[floridaorbust]

I have been reading so many threads on how people do not like Florida.
We are planning on moving to the sunshine state. Just curious if anyone out there likes living in Florida? Because so many do not. I have read all the negatives, any positives I have not found an area that is total Utopia. But, we would like to call Florida home

[gypsychic]

Originally Posted by floridaorbust

I have been reading so many threads on how people do not like Florida.
We are planning on moving to the sunshine state. Just curious if anyone out there likes living in Florida? Because so many do not. I have read all the negatives, any positives I have not found an area that is total Utopia. But, we would like to call Florida home

I am a native, and I don't want to live anywhere else. Every day I feel blessed to live in this paradise. You must remember that there are only a HANDFUL of people from this state that post on this forum, and those who aren't happy or don't like it will be the most vocal. It's that way with anything. Everyone has different experiences, values and attributes which affect how they view things.

The thing to do is line up your priorities, do your OWN research, then visit places of interest for as long as you can. Also, a big thing - have a job or income lined up, that is one of THE most important factors as to whether you will be happy here or not.

Good luck!

[FLBob]

I like Florida. Couldn't image living anywhere else. You might find a skewed view when looking online since many of the folks that really enjoy living here are out enjoying life. I'm on line because it's my job, and it's raining today. I was out fishing two days ago. I'll be watching high school football tonight (go Indians). I'll be touring orchid green houses of Venice Orchid Society members on Saturday. I'll probably spend some time on the beach on Sunday.
Florida is not perfect, but there is plenty of opportunity to live a pleasant life here.

[LMMEGNA]

I loved it BEFORE I moved there, wasn't happy with it WHILE I lived there and CAN'T WAIT TO MOVE BACK, now that I moved away AGAIN! My poor husband!! Luckily he has the option of where to work. Please believe that famous and true statement "the grass isn't always greener.....yada....yada....." I agree with FLBOB, Florida is not perfect,(where is?) but it offers so many wonderful things, that when I FINALLY get back(planning for 8/09), I will never leave and never complain about it (a promise made to my very flexible husband). Best of luck wherever you finally call home.

[ucfjtm]

I'm a Florida native and I'm ready to leave. I had to opportunity to travel the world and live a few years in parts of the country (and a few overseas), and I see the benefits of living elsewhere. Some people love it here.. I used to, until I graduated from college, worked a few years in my field, and overall life priorities changed toward a more family-oriented lifestyle. My main reasons for leaving? Although my own field pays well and I've never had a problem finding a decent job here, the cost of living compared to salaries is way off, good public schools are a rarity, there's a distinct lack of historical culture or shared community "feel", family-oriented communities are far more frequently found elsewhere, and 8 months of daily rain just isn't all the "Sunshine state" is cracked up to be.

Florida has a lot to offer, but I know many who have moved down here and left once they realized the grass was not greener down here for their own priorities in life. I also know many others who would never leave. It just depends on your priorities in life and if you have a career that is relatively stable here.

[SoFLGal]

I'm a SW Florida native and couldn't imagine living anywhere else. The worst thing about Florida is the job situation but that's the case everywhere. It's almost always warm here, you can go to the beaches year 'round, the schools are great (at least where my children attend), the people are friendly (for the most part).

What's not to like?

[dcat02]

Originally Posted by floridaorbust

I have been reading so many threads on how people do not like Florida.
We are planning on moving to the sunshine state. Just curious if anyone out there likes living in Florida? Because so many do not. I have read all the negatives, any positives I have not found an area that is total Utopia. But, we would like to call Florida home

What part of Florida? Some parts of Florida are very different from others.

[Rcm58]

I love Florida, I've lived in Fort Lauderdale, Miami, Panama City Beach, North Lauderdale and the Redlands.
We now own a condo on Daytona Beach but will not take up permanent residence for about 2 years. People dislike it for several reasons.
If your an average wage earner from some other parts of the country that offer things to do outside at no cost you will most likely be disappointed, more so on the coastline and south Florida. In many parts of the country you can drive a Clunker and no one cares. If you drive one in Florida your just asking to get pulled over regularly. Although much of Florida is very casual it is an upper class of casual. All I'm really driving at is be prepared to proportion your expenses accordingly. Some people are happier being a tourist, enjoy all that Florida has to offer and go back to their own way of life. The ones I've met that disliked Florida most often struggled financially or clashed racially or didn't fit in socially. Florida is about pride and acceptance with a huge "BUT" at the end of that sentence if you know what I mean.

[faithfulFrank]

I look forward to leaving NY state and retiring in Florida. We are here now for the month, and love it.

You cannot go just by what you read here.......C-D has more then their share of malcontents........many of the people who love florida are too busy enjoying it to type on a computer......many more positive posts will be seen during the winter months.....

Frank D.

[TANaples]

I didn't like it 30 years ago when I lived here. I like it 10 times less today.