[fladude]

For all of those people who are considering moving here it's no longer the Sunshine state it use to be. Crime, Cost of living, Traffic is going through the roof. I moved to Central Florida when it was still a nice place to live (Just 8 years ago), but from what I hear the life is like up North. There is really not much difference except that it does not get cold and you don't get paid like you do up North. The dream is over and I am one of many who is getting out.

[backtofla]

try northern fla if you want a more laid back style of living, with the conveniences of living in the big city. fla is very diverse with lots of options. just a thought. hurricanes arent supposed to be much of a factor for most of fla anymore (as it is moving north and the coast of nc and upward/more northern states are supposed to get the majority now). we'll see... but maybe ho insurance will start to drop if this happens.

[macguy]

Originally Posted by fladude

For all of those people who are considering moving here it's no longer the Sunshine state it use to be. Crime, Cost of living, Traffic is going through the roof. I moved to Central Florida when it was still a nice place to live (Just 8 years ago), but from what I hear the life is like up North. There is really not much difference except that it does not get cold and you don't get paid like you do up North. The dream is over and I am one of many who is getting out.

Florida just like most of the country, 90% of the people live on 10% of the land. It is easy to get away from the crowd if you want but don't expect to live in Miami or on the beach and be alone. You can't have both because others want it also. You have only lived there 8 years, you are a new commer. I am sure the people who were there before you came wish you had not come either and added to the condition. Florida has a lot of nice areas you just have to do a little research and the people living in them hope you don't find out.

[SunriseWoman]

it's all what is in your mind.....

[baily]

were on our way out. been here 15 yrs .home prices way to high

[backtofla]

i saw a home (a decent little house) in st augustine for like 160k... here in nc it would be a little cheaper, but it was a decent little house... maybe 1300-1400 sq ft., about 10-20 yrs old or so.

[macguy]

Originally Posted by backtofla

i saw a home (a decent little house) in st augustine for like 160k... here in nc it would be a little cheaper, but it was a decent little house... maybe 1300-1400 sq ft., about 10-20 yrs old or so.

It depends on what you are looking for. I was just looking at a house just outside Cottondale a nice brick house on 2 acres for $109,000. It is a little rural but that is what we are looking for. We want a little more acreage though about 10 acres and I also want to build. There are cheaper parts of Florida and a life style that is like it used to be though, slower and nice small towns. You can't have both, although you can be a short drive from a bigger city if you look around. It's just a matter what you want.

People who think they are running away and finding some utopia are in some cases may be fooling themselves, you need to do your homework and know what you really want. There was just a story in the local paper about people leaving south Florida for Tennessee. I looked up the town they were moving to and the crime rate was as high as Fort Lauderdale add to that the winters and other problems and it may be a fantasy that they are looking at. I am leaving South Florida myself though but not the state just moving to a little nicer part.

[richkat]

When we first moved to Florida, we chose Orlando but the job situation led us to Tampa Bay, which wasn't our dream. We thought we were fed up with Florida and came to this site to research all of our favorite places. Then we realized our Florida dream was only Orlando and when we got the opportunity to move back, we did. And we're loving it. I'm not saying you will love it - each one must find their own place. Florida is diverse and people like different areas for different reasons.

- R&K

[backtofla]

i cringe when i read that a couple is leaving melbourne, fla b/c of the crime and the "bad schools" then they are moving to charlotte, nc, where the schools are worse and the crime is most certainly worse. it's like... hello! are you in dreamland or something?

[sheilaramos]

Most of you....must either be very wealthy or have your homes paid off or almost paid off.....or live in central florida

Crime is everyone.... you will never escape it.....however.....you can escape the HIGH COST OF LIVING if you make the right move..... which is what you experience here in Florida HIGH COST OF LIVING....

and don't forget....FLORIDA IS ONE OF THE LOWEST PAYING STATES FOR EMPLOYMENT......and one the costly to live in

I cant afford to live here anymore... and we make decent earnings....and I have been here for 28 years... NOT 8... and it IS NOT WHAT IT WAS BEFORE...and if it means that I have to go to another state.... and experience bad schools which I do here, and experience crime which I do here...but BE ABLE TO LIVE COMFORTABLY AND PAY MY BILLS....then why shouldnt I or anyone else.

Everyone has their opinions.... and trust me....more of us are getting out than staying.... the poor get poorer and the richer get richer....and the middle class just leave....

good luck to all!!!!!!!!!!!!