[pattiv]

Originally Posted by summergal

Wheew! you had me a bit worried there for a minute... Knoxville is one of my considerations for a move (as well as Pittsburgh). OK feelin' better now

Let me know if you need info on Pittsburgh.
I lived there for several years 94-97 and loved it!!
It was voted one of the best cities for family.
You need to be lovin cold weather though, LOL!

[Jammie]

It's so nice to read through this thread and see there are people who are from the Ocala area and love it there. That's the place that we plan on checking out the next time we're down in Fla. Glad to know the people there are friendly. Just wanted to know the reason to stay away from the Ocala Forest area. Also, what is Silver Springs like? Are Silver Springs and Ocala joined cities? From what I can see on the internet, they seem to be separate, but with recent grown down there it's hard to tell if they still are. Does anyone know?

[Noel from Philippines]

Hello everyone!

I am based in the Philippines and will soon be transferred to St. Petersburg, Florida where my wife will work as nurse.

I am presently working in an electric company and I used to be a teacher. My educational background is Mass Communication, Master in Public Management, and a little of Master in Business Administration and Doctor of Education.

If anyone could tell me something about St. Petersburg in Florida. Thanks.

Noel

[bamboosmom]

St. Pete's is really nice!!! Lots to do and you aren't far from Tampa or Sarasota!!! Welcome to Florida

[green]

I only have one thing to say: The Tampa area, and also the Miami/Ft, lauderdale, Orlando and all the populated areas in FL. are horrible, not a place to raise a family, Florida is for vacations only!!

[theqbaby]

Originally Posted by Judes

I would only say one thing about your proposed move to FL! DON'T DO IT!! The expenses here are exorbitant and increasing every day. Insurance is unbelievably expensive (if you can get it). Traffic is horrendous and there are no "small, quiet, country-living type towns." Everything is now being torn down for condos. If you are very wealthy, go ahead and try it. We've been here 28 years and can no longer afford it. Moving back up North.

I have been here in South Florida for approx. 35 yrs., and I agree totally with
Judes . Its not what is used to be and is extremely expensive reguarding insurance and taxes. I've seen this place explode with concrete, and just when it seems they couldn't possibly build anywhere else, another building is popping up on the one piece of grass that was left.
TRAFFIC OMG. When I talk to my friends about leaving and going north, they all tell me it takes 30 minutes to get anywhere. Well it is the same here. Even though everything is close, traffic ties you up anyways. I'd rather have a nice scenery than a bunch of uptight drivers. Lots or road rage. And after hurricane Wilma kicked our butts, talk about uptight people. I understand, but we were all in the same situation. People need a tad bit more patience in a catastrophe situation. Fights in line waiting 3 hours for gas, ice water. Didn't have power for 21 days. Which we were prepared for, but gas stations and grocery stores were not.
Good Luck and stay North and West if you still choose Florida,
theqbaby

[Dee2e]

I moved to Florida nearly 20 years ago. Sure, it's changed! Some changes are great, like more housing, shopping, and jobs. Some changes aren't as great.

I have lived in Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, and Virginia. All of those communities have changed too.

The point is, as life changes, you go with it or keep moving. Eventunally, change catches up in every area. You can't outrun it for long.

For those that don't like, Florida, move out. It's that simple. For the rest of us, we'll just live peacefully here in Florida enjoying our lives.

I hate the traffic somedays, sure but I hate the snow, ice, and cold weather more! I'm a Floridian until death do us part. Florida...love it or leave it!

Originally Posted by pattiv

Let me know if you need info on Pittsburgh.
I lived there for several years 94-97 and loved it!!
It was voted one of the best cities for family.
You need to be lovin cold weather though, LOL!

I lived in the 'Burg for 15 years. Cold and dreary but not a bad place to live if you can deal with the weather! Of course, then there's the Steelers!

I left the 'Burg for Florida nearly 20 years ago and love it. The sun shines most every day here. Of course, it's hot and humid now but that doesn't bother me as much as the snow bothered me when I lived in the 'Burg. I see the Steelers via Direct TV weekly in season so I'm all set here in sunny Florida!

[theqbaby]

Originally Posted by Dee2e

I moved to Florida nearly 20 years ago. Sure, it's changed! Some changes are great, like more housing, shopping, and jobs. Some changes aren't as great.

I have lived in Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, and Virginia. All of those communities have changed too.

The point is, as life changes, you go with it or keep moving. Eventunally, change catches up in every area. You can't outrun it for long.

For those that don't like, Florida, move out. It's that simple. For the rest of us, we'll just live peacefully here in Florida enjoying our lives.

I hate the traffic somedays, sure but I hate the snow, ice, and cold weather more! I'm a Floridian until death do us part. Florida...love it or leave it!

I guess it goes back to wanting what you don't have. Myself, I have never seen seasons change. And like you said, everything and everyone change and grow. And honestly, I want to experience some of the things I haven't had the chance to. But if someone is looking for "laid back", Broward County just isn't it anymore.
I noticed you are in Central Florida. Hopefully for you things are so caotic as they are here.
I'm not a big fan of shopping, strange I know. My husbands a lucky man, when it comes to that. I'd rather be working in the yard or out exploring, fishing, camping. The malls and shopping never really excited me
I know every state has its Metro areas and bad things. But for me, what would life be without change, risks, and new adventures.
I think some positive changes would be best for US.
theqbaby

[Dee2e]

Originally Posted by theqbaby

I guess it goes back to wanting what you don't have. Myself, I have never seen seasons change. And like you said, everything and everyone change and grow. And honestly, I want to experience some of the things I haven't had the chance to. But if someone is looking for "laid back", Broward County just isn't it anymore.
I noticed you are in Central Florida. Hopefully for you things are so caotic as they are here.
I'm not a big fan of shopping, strange I know. My husbands a lucky man, when it comes to that. I'd rather be working in the yard or out exploring, fishing, camping. The malls and shopping never really excited me
I know every state has its Metro areas and bad things. But for me, what would life be without change, risks, and new adventures.
I think some positive changes would be best for US.
theqbaby

I lived in Coral Springs when I first moved to Florida. Broward was crowded then and it's worse now but your area has lots of neat things that we don't have! Like baseball, football, and hockey teams!

[theqbaby]

Dee2e ,
I'm sorry if I offended you, but South Florida isn't for me any longer and I was just giving my opinion, as I see other doing. I am not the only one who agrees that it is just too congested here in South Florida. By the way, may I ask why you moved from Coral Springs?
Yes Broward has lots to do, and to some maybe too much.
Again I apologize if I offended you,
theqbaby