Anyone apathetic like myself? (Orlando, Fort Myers: apartment complex, buying a home, buying)

[thepinksquid]

So, a little while ago I made a post about how my fiance and I considering a move from Orlando (where we currently live), to San Diego. Every post was positive in regards to the move.

I was just wondering if anyone is like me in feeling apathetic about "staying" to live here in Orlando. We came here from the Fort Myers area to live and to complete school at UCF. We've rented ever since. Now, when we were trying to figure out if we'd like to purchase a home here...we're not excited. The thing is, we both enjoy living in a metropolitan area fairly close to nice shopping and dining, so living somewhere like Davenport or Heathrow wouldn't really suit us.

Currently we live in an apartment complex next to the Millenia Mall. The only places we really like are Dr Phillips, Windermere (even there is a little far-out though) and Winter Park. But, for the amount of money for a home in those places, we're thinking about just moving to somewhere we LOVE, like San Diego. Yes, in San Diego we'd have to settle for a considerably smaller, older home for the money...but California is just wonderful.

Orlando is okay, and I don't find it to be as terrible as some mention it to be here...but it's not exactly my "dream" city either.

Does anyone else feel apathetic about Orlando like me?

[Prichard]

I could never live in San Diego, so I guess "no". First, I hate the political climate of California. Second, the entire State of California is way too dry for me, especially San Diego and LA. It completely lacks lush green "jungly" forests. In Orlando, the grass and trees are deep green almost year round. The foliage is diverse. I just love having a lush green lawn with huge trees, beautiful schrubs, some exotic plants, citurs trees etc. The many lakes, streams and rivers and wetlands are a real plus too. The water is too cold in California - not like our Gulf and Atlantic beaches that we can play in comfortably from about May through October. Not to mention, San Diego right next to the world's biggest slum, Tijuana.

Now, do I think Orlando is the prettiest city in the country. No, I don't. There are places in North Georgia, and North Carolina that I find absolutely beautiful.

However, I wouldn't trade Orlando for San Diego any day of the year. No Deal!

[thepinksquid]

Originally Posted by Prichard

I could never live in San Diego, so I guess "no". First, I hate the political climate of California. Second, the entire State of California is way too dry for me, especially San Diego and LA. It completely lacks lush green "jungly" forests. In Orlando, the grass and trees are deep green almost year round. The foliage is diverse. I just love having a lush green lawn with huge trees, beautiful schrubs, some exotic plants, citurs trees etc. The many lakes, streams and rivers and wetlands are a real plus too. The water is too cold in California - not like our Gulf and Atlantic beaches that we can play in comfortably from about May through October. Not to mention, San Diego right next to the world's biggest slum, Tijuana.

So, I wouldn't trade Orlando for San Diego any day of the year. No Deal!

The politics of California are a matter of opinion. I have to admit, it is a bit left-learning for me, but I'd like to live somewhere a bit more progressive than here.

I enjoy the dry climate--LOVE it--it's the humidity here that I have trouble tolerating. Although the eastern parts of San Diego county are largely desert, much of the coastal areas are nearly as green as here. Plenty of exotic foliage grows. It may not be as dense, however. I'm not one to swim in the ocean, so low water temperatures don't bother me.

Many of the "slums" that are attributed to Tijuana is over the border, and doesn't spill into the US much. Some of the southern parts of the county can be a little spotty, but overall not much of concern. Plus, I think Lagos and the favelas of Rio would beat out Tijuana as the "slums of the world."

Thanks for your insight, however!!!

[luvthatmouse]

Yes, we tried going to the opera, ballet, museums, etc. here in Orlando and they are a joke compared to NY, Boston,MA and CA. Orlando is fun for theme parks and restaurants but we are probably headed back to MA for the culture and history. Oh and $30,000 more a year in income

[compelled to reply]

Originally Posted by Prichard

First, I hate the political climate of California.

San Diego and neighboring Orange County are quite conservative.

[MiamiRob]

^ yes San Diego is a military town and very conservative and so is the OC...redandfuzzy remember Cali has state taxes & some have city taxes as well.

[Prichard]

San Diego and neighboring Orange County are quite conservative.

That may be, but California has the most restrictive gun laws in the nation. It is by far the most socialist state in the nation. Some areas are nearly bankrupt from all of the welfare programs it provides to illegal aliens. Cali is also responsible for that idiot, Nancy Pellosi, which simply can't be forgiven. Not to mention Diane Feinstine and Barbara Boxer. Most real conservatives left that state a long time ago.

[knightgoose]

my advice, really think if it's worth the move. I had a friend that had the pipe dream of going to California mainly b/c they way it's portrayed on T.v. as the greatest place(entourage). He moved there and after 6 months was back in Orlando b/c he said it wasn't what he thought it would be. It is a beautiful state but think about is it worth spending so much money on the move then after a year you want to move back to Florida? Orlando is not perfect but for a young couple I think it's definitely better than a lot of other places. I personally think Florida is the best place to be in the S.E.
Good luck

[lieder]

Generally, only Los Angeles and San Francisco are liberal, and the entire rest of the state is conservative. Remember, California is a big state! The Central Valley is very pro-NRA. (Of course, most of the state's population lives in these 2 cities, but that is quickly changing).

[thepinksquid]

Originally Posted by knightgoose

my advice, really think if it's worth the move. I had a friend that had the pipe dream of going to California mainly b/c they way it's portrayed on T.v. as the greatest place(entourage). He moved there and after 6 months was back in Orlando b/c he said it wasn't what he thought it would be. It is a beautiful state but think about is it worth spending so much money on the move then after a year you want to move back to Florida? Orlando is not perfect but for a young couple I think it's definitely better than a lot of other places. I personally think Florida is the best place to be in the S.E.
Good luck

Thanks for the insight. We're very familiar with the San Diego area and this is the basis for our prospective move; not because of any fantasical portrayel.

Mostly my post was intended to be about apathy of buying a home in Orlando, regardless of where we're thinking to move.