SWF area "HIGH Cost of Living"...how high is high?

[Big House]

Gypsychic,

You said it well.

I think people fear blue collar areas sometimes, when there are some really great hardworking people there, that are living happy, complete, wonderful lives, because they just don't know the area. A lot of times, because of unfamiliarity with an area people speak poorly of it. {shrug} I don't understand that.

I have worked for years in such areas, and have worked in really bad areas where block after block of townhomes are all boarded up. Prostitution, drug dealers, and real gangs run those areas. Real crime tragedies take place in those areas! Have you ever seen "THE WIRE" on HBO. Those places existing in Baltimore - shootings every day.

As far as crime - there is just no comparison!

The job market here is tough, and if you are in construction - it is a depression! No question about that people who are doing that, are extremely irritated and vocal! It is natural.

[Skunk Workz]

Originally Posted by cre8art

insurance

Insurance is a touchy issue for many in FL. Over the last 5 years many people have seen rates double, triple, or worse and some people have lost their homes as a direct result of insurance rate hikes (even before the economic troubles that exist now). Like some other issues, this one boils down to education on the matter, and the home that you purchase. The age of the house, location, and construction methods all influence insurance rates. In many situations you can get pretty decent rates, in others you can get nailed pretty bad.

Originally Posted by cre8art

dislike towards northerners

In our 19 years here I would say that I have met far more people from other places than actual natives. We lived in St Pete for the first 6 years we were here, and I could count the number of natives I met on one hand.

I think that there is always going to be some "anti yankee" sentiment in the south, but my experience in FL is that it really isn't part of the south anymore, there are too many people from other places here.

There is a certain amount of disdain for snowbirds, but it's more lip service than anything else. People like to complain about all the extra traffic, and all the blue hairs driving 20 miles under the limit (with no idea where they are going!), but we all realize that the economic impact that these people have is an important part of the FL economy.

Originally Posted by cre8art

highly transient population

Unfortunately this is just part of the FL experience. Lots of people come here looking for a certain lifestyle, but are unprepared for the reality of life here. I think it's especially tough for those that come from places where there are unions and higher paying jobs. They see what they perceive as cheap property and low cost of living, but don't take into account the lower wages that generally accompany those conditions.

I think it's the same in other places as well, but not as prevalent. I have a relative that likes to snow ski, and moved to Colorado believing that it was going to be all slopes all the time. The reality of the cost of living only set in once he got there. 6 months later he was back in FL.

On the other hand, I have a friend in CA that has rental property, and just this morning we were discussing a place he was putting up for rent. He is getting $2500 a month for an 800 sq foot house, so everything is relevant.

[cre8art]

All I gotta say is "WOW" you guys are [b]amazing[b] with all your "Direct", "Sensible", and to the point answers!!!! Everyone's input "HELPED ME Profoundly!" And again I'd like to thank Tommy105 for his great input to my individual concerns(post). I know I have said it before, but it is Truly because of people like you (all) on this forum that seem to always "come thru" with great advise and help!!! And I know this topic will be a big help to others as well. Great job guys, I feel much better with my pursuit in seeking my retirement dreams. "A BIG THUMBS UP!!!"
p.s. tommy105, the link you provided was excellent! (I'm was born in the Bronx and currently live in Rockland County,NY)

[tommy-105]

Originally Posted by cre8art

p.s. tommy105, the link you provided was excellent! (I'm was born in the Bronx and currently live in Rockland County,NY)

Thank you very much. Based on where you're moving from I don't think you need to worry about crime in SW Florida.

[Ladywithafan]

Originally Posted by Big House

Gypsychic,

You said it well.

I think people fear blue collar areas sometimes, when there are some really great hardworking people there, that are living happy, complete, wonderful lives, because they just don't know the area. A lot of times, because of unfamiliarity with an area people speak poorly of it. {shrug} I don't understand that.

I have worked for years in such areas, and have worked in really bad areas where block after block of townhomes are all boarded up. Prostitution, drug dealers, and real gangs run those areas. Real crime tragedies take place in those areas! Have you ever seen "THE WIRE" on HBO. Those places existing in Baltimore - shootings every day.
I have some friends who fit the above categories; however, if you turn the situation around and put in in legal societies' view, we would call them Pain Specialists (where you get your Xanax script from) and X-wives. Got lots of jokes today

As far as crime - there is just no comparison!

The job market here is tough, and if you are in construction - it is a depression! No question about that people who are doing that, are extremely irritated and vocal! It is natural.

I just had to lighten up the mood.

[Big House]

Originally Posted by Ladywithafan

I just had to lighten up the mood.

You always lighten my mood Lady!

[PoeticPamela]

I lived in Venice, Florida for almost 11 years and just loved it. Now, I have been back in Ohio for 10 years so I can't tell you how things are currently there. At the time I was there though my parents and I felt the cost of living was lower than Ohio and the groceries were lower too. Also, the health insurance was lower at the time. I think you would really enjoy the lifestyle there. I loved socializing in Sarasota too. I think you would never regret moving to this area. Best wishes to you!