Advise on if it would be a good idea to take a transfer to cocoa beach coming from chicago (Orlando: condo)

[Grossi]

There is a good chance of being offered a management postion at a hotel in cocoa beach florida. I am born and raised in a town called wooddale IL which is a small town outside of chicago. I know there is a big difrence in climite I have been there on vacation during even summer time but that is vacation. I am asking if anyone can give me some feed back on if cocoabeach is a place to raise a family. thanks grossi

[Miles Vineyards]

I do not know the area in which you are moving but have been in Boca, Del Ray, Vero Beach and Sebastian. The major issue is not as much the location as the change in lifestyle. I lived in the Suburbs of Chicago and graduated from Hinsdale Central. I know Downers Grove, Westmont, Lombard, Lisle, La Grange, etc. There is one heck of differance in lifestyle that needs to be addressed. Climate is not as big an issue as some make it. Sure we enjoy the seasonal changes but we suffer through the long winters, as I always said to people we are not animals up north, our women have fur coats and fireplaces, in the south you have light pastels and air condtioning, it all works out. It is a change for sure, As a northern person, I would never think of not wearing socks, in Florida, nobody does. You dress more casuallly and life is a little more laid back I took to it like a duck takes to water and the heat never was an issue and believe me I sweat!!! You have to make some trade offs if you are an Autumn fan as you will"unless in northern Florida" not see a seasonal change, the little Norfolk Pines you have as decorations in your home will grow 40" in your front yard, you will have to live with certain bugs but no worse than knats, you don't go looking for a lost golf ball in the brush and an evening walk is great. There are a lot of pluses and a few minuses. I guess it will depend on how your family deals with it and if the cultural change works for you. The best thing is if you had achance to visit the area at differant times of the year, get a feel for the whole experience. The kids are pretty adaptable and will find their nitch, make sure you can handle it.

[Rabflmom]

From Kankakee area of Illinois and spent lots of time in the suburbs and city , moved her 34 years ago and have not regretted living in this area one bit.

There are some things I miss but I get them when I go see family up that way. Italian beef sandwiches, fried pork tenderloin sandwiches, the off Broadway plays and clubs, the pizza just to name a few things; but everything here replaces it very well. LOL Personally I love the laid back, don't have to wear dressy clothes and panty hose way of life. I love the beauty and wonder of the state and don't miss the cornfields and snow of Illinois at all.

Cocoa Beach has some good schools and being a teacher in Illinois and down here, I listen to the stories about how far behind our schools are. Never found the schools here in Brevard to be that way at all. I guess it depends on the parents attitude about school alot. Get involved and the kids can compete against kids from almost anywhere. Check out the math and Oddyssey of the Mind competitions and you will see teams from Brevard County at the National level almost every year. Check out the Ivy league and Airforce, Navy, and Army colleges where you need sponsorship to get in and you will see kids from this area. My guys graduated with honors and were accepted at several out of state colleges; but chose to use the great scholarships they got here in the state. Comparing them to the education their cousins got in Illinois they were probably equal or better prepared for college.

[mango23]

Originally Posted by Grossi

There is a good chance of being offered a management postion at a hotel in cocoa beach florida. I am born and raised in a town called wooddale IL which is a small town outside of chicago. I know there is a big difrence in climite I have been there on vacation during even summer time but that is vacation. I am asking if anyone can give me some feed back on if cocoabeach is a place to raise a family. thanks grossi

Unless the job sucks I have a feeling you will think you are on a full time vacation. Life is an adventure, unless there are some other personal extenuating circumstances, I would take it. Take a piece of paper and draw a line down the middle. One side plus one side minus and see what you come up with.

[Grossi]

Originally Posted by Miles Vineyards

I do not know the area in which you are moving but have been in Boca, Del Ray, Vero Beach and Sebastian. The major issue is not as much the location as the change in lifestyle. I lived in the Suburbs of Chicago and graduated from Hinsdale Central. I know Downers Grove, Westmont, Lombard, Lisle, La Grange, etc. There is one heck of differance in lifestyle that needs to be addressed. Climate is not as big an issue as some make it. Sure we enjoy the seasonal changes but we suffer through the long winters, as I always said to people we are not animals up north, our women have fur coats and fireplaces, in the south you have light pastels and air condtioning, it all works out. It is a change for sure, As a northern person, I would never think of not wearing socks, in Florida, nobody does. You dress more casuallly and life is a little more laid back I took to it like a duck takes to water and the heat never was an issue and believe me I sweat!!! You have to make some trade offs if you are an Autumn fan as you will"unless in northern Florida" not see a seasonal change, the little Norfolk Pines you have as decorations in your home will grow 40" in your front yard, you will have to live with certain bugs but no worse than knats, you don't go looking for a lost golf ball in the brush and an evening walk is great. There are a lot of pluses and a few minuses. I guess it will depend on how your family deals with it and if the cultural change works for you. The best thing is if you had achance to visit the area at differant times of the year, get a feel for the whole experience. The kids are pretty adaptable and will find their nitch, make sure you can handle it.

Thanks for the informantion you gave me I live in glendale heights right now

[Grossi]

Thank you for the info and your thoughts. This will help put my wife and I at ease

Grossi

[Grossi]

Thanks alot I will take your advise with drawing the line
Grossi

[Grossi]

Thank you very much for you thoughts
Grossi

[FertilityDoc]

Grossi,

I live in Frankfort, Illinois and have raised my family there. I love the Chicago area but winter weather here leaves a lot to be desired. In order to maintain a more active healthy lifestyle, we plan to be snowbirds in about 13 years when I retire. We purchased a condo in Cocoa Beach 2 years ago. I looked all over Florida and if you wish to be on a beach or barrier island, there are bargains to be had there. As others have pointed out, the school system is excellent and highly rated nationally. I am an Atlantic Ocean guy. I love the sound of the waves as I drift off to sleep and the sun rising over the ocean and streaming into our place when I wake up. I suspect there are few places in Florida that offer the same value. Watching rocket launches from the balcony is still a thrill. The Thousand Islands are a tranquil break away from a hectic life. Orlando is close enough to take advantage of many entertainment opportunities. Port Canaveral provides a convenient location to cruise from if you are so inclined. Like all beach towns there is an ebb and flow to the crowds depending on the season. Being a small town, cultural opportunities will be dramatically less than in Chicago. The restaurant scene still needs some improvement. If you are looking for a laid back beach lifestyle at reasonable price, Cocoa Beach is a fine choice. Hope that helps.

Kevin