Florida Haters & Lovers, What Do You Use for Comparison? (Tampa: credit, real estate)

[TNRyan23]

Originally Posted by TriMT7

What's "flawed" about the numbers? Those are STATISTICS, and they are variable controlled. They aren't comparing two different situations of 6 people/household in Florida to 2 people/household in Tennessee.

I live here NOW. My 18 year old brother got a part-time job at a Comcast call center making $10-$11 a year ago, and since moved on to a department store (again, part time) for more money.


And...$12/hr. won't get you to 44k/year.



But you did the right thing. If your skill set didn't find you a job "here", you left for "there".... and good for you. But please note that not all of us share your situation, and that you don't speak for a state you don't even live in anymore.

Part Time work won't get you 44k/year either.

Yes, the numbers are flawed. I guess you could take them how you see them..

I would say that a small portion in Florida make over 100k a year while the majority make 20k a year while here in Tennessee probably half the workers in the state makes 60-80k a year while the other half makes roughly 30k.

Yeah, The median numbers may have Florida rated pretty high in salary but how many more doctors, lawyers, nurses, ect, ect are employed in Florida then in any other states and how many people work at McDonalds, Burger King, and Taco Bell ?

You're right. I got out and it's the best thing I ever did. I no longer have to pay $400 a month for full coverage auto insurance, I no longer have to pay $2500 property tax, I no longer have to pay $5600 a year homeowners insurance, and I'm able to eat dinner everyday without feeling guilty because overdue bills need to be paid.

Good luck with those $10/hr PART TIME jobs down there in Florida, No health insurance is always a bonus, right ?

[DailyJournalist]

Originally Posted by FutureTexan

Good luck with those $10/hr PART TIME jobs down there in Florida, No health insurance is always a bonus, right ?

Hahahaha

[MMTeacher]

Originally Posted by runswithscissors

LOL I'm laughing because I don't eat out much but isn't it EPCOT that has several different "countries" in there with cuisine from all over the world?

I don't think rushing around in a tourist mode gives anyone a true picture of where/how people really live as far as restaurants go, there are not in abundance anywhere or mediocre anyway.It's usually better to plan in advance where you're going to eat on vacation ime, versus driving around.Ruth's Chris has a steakhouse in Orlando, a "chain" but pretty decent chain. If you eat meat which I really don't....there's also a thread here with several suggestions in Ft Lauderdale and not chains. (just by example)

here's a bunch that came up on the very first google hit that all sound independent, non chain

Top 20 Orlando Restaurants in Orlando, Florida by Orlandoescape.com

Here in Vero beach I'm surprised to find about 7 local nice looking restaurants all over towards the beach but have no idea about the food. Not a single one between my house and there though, it's about 4 miles.

My favorite restaurant on the Lower East Side of NY is non descript looking but it's been there 75 years but you may not even think to look at it (luckily lol).

That being said, I just moved from Philly and you cannot compare downtown Phila to most places in FL... it is known as a restaurant capital. (albeit in the City of Murder LOL)

The suburbs of Philly and NJ are mostly chains, too if you're just driving around on major roads. Except for a few mom and pop places that are nothing more than chain-like IMO. Using frozen stuff to make up a sauce with some frozen protein yuk.

I've been all over NJ and don't see these restaurants you're referencing either. Chambersburg in Trenton, yes, Italian. I lived in Bucks County and can name maybe two that I'd bother to go to. You really have to drive around up there too, and know where you're going.

Once I worked for a chef part time when I lived in Lambertville NJ and they opened next door to me, thinking I'd learn alot. I sure did. His lasagna was Stouffers family sized LOL. People are used to the sodium fast food now.

I now live in Monmouth County and don't see as much of these restaurants I mentioned. I was from Union County- there you can find restaurants from any nationality. I know what you mean about the chains- we have them too but less than what I saw in FL.
Once I thought about it though, we do have areas like that. Mostly new areas that are being built up.

Yes, Epcot does have many countries. I went to FL/Disney for the first time last week. I only had time for one park- that's why I chose that one- wanted to see the different countries. Ate in Morocco- very cool place and good food.

I can't believe your comment about the restaurant in Lambertville- Stouffers- that's good. Good for home but sad for a restaurant. How disappointing

I hope you enjoy FL! Nice place- hope to go again soon.
M

[TriMT7]

Originally Posted by TNRyan23

Part Time work won't get you 44k/year either.

Yes, the numbers are flawed. I guess you could take them how you see them..

I would say that a small portion in Florida make over 100k a year while the majority make 20k a year while here in Tennessee probably half the workers in the state makes 60-80k a year while the other half makes roughly 30k.

And I assume you've found a FULL TIME position as Tennessee's Secretary of Labor in order to wax poetic about the average Florida incomes vs. Tennessee?

Originally Posted by TNRyan

Yeah, The median numbers may have Florida rated pretty high in salary but how many more doctors, lawyers, nurses, ect, ect are employed in Florida then in any other states and how many people work at McDonalds, Burger King, and Taco Bell ?

And what, again, is Tennessee's high paying business sector?

Originally Posted by TNRyan23

You're right. I got out and it's the best thing I ever did. I no longer have to pay $400 a month for full coverage auto insurance, I no longer have to pay $2500 property tax, I no longer have to pay $5600 a year homeowners insurance, and I'm able to eat dinner everyday without feeling guilty because overdue bills need to be paid.

If you're paying 400/month for car insurance, your driving record is atrocious, or you drive a Ferrari. I'm sorry, but I'm a single 26 year old male, live in one of the most expensive zip codes for car insurance in Florida, have 100/300 full coverage and pay 150/month.

Similarly, I pay 2100/year for home insurance, and live less than two miles from the beach in a "wind tunnel" as it is called. $2500/year in property tax is not bad at all. BTW, what's Tennessee's income tax rate again?

Originally Posted by TNRyan23

Good luck with those $10/hr PART TIME jobs down there in Florida, No health insurance is always a bonus, right ?

No need. I got myself an edumacation and never really had to scrounge around for $10/hour jobs. The summer between highschool and college, however, I WAS able to work FULL TIME as a shipping clerk and make $8/hour at a boating outfitter facility back in 2000.

But I think you're missing the point. The key wasn't the PART TIME, it was the SALARY able to be realized at a young age with a minimal skill set. He could have gone full time if he wanted, but, ya know, he wants to better himself so he doesn't have to walk into supermarkets and ask for jobs when he's 30.

You, like many others, had a hard time and want to project your experience as typical or normal. I submit that it's not. Florida is a big diverse state, with many different "markets" and micro-economies.

[mom2justynsarah]

My husband & I grew up in a New York suburb that was about 25 miles North of NYC. We moved to South Florida 11 years ago. Now we are raising our kids here. Here you will find a VERY large concentration of former northeasteners. (NY/NJ/MA/OH/PA). However, in S. Florida, we have found a sense of complacency that is very different from the NE. There seems to be no sense of urgency in most anything. We have also had a difficult time finding long lasting friendships down here. Friends seem to dissapear on you for no apparant reason. This is a common complaint amongst other former New Yorkers who we have come across.

In addition, right now we are in the midst of the hurricane season. It is never a plesant feeling knowing that a hurricane can hit anywhere from now through November.

On a positive note, we do enjoy the weather starting at the end of Novemmber through April. We are fully entrenched in raising our kids here. Plus my sister and her kids live here. We have built a base of friends here. Our kids are involved in many different activities. My son is in cubscouts and my husband is the den leader. We have made a life down here. We also own a house that we wouldn't be able to afford if we were still in New York.

Originally Posted by Muggy

My wife and I just returned from vacation in upstate NY. We spent a good deal of time discussing if we'd ever move back to Rochester, which naturally led to a discussion about quality of life. I'm just wondering what you use to compare Florida to other places. For me it's difficult because Florida is very different than most other places in the U.S. For example, if you compared Buffalo and Cleveland, they'd be pretty close, but how do you compare, say, Burlington and St. Pete?

One big plus for upstate is that, despite the supposed crappy weather, we spent a lot of time outside. However, there is a cultural complacency in upstate that bugs me. Worse, many obnoxious behaviors that I thought were Florida-specific are just as out-of-control up there (tailgating, lane-changing, cursing in public, etc.).

Anyway, I'm interested in your thoughts.

[gypsychic]

Originally Posted by TriMT7

And I assume you've found a FULL TIME position as Tennessee's Secretary of Labor in order to wax poetic about the average Florida incomes vs. Tennessee?



And what, again, is Tennessee's high paying business sector?



If you're paying 400/month for car insurance, your driving record is atrocious, or you drive a Ferrari. I'm sorry, but I'm a single 26 year old male, live in one of the most expensive zip codes for car insurance in Florida, have 100/300 full coverage and pay 150/month.

Similarly, I pay 2100/year for home insurance, and live less than two miles from the beach in a "wind tunnel" as it is called. $2500/year in property tax is not bad at all. BTW, what's Tennessee's income tax rate again?



No need. I got myself an edumacation and never really had to scrounge around for $10/hour jobs. The summer between highschool and college, however, I WAS able to work FULL TIME as a shipping clerk and make $8/hour at a boating outfitter facility back in 2000.

But I think you're missing the point. The key wasn't the PART TIME, it was the SALARY able to be realized at a young age with a minimal skill set. He could have gone full time if he wanted, but, ya know, he wants to better himself so he doesn't have to walk into supermarkets and ask for jobs when he's 30.

You, like many others, had a hard time and want to project your experience as typical or normal. I submit that it's not. Florida is a big diverse state, with many different "markets" and micro-economies.

Great post, you said it all very well - gave you rep points!

[TNRyan23]

Originally Posted by TriMT7

And I assume you've found a FULL TIME position as Tennessee's Secretary of Labor in order to wax poetic about the average Florida incomes vs. Tennessee?.

Nope, Don't work for the state. I am a construction manager and make 72k/year.

Originally Posted by TriMT7

If you're paying 400/month for car insurance, your driving record is atrocious, or you drive a Ferrari. I'm sorry, but I'm a single 26 year old male, live in one of the most expensive zip codes for car insurance in Florida, have 100/300 full coverage and pay 150/month.

I drove a new 2000 Ford Ranger, Lived in Temple Terrace ( in Tampa ) and was 18. Yes, My insurance was 400/mo. and nope, I had no tickets, wrecks, or anything on my record. I now own a 2004 Ranger and my insurance is $78/month for full coverage. What a diffrent a state makes, eh ?

Originally Posted by TriMT7

Similarly, I pay 2100/year for home insurance, and live less than two miles from the beach in a "wind tunnel" as it is called. $2500/year in property tax is not bad at all. BTW, what's Tennessee's income tax rate again?

No offense, but I don't believe youre insurance is $2100 and you're 2 miles from any beach unless you live maybe in Jacksonville. Tennessee has no income tax.

Originally Posted by TriMT7

No need. I got myself an edumacation and never really had to scrounge around for $10/hour jobs. The summer between highschool and college, however, I WAS able to work FULL TIME as a shipping clerk and make $8/hour at a boating outfitter facility back in 2000.

You mean you're not one of the bachelor degrees looking for a telemarketing job making $10/hr ? Congrats, keep your job if you can

Originally Posted by TriMT7

But I think you're missing the point. The key wasn't the PART TIME, it was the SALARY able to be realized at a young age with a minimal skill set. He could have gone full time if he wanted, but, ya know, he wants to better himself so he doesn't have to walk into supermarkets and ask for jobs when he's 30.

The sad realities is that People with college educations are walking into supermarkets whe they're 30, 40, 50, ect, ect. It's not about education or class of people. It's about the Florida economy and the fact that some people are stupid. I love palm trees, warm weather, and the beach as much as anyone but I'll be damned if I'm going to beg Albertsons for a job if I have a college education while I could be paid 50k-60k-70k in the North or West. Eventually you'll see. Oh, and if the working at a supermarket when he's 30 comment was in reference to me, I graduated highschool in 2001. I worked at a grocery store in Florida because it was all I could find. I worked in one here because they paid me more then I'd ever seen before. I'm now 25 and haven't worked in a grocery store in 2 years.

Originally Posted by TriMT7

You, like many others, had a hard time and want to project your experience as typical or normal. I submit that it's not. Florida is a big diverse state, with many different "markets" and micro-economies.

Yeah, Keep thinking that. Keep painting the " Florida is wonderful " image and keep talking these poor people from other states into coming here for them to only fall on their butts. Keep telling them the economy is fine and the jobs are plentiful.

I'll keep telling all of our communities new fleeing Floridian residents Welcome.

BTW, I may not have my feet on Florida soil. However, I am a Florida native. Born in Orlando and raised in Tampa and a resident for 19 years. Don't tell me that because I don't live there now, That I don't know what's going on. I love my home and I keep up with Florida news daily.

Are you a native ?

[DailyJournalist]

Originally Posted by TNRyan23

Nope, Don't work for the state. I am a construction manager and make 72k/year.



I drove a new 2000 Ford Ranger, Lived in Temple Terrace ( in Tampa ) and was 18. Yes, My insurance was 400/mo. and nope, I had no tickets, wrecks, or anything on my record. I now own a 2004 Ranger and my insurance is $78/month for full coverage. What a diffrent a state makes, eh ?



No offense, but I don't believe youre insurance is $2100 and you're 2 miles from any beach unless you live maybe in Jacksonville. Tennessee has no income tax.



You mean you're not one of the bachelor degrees looking for a telemarketing job making $10/hr ? Congrats, keep your job if you can



The sad realities is that People with college educations are walking into supermarkets whe they're 30, 40, 50, ect, ect. It's not about education or class of people. It's about the Florida economy and the fact that some people are stupid. I love palm trees, warm weather, and the beach as much as anyone but I'll be damned if I'm going to beg Albertsons for a job if I have a college education while I could be paid 50k-60k-70k in the North or West. Eventually you'll see. Oh, and if the working at a supermarket when he's 30 comment was in reference to me, I graduated highschool in 2001. I worked at a grocery store in Florida because it was all I could find. I worked in one here because they paid me more then I'd ever seen before. I'm now 25 and haven't worked in a grocery store in 2 years.



Yeah, Keep thinking that. Keep painting the " Florida is wonderful " image and keep talking these poor people from other states into coming here for them to only fall on their butts. Keep telling them the economy is fine and the jobs are plentiful.

I'll keep telling all of our communities new fleeing Floridian residents Welcome.

BTW, I may not have my feet on Florida soil. However, I am a Florida native. Born in Orlando and raised in Tampa and a resident for 19 years. Don't tell me that because I don't live there now, That I don't know what's going on. I love my home and I keep up with Florida news daily.

Are you a native ?

Some people may not like to hear this but it is the truth. Well said.

[TriMT7]

Originally Posted by TNRyan23

Nope, Don't work for the state. I am a construction manager and make 72k/year.

So you're a "construction manager" but yet you were looking for work in Albertsons?

Did you just up and leave to TN and magically go from "unskilled Albertson's candidate" to construction manager..... or were you unable to find work in your field of choice during an unprecedented construction boom in the state? How long ago?

Originally Posted by TNRyan23

I drove a new 2000 Ford Ranger, Lived in Temple Terrace ( in Tampa ) and was 18. Yes, My insurance was 400/mo. and nope, I had no tickets, wrecks, or anything on my record. I now own a 2004 Ranger and my insurance is $78/month for full coverage. What a diffrent a state makes, eh ?

A new Ford Ranger at 18 and you're complaining that you couldn't find a job over $6/hour? And that is FLorida's fault you couldn't pay the bills?

I'm sorry, but even at 18 my insurance rate was NEVER $400. You didn't look hard enough for insurance. My 20 year old brother WITH tickets AND a wreck doesn't pay $400/month!

Originally Posted by TNRyan

No offense, but I don't believe youre insurance is $2100 and you're 2 miles from any beach unless you live maybe in Jacksonville. Tennessee has no income tax.

You don't have to believe it. I'd scan my policy declarations page and prove it if I cared enough to. Insurance rates have gone down, I adjusted my deductibles and got a wind mitigation as necessary.

TN has no income tax, but does tax dividends, bonds, and notes receivable.

Originally Posted by TNRyan23

You mean you're not one of the bachelor degrees looking for a telemarketing job making $10/hr ? Congrats, keep your job if you can

Lol, don't you worry about me. Some of us went an additional three years of schooling after college to obtain our professional degrees of choice.

Originally Posted by TNRyan23

The sad realities is that People with college educations are walking into supermarkets whe they're 30, 40, 50, ect, ect. It's not about education or class of people. It's about the Florida economy and the fact that some people are stupid. I love palm trees, warm weather, and the beach as much as anyone but I'll be damned if I'm going to beg Albertsons for a job if I have a college education while I could be paid 50k-60k-70k in the North or West. Eventually you'll see.

I am a year older than you. I'm not sure what, exactly, I'm going to "eventually see."

What did you study in college that left you so bereft of job choices upon graduation? Liberal arts? Feminist studies? People need to stop going to college as a way station to avoid "the real world" and start gearing their efforts towards future employment. We have to ship in foreigners to take high skilled jobs, and we have art history students crying that nobody has a place for them and their "skills."

Originally Posted by TNRyan23

Yeah, Keep thinking that. Keep painting the " Florida is wonderful " image and keep talking these poor people from other states into coming here for them to only fall on their butts. Keep telling them the economy is fine and the jobs are plentiful.

I'll keep telling all of our communities new fleeing Floridian residents Welcome.

And we'll keep seeing more and more Floridians coming back home, because the grass isn't greener. There's an entire thread here devoted to just that.

Originally Posted by TNRyan23

BTW, I may not have my feet on Florida soil. However, I am a Florida native. Born in Orlando and raised in Tampa and a resident for 19 years. Don't tell me that because I don't live there now, That I don't know what's going on. I love my home and I keep up with Florida news daily.

Are you a native ?

I've lived here permanently since I was 7, but have a combined total of 21 years here counting a year or so here when I was about 4 or 5, and unlike you, I am fully invested in my state in more ways than one.

You may "love it", but I'm HERE, and I'm willing to defend it from those who chose to leave it and denigrate it because THEY didn't make it. Believe it or not, people like you do more harm than good by chasing quality people away who would add to a community's betterment.

And by the way, people in Tennessee, last I heard, are none to happy about the invasion of Floridians.

[compelled to reply]

Originally Posted by TriMT7

And by the way, people in Tennessee, last I heard, are none to happy about the invasion of Floridians.

I don't think they would mind if most of them weren't arrogant malcontents looking for "friendly people".