[Moderate Guy]

Originally Posted by TriMT7

#I've never been to Hawaii, but I hear it's beautiful. I would never be able to live on an Island hours and hours from the mainland, however!! Talk about feeling disconnected from the world! (Unless that's your thing).

I feel pretty much the same. I'm sure that Hawaii is beautiful, relaxing, and a nice place. But for those who like having easy driving/plane access across the continental USA, that would not work out well.

In Florida, you have easy access to the rest of the continent and for those times when you want an island ambiance you can head on down for a trip to Puerto Rico, St. Thomas, the Bahamas, Barbados, etc - in the first two, you're still in an American possession.

[gypsychic]

And besides that, the OP has already moved to Sarasota last year, and I am assuming he is enjoying himself here!

[BucFan]

Originally Posted by TriMT7

#1, Florida does not get 4 -5 hurricanes a WEEK!

#2, it's cheaper to live in Florida now than it has been in years and years.


I've never been to Hawaii, but I hear it's beautiful. I would never be able to live on an Island hours and hours from the mainland, however!! Talk about feeling disconnected from the world! (Unless that's your thing).

Nice to be only a few hours away by plane to almost everywhere in the USA

[R66]

Born/reared Florida boy. Lived SoCal for 7 years, Tennesee 1 year and all over Florida most my life. Also Europe 6 months, Brazil, Colombia, Panama and Costa Rica. Honestly, I never had any urge to even visit Hawaii -- and dont' know why. I just never think about it. Thought about Tahiti/Fiji few times but never Hawaii. I know a few native Floridians that visited Hawaii, said it was fun but came back to Florida. Ease of movement and receiving/sending mail/packages a big hassle.

To live/set up shop Florida hands down. California a close 2nd.

[EnjoyCoast]

I agree all of the above.
It's depends on what you like and what you want. Put a list on a paper sheet, then make a check on both side.
Counting it out which one have a biger check number. Finally, that is your answer.

[TallyPain]

^ I'm not saying Hawaii is bad. It's nice to visit, but not live. It's not going to be fun to be on a small island in the middle of the ocean for all your life.

[lizkover]

I have lived in Hawaii (on Kona side of Big Island) for about five years. I also have strong ties to Florida - both central gulf coast (Clearwater area), and SE - My dad has a condo in Ft. Lauderdale.

While I LOVE Hawaii with all my heart and soul, and I have been blessed with opportunities (housing, work, etc.) that have allowed me to live here this long...I am longing to move to FL for all of the reasons everyone has already listed above.

If your heart calls for you to live in Hawaii, go for it. Just be prepared for a totally different kind of living experience - all-around - than anywhere on the mainland. It's been amazing for me, a healing place after losing my mom. But it is not a long term option. Not viable financially, as I want my own HOME someday. and want my FAMILY and FRIENDS to be able to afford to come see me once in a while!!!

Good luck!

[heavenlyeyes]

Hello, my name is Dhana and I currently reside in Las Vegas. I am wanting to move to Florida in August and am asking if some of you can give me pointers on what are some descent, affordables neighborhoods to find a place to rent from. I am a single mother of two teenagers(13&16) so good schools is also a plus. I was looking to move. In the Tampa/miami/or close to WDW...about an 1hrs drive. I work in the medical field so not too far from the medical areas...45min-1hr. Also what are some pros and cons of living there. I know a place is what you make of it but just wondering. I'm originally from Chicago so the humidity is not a factor and the bugs I'm sure are no bigger than the ones I've seen here in Vegas. Is the medical field still a good market there? Thanks in advance

[polynesiangal]

Well, being that I lived in Hawaii all my life I love it here. I moved to Fl for 4 in half years. While i was there i was mostly miserable because I love the beach! The beaches in Fl are so dirty and my thought was "if you cant see your feet, you cant see a shark coming!!" The people are different but if your already from the mainland it won't bother you. It's definitely cheaper in Fl then Hawaii. Hawaii is a place you can feel comfortable without people judging you and you feel like family ohana~!! The people above talk about island fever, well i don't have a clue!! I lived on a island all my life!! We dont have snakes or wild life, only at the zoo. We got fresh fish and samoan crabs which tastes awesome! For me and my opinion, I live in Hawaii rather then Fl anytime!!

[ILLINOIS2006]

MY wife and i have been to both,Hawaii (kona) and I have been all over FL. love both places, but when i was in Hawaii, everyone treated us great.When my wife is done with school, we plan on buying a house there (Hawaii).Need not to say tho,we are white, but we tan so great that we were thought to be locals,pretty cool, Love it. ONE MORE THING,KONA COFFEE HERE I COME!