I waited in line when they opened, picked my three schools, and didn't get any. They didn't say anything about race.

FCAT and No Child Left Behind really rankles me. Children need to be infused with the thirst for knowledge. My parents gave that to me, and at 45, it is still there. Teaching to the test will beat that into the ground.

Be forewarned that yes, the south is the Bible belt. I was not religious, but have joined a church since coming to Tennessee. It is pervasive here. If THAT rankles you, I suggest looking elsewhere.

[blauskies]

Originally Posted by pamomtwins

Any kid-friendly little town w/o much tourists? Is Florida generally friendly to kids or are there mostly bachelors ans retirees? I'm tired of NE weather. In PA there is no winter or spring, it is 9 months bad weather and 3 months of sitting next to your air-conditioner. Besides, we can't afford our house anymore - I'm recently divorced...Any advice?

Don't move to South Florida.

[Blue717]

I moved from Lancaster County to Florida 4 years ago. I came to Spring Hill, its about 35 miles above tampa on the gulf coast. As far as Florida goes, its not a bad place! It is safe and clean, and easy to get around for shopping. There is no local mall though! I've never found much for the kids to do, but I am not a big supporter of any public school system! Prices arent too too bad, you can get a small house for about 150,000, if you dont mind a little older and without the bells and whistles!
I remember those winters and even though I am looking to move out of this area and go over to the east side, I couldnt go back to those winters. But as far as our summers... theres hot and then there is Florida! I think Spring HIll is one of the lesser cost and safer places around. YOu may want to look into it!