Dreaming of Ohio (Cleveland, Lancaster, Florida: insurance, sex offender, crime rates)

[StuckHereinFL]

I grew up in Lancaster, Ohio. I met a gal from Florida and moved down here about 7 years ago. For the first few years, it was fun. After that it was just OK. Now, recently, after spending a week in Ohio this last summer helping my family build an addition on to their house, I hate Florida and dream about moving back to Ohio. The problem is it could be as long as 18 years from now. I married that girl from FL and we have a 1 year old and another on the way. She says she would move, but when it comes down to it, I doubt she will. I hate Florida so much, if it were just her, I would have left already. But I can't leave my kids. I will not leave them. So, I could be stuck trying to raise my own kids in a crappy state with horrible weather, crime, and schools.

Someday, Ohio, I will be back. Someday.

Why do I hate Florida so much?

-horrible summer weather. I hate having to hibernate IN THE SUMMER because it's so freaking hot and humid outside.

-no good jobs. the great recession has hit Florida real hard.

-no seasons. just hot and then warm in the winter.

-HOA's. Man, you're paying these jerks just to harass you about your grass not being green enough.

-If you want a lawn, you're going to have to pay out your you-know-what to irrigate it. HOA's want you to have a lawn comprised of thirsty St. Augustine Grass.

-FL has some of the highest insurance (both house and car) rates in the nation. Property taxes are high too.

-Poor, crowded, schools.

-Some of the highest electricity rates in the country.

-some of the highest crime rates and sex offender rates in the nation

-horrible traffic

-high grocery prices

-no recreation opportunities that doesn't involve packed theme parks.

-postage-stamp sized lots

-fire ants


there's much more than this, but I'm getting depressed. Someday I will be back. Probably in 18 years.

[ram2]

No recreation opportunities? How can you NOT own a boat in Florida? Isn't that a prime reason for living in a state surrounded by water and warm/hot weather year 'round?

[jbcmh81]

Originally Posted by ram2

No recreation opportunities? How can you NOT own a boat in Florida? Isn't that a prime reason for living in a state surrounded by water and warm/hot weather year 'round?

Boats are not cheap. They can run as much as a house to start, and then you have to consider everything from storage, marina fees, fuel, as well as the constant maintenance needed. And I think the main reason is the weather, not necessarily boating.

[homiej]

I hope you find a way back to Ohio someday! It's one of the finest states in the nation! Also, I think I speak for all of us who grew up without a mom or dad when I say thank you for sticking around for your kids. You're doing the right thing and going to be a hell of a father, surely! In the meantime, save up and go on vacation in Cleveland! Take the kids with ya

[StuckHereinFL]

Originally Posted by jbcmh81

Boats are not cheap. They can run as much as a house to start, and then you have to consider everything from storage, marina fees, fuel, as well as the constant maintenance needed. And I think the main reason is the weather, not necessarily boating.

All this is true. In addition, you need the right vehicle to tow the boat. It's not like you can swim in the lakes of Central Florida. The water is to warm and can get dangerous microbes.

[StuckHereinFL]

Originally Posted by homiej

I hope you find a way back to Ohio someday! It's one of the finest states in the nation! Also, I think I speak for all of us who grew up without a mom or dad when I say thank you for sticking around for your kids. You're doing the right thing and going to be a hell of a father, surely! In the meantime, save up and go on vacation in Cleveland! Take the kids with ya

Thanks! The wife MIGHT slowly be coming around. Hey, I gave FL a try for 7 years, she should at least give OH a try before deciding she doesn't want to live there. Who knows, maybe next year at this time I'll be enjoying the snow!

[ram2]

Originally Posted by StuckHereinFL

All this is true. In addition, you need the right vehicle to tow the boat. It's not like you can swim in the lakes of Central Florida. The water is to warm and can get dangerous microbes.

That is why you keep a boat at a marina. There are many of those in Florida.

[StuckHereinFL]

I don't know. If I were spending 35k on a boat, I don't think I'd like for it to be confined to the same old chain of lakes. Besides, that's quite expensive.

Sure, anyplace is good enough to live if you have the right amount of cash to gloss over things you don't like. The place you can stand to be when you're poor is home.

[Cleveland_Collector]

Boating gets old, even in areas where the season is only 6 months long. Boating is also VERY expensive unless your idea of boating involves oars. Also, not everyone lives on the coast and slip fees can run $10-20/month at a marina. So, unless one can afford an extra $300-500/month on top of what a boat already costs to own and operate, it would behove them to own a trailer. Bottom line, it isn't a working class recreational activity.

[ram2]

Originally Posted by StuckHereinFL

I don't know. If I were spending 35k on a boat, I don't think I'd like for it to be confined to the same old chain of lakes. Besides, that's quite expensive.

Sure, anyplace is good enough to live if you have the right amount of cash to gloss over things you don't like. The place you can stand to be when you're poor is home.

That is why you do your boating in the Gulf or Atlantic.