[KathyA11]

Originally Posted by Lakeland Yankee

I think it is wonderful that people post here and give a reality check to non-residents who think Florida is a Mickey Mouse paradise.

That's not why we want to move to Florida. We're tired of the winter (that never seems to end), and we want more house and property than we can get here in NJ (and for a lot less money, too). We want a calm, quiet lifestyle -- give me a back yard where I can garden, enough books to read, and an air-conditioned house with a TV and computer and I'm happy as a lark.

What will I miss about NJ? Easy access to Yankee Stadium, for one thing. I only get to a few games a year, but there's nothing like it (the new version of Monument Park isn't nearly as nice as it was in the old Stadium, and they still haven't brought Lou Gehrig's bat over from the old flagpole). Local TV and sports talk radio (but they're streaming on the Web these days, so as long as I have a computer, I'm okay).

[KathyA11]

Originally Posted by psouth

Immigrants who come here just to take and not give back make me sick. It is Florida's huge downfall. For God's sake at least learn to speak English before you dismantle the place. We are just way too naive and nice.

But that's not a problem only in Florida -- any area with high immigration will be the same. Come to the metro NYC area (and I include a large part of northern NJ in that) and you will see the exact same problem.

[LewLew]

Originally Posted by MegDrew

Sorry, I'm still new here, so I'm not sure how to quote just one line. I am sure, LewLew, that your "rose colored lenses" theory is correct in many --if not most -- cases, but I bolded the above because I just want to point out that a small proportion of Northerners, including myself, are afflicted with Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). For those who are not familiar with it, it's a depressive disorder in which the depression becomes quite severe in the winter months. It might sound ridiculous, but it is a very real psychological disorder (though heavily based in physiology). Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) - MayoClinic.com
The "cure" is to spend time in the sun which is a loathsome idea to me when it is below 60 degrees, let alone 30! This is one of the many reasons I intend to move to Florida as soon as possible. (I assure you, I won't be going with the delusion that it will be a permanent vacation).

Anyway, I found this thread interesting because, in my research on City-Data, I've found that a lot of posters do have a lot of negative things to say about Florida. However, I live on Long Island and the same goes for that thread much of the time, as I'm sure it does for many others. I think it is simply human nature to focus on the negative.

Regardless, I'm looking forward to being neighbors soon! - Meg

I hear what you are saying, and do know about SAD. I was raised up north, in the snow belt. I have lived in CA and FL for the past nearly 10 years. I love the sun, but its never made me a happier person. I make sure that when I'm starting to get "down" while up north, I take a vacation to clear not only any effects of SAD, but also any psychological stress that tends to get me run down from work, mothering, and handling a full plate at all times. There are also light bulbs people can buy up north if they really suffer from that.
I truly understand the need to get to better weather, don't get me wrong...and my quote was not my underlying feelings, but many of those that i hear about daily.
I won't fault anyone for wanting to move here whether they are coming delusional or coming with research in hand, or alternate reasons. I was merely giving an opinion as to why most people's impressions turn sour towards Florida, and why the threads are quite negative.
I just want everyone to remember one thing about cost: Cost depends on where you buy and live in FL. Most of the very cheap places in FL are not worth living in. The economy has ravaged many of these areas (The Cape, Ocala, Lehigh Acres, Port St Lucie, etc etc.) Sure, you can get a really cheap home, but you are going to be next to other homes continuing to bring your value down, some squatters, some vandalized homes etc.
Lastly, everyone complains about property taxes in the north. Please please remember that depending on where you buy in FL (normally anywhere closer to the water) the taxes and the insurance are going to equal what you pay in property taxes up north. Property taxes are at least deductible, while insurance is p*ssed away money unless God forbid something does happen. EX: Our property taxes up north equal 5600 per year, and our insurance per year is 800. Our property taxes in FL are 3680, and our insurance is 2800 per year. Add them up, and you aren't really saving. Also, our hurricane deductible is 6000. Yup, 6000. Just wanted to share that.

[The Floridian]

The truth is most Latin American immgrants send all their $ back home to Mexico, Colombia, Brazil. I know this first hand. Because the reality of it all; the quality of life is better down there in Colombia. It is... and for them it is.

They would rather live there but they don't because of $, so they come here to the US because they know the dream is still possible. Back in Colombia, they can't even get a job to eat or suffice to pay bills. In the US they make triple because the Dollar is always higher than the Peso. Example, they send $100US back, the exchange is $250,000 pesos. And another reason why I am retiring south of the border!

Not to mention the the fine Latinas down there! Here in the US, I'm standing in line for a beautiful woman. Down in Bogota they are standing in line to know me!

Very few Latinos spend here in the US... The rich Latinos do, only because they can!

Come to FLORIDA!!! (and bring $$$). Then take it one step further, Move to South America!!!

[ngrome]

To answer the original question, a lot of people move down to Florida just to find out it is not what it's cracked up to be, and for those who are happy in Florida, they tend to embellish how great it is to live down here and blame the unhappy ones that they didn't do their homework and are part of the cause of the problems down here. Ergo, you have the never-ending vicious cycle of point and counter-point, as you'll see in a few minutes when this post is replied to...

[Sunny-Days90]

Some people who love to post negatives Florida have never experienced what it is like to live in the cold with grey skies.

Some people who have experienced it and moved to Florida thinking it would be a cure all made mistakes in picking the wrong town, school, job etc to fit them and then turn around and blame the state. ( Guess it is a normal thing to become on of those blame Florida for everything wrong in their life people )

Many people move to Florida for tons of reasons.

And if I posted I am moving just because of the weather one of the bashers would nail me, if I posted I am moving just because of the heat, they would nail me. If I posted I am only moving because I love palm tress they would be all over me. If I posted I am only coming here for a job then I would see " go somewhere else, it is so bad here."

Anyone who wants to move to Florida has no chance with these type of people.

Whatever Florida has to toss at people like me who want to move to Florida I have something in my state to match it and even worse.

Florida has some issues and we all know that but goodness people get out of your homes and look around, there are far worse places to live then in Florida.

As a huge traveler across this country for many years I have been in almost every state, every major city and many rurals towns and have seen things in many other states that makes any town in Florida look like paradise.

I probably have been down more roads in Florida then people who live in Florida. When we are in Florida on business we do not sit in the hotel room and watch TV, we get out and drive so we can see all the beauty Florida has to offer.

When we are on vacation in Florida we always take the back roads if we have time to see towns we have never saw before.

I can name 25 major cities that are 10x worse then any city Florida has to offer.

Most of us are already aware of the negatives in Florida, most of us already know that there are just as many negatives in others states and cities, but some of you have to get out of the box to know that life is NOT any better outside of Florida.

Far too many people on this board have proven that if you move to Florida and pick the right town and do your homework that things are BETTER in Florida then where they come from.

A host of posters on this board along who came from Philly, NYC, CLT, Chicago, Buffalo, Fresno, Boston, Springfield, Cleveland, Cinncinnati, Richmond have posted here they made the absolute right choice and are happier in Florida then they were in those towns.

For some reason certain posters fail to read those post SUCCESS STORIES or ignore them.

I tell my kids all the time stay away away from negative people, they are a bad influence on you and only cna drag you down with them.

Wow, the sun is shining in Ohio and my kids are outside playing with the neighborhood kids, the first time in nearly 6 months!

And you call that a life for a kid who loves to be outside. NOT!



***********************************

From Wikipedia:
( And yes you have the right to copy if it you post their name )

Seasonal affective disorder (SAD), also known as winter depression or winter blues, is a mood disorder in which people who have normal mental health throughout most of the year experience depressive symptoms in the winter or, less frequently, in the summer,[1] repeatedly, year after year. The US National Library of Medicine notes that "some people experience a serious mood change when the seasons change. They may sleep too much, have little energy, and crave sweets and starchy foods. They may also feel depressed. Though symptoms can be severe, they usually clear up."[2] The condition in the summer is often referred to as Reverse Seasonal Affective Disorder, and can also include heightened anxiety.[3]


Seasonal affective disorder - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

[dmccauley]

Originally Posted by ngrome

To answer the original question, a lot of people move down to Florida just to find out it is not what it's cracked up to be, and for those who are happy in Florida, they tend to embellish how great it is to live down here and blame the unhappy ones that they didn't do their homework and are part of the cause of the problems down here. Ergo, you have the never-ending vicious cycle of point and counter-point, as you'll see in a few minutes when this post is replied to...

Bingo!!!!! Just took a little longer then I thought.lmao

[Chrome Microphone]

Originally Posted by The Floridian

This guy (Cuba Libre) makes a viable point. Although I am 100% Floridian - born/raised in Gainesville, and I've traveled and lived all all over Florida, living mostly in North Florida... and I am also a former resident of Brazil, Colombia, Los Angeles, Tennesee, Spain and Costa Rica. So I know a little about Latin culture. It's a tuff call because I think change is good, change is inevitable and USA was built upon immigrants, mostly Europeans last few centuries. However, the Latins in Miami area are good people, family people wanting a better life and I don't blame them. Another poster mentioned the rich and the rich servers in So. Florida; well, I see this happening in Sunny Isles. There needs to be a balance, but I am not sure how to get it. Overall Florida is the best state to live and work. California is right there too. Hawaii is to far away, to far removed to be considered... All other states fall under Florida and California.

I'm a lucky one.. semi-retired, live on the beach, travel, relax, etc.

WOW! I guess it depends on what part of FL and what you do for a living. But most people are normal people, and I think most would strongly disagree. I would like to know what makes it the best place to live AND work. I say it's top 10, but that's because I am biased, I was born in FL. But, the best? No, definitely not.

[runswithscissors]

Originally Posted by JMadison

Speaking as a Florida Native (though now elsewhere):



4) Over time many areas have "gone bad". Consider that Lake Worth, West Palm Beach, Riviera Beach and Singer Island were all, at one time relatively decent places to live. I know of some folks that ran as far off as Sebastian from Lake Worth, referring to all areas south of roughly PGA Blvd as "The Jungle". (These are spots in Palm Beach County.)

5) Over the various recessions etc. the class gap has widened, major employers left, making problem (2) all the more obvious. The feeling is much like chasing a carrot that continues to get further and further away. Yet you can see Greg freakin' Norman and Donald Trump's Mega Yachts right down a the waterfront. Hard not to feel like you "missed the boat" (LOL!) or just got totally screwed by the folks that actually live in places like Jupiter Island, Palm Beach Island, Jupiter-Tequesta, Boca Raton, etc.

For a long time S. Fla, at least has slowly been becoming, "The rich" and "The people who service them".

Or to really sum it up, people want that fancy life they see on the Barrier Islands, but are stuck with ghetto.

I.e. Class and money gripes.

I really don't understand your class definitions.

The entire history of Palm Beach centered around domestic help living on the mainland and the wealthy people living on the island. WAY back to the earliest time in history. Trump and other noveau money have nothing to do with today's society unless you're under 40 and don't understand the way the country and state were formed and works. PBI was a enclave of blueblood money snowbirds but they hardly forced the rest of the state to live in poverty or make stupid political decisions OR HAVE THE HIGHEST DROPOUT RATE IN THE COUNTRY.

How far back is your analysis going?

Regarding the past 40 years I think you're really seeing things through unique lenses.

My father moved us here to FLL in 1962 and was a normal working person, a musician, and we always lived on some kind of water/canal. He was a boat builder in his free time.

My mother bought a condo in 1970's and was not "wealthy" nor did she have anyone "serving her". Rivera Beach sucked then, too.

Bummer the residents are too busy fighting the baggy pants restriction in court than doing constructive things to improve the mess there.

What "retirees" do you see being "served"? Do you mean by nurses and aids for the ones who don't move back to be with family after entering their most senior years?

I bought a condo in Vero after slaving away answering the freaking phone calls from the public (including the "poor" that you're so empathetic to who were getting free phones and YELLING AT ME )at the phone company for 30 years. So if ANYBODY was serving ANYBODY it was ME serving the welfare citizens.

So seeing Trump type money should be IRRELEVANT to anyone's life.

Get a job, don't do crack, and move if you don't like your neighborhood. Let me remind you the residents of Durham Village objected to the city's proposal to demolish that hell hole and relocate the residents, they said it was part of their history. Yes it's a very complex understandable social challenge in the AA history here but what's the excuse for all the zillions of immigrants who HAD to come here to enjoy the economic benefits who still wont speak english and have the nerve to demand bilingualism even from AMERICAN residents? A joke.

The class warfare is more Obama mythology than reality. Everybody I know here in FLL, WPB, Martin and Indian River Counties are normal everyday people WHO WORKED. Teachers, nurses, sales people, IT people, and my own son who went to school in Boca and started his own business while living on freaking Raman noodles. He moved back to Phila last month and couldn't wait.

The problem in Florida is everyone glorifies being "laid back" the complete opposite ethic than you find in most other areas of the country.

[Chrome Microphone]

Originally Posted by sold123

Okay I love Florida like everyone, so made the leap in 1996, and sold my home in New Jersey to buy a brand new home in Pinellas County. But, just sold my home this year at a huge loss, thanks to the fiasco of my friends in Miami. That is what the realtor told me. Miami had begun a downward spiral in real estate values that became a virus in Florida. Anyway we all know why that happened - thank you, Allan (his last name starts with a G -- can you guess who that is???) along with some other notable folks (you know who I mean, they show them on TV). So I moved out of Florida despite my feelings of love for the home I built and improved for 14 years and that I along with my husband raised our family in too. Here is the answer, in my opinion, to the Florida negative comments answer. Okay - presently a 50%+ devaluation on homes (believe it, highest number of foreclosures in the country due to the high glut of homes on sale, crooked politicians, highways that take decades to build, poor connection on highways, (does one road lead to everything in Pinellas county, US 19? yes - joke), road rage - of course, all the construction guys in their flatbeds running out of money with no work, and everybody else driving rudely in Florida. What else, oh yeah, no jobs, too many people. Last, but not least, all the employers that have jobs with no growth. People either lose their jobs in Florida or stay in the same job forever. If you lose your job, it's over, as there is no real business. Tell you what: Kids love Florida and Senior Citizens love Florida. As for adults, you better go with tons of money. You will need it. As, this is not a work friendly state. That's the truth. People who have jobs are just lucky, until they lose it. Oh, the salaries are awful too. Employers take advantage of the fact that they know there are no jobs. I hope this help you. So, you can never get ahead. Miami was built up during some really special times when properity and getting ahead where a possibility. Too bad the recent folks got taken, they paid a high price for their ambition and drive. I pray for the future.

Sadly, this is pretty true, but so many people from NY/NJ/Latin America always have, and will continue to move here anyway and seem to ignore the problems.