Happy to be back (Miami, Orlando: good schools, military, move to)

[fauve]

I guess I was trying to make the point that in this country now, in order to ensure your kids have it better than you, it is necessary to work your butt off, and still not expect to afford luxuries.

When I was a kid, I grew up the daughter of an unmarried schoolteacher. We lived on the upper east side, I went to summer camp and she travelled internationally every year. Private college for me cost her $3K a year. She retired with a great NYC pension and social security. Those days are over.

[Chelsa1075]

I know but that really sucks - I swear sometimes, I hate being an adult.

[itsajourney]

Originally Posted by Rock Newman

Chelsa1075 .. let me "cut to the chase" if you live in Cooper City , Weston , most of Davie , most of Coral Springs , Boca Raton , Parkland , or Wellington you will most likely enjoy it down here . There are many nice people down here , not all drivers are crazy ... yes the area has its problems , which area does not ... but we are happy here , have made great friends of all races and ethnicities , there is excellent shopping , restaurants , parks , beaches close by and no NC and Georgia are not the new paradises that many posters here claim they are .

I would also add Coconut Creek to those towns--I stayed in Coconut Creek while I was going to FL College of Natural Health in Pompano--I loved Coconut Creek! Great Location...not quite as congested as Coral Springs & Boca, but smack in the middle of both of them,,,

[Chelsa1075]

Journey - Coconut Creeks schools are not so good and I have 2 little ones to consider.

[Nolefan34]

Gee, you mean there is actually somebody who doesn't like North Carolina? Go figure that. I was beginning to think that the messiah was coming there.

[berryjuice4life]

Originally Posted by Nolefan34

Gee, you mean there is actually somebody who doesn't like North Carolina? Go figure that. I was beginning to think that the messiah was coming there.

they are still coming here in droves..what can I say, yes our property taxes are cheaper, at least in the county im in, However eventually they will go up, charlotte taxes are high but unlike the north its concered cheap..food here is outrageous, our car insurance and homeowners is cheaper alot cheaper, but we pay property taxes on cars, and our sales tax is on everything and u also pay 2 taxes on food shopping...our homes are alot less and are getting nice s footage for the money..But again there are alot of issues but alot of people still think its utopia...and its not that we dont like it its beautiful here, it just doesnt fit our needs that is all..

[Rock Newman]

Originally Posted by itsajourney

I would also add Coconut Creek to those towns--I stayed in Coconut Creek while I was going to FL College of Natural Health in Pompano--I loved Coconut Creek! Great Location...not quite as congested as Coral Springs & Boca, but smack in the middle of both of them,,,

Yes Coconut Creek is nice ... had dinner with my wife last week at the new Coconut Creek Promenade a smaller version of Pembroke Gardens with high end shopping and dining ... yes Coconut Creek does have very nice areas

[itsajourney]

Berryjuice--I will second all of what you say. I could not believe how epensive groceries were in Raleigh--there is no other way to say it than "outrageous".

Chelsea--I didn't know that about CC schools. My kids stayed in Orlando with Dad while I was down there. If I end up back down there, they would proably stay here to finish--but good to know. Thanks

[itsajourney]

Originally Posted by Rock Newman

Yes Coconut Creek is nice ... had dinner with my wife last week at the new Coconut Creek Promenade a smaller version of Pembroke Gardens with high end shopping and dining ... yes Coconut Creek does have very nice areas

I'm leaving for Miami area tomorrow for 5 days to look around again--where is Coconut Creek Promenade at? I want to be sure and check it out. I loved Coconut Creek--just never had to deal with traffic issues.

[Rock Newman]

Originally Posted by Nolefan34

Gee, you mean there is actually somebody who doesn't like North Carolina? Go figure that. I was beginning to think that the messiah was coming there.

North Carolina , is going to have an amazing amount of problems in the next five years , that may even rival South Florida in some respects . The illegal immigration issue is getting worse every year , the state is being flooded with people from everywhere mainly disgruntled South Floridians and "half backs " from New York , New Jersey and Connecticut bringing with them non "Southern" attitudes ... the job market especially in Charlotte with the banking industry is being hit hard ... our neighbors who moved back from Raleigh less then a year ago also maintain that the locals are beginning to show resentment towards the new arrivals and that in certain cities and towns there are already tensions due to the perception that their way of life is being threatened by these "invaders" .

I think North Carolina especially is a beautiful state and a great place to vacation , but I have never been particularly enamored with the idea of living there .