Moving from NJ to Florida for 1 year. Good or bad idea? (real estate, rent)

[Fountainrunner]

Originally Posted by annaegel

With all that, I would still go for it!

You're a real lifesaver! I was thinking the same thing about the employment issue but I'd love to get the opportunity to work somewhere down there. Maybe even volunteer somewhere. As for the bugs how do they get into the house? I only use the A/C when down there and never open up windows. If I do move there I'll have a bug guy at the home every month if need be. I don't do bugs - period! LOL.

[BergenCountyJohnny]

It's a no-brainer; do it. You will likey never have such an opportunity again. Florida is a beautiful place to live, particularly temporarilly. I've lived there for work and loved it, but most of the people I know who settled there, planning on being there long-term, seem to want to move back. But I definitely loved living there temporarily, it's a beautiful state with a lot to offer. It's no accident that people flock to that state for vacations.

So definitely go, find whatever work you can find to pay your (low) monthly bills and to earn spending money and have a good time.

You may end up being one of the people who just loves it there and decides to stay there, and you'll be happier for it; if not, you just come back home without having lost anything. In the meantime you help with your family's house there. Like I said, it's a no-brainer, do it. A year goes very quickly. 5 years ago I considered doing a similar move to Phoenix or Vegas, for 2 years, and I didn't do it. I'd have been back in NJ for 2 or 3 years by now. But I waited and now it's going to be harder for me to do, and even harder the more I wait. I keep thinking, "If I had just gone I'd have been back home by now..." Just do it and you won't be sorry, believe me.

[Fountainrunner]

BergenCountyJohnny,

Thanks, I think I'll go for it. I don't know what life will bring me down there but I can't let fear of the unknown (and bugs) hold me back. If things don't work out it's not like I can't pack up and move back home to my family up here.

[cabbiegrrl]

I go to FL and work each and every winter, but I am down on the east coast by Ft.Lauderdale, and I work at a restaurant, and yes, even in this past winter until may I managed to make over 2g's a month.
I really hate to say but from what I've heard that panhandle area is KKK central...

However, if I were you I'd do that. An oppurtunity like that is hard to pass up... why Would you stay here now? Eh that's just me, I am not "normal" by societies' standards tho lol:P

[annaegel]

A/C or not, we still get the bugs inside the house. You get use to them. Make sure your house it sprayed for bugs, inside and out. It deminishes the population a lot. If you see your grass suddenly dying, it is most likely chinch bugs. They are fast eaters and you lawn will look terrible within a week. Even with a lawn company like Scotts, you have to keep on top of things. We had to tell Scotts lawn service to come out and spray for this or that. Termites are a BIG problem. Make sure you get a yearly inspection by a company that specializes in termite control. The damage can cost thousands of dollars in damage. I know someone who had not gotten an inspection in 4 years. She is now replacing a portion of her roof. The house supports are made of wood, so part of the house has to be replaced. It is going to cost her around $10k to fix.

I pay $500 a year for them to come out to inspect for termites, spray for all the inside bugs and the parimeter of the house.

I have another friend who uses a company that uses eco choices. She see palmetto bugs everywhere in her house. YUCK! They are HUGE water bugs. Her house is VERY clean too.

I hope you enjoy your adventure! It is a very different life style. When do you move down?

[stevemorse]

please come back and tell us how you like it/dont like it pros and cons. I do wish you the best and I would love to hear honest feedback.!!!

[geekygisela]

While the job market in NJ may be pretty bad, Florida is by far much worse. Much of Florida's economy is drawn from the service/tourist industry, which have taken a drastic decrease. I too, own a house in the Sarasota area and will be moving there by the end of the month, but only because I am self-employed, and the local economy will not effect my job situation.

[clevedark]

If you go be very conscious of making good use of your time every day--take classes, volunteer, do something useful that will add to your life experience.

[BobKovacs]

Originally Posted by stevemorse

get your Bible ready and bring the booze, dry county?

Oh my! To be stuck in "the bible belt" and maybe not be able to sit in a bar all day- what a horrible way to live......

[Blondie621]

I would go, you have nothing to lose! You can always go back home to family like you said.