[Sheepie2000]

Originally Posted by dmccauley

As stated over and over its suppose to forwarn people that there are things that you may not have considered and to check it out thoroughly before you make the move.

Perhaps it would have been more clear if you had made a checklist of things to consider before moving to Florida. As it is, it seems like a complaint that you sit home alone in your air conditioning and do nothing but pay bills. No wonder you miss your old life! But I agree that there are a lot of things to consider before moving.

-Consider the job market
-Consider the housing market
-Consider the weather--the good, the bad, the ugly
-Consider other expenses--car expenses/insurance/heating/cooling/pool upkeep/HOA fees/pests/fees for recreation/new equipment for new activities/new wardrobe changes/new furniture because you'll want new once you're here...you just will/transportation/groceries
-Consider schools if you have children
-Consider crime and safety
-Consider pool safety if you have children
-Consider houses of worship if that's important to you
-Consider your interests and hobbies and research what's available
-Consider and research entertainment options
-Consider your support system. Who are they? Where are they? Do you need to be physically close to them?
-Consider how important it is to make friends quickly. Are you an introvert or extrovert? How will you build new relationships?
-Be introspective and determine what is important for you to be happy.

This is just off the top of my head. There are lots more things to consider and anyone even contemplating a move has a lot to consider. From my research, Florida has a lot to offer, unless like the person above mentioned, you only like winter sports. It's not for everyone, but a little introspection and a lot of research before deciding to move will make a big difference.

[DivingPrincessE]

Originally Posted by dmccauley

This thread was not meant to be a discussion on Florida being boring. As stated over and over its suppose to forwarn people that there are things that you may not have considered and to check it out thoroughly before you make the move.

Originally Posted by dmccauley

I have read so many threads on here about people leaving the snow to come to sunny Florida and finally decided to post a thread. First I should tell you I came from a small town in NJ on the shore. I lived there my entire life and was tired of the winters and snow and thought it would be a better life for my kids. Well this is what I have found. I wanna go home.lol... Living in Florida is a totally different life style then living up north. We vacationed here my entire life but it’s so different when you live here. There isn't a hometown feeling and its so boring. You would think that meeting people would be easy, well its not. I have found that people don't get together (families) and barbeque and just hangout socially. The kids don't play outside because it’s either way to hot or their parents are afraid of child abductions. The summers are brutal. Florida doesn't have income tax but they tax you on everything else. The real estate taxes, homeowners and car insurance are not cheap. Don't forget I'm from NJ (worst state for taxes) its higher here. I have added expenses I didn't have up North, i.e. lawn care, pool care, and pest control. My advice is rent first, come during the summer months. Before you give up your friends for the sun and warm weather think long and hard. I have spoken to so many people from all over the states and each have expressed how much they miss “home” and would go back in a minute.
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You brought it up. It was in your vast list of what's wrong with FL. Others have addressed the weather issue, I'm addressing your issue with it being boring.

[**NoodLes**]

Originally Posted by dmccauley

I found this remark quite funny especially coming from someone who has a number of posts. Hmmm practice what you preach. Maybe Tanaples doesn't like to swim in RED TIDE.

Things to consider about FL before moving:
1) the influx of rude NJ/NY people
2) People who like to butt into others conversations to seem smart when they actually end up looking foolish.

[TANaples]

Originally Posted by dmccauley

I found this remark quite funny especially coming from someone who has a number of posts. Hmmm practice what you preach. Maybe Tanaples doesn't like to swim in RED TIDE.

I lived on LI and never went to the beaches. We had a private town beach open only to residents and I went maybe twice in 20 years. If I have to be in "water" at all, I would rather go to a water park and go on the rides. The beach is hot and boring.

Actually, I would rather ICE SKATE. Is THAT a Florida activity?

[dmccauley]

Originally Posted by **NoodLes**

Things to consider about FL before moving:
1) the influx of rude NJ/NY people
2) People who like to butt into others conversations to seem smart when they actually end up looking foolish.

People from NY/NJ aren't rude we just don't have any patience for morans. I am the person who started the thread and find it terrible that others insult people for expressing their opinions. As a matter of fact I haven't found a post from you on here that disagreed that there are added expenses you may not have considered and the property taxes are higher. To each his own about being boring and the weather.

[The Floridian]

Originally Posted by **NoodLes**

Things to consider about FL before moving:
1) the influx of rude NJ/NY people
2) People who like to butt into others conversations to seem smart when they actually end up looking foolish.

IMO Noodles is correct.

However, I also identify/agree with the original author of this thread because Florida has a serious work eithic problem... and I should know, I'm a Floridian, so I understand why people from other states like NY might get frustrated. At the some time I've met plenty of NY/NJ people every place I've ever lived, including but not limited to California, Latin America, Brazil (Rio de Janeiro). In Rio, those NYers are without question the worst group of misfits to ever layed eyes on. They are an extremely rude bunch.

[dmccauley]

Originally Posted by DivingPrincessE

You brought it up. It was in your vast list of what's wrong with FL. Others have addressed the weather issue, I'm addressing your issue with it being boring.

your absolutely correct. Florida is all about what you make it and also has to do with the neighborhood you chose to live, but the expenses can be a big surprise when you hear its so cheap here.

[dmccauley]

Originally Posted by Sheepie2000

Perhaps it would have been more clear if you had made a checklist of things to consider before moving to Florida. As it is, it seems like a complaint that you sit home alone in your air conditioning and do nothing but pay bills. No wonder you miss your old life! But I agree that there are a lot of things to consider before moving.

-Consider the job market
-Consider the housing market
-Consider the weather--the good, the bad, the ugly
-Consider other expenses--car expenses/insurance/heating/cooling/pool upkeep/HOA fees/pests/fees for recreation/new equipment for new activities/new wardrobe changes/new furniture because you'll want new once you're here...you just will/transportation/groceries
-Consider schools if you have children
-Consider crime and safety
-Consider pool safety if you have children
-Consider houses of worship if that's important to you
-Consider your interests and hobbies and research what's available
-Consider and research entertainment options
-Consider your support system. Who are they? Where are they? Do you need to be physically close to them?
-Consider how important it is to make friends quickly. Are you an introvert or extrovert? How will you build new relationships?
-Be introspective and determine what is important for you to be happy.

This is just off the top of my head. There are lots more things to consider and anyone even contemplating a move has a lot to consider. From my research, Florida has a lot to offer, unless like the person above mentioned, you only like winter sports. It's not for everyone, but a little introspection and a lot of research before deciding to move will make a big difference.

your right I should have worded it better, my mistake

[**NoodLes**]

Originally Posted by dmccauley

As a matter of fact I haven't found a post from you on here that disagreed that there are added expenses you may not have considered and the property taxes are higher. To each his own about being boring and the weather.

It's common knowledge that you aren't going to have the same expenses from city to city let alone a different neighborhood to different 'hood. Property taxes are all relative and it really depends on which county you move into, but the main factor is what size of house you want.

The cost of living index according to US City Data for Miami and Newark are almost identical, so I don't know what your point is really. Having liquid cash will ultimately determine how much "fun" you might have if spending money makes you happy though.

Also, how can you NOT expect to have higher costs with a pool and a yard especially when it rains EVERYDAY in summer? NJ is the the worst state for property taxes (fact http://articles.moneycentral.msn.com...StateRank.aspx) So how can you complain about Florida property taxes at all? Its not really Floridas fault if you didn't fully research your move.

[dmccauley]

Originally Posted by **NoodLes**

It's common knowledge that you aren't going to have the same expenses from city to city let alone a different neighborhood to different 'hood. Property taxes are all relative and it really depends on which county you move into, but the main factor is what size of house you want.

Wow we agree . I left because it was so expensive. I just wish I had known about the small stuff. Up North we didn't have to cut our grass all year long. We had to treat for termites but only if you had them vs pest control all year long here. Some people may be able to care for their pool and the lawn here. I have only been able to master the pool by myself. Forgetabout the lawn.lol As far as real estate taxes I was just amazed how often they fluctuate. I have always wanted to live in Florida, it was a dream of mine. I never wanted to say if I only had....Well I have an it just wasn't my cup of tea. If I had known about the "small stuff" added to the higher prices for homeowners and car insurance prior to my move maybe I would have reconsidered. By the time you add it all up it comes out to be what my expenses were up north if not more.