[JD401]

Originally Posted by harry chickpea

I used to be through that area and the panhandle of FL all the time. SNL is correct that you don't get into what people consider "Florida" weather until you get around Orlando and south.

There are considerations to be made in any move. Florida has no income tax and no sales tax on food. Alabama doesn't have property tax on seniors. If you buy property, hurricane insurance can be quite expensive and will do nothing but go up as time goes on. Medical care is also important for seniors, so you want to be somewhat near a good hospital (and shopping for that matter).

Remember also, that as a general rule, the older you get, the less time you spend outdoors. Weather, unless you have specific weather related illnesses, becomes less of an issue than other factors.

Homeowners insurance, in Mobile County north of I-10, is ballpark $1200 a year for 1500 square feet. South of I-10, or close to water is a whole 'nother animal.

[Keeper]

Another thing to consider as of now there is no AL state income tax on many pensions. You don't have to pay state property taxes once you reach 65 but you do have to pay county/city tax which varies depending on how much your house cost. Where I live it is about $100.00 for a $100K house. In FL I paid $1,500 for a 100K house.

I know you are not considering moving for a couple of years but here is another thing to check out before you decide, in FL now they have a car tax which can run you around $400 for 1 car.