[Fodder]

I don't think that this has been previously posted...
In June, Forbes published their list of Best Cities to Get a Job and Florida had 3 cities ranking in the top 25 - Orlando (4), Jacksonville (8) and Ft. Lauderdale (24). They used factors such as low unemployment rate, job creation and cost of living to create the list.
Quite an accomplishment!!

[Adream]

Originally Posted by Fodder

I don't think that this has been previously posted...
In June, Forbes published their list of Best Cities to Get a Job and Florida had 3 cities ranking in the top 25 - Orlando (4), Jacksonville (8) and Ft. Lauderdale (24). They used factors such as low unemployment rate, job creation and cost of living to create the list.
Quite an accomplishment!!

Thanks for posting this. I went to the Forbes website, typed "Best cities" in their search space - and lots of great articles popped up! Fascinating reading.

People need to calm down, Florida has lots to offer and is just beautiful. I have a house there, my folks live there, and we love it.

[chocomom]

Originally Posted by Adream

Thanks for posting this. I went to the Forbes website, typed "Best cities" in their search space - and lots of great articles popped up! Fascinating reading.

People need to calm down, Florida has lots to offer and is just beautiful. I have a house there, my folks live there, and we love it.

You said 'there'? Do you live here FT? In what part of the state do you own? I ask not to be rude but no one opinions are less valid than anyone else's. Even though some people here might love FL, even the people who dislike it bring an honest perspective.

A lot of the people who are complaining have valid concerns and issues. No matter what any national magazine may say, the best indicator of an area is the people who live there. Middle-class residents are being assualted economically with no repreive.

Different parts of the state have different realities. They state that Fort Lauderdale is #25, yet do they read local papers to realize that the average home price of $380,000 is outside of the range of affordability for the majority of full-time residents.

This is what that kind of money will but you:
http://www.usatoday.com/money/econom...uderdale_x.htm

The average income? $64,000 per year.

[shannon94]

Originally Posted by chocomom

You said 'there'? Do you live here FT? In what part of the state do you own? I ask not to be rude but no one opinions are less valid than anyone else's. Even though some people here might love FL, even the people who dislike it bring an honest perspective.

A lot of the people who are complaining have valid concerns and issues. No matter what any national magazine may say, the best indicator of an area is the people who live there. Middle-class residents are being assualted economically with no repreive.

Different parts of the state have different realities. They state that Fort Lauderdale is #25, yet do they read local papers to realize that the average home price of $380,000 is outside of the range of affordability for the majority of full-time residents.

This is what that kind of money will but you:
http://www.usatoday.com/money/econom...uderdale_x.htm

The average income? $64,000 per year.

Great point Choco! $64,000 a year. Hmmm. Let's see...I believe you are not suppose to spend more than 30% on a mortgage. It's pretty easy to do the math on that one huh?

[chocomom]

Originally Posted by shannon94

Great point Choco! $64,000 a year. Hmmm. Let's see...I believe you are not suppose to spend more than 30% on a mortgage. It's pretty easy to do the math on that one huh?

That's how much my husband and I make combined. Trust me, I've done the math backwards and forwards.

And this post is not trying to be mean, it's just that my my husband and I get comments like, "You could make it if you just tightened your belt" or "I did it 20+ years ago, why can't you?" Uhhhh, this is a very different place and economy from even 10 years ago. Should we stop taking our kids to the pediatrician? Or maybe give up the 2nd car and try to use our wonderful South FL public transportation system (yeah, waiting on the bus bench for hours at a time with 2 kids is my idea of fun). Although what we make sounds like good money, we get by from month to month.

We are only 25 & 26, so we've decided to try to make our situation better before it gets any worse. I just want to open the eyes of those who overlook people like us, with incomes that should be middle class but due to rising housing, insurance, taxes, and utilities costs are bordering on working poor.

[shannon94]

Originally Posted by chocomom

That's how much my husband and I make combined. Trust me, I've done the math backwards and forwards.

And this post is not trying to be mean, it's just that my my husband and I get comments like, "You could make it if you just tightened your belt" or "I did it 20+ years ago, why can't you?" Uhhhh, this is a very different place and economy from even 10 years ago. Should we stop taking our kids to the pediatrician? Or maybe give up the 2nd car and try to use our wonderful South FL public transportation system (yeah, waiting on the bus bench for hours at a time with 2 kids si my idea of fun). Although what we make sounds like good money, we get by from month to month.

We are only 25 & 26, so we've decided to try to make our situation better before it gets any worse.

Your a smart girl!! I want to give you a hug!! Good luck to you sweetie. Just saw the article you mentioned. Looks like there is an 11.4 month supply in Ft. Lauderdale. YEah...Im with you I wouldn't buy that for $380k.. Yuck!

[bamboosmom]

Originally Posted by Adream

Thanks for posting this. I went to the Forbes website, typed "Best cities" in their search space - and lots of great articles popped up! Fascinating reading.

People need to calm down, Florida has lots to offer and is just beautiful. I have a house there, my folks live there, and we love it.

I agree with you 100%.

[milano]

well, I think that Fort Lauderdale is not only the worse place to work, but it is also a very horrible place to live, it is south florida after all!!
The most unfriendly, NOT for families place in the U.S.

[bamboosmom]

It may be crowded but I saw so many nice homes there. Hmmm

[Adream]

Originally Posted by chocomom

You said 'there'? Do you live here FT?

I have in the past, however, at this moment, no. I've lived all over the country, and used to live in Cocoa Beach.

Originally Posted by chocomom

In what part of the state do you own?

Naples.

Originally Posted by chocomom

I ask not to be rude but no one opinions are less valid than anyone else's.

Who said they were? Who invalidated the discourse taking place here? Wasn't me. Don't assume a differing opinion is automatically aimed at you.

Originally Posted by chocomom

Even though some people here might love FL, even the people who dislike it bring an honest perspective.

An honest perspective is when all sides are heard and respected. No one is negating a contrasting opinion. That said, if someone likes Florida, that is also a valid viewpoint.

Originally Posted by chocomom

A lot of the people who are complaining have valid concerns and issues. No matter what any national magazine may say, the best indicator of an area is the people who live there. Middle-class residents are being assualted economically with no repreive.

Again, the validity of the viewpoints has not been disputed here, as I assume you would not render a viewpoint different from yours invalid.

As far as middle class residents under assault? Why do you think this forum is so active? People feel under assault throughout this country. Everyone is looking for a place where they can live their lives happily and affordably.

Originally Posted by bamboosmom

I agree with you 100%.

Thanks! I noticed you are hoping to move to PA. I used to live there, too. Many beautiful towns in PA.