Relocate to..Arizona or Florida...opinions? (Phoenix, Tucson: homeowners insurance, credit, loans)

[yukon]

"Florida's crime is far worse"

Not really. It depends on where in Florida you live. The only reason I locked my door when I was on vacation last week was so no one would accidentally let my cat out. I usually don't lock it. Some cities in Florida have higher crime than other cities, some have very little.

By the way, I was surprised at the many similarities I noticed last week between Phoenix and Tampa.

[yukon]

PS we have less air pollution in Tampa/St Pete. Phoenix has more pollution, but to be fair, it's no where near as bad as places like Houston or LA.

[clortho1]

I've lived in both states for various time periods.. if I was to pick one I'd say Florida. Arizona is full of crime (moreso than Florida), and is getting overcrowded with a lot of illegals and in general.. lots of urban spawl, and real estate is soaring. Orlando or Pensacola are beautiful places, I'd take them over Phoenix any day.

[adapter]

Relocate to..Arizona or Florida...opinions?

I am originally from NY (NY City's Queens County) and lived in Glendale - Ridgewood area for 29 years and in Putnam County, Garrison, NY for 18 years. After researching as to where I should retire for about 5 years, I chose AZ. Since I was working in construction I despised the cold, humidity and rain. Florida IS uncomfortably humid and it seems to be subject to all kinds of natural disasters such as tornadoes, hurricanes, forest fires etc..

I just love the climate and wide open spaces of AZ.

[yukon]

Interesting tidbit I just discovered.....for me, anyway, health insurance would be cheaper in Phoenix than Tampa (but even cheaper than these was Albuquerque). Yet another surprise. If you want to check rates for yourself and compare areas, ehealthinsurance was a good site to start with - you can compare by zip code.

[Magnum Mike]

I've only visited the areas around Miami, Florida once some 30 years ago and I liked it, mainly because of the beaches, I don't know how it is now, but as an Arizona native, everyone has different opinions and preferences about Arizona, and I'd listen to people you know who have lived here, like your brother who lives in Chandler. If you pick the right area, you'll be very happy, otherwise you'll be thinking about moving away soon after you move.

For the most part, you can't beat the weather here, it's very nice 7-8 months out of the year, and it's hot in the summer, but dry. The only time we get the humidity is in August when the monsoon arrives, but it's still not very high compared to other places around the nation. We also have the deserts, where it can be 105 degrees, then a 2-hour drive away you'll be in the cool high country, plus we do have a wide variety of outdoor recreational areas and lakes.

[Magnum Mike]

Lower taxes is another reason to move here, plus we have all of the professional sport teams like the Phoenix Suns (Basketball), Phoenix Coyotes (Hockey), The 2001 World Series champions, the Diamondbacks, and the NFL's Arizona Cardinals.. Wait.. on second thought scratch the last one!

[LHCBOOKLADY]

Originally Posted by SirenSong71

Okay currently I live in PA. My hubby is a fire-fighter/emt. We're sick of the taxes spiraling out of control here, the astronomical price of housing and the weather. We long to lose our winter gear and opt for shorts most of the year. Two small children (below school age). I posted this thread on the Florida forum and y'all won't believe the slug-fest it turned into (don't know why) and the nasty things said about AZ in general. My brother lives there, (Chandler area) is originally from NJ and absolutely loves it.

What do you think? Arizona...or Florida?

I love to read your opinions

Thanks!

Guess it depends on whether you like humidity. I live in the middle of the desert along the Colorado River and we have sandy beaches....and the humidity today is 7 %. Yes I love the ocean more but I really enjoy not having to wear a sweater all winter. Oh and we don't have many flies or mosquitos.

I think it would help to narrow your interest and needs to a few locales and then compare.

[yukon]

Something to consider - I checked out a friend's property in her city (ABQ), Maricopa County, and Hillsborough County. Her actual ABQ property taxes were $1,213. In Maricopa (incorporated), her taxes on same value house would have been about $1,460. In Tampa, same house value would have been $2,695 to $2,995. Whoa.

[yukon]

Value used was $140,000. Which is a big house in ABQ. And impossible in Tampa (except maybe a condo). Don't know about PHX prices.