Nervous about negative FL comments...

[crazynip]

Originally Posted by chi_tino

If you hate it here, get a U-Haul and just leave. It's really that easy.

What makes you think I hate it here? I love it. I dont like what is happening to certain areas though.

[Sunnydee]

Originally Posted by CherryCoke

The lifestyle and costs of living vary drasticly in the state of Maine depending on where you live in the state. I'm sure every state is like that. We don't even have to go very far to notice the difference. If I drive an hour north of Portland the towns are extactly the same as they were 20 years ago. The prices of homes and rent is much less than in the southern part of the state. To me the lack of change and energy is boring. It may be charming to others. I have family that love it.

Way to go Maine for being the 50th best state to do business in according to Forbes. (Florida ranked number 24)

"The worst states for business continue to be dominated by those in the northeast including: New Jersey (No. 44), Vermont (No. 45), Rhode Island (No. 48) and Maine which lands at No. 50 for a second straight year. Maine suffers from energy costs 31% above the national average, stagnant population growth and anemic forecasts when it comes to job and gross state product growth."

I personally an not a fan of walking outside and having the insides of your nose freeze. I'ld rather be too hot.

I think you are going to love it here. We researched relocation locations for years and did countless exploratory trips before deciding on the Tampa area. We've been here for six months and can't believe how gorgeous it is and how wonderful the weather is on a daily basis. Perhaps we appreciate it because we came from the Midwest, which is known for its gray, cold, gloomy days, but this is even better than we anticipated. I feel so lucky to live here. Best wishes.

[QuilterChick]

Originally Posted by Sgt. Buzzcut

A few things I see:
#1 on the pro list- you're going to get plenty of 90+ degree days
#7 that same heating cost is going to be converted to cooling cost and from what I hear the water bills are getting pretty bad in Pinellas these days, factor that in.

Cons
#1 You can get to St. Pete via Bayside Bridge and 275, 19 isn't the only route.
#4 Sinkholes are more of a Dunedin problem in that immediete area.

I don't think you can go wrong with Safety Harbor and the schools and crime shouldn't be a problem.

I would add to the above:

#1. Not only 90 degree days, but 80% plus humidity days, and a high dewpoint. Like stepping into a blast furnace in the summer, and the air won't be fresh either. If you would rather be "too hot", you will be. Maine air is awesome, New England air in general is 300% better than FL. Unless you live on the beach.

#7: Probably very little heating costs at all, but high total electric, and you might need a whole house reverse osmosis water system for purity, taste, and laundry.

Bugs! just about every creepy crawlie and spider of every size known to man, and year 'round pest control, IN and out.

The architecture, traffic, landscaping, & definitely not a laid back culture, is enough to think of for starters. Best advice: RENT for a year.