SWF area "HIGH Cost of Living"...how high is high? (Sarasota: rental, health insurance)

[tommy-105]

cre8art, I think you deserve some recognition as well. Your original post was well written and to the point. You made it easy for people to answer your questions by putting some thought into your post.

As far as "feeling like the ball in a pinball machine" I think you need to distinguish between advice given to retirees verses that given to people looking for careers.

SW Florida is a wonderful area to retire to. After looking at many other areas in the country, my parents (from Long Island) settled in Estero twelve years ago and seem very happy with their choice. On the other hand, as someone in one of the construction trades, SW Florida isn't such a great place for me right now.

It's nice to see that by reading the forum for a while, you've been able to see for yourself how helpful some members are and that you've already picked out your "go to" person for when your ready for more specific help. Good luck in your search.

[d4g4m]

Don't know where people are getting their information that this area is a 'high cost of living' area. But if you do the time consuming and boring research of government and other web sites, you will find that the Bradenton-Sarasota-Venice metropolitan statistical area is way down the list of area comparisons. Sarasota is not a high cost of living area.

[seain dublin]

Originally Posted by tommy-105

cre8art, I think you deserve some recognition as well. Your original post was well written and to the point. You made it easy for people to answer your questions by putting some thought into your post.

As far as "feeling like the ball in a pinball machine" I think you need to distinguish between advice given to retirees verses that given to people looking for careers.

SW Florida is a wonderful area to retire to. After looking at many other areas in the country, my parents (from Long Island) settled in Estero twelve years ago and seem very happy with their choice. On the other hand, as someone in one of the construction trades, SW Florida isn't such a great place for me right now.

It's nice to see that by reading the forum for a while, you've been able to see for yourself how helpful some members are and that you've already picked out your "go to" person for when your ready for more specific help. Good luck in your search.

Good point about retirees vs. people who move here looking for work or don't want to be told the truth about the economy or lower salaries.

Someone moving here who is retired and financially sound is much different then someone coming here with no full time job lined up and and a house in another state they can't sell.

But getting out of cold weather is the only thing that matters.

The OP in this case has a plan intact and isn't relying on a paycheck to survive.

[cre8art]

Originally Posted by tommy-105

cre8art, I think you deserve some recognition as well. Your original post was well written and to the point. You made it easy for people to answer your questions by putting some thought into your post.

As far as "feeling like the ball in a pinball machine" I think you need to distinguish between advice given to retirees verses that given to people looking for careers.

SW Florida is a wonderful area to retire to. After looking at many other areas in the country, my parents (from Long Island) settled in Estero twelve years ago and seem very happy with their choice. On the other hand, as someone in one of the construction trades, SW Florida isn't such a great place for me right now.

It's nice to see that by reading the forum for a while, you've been able to see for yourself how helpful some members are and that you've already picked out your "go to" person for when your ready for more specific help. Good luck in your search.

Thanks Tommy105 and others...
I don't think the construction trades are any better up here either or the rest of our country for that matter...but hopefully for "ALL" that will change in time?? I have been on ALL the forum area's in Fla. many, many of them. I've spent about 4-5 hrs. a nite for weeks! And I must say, that the majority for some reason(s)?? paint a Horrible picture for me of Fla. (All Regions?) and it really has me confused/concerned about moving there. I don't know what to make of all the post's I read. But when taking into consideration that once I make such a move there will be "No Turning Back" for me as well. And that is my biggest concern in making my decision! I know that everyone has their own opinion and reason's, but I don't know if a lot of the specifics they are giving are True/False? There seems to enough responses to back up both good/bad views. And I know it will actually take a personal visit to decide for myself but the Negativity expressed on these forums is overwhelming to say the least! Some examples are: CDW problems, insurance, unfriendly neighbors, dislike towards northerners, highly transient population, increasing high crime area's surrounding nice neighborhoods etc. I know this may seem a little odd to some people but you've got to see it from an outsider's view as well. And yes I have read some of the local papers on line(crime reports and such). And to tell the truth I just don't know what to make of it all?? I know there is "NO PLACE" without any of the above, but again there are also people on "this forum" who seem to say I wouldn't live in such and such or just don't go out in that area at nite?? and it's getting worse? So my new question is ... what are your(anybody) feelings of these kind of Post's? Why do you believe this is such a common opinion of Florida?

[tommy-105]

Originally Posted by cre8art

So my new question is ... what are your(anybody) feelings of these kind of Post's? Why do you believe this is such a common opinion of Florida?

Couple of quick questions and a short answer (for now):

- What part of NY are you from?
- What is the main attraction here for you (fishing, boating, golfing, just warm weather?)

I read other forums from other areas of Florida too, I also read forums about other states, so I know what your talking about. I happen to be one of those posters who try to point out certain realities to some people considering moving here.

I think a lot of people come down here with dreams of a better life based on a misconstrued perception of what day to day living in Florida is really like. When the dreams don't turn into reality they become very disenchanted with Florida, and very vocal in the forums when they see people with similar expectations.

Again, if your retiring, a lot of the complaints wouldn't apply to you.

[tommy-105]

Originally Posted by cre8art

Thanks Tommy105 and others...
I don't think the construction trades are any better up here either or the rest of our country for that matter...but hopefully for "ALL" that will change in time??

The problem down here with construction jobs (as I see it) is lack of work and an abundance of cheap labor. Going by Craigs list and other online ads in the North East, I see better pay and more work up there. I'm unable to get a contractors license down here, so my needs are specific.

Originally Posted by cre8art

I have been on ALL the forum area's in Fla. many, many of them. I've spent about 4-5 hrs. a nite for weeks! And I must say, that the majority for some reason(s)?? paint a Horrible picture for me of Fla. (All Regions?) and it really has me confused/concerned about moving there. I don't know what to make of all the post's I read.

There recently was a discussion here (about crime in Bradenton) between two members that apparently live fairly close to one another. They both had very different views on how safe they felt. I can see how easy someone could be confused and concerned.

Originally Posted by cre8art

But when taking into consideration that once I make such a move there will be "No Turning Back" for me as well. And that is my biggest concern in making my decision!

I think most people here would strongly recommend renting in an area first.

Originally Posted by cre8art

I know that everyone has their own opinion and reason's, but I don't know if a lot of the specifics they are giving are True/False? There seems to enough responses to back up both good/bad views.

Unfortunately people have all kinds of reasons of their own for posting things on the internet. Most of the time they don't bother to mention their sources.

Originally Posted by cre8art

And I know it will actually take a personal visit to decide for myself but the Negativity expressed on these forums is overwhelming to say the least!

I think it's easy to try and see too much in one visit. It helps to narrow down your area of interest as much as possible. There was a recent posting from a member who came down and felt that things weren't nearly as bad as he was led to believe from the forums http://www.city-data.com/forum/11193931-post1.html

Originally Posted by cre8art

Some examples are: CDW problems, insurance, unfriendly neighbors, dislike towards northerners, highly transient population, increasing high crime area's surrounding nice neighborhoods etc.

CDW problems: If you are aware of the problem, that's half the battle. It seems like a lot of buyers never even heard of the issue. Have an CDW inspection done along with the usual inspections. I don't think that I would buy in a neighborhood that had other homes with CDW. I would be worried about resale values. I can't back that up of course, like everything else it's just an opinion.

Unfriendly neighbors: I would say distant, or unconcerned would characterize my experiences. That's just fine by me.

Dislike towards northerners: Florida has people transplanted from all over the place. Depending on the area, you might not meet to many natives at all. You WILL meet people from other Southern states that might have a problem with Northerners. Telling people that you're a "New Yorker" doesn't always go over too well, but I've encountered that in lots of places besides Florida. Doesn't bother me much.

Highly transient population: This is very true, and does cause problems. If you're in a neighborhood with a lot of rental properties, there's going to be a lot of turnover.

Increasing high crime area's surrounding nice neighborhoods: Somebody in another thread said "It's scary beyond the gate". I don't see things that way. It's not like Medieval days with a wall around the community and danger all around. Just like everywhere else, there are good neighborhoods and bad ones. If you buy in a good neighborhood, will someone someone set up a grow house next door to you? Well yes that can happen. With the cheap home prices you can get cheap neighbors.

We live in a small ungated neighborhood of working class people in Punta Gorda. We're far enough from any high crime areas to even give it a second thought. No gang activity that I'm aware of. Very seldom hear cars with thumping base, or racing through the side streets. Lots of snow birds here now enjoying what the area has to offer. Punta Gorda Isles is here for those who can afford a canal front home. There's a gated community just south of the town called Seminole Lakes. Very nice in there.

I can't think of a single reason why this wouldn't be a good place to RETIRE to. I'm not trying to "sell" Punta Gorda, I just happen to live here and I'm using it as an example.

Hope I've been helpful.

[gypsychic]

That was a very nice and balanced post, Tommy - 105, and I pretty much agree with about all of it.

Bottom line, I find that there are more negative posts from people in general on any subject because unhappy people tend to be more vocal than those that are content. Also a point to remember is that Florida has MILLIONS of people (over 18 mil.) and only a handful post on this forum.

We also see everything through our own filter - what looks "bad" or "slummy" to one, might look like "faded historic patina" to me.

You need to visit and form your own perceptions. Most people who come here after reading so much negativity find it is not NEARLY as bad as they had read - this includes weather, crime, cost, etc.

The biggest issue for Florida right now is unemployment, but for someone looking to retire, it is a non-issue.

Here in the Sarasota/Bradenton area, we have transplants from all over the country and world, and there are many more than there used to be from New York. There are no issues of any kind with anyone here. And as for friendly neighbors, we live in Whitfield Estates, and have the friendliest neighbors we've ever had anywhere. And for those who live where they appear "non-friendly", I believe it is as Tommy above said, it's more that they keep to themselves, which suits a lot of people just fine.

It's best to take everything you read with a grain of salt, especially on a forum such as this. You can see that people have different circumstances and different tastes so you have to sift through and figure out what hits a chord with you - we all like a different vibe.

[SoFLGal]

Originally Posted by cre8art

Thanks Tommy105 and others...
I don't think the construction trades are any better up here either or the rest of our country for that matter...but hopefully for "ALL" that will change in time?? I have been on ALL the forum area's in Fla. many, many of them. I've spent about 4-5 hrs. a nite for weeks! And I must say, that the majority for some reason(s)?? paint a Horrible picture for me of Fla. (All Regions?) and it really has me confused/concerned about moving there. I don't know what to make of all the post's I read. But when taking into consideration that once I make such a move there will be "No Turning Back" for me as well. And that is my biggest concern in making my decision! I know that everyone has their own opinion and reason's, but I don't know if a lot of the specifics they are giving are True/False? There seems to enough responses to back up both good/bad views. And I know it will actually take a personal visit to decide for myself but the Negativity expressed on these forums is overwhelming to say the least! Some examples are: CDW problems, insurance, unfriendly neighbors, dislike towards northerners, highly transient population, increasing high crime area's surrounding nice neighborhoods etc. I know this may seem a little odd to some people but you've got to see it from an outsider's view as well. And yes I have read some of the local papers on line(crime reports and such). And to tell the truth I just don't know what to make of it all?? I know there is "NO PLACE" without any of the above, but again there are also people on "this forum" who seem to say I wouldn't live in such and such or just don't go out in that area at nite?? and it's getting worse? So my new question is ... what are your(anybody) feelings of these kind of Post's? Why do you believe this is such a common opinion of Florida?

I think Tommy did a fantastic job of answering all of your questions and said probably pretty close to what I would have said on nearly every question.

There are issues with CDW but that is a very small portion of the homes out there for sale. Of course, it only takes one home (the home you're buying) to make it a huge concern. There are inspectors that can look for it, tell tale signs that you usually see and years where most of the drywall
was imported 2002-2007. If you have a home that was remodeled in those years you would need to look into that as well.

Some insurance companies have pulled out of Florida but my insurance is still pretty reasonable at this point so I'm not complaining too much. There are things you can look for in a home and things you can do (wind mitigation report) to bring your insurance rates down.

Unfriendly neighbors, dislike toward northerners, transient population. Many/most of the people living in Florida are from "up north" so I would say there isn't much dislike for northerners since that's where most of the population is from. It's very rare that I meet a fellow native. All my neighbors are very friendly but I'm friendly to them as well. I think it's a two way street. If you come in with a positive open attitude I think you'll find people more accepting. We know just about everyone in our whole neighborhood. Every evening my husband walks the dogs with all the other people in the neighborhood. There's probably about 25-30 people on any given night. I've heard that comment before though that people aren't as friendly as people up north. I don't really have anything to use for comparison but I find the people down here to be friendly. The population down here is somewhat transient due to the amount of snowbirds.

I'm not a very big woman and I feel pretty safe everywhere I go in SW Florida. I've never been effected by any type of crime in the 36 years of living here. The only thing I can think of as far as a possible rise in crime rate would be lack of employment. When people are out of jobs the rates tend to rise. I would think if you looked across the board in every state this is the case.

You're gonna have people that love and area and people that can't stand an area for various reasons. I just went and checked out the Alaska, Hawaii and Colorado boards and I'm seeing the same thing. Also with the economy down you're gonna have a lot of unhappy people.

If you're not too familiar with the area I think Tommy's suggestion of renting first might be a wise idea. This way you can decide if the area is right for you are not without being tied into owning a home. I think you'll be pleasantly surprised.

[tommy-105]

Thanks ladies,
I was just outside cutting my lawn, and although today's a beautiful day, I realized I forgot to mention one thing. The heat all the way down here in SW Florida gets REALLY bad for a good portion of the year. This affects everybody including retirees, but of course it's much worse for anybody who HAS to work outside. Other people can plan their outside activities around it. (Doing things in the early morning or evening.)

I think most visitors come down in the winter and never really realize how bad day after day of hot humid weather will affect them. It can be like a summer heat wave that never lets up.

[tommy-105]

Originally Posted by gypsychic

We also see everything through our own filter - what looks "bad" or "slummy" to one, might look like "faded historic patina" to me.

Very good point.
"faded historic patina" I like that. Would that describe a lot of Bradenton? I've never been there.