Should we move to Miami? (Jacksonville, Tampa: car insurance, how much, employment)

[eeberlien]

Hello all :-)
I am a 45 year old married man with three kids. We currently reside on Utah. We aren't happy with it and would like to move to Florida. We attempted it in 2009 but our timing was clearly bad, as a result we were forced to move back here after only about 8 months. We have regretted it ever since. I am retired military (U.S Air Force). We are very unsatisfied with our current location, and want to go back to Florida. Essentially my question is: Here we are like four years later, I know the unemployment rate has dropped since 2009. What are our chances of making it work this time around? We would obviously make every attempt possible to get a job lined up for at least one of us prior to our arrival. But if that proves to be not possible do we risk it? Or play it safe?

[FlyMIA]

Why Miami? Florida is a big state. Did you used to live in Miami?
You got one thing right though. Don't even think about moving here until somebody has a good job. Cost of living in Miami will be much much higher than it is in Utah. The two can't compare.

[miami_zed]

What did you like about Miami during those 8 months you were here? Why did you move back?And I don't know about the unemployment rate having dropped. Has it really? Supposedly it doesn't count the people that have given up looking for jobs (a lot).

I say risk it and move to some other city in Florida if you can't make it in Miami. What area of Utah do you live in? Rural? Perhaps you wouldn't mind living outside of the big city like some of us and it'd be better for you financially. Even I think I should pack my bags and head to middle of nowhere florida sometimes.

[eeberlien]

We actually were in Tampa the first time. We've never been to Miami. We are open to anywhere in Florida. I have placed this identical post in the Tampa forum, and the Cape Coral forum. The only city in Florida I would prefer to stay away from is Jacksonville. I have heard nothing but negative things about that area. We are currently living in Salt Lake City, Utah. And before anybody asks, we don't like it because we are water people. Utah is a desert, it's okay up in the high country but in the valley we don't find it appealing at all. And so, Miami is a large city, we figured the metropolitan areas would be easier to find employment. I am however definitely not opposed to small town and or rural living. As a matter of fact, I'm a fan of it:-)

[MiamiRob]

Originally Posted by eeberlien

We actually were in Tampa the first time. We've never been to Miami. We are open to anywhere in Florida. I have placed this identical post in the Tampa forum, and the Cape Coral forum. The only city in Florida I would prefer to stay away from is Jacksonville. I have heard nothing but negative things about that area. We are currently living in Salt Lake City, Utah. And before anybody asks, we don't like it because we are water people. Utah is a desert, it's okay up in the high country but in the valley we don't find it appealing at all. And so, Miami is a large city, we figured the metropolitan areas would be easier to find employment. I am however definitely not opposed to small town and or rural living. As a matter of fact, I'm a fan of it:-)

As my screen name states I am from Miami but I have to tell you right from the get go Miami is nothing like Tampa. It is a chaotic frenzied metropolis of almost 6 million people. You haven't stated what type of Employment you are seeking either. Do not move to Miami without secure employment! It will be the most miserable experience.
I can appreciatte your love of water but Miami is best to be enjoyed when you can enjoy our beaches and water and not having to worry about bills.
I suggest you come visit first and see if Miami is right for you. A lot of people are put off that Miami has so many hispanics or that Spanish is spoken as if it's like breathing.
That being said it is one of the most dynamic and interesting cities in our nation. You can not create another city in the US like Miami.
Come visit first and best of luck to you where ever you wind up!

PS: I wouldn't even let my dog live in Jacksonville! You think Utah is bad?

[eeberlien]

I spent 20 years in the Air Force fixing jets, among other things. So, my skill set is essentially turning a wrench. I am not necessarily interested in fixing jets, or turning a wrench period. Put it this way, I am willing to to do whatever. Flip burgers if need be :-)

[FlyMIA]

Originally Posted by eeberlien

I spent 20 years in the Air Force fixing jets, among other things. So, my skill set is essentially turning a wrench. I am not necessarily interested in fixing jets, or turning a wrench period. Put it this way, I am willing to to do whatever. Flip burgers if need be :-)

Well Miami is one of the biggest aviation centers in the world. Tons of aviation jobs all over southeast Florida. However the flipping burger statement if not sarcastic is a bit worrisome. Miami is a very expensive place to live. If say you and your wife both had $30k jobs you would living in an below average area of town and your kids would likely attend some very sub par public schools. I suggest you focus your search on Tampa and other areas of Florida you are familiar with. If you want to seriously consider Miami then come down and visit. It is nothing like Tampa and really Miami is nothing like any city in the U.S. both the good and bad things about it. The best comparison to Miami is calling Miami a small version of LA.

[doggiebus]

Utah to Miami is a huge change. A friend of mine moved back (he grew up in Miami) to Miami from Salt Lake City three years ago. He still hasn't found permanent work. Luckily he was able to move his family in with his mom to save money. I don't think he realized how much Miami has changed since he left 15 years ago. I think there are easier transition places in Florida for you to move to like Sarasota, Tampa and Jacksonville. The west cost of Florida is more like the midwest. The Panhandle of Florida over to Jacksonville is more like the South. And Palm Beach down to Miami is more like the Northeast.

South Florida will be a huge adjustment to where you are living now. The other cities are also much cheaper to live compared to Miami. Don't be surprised if you move to Miami and your car insurance doubles if not triples to what you are paying now in Utah.

[NCtoMiami]

Originally Posted by doggiebus

Utah to Miami is a huge change. A friend of mine moved back (he grew up in Miami) to Miami from Salt Lake City three years ago. He still hasn't found permanent work. Luckily he was able to move his family in with his mom to save money. I don't think he realized how much Miami has changed since he left 15 years ago. I think there are easier transition places in Florida for you to move to like Sarasota, Tampa and Jacksonville. The west cost of Florida is more like the midwest. The Panhandle of Florida over to Jacksonville is more like the South. And Palm Beach down to Miami is more like the Northeast.

South Florida will be a huge adjustment to where you are living now. The other cities are also much cheaper to live compared to Miami. Don't be surprised if you move to Miami and your car insurance doubles if not triples to what you are paying now in Utah.

I agree with doggiebus. I wish i found this forum before we moved to miami ;-).

[seain dublin]

Originally Posted by eeberlien

I spent 20 years in the Air Force fixing jets, among other things. So, my skill set is essentially turning a wrench. I am not necessarily interested in fixing jets, or turning a wrench period. Put it this way, I am willing to to do whatever. Flip burgers if need be :-)

When you have 3 children to support you better plan better. Flipping burgers isn't going to support a family in a podunk central FL town, never mind Miami.