[Nancy Lynne]

Hi old friends!
Sorry I haven't written. As you can imagine, being in a brand new job, I am working like crazy -- didn't have time to get internet access from where I am renting -- and absolutely no permitted to conduct any personal communications from the office. However, Comcast came yesterday...and here I am!

Thank you for lettiing me know that you enjoy my posts. I appreciate that. Sometimes I feel like it is "more of a blog" than a post. But here we go...for those of you who are following my new adventure...and I now hope to add some value for those who are considering the move --- particularly those of you from the NE.

I am still positive --- but as you asked me to do -- I will give you my very own, personal experience thus far (which keep in mind has only been 5-6 weeks) as objectively and honestly as I can....

Well, the honeymoon is over but that is to be expected and you SHOULD expect it. I am VERY homesick, but know, that that is absolutely normal. However, I am homesick for what most of you will not have to experience as a result of my individual personal situation: I am a single parent and I left my 10 year old son in NJ so that he could finish 5th grade there. I am currently flying back and forth every week-end, which is no longer so easy, as the flights have cut way back now that the snow birds are gone. I have also not yet relocated all my animals, who are my kids, so it is lonely. Having said that, the movers are all their way down as we speak with all my STUFF. They should be here on Friday...and all the unpacking will begin. I am still trying to figure out how in the heck to get all of my animals down here without killing them with stress...I have 7 parrots - someof which are very large McCaws, 2 cats and a reef tank --- all of which I dearly love. I having been renting a different car every week which is costing me more than my rent. I plan on driving my critters down over the Mem Day week-end. It will be a Noah's Ark experience I am sure.

Because of my homesickness -- I know in my heart that my general feeling about Florida is clouded. I do like it here. I love the wildlife. I love the weather ---but don't kid yourself...it can be hot...and I am told...this is absolutely nothing! Every day is in the high 80's, low 90's -- and I haven't seen a drop of rain since I've been here. There was a slight rain on one day last week and we all started cheering in the office. Our wildlife and foliage desperate needs wataer. Not to mention the horrific, destrutive wildfires.

I like my job. Here is an interesting observation that those who advised me from this board long before I came here. "Working class people (like me!)" are desperate to hang on to their jobs here in Naples. The company I work for in Naples is a very solid, stable, corporate company. For the people that have moved their families here for the job...if they lose their job...they are in deep trouble! There is literally no other place to work like this is all of SW Florida. So...the desperation lends itself to....an environment of "yes sir - whatever you say", no push back, follow all the rules and policies to a T -- and I would say --- not necessarily alot of happy campers because they are literally held hostage in the job that they have --- they simply cannot find another job elsewhere. So, I think, there is resentment and hostility, perhaps inwardly, but prevasive throughout in general attitude. "Whatever they say or ask...you do...if you want to work here". The company also knows this...so I think, and takes full advantage. But this has alot to do with the culture of this particular company.

The pay is about 50% less than NJ/NY. No bones about it. It just is.
However, my benefits are great which goes along way. I was paying $1200 for just myself when I was unemployed in NJ so I add that to my salary and it means alot.

The traffic is worse than anyone can EVER describe. My intention is to live as close as I can possibly afford to my job (as in a few miles) so that I can get there in a reasonable amount of time.

Like many of the newer posters, some of you are considering "packing it all in and just moving down". I was absolutely there with you --- but the board convinced me not to do that until I found one --- and they were spot on! I cannot even imagine being down here without a place to go every day --- where I have the opportunity to meet new friends -- where I am immediately engaged. It can be --- as is for me -- even though I am a very independent person -- lonely and isolating. So --- having a job to slip right into has kept me sane. It took me over a year to find a job here --- and even once I received my first inquiry for this job...as you will all painfully remember...it took me 4 full months to actually receive the job offer!

It IS very expensive. Don't kid yourself about that either. Yes, I am watching the prcies go down...but keeping in mind that everything is so "uncertain" relative to job security --- I am pretty sure I will just keep renting for awhile. I did get a great price for a rental in a great community - $1500 a month for a home that is for sale for $699K.

Schools ----- oh boy. I think my son would be absolutely overwhelmed by the sheer size of the schools around here. So -- I am probably going to spend all the money I was spending on NJ property taxes --- on a private school (which, by the way....is lovely, lovely lovely!).

I didn't know a soul when I moved here --- still don't except for the people I work with. That's ok for now. But somehow, I don't think I will ever fine the "community" feel that is prevelant in the NE. Not necessarily a bad thing -- just different. It is indeed a very transient State.

I hope this doesn't offend anyone...but I don't think the people (in general) are as friendly, warm, considerate, courteous...as in the NE. Again, I get this sense of desperation everywhere --- and altho there might not be the stress of the so-called "fast pace" of NY....there is the stress of survival.

...I am going to send this ....as I fear I might exceed my words (typical for me)...but I;ll do a part 2 for those of you who can endure the length

[dreamofmonterey]

Thanks for the good and honest post NL, good luck in Naples! Only visited once, but it was beautiful there-


sunny

[Nancy Lynne]

The people that I work with in my very immediate team are wonderful. I adore them. We laugh and have fun. But this is not necessarily so outside our team. Again, I think everyone is so territorial about their job for fear of losing it...that it is definitely....every man for himself.

I am 50 and the community I live in has either very young couples -- with kids -- which is great -- or much older couples. An interesting dilemma for me --- where are people like me?

Naples, I think though, is absolutely a world unto itself in Florida. The wealth just blows my mind! I have never seen anything like it. However, it primarily exists in the downtown area --- which I don't really frequent.

Oddities: I don't think the cars in FL are built with "turn signals"! What is up with that guys? Nobody signals when they are turning!

Naples IS hectic and I am looking at Marco Island. It is very laid back -- a bit too much so -- but ...again...would add 20 mins to my commute. But get this guys --- I found a house there, on the water with gulf access, 3000 square feet with a pool - for $350K. There had to be a catch of course and there was --- it was smack on the busiest highway in town ...and the property taxes and insurance were in excess of $15,000!

I go to the beach everyday (5 mins from work) for lunch...and it is glorious!

I have the most beautiful view from my office...I look out over wetlands with several osprey nests, a resident alligator, and many families of ducks. I feed them everyday when I leave work -- and sit down and relax hanging out with them. Pelicans fly by my window...egrets are outside...the various birds...glorious! I've never seen such beautiful wildlife!

I do LOVE all of the flowers in bloom everywhere you look, the lushness of the landscape. The beautiful sunshine and the incredible blue skies. The sunsets are out of this world!

I would 100% definitely stay and survive somehow if I lost this job --- but my #1 concern and only concern will be the transition for my son. That too, we will just have to judge with time. As many have said....you must always remember in your heart...you can always go back. Your life is YOUR life and it is YOUR choice to do as you please (within your fiinancial means of course).

For those of you trying to sell you homes wherever you live, I did give up my beautiful home in NJ --- but I had too -- I could no longer afford the taxes -- AND I did have to take a major hit. Just the way it is. I priced myself lower than any comparable house by quite a bit -- and sold it did!

I am tired so I apologize if I am not as upbeat as usual...I've been doing nothing but working and flying back and forth...

As many have also said.........it is COMPLETELY different living in FL than it is vacationing in Florida. It just is.

NOW.........with all that said.........everytime I fly home....and into that ugly as hell Newark armpit airpot........I think to myself........"and I miss this"?!!!!!

I FEEL for the folks who live here and are struggling.

OH.........and hurricanes are a very regular topic. Let me tell you....there was one windy week-end....when they were thinking we might have a hurricane...and it was creepy.....people at work laughed....THAT WAS NOTHING...THAT WAS JUST A LITTLE WIND. EVERYONE has their advice on what to do and where to start runninig to...when one is predicted. It is truly a fear that Floridians live with every day.

But --- it is a beautiful part of the world. And I feel blessed to have this opportunity and I plan on making the very most of it and giving it all I've got! Hey, I could be living in Detroit or something!

Also, I will tell you this.....if your heart is set on moviing to FL --- do it --there is only one way to find out if it is for you --- and that is to try it -- do it -- live it. Then only will you really know for sure. You may fall in love and never look back or want to go back ---- or you may not -- in which case, the road back to "home" is always there for you.

God bless!

Nancy

[markdalton]

It will take a while to get settled in, as moving to any new place will.

I was also looking at the demographics on the Collier County page and close to 75% of the residents were born in another state, so you most likely meet lots of people who either new residents like you or probably from the same part of the country. You are right about it being transient, as most of Florida is. But the neat thing I liked about Florida was that in my neighborhood, our neighbors were from Pennsylvania, the people on the other side were from New York, the people down the street were from Michigan....believe me, once you get settled in, you will know someone from all 50 states. Of course this diversity means you will see alot of interesting driving habits represented, but hey, atleast it's warm year round and you're near a beautiful beach!

Wishing you best of luck!

[gypsychic]

NancyLynne - thanks for keeping us up to date with your new adventure! It takes time to get used to any new place, so expect to feel homesick for awhile. While I sincerely hope we don't get any hurricanes this year, PLEASE do have an evacuation plan for you and your son and all your animals. I know what you mean about the "transient quality" but that is something I have mostly experienced in South Florida - the Tampa Bay area has more community feel since it is not a wealthy retiree area like where you are.

Yes, I am sure the job situation is bad, when hubby and I lived in Sarasota he could never find a job in his profession locally that lasted - the firms couldn't get enough work, nor could they pay him a real salary. He had to commute 60 miles to Tampa for work and then we eventually moved. So I hear ya there.

Anyway, I think the beach and the beauty of the area will keep you going for a long time. And in the winter, there is no better place for weather than Florida! Actually, we have had beautiful weather for a really long time this year - here it is May almost over and nights up here in Dade City STILL in the low 60s! I love it! We do need some rain very badly, tho'..

Keep us posted, and good luck on the critter move!

[Jammie]

Nancy, it was so good to read your posts and know that you're doing well for being a recent transplant. At first you sounded down, but the more you wrote, the more upbeat you became. It sounds like you really aren't homesick at all~you just miss your son and your pets and I'd be VERY lonely without my pets, too.

It's good to hear that you plan on renting for a while. That'll give you the freedom that IF you decide not to stay with your job that you can move around a bit until you find something. Also, you'll more then likely be able to find a better deal in the future.

OH and you asked where the people in your age group are~We're RIGHT HERE. You're just a bit younger then I am.

[SKB]

Hi Nancy,
Hang in there!!! It sounds like you are doing GREAT!!!! School is almost out and you will have your little sweetie back with you.
I laughed on the Noah's Arc comment as that is as crazy as my household is. We have three dogs, one cat and one bird, and a lizard.

If you want opinions on the house, here is mine. Take it for what it's worth a opinion.
Don't even consider this house.

I love the house we are renting, it's gorgeous with 4,000 sq feet of sprawling space with two kitchens and it includes a massive pool and the house is situated across the street from a beautiful lake...sounds wonderful right? WRONG...this house also backs onto a major highway with traffic all day all night long. The sound in the backyard at times is deafening to your ears. Forget about sleeping with the windows open the sound literally bounces around inside the house. The sound of a semi tractor down shifting is the worst. In this house you could sit out front and enjoy the awning covered deck and beautiful water view, watch the tranquility of the sail boats etc...If you go out back get your earplugs ready, as traffic noise is such horrible pollution to your ears.

I will NEVER live like this again.

I know my landlord has tried many times over the years to sell this place. He can not find a buyer willing to buy in the worst possible location regardless of how beautiful this house is.

Location is EVERYTHING in real estate!!!

Given the current state of the market, give it more time and you will find a low price and a great location. Do not compromise on this or you will be sorry and stuck with a home you can not sell and lose your mind having to have noise pollution.

The biggest thing I am looking forward to is living in a quiet neighborhood again.

Best of luck to you hon.

[HockeyMom72]

Hi, Nancy. I am moving to Naples in 3 weeks. I am just a bit older than you (58). My husband got a job there 3 years ago after being out of work here in NY for almost a year. The software firm he works for was founded by two New Yorkers and they recruit and hire people from out of state. They hired him for the same salary he made here, so we were very fortunate in that respect. He bought a very small condo two years ago and wants to sell and buy something bigger. His sister works for an airline (free flights) and she and her husband visit often and our daughter will be too. She just graduated college and is going to rent upstairs from them in Queens. She is looking to teach in NYC for a few years and wants to move to Nevada when she saves enough money. My husband just came back from a visit to a former coworker who moved to Henderson a few years ago. We all may just eventually end up there together.

Right now my two biggest worries are how the hell am I going to get rid of all this furniture I have and how my cat is going to survive this trip down. My daughter is going to take the other cat to live with her. The condo where my husband lives doesn't allow pets, so we have to sneek the one cat in.

Nobody seems to want furniture here. I cannot even give it away to charities. My husband has even said it might be better to just take it and try to sell it down there since people rent furnished condos to the snowbirds.

I work with developmentally disabled adults (excellent benefits). I emailed my resume to one place in Naples and they contacted me the next day. The man told me to give them a call when I am settled there. I have also worked as a Special Education TA. There is an opening in an elementary school which is right behind our condo. I miss working with the kids. Unfortunately, the school districts here on LI mostly only hire TA's part time with no benefits which is why I left that field. From what I can tell, they hire full time in Naples, so I would love to be able to do that again. The salaries working with the disabled population are about the same as in NY. The TA jobs pay less than here. However, if I wouldn't have to DRIVE to work, that would definitely more than offset the salary difference. lol

You mentioned making friends there. From what my husband has experienced he seems to have made friends among the "transients"; two men from work who are from New York and Alabama, and a young man from Minnesota and an 85 year old woman (NEVER know she was) from Connecticut who live in his condo.

Just an interesting little incident which happened when I was done there. We were on the deli line in a Naples Publix and my husband was on his cell giving our daughter directions for taking the Brooklyn/Queens Expressway when a man in line in front of us interrupted him. He said he was from Brooklyn and knew a better way to get where my daughter wanted to go. So, he took the cell phone and gave her directions. It was really funny.

[SKB]

Hi Hockeymom,

Are you flying your cat? We did when we moved to Montreal. I know the hardest part was having to take her out of the carrier to go through the x ray machine. My cat is a nervous nelly and she really freaked out when we had to do this.
On the plane she was crying and making such a fuss we finally put her carrier into a little closet with a fabric door and she was quiet.
I think when we do it again in September I will be getting her something to relax her from the vet.
Have you tried Craigslist to sell your stuff?

[oceandreams94]

Hi Nancy! Great to hear from you! I have been following your posts for awhile now and was wondering how it was all going for you!
It sounds like you are doing great! Please keep us posted!

Jen