Pros and cons of relocating to Hawaii vs. Florida? (how much, houses)

[denverian]

Originally Posted by KAILANI

Are you sure about that??
Ever check out Oahu, Pearl City, Waikiki...
You can get all that JUNK there.. Damn outlet stores, who needs 'em when you can get em at aloha stadium flea mah-ket!!

I've eaten at an Applebees... or was it Chilis? Whatever, they're all the same - that was in either Pearl City or Aiea. Not my first choice of places to eat in Hawaii though. I'll take the shrimp truck over that crap any day!

[Paddywagons]

Hawaii, hands down! I live in Florida in a gorgeous country colonial on a beautiful 5 acre ranch with my own chain of several interconnecting small lakes in Palm Beach surrounded by horse & cattle ranches, & large agricultural farms. My northern property line abuts tens of thousands of acres of unspoiled protected nature preserve. I can be enjoying the best of food and drink in trendy downtown Clematis Street in West Palm Beach, or lounging on The Palm Beaches magnificant turquoise waters in about 30 - 40 minutes from home. EVEN with ALL that I would chose a small quaint cabin almost anywhere on the Big Island without doubt! All the reasons the many contributors, including myself, have mentioned are significant to them; it's what YOU like that matters most. Do you know yourself, and what lifestlyle you'd really like for sure? Do you know Florida and Hawaii? I am in Florida because of my job ONLY! Once I can retire, about 5 years, I will do everything possible to relocate to the Big Island, including much financial sacrifice. I was about to do it this year, but the darn economy....! Never again!

[mdand3boys]

Originally Posted by Paddywagons

Hawaii, hands down! I live in Florida in a gorgeous country colonial on a beautiful 5 acre ranch with my own chain of several interconnecting small lakes in Palm Beach surrounded by horse & cattle ranches, & large agricultural farms. My northern property line abuts tens of thousands of acres of unspoiled protected nature preserve. I can be enjoying the best of food and drink in trendy downtown Clematis Street in West Palm Beach, or lounging on The Palm Beaches magnificant turquoise waters in about 30 - 40 minutes from home. EVEN with ALL that I would chose a small quaint cabin almost anywhere on the Big Island without doubt! All the reasons the many contributors, including myself, have mentioned are significant to them; it's what YOU like that matters most. Do you know yourself, and what lifestlyle you'd really like for sure? Do you know Florida and Hawaii? I am in Florida because of my job ONLY! Once I can retire, about 5 years, I will do everything possible to relocate to the Big Island, including much financial sacrifice. I was about to do it this year, but the darn economy....! Never again!

You forgot to mention that Florida has the distinct priviledge of having snakes and alligators...

[KAILANI]

Originally Posted by Paddywagons

Hawaii, hands down! I live in Florida in a gorgeous country colonial on a beautiful 5 acre ranch with my own chain of several interconnecting small lakes in Palm Beach surrounded by horse & cattle ranches, & large agricultural farms. My northern property line abuts tens of thousands of acres of unspoiled protected nature preserve. I can be enjoying the best of food and drink in trendy downtown Clematis Street in West Palm Beach, or lounging on The Palm Beaches magnificant turquoise waters in about 30 - 40 minutes from home. EVEN with ALL that I would chose a small quaint cabin almost anywhere on the Big Island without doubt! All the reasons the many contributors, including myself, have mentioned are significant to them; it's what YOU like that matters most. Do you know yourself, and what lifestlyle you'd really like for sure? Do you know Florida and Hawaii? I am in Florida because of my job ONLY! Once I can retire, about 5 years, I will do everything possible to relocate to the Big Island, including much financial sacrifice. I was about to do it this year, but the darn economy....! Never again!

Hey paddy! I grew up there! WPB. Ever since I moved over to Hawaii, I never wanted to go back to Florida. I agree with your post!!! We now live near Seattle, and are anxiously awaiting our chance ot move back to the islands!

[Paddywagons]

Ha, ha .. about the alligators & snakes, you're so right! I'm not bothered personally by them since I haven't had to cross any gators path yet. I haven't seen a snake on my land yet, although I know my neighbor says they're are some harmless black ones around. I painted that picture of a great piece of property in Florida for comparison to make my point; like Kailani, once I actually went to the Big Island, absolutely nothing would stop me from wanting to move there! Once you visit the Big Island you'll either know for sure it's for you; you'll know for sure it's not, or possibly you'll be uncertain! I'm one of those like many others who never ever had any doubt!

[SkyBob]

Originally Posted by Paddywagons

Once you visit the Big Island you'll either know for sure it's for you; you'll know for sure it's not, or possibly you'll be uncertain!

I think you just about said it all. I wish I could be so consice.

[Becca8377]

Ah too bad I just found these forums yesterday. I moved from Florida to Hawaii about 2 years ago... and now I'm moving to Syracuse NY!! lol

[Tiger Beer]

I absolutely LOVE HONOLULU...who wouldn't?

But the problem is that the cost of living is incredibly high, and wages are low. I've heard people say the same about Florida..OFTEN...but it is not in the same league. Hawaii is only so big, it has finite space. They are islands out in the middle of nowhere. Incredibly beautiful ones I might add.

But the reality is that there is only so much land to go around, and it simply isn't affordable or possible for everyone who wants to live in Hawaii to be able to buy property, especially in Honolulu, if you are attracted to the big city, like I am.

IF all things were equal - i.e., a person had the choice between the two and was independently wealthy, than Hawaii would win everytime - unless of course someone had a love for Miami parties and living the wealthy side of that. But for just average person, by default, Florida is more affordable giving a person a bit more of a chance at having an actual house, etc.

Honolulu in particular, kind of reminds me of living in Manhattan...condensed and so ideal for people who love that (and I do), but comes with a huge price tag.

[Paddywagons]

Originally Posted by SkyBob

I think you just about said it all. I wish I could be so consice.

I see what you mean about being concise; I sure wasn't! I thought I was being funny, but now I see you're comment was much funnier! I have to type a lot at work so I got pretty fast at it; the result: I often fail to proofread as it bores me to read my own ranting! The good thing, most of you are pretty forgiving and get my meaning from the context of the whole message.

[SkyBob]

No, no, you were being funny! I enjoy reading your posts. I just took the opportunity to grab some laughs myself.