[Ghostgecko]

Oh yeah, and I moved here right before Hurricane Wilma hit, you think ICE storms suck? Ha! My Dad talks of floods up there in Fort Wayne still, but you should deal with a ten foot storm surge, and power being out for DAYS! Not to mention, that well, insurance is much higher because of it... Sorry had to drop that one in!

[Starr Palmer]

I've lived in Belleair Beach for 2 years now and must say the heat isn't as bad as people say it is in the summer. I work inland in Clearwater and it can get pretty hot, but living by the beach it's at least 5 degrees cooler and we always have a really nice breeze in Belleair Beach. It's humid, but like I said, if you like heat, you get used to it. I grew up in Wisconsin and it's a drier colder climate with pretty brief (but fun summers. If you don't mind a little humidity the weather honestly isn't that bad here. When I got here I couldn't figure out what the fuss was about with the weather in the summer. I love it. By the way, Orlando is waaaay hot! At least here you have the breeze if you live in the islands.

[Starr Palmer]

Wow these posts are mean. I would say you should definitely move to Florida as a Yankee (I did but stay on the coast because inland can be pretty scary. I live on the beach and the worst I've seen is these huge palmetto bugs down here and a couple of black widow spiders. No gators, no crazy "rednecks", it's paradise on earth really. Driving outside of the barrier islands can be odd.. but I make sure to not go where I know I wouldn't be welcome.. like north of Tarpon Springs. Please dont' be discouraged by negative posts. We love it here and would never move.

[Starr Palmer]

I agree - the preconception that everyone in FL is poor couldn't be further from the truth. I live near Clearwater Beach (actually in Belleair Beach) and I've never seen so many well-off people. Huge homes, nice cars, and people basically living the good life.

[Starr Palmer]

I have family in Columbus and I agree - it's ROUGH. Horrible crime and nothing to do. Move to Florida. There are A LOT of transpants from Ohio here and other Midwest States. Everytime we go out we meet people who are originallyfrom the midwest. The coastal areas of Florida are like NY or LA: at least half of the people are not originally from Florida. They came here for the weather and laidback style of life away from sliding around in snow and being cold all the time.

[Starr Palmer]

Try Belleair Beach - it has the lowest crime in Tampa Bay area.

[Starr Palmer]

Okay psycho calm down. If people want to risk hurricanes let them. I took the risk and can afford to rebuild if need be. Been here 2 years and haven't had to yet. If one comes I'll rebuild again. It is worth the risk. There's a risk to take to live in Paradise near water but why live in a bubble? In the midwest if you live in a nice subdivision you're VERY likely to get hit by a tornado too. That doesn't mean you move to the inner city. No, you enjoy living in the outlying suburbs out in the country and take your chances.

[amyflorida70]

I am also with ya I am sooooo tired of spending 15 min. every morning getting coats on, hats gloves and boots, what a chore esp with kids!!LOL I say do whats in your heart if you feel that this is what you want or need to do then do it, don't let those other people scare you, in all reality their is crime everywhere, the town I live has 1 sex offender for every 90 people, nice. Theirs alot of pety theft as well. My dh and I are wanting to move down hear also. Bring on the beaches I say!!!!

[On-da-Beach]

The beaches are waiting for you!

[verobeach]

Floridabound, I hope you've found your way to Florida and I hope you're loving the experience. It has so much to offer... so much more than just weather.