Brits ,share your thoughts ! (Sarasota: fit in, home, private school)

[captlemons]

Hi guys , we are a english family ,two children aged 11 and 13. we are moving to the sarasota area in the new year. we are apprehensive and would like to know how any other brits have settled in the area . ps visas have been sorted out , just waiting for our green cards.

[mr&mrssunshine]

just dont say its cheaper in Fl !!!!!!!!! :-)

[Big House]

I is less expensive in florida. I'm not british - I'm better. :-) LOL. OK, kidding aside.

There are a lot of British people over here. You'll make friends quickly, and they will help you assimilate and learn the ropes. It is a normal part of the process to be a little nervous, everyone goes through that when they move. Almost everyone on this board has moved, and understands that it is quite the process, and your life style will change. Its good to be apprehensive, it keeps you on your toes, and gives you something to talk about over a beer with me. :-) Sorry, had to throw that in there.

[captlemons]

Thats kind of you guys, its strange because i thought everything in fl was very expensive !!! just kidding !!! oh that beer sounds good.

[diddy02]

My husband and I are British and have been in the US for 7 years now. We divide our time between Florida and Asheville in North Carolina.
Expect it to be different and my advise would be is to make friends because you like them not because they are the same nationality as you. Far too often British people stick together trying to create a little Britain within another country. Then they all sit and moan about 'how its not the same' as the UK. No its not but they way I look at it is it was my decision to move to the US so I have to try and fit in with the American people and not the other way around.
Your children will not have the same pressure they have to grow up quickly in the UK. Children are kids longer here, its nice to see. And there is no nicer life for kids than being close to such beautiful water and beaches. What a way to grow up.
There will be days that you miss the UK terribly, it is your home after all but my suggestion would be is too drive down to the beach, grab a beer , sit in the sand and think 'seriously what could be better than this!'. It works nearly every time.
As for the costs you earn in dollars so dont try and convert everything back to sterling. It will tie you in knots. Think like a resident and not a tourist. Live within your means and you will be fine.

[bbronston]

Diddy02, I'm not a Brit but rarely have I ever read better advice than yours! Nice job!

[Peter the Brit]

Been here 12 years and agree 100% with Diddy
Do not fall for the herding instinct and remember there are more places to see in the State of Florida than Disney Land and Sarasota. Go North and east and there are hills and history and cooler weather

[beachbum wannabe]

My next-door neighbors are Brits but I dont hold that against them! they have been in FLA. for 13YRS. and mostly keep to themselves.

[saralvr]

Diddy, very well stated.

[NPMomof2]

I was born in England and lived there until I was 10 when my parents moved us to Sarasota (my Mom interviewed for a job while we were on vacation and got it). I am now 29. The transition went fairly well but I did lose my accent quickly in order to fit in with the other kids. My accent was a novelty and constantly mentioned. All kids at that age just want to fit in. We were ahead of the other kids academically when we arrived by about a grade level, so my parents sent us to a private school intitially. All of my family is still in England except for my parents (who are divorced and remarried) and my brother (who lives in Atlanta). I am now married with kids of my own and we have actually discussed moving back to England (my husband actually wants to more than me I think!) but I don't think it will ever happen...I don't know how my parents did it. The thought of starting over scares me even though it would be easier for me than it was for my parents due to having family over there. They knew one person here when they moved...the person that hired my Mom. I love Sarasota and it feels like home, but I also love when I get to go home to England too. Florida isn't 'me' (hate the hot weather and don't like the beach except for a walk) and I didn't choose to live here, my parents did, but my life is here now so I'll make the best of it.