Quote:
Originally Posted by jims2321
First of all, as a long, long time Central Florida resident (35 years), I probably have a more unique insight into the area the most people. I have watch the area go from groves and pasture land to tract housing, and over crowded roads.
First item, mass transit in Central Florida is a joke. The Lynx bus system is spread way too thin for the area. Remember Central Florida extents from Kissimmee to North of Deland, from Geneva to Clermont, we are talking a huge area. Most of our roads were designed for traffic levels of the 1980's, not 2010. And with only 3 major non-toll roads (I-4, 17-92,436) we are often gridlock between 7am and 9am and again from 4pm to 7pm. So basically we are like every other metropolitian area.
But we have a special treat for people. Central Florida is still the number one travel destination in the World. With an estimated 1.5 million residents, we add around 5 million tourist to our area, and roads. These visitors come from around the world with different takes on how to drive, so be prepared.
Second housing. If you want a good analog of the type of house by age, think of a tree trunk and its growth rings. the further you get from downtown Orlando, the new the homes. There are certain areas that never seem to have issues with home sales, but you pay for it. One thing is certain is that prices have gone insane. Homes that cost 150K in 1998 were and are still priced at 300K+! ITS a damn 150K home for crying out loud.
Schools. One of my favorite subjects. Thanks to former Gov. Jeb, Central Florida schools have been on a 10 year decline. Too many experienced, and dedicated teachers have left the systems. Many of the schools that open, started out overcrowded. Lots of the teachers do not teach kids in their areas of expertised, or training. Our local school District (Orange County) wasted 2 billion dollars of bond money, and all we got was a lousy high school, a middle school and a few elementary schools. That is the mindset of the some school districts. Seminole County long considered one of the top school districts in the area, is now facing many of the issues that Orange county went thru, and is going down the same path.
Jobs in Central Florida. Let's face it, most of the jobs in Central Florida are service industry jobs, low paying and back breaking. There are spots of high tech jobs, but the long touted line that Central Florida is next Silcon Valley (ie Silcon Swamp) is pretty much bunk. Corporations move to Central Florida to shed high paying jobs for lower paying ones, just that simple.
Taxes. Central Florida enjoys the unfettered spending of government officials, who are toadies to such corporations as Disney, and DeVos family. Simply put, they ask for more taxes, and spend it as directed by their benefactors.
Culture. Are you kidding, other than Monster Truck Rally's, and an occasionally Off Broadway Play, Orlando pretty much is a cultural desert.
So what is it that attracts people to Central Florida? I have no idea, and if I had not grown up here, I would never of moved here.
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You're just being negative. Take a moment to really think about these criticisms. I'll give you the public transportation, but...
Tourists: Unless you drive around the tourist areas what does this actually affect (aside from giving you more things to do if you want to)? I never drive down there so I never see tourists. What's the big deal?
Housing: Where'd you get this tree trunk idea? There are plenty of old home in outlying places like Oviedo too. In any case, housing prices have gone up everywhere in the US and they remain relatively cheap here. I for one think the $300k 2500 square foot home in a nice suburb is still ridiculously cheap. My gosh how greedy have people become? To think that you should live in a mansion for $300k! Cause that's what this is- a mansion! They are absurdely cheap and should go up more. You know lots of people live in houses half that size for twice the cost around major cities in this country and they aren't complaining.
Schools: A whole bunch of Seminole Country schools were on the top high schools list THIS YEAR. What makes you say things are going downhill? Sounds like one of the best districts in the country. Not only that, but the houses cost half as much as similarly rated districts on the east and west coast.
Jobs: Such pessimism. We've got a medical school coming, a major biomed research company coming, one of the largest universities in the country (and bringing in over $100 million in research grants this year!). We have the largest hi-tec simulation and training industry in the country, and one of the country's top ranked research parks full of high tech companies. The trend is going to be up. These are exactly the ingredients that lead to an improving job markt.
Taxes: Well, you forgot to mention there is no state income tax. Man, you sure would enjoy it living in a state with one of those.
Culture: Ok it's true there is no culture. But Monster Truck Rallies? Must have missed out on those.
I'm not saying it's great but it's not as bad as you're making it out to be. Too many exagerations. Let's not infest other people with our own negativity.
ores
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10-24-2007, 11:26 AM
Thinking of moving to Orlando
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