[Looking4aplacetocallhome]

My husband and I have discussed moving to Florida in the next year or so. We have looked at the Tampa area, as well as the Boynton Beach and Saint Port Lucie area. My husband is set on moving to Florida and believes it will be the best for us. I on the other hand have my questions and concerns. We are young and feel like now is the best time to move if any, but I just want to be prepared.

I am a Special Education teacher (received my degree in Illinois ) new to the field, but will have some years of experience once we move. I really want to remain a teacher, but am worried/concerned that I will not be able to find a job. Any advice or knowledge on the teaching work in either of those areas?


Again we are young couple really just starting out in our careers so we want to live in an area that is affordable (considering I am a special education teacher and my husband works in sales/retail with a cell phone company).

Any suggestions on the areas that I have mentioned that would be most affordable, as well as, the area that would be easiest for a young couple to meet others in a place where they know no one.



I appreciate all comments, advice, and suggestions.

[kyle19125]

Florida is not the place to advance one's careers/"get ahead" and that's fairly well-documented over the past decade or so. The images of swaying palm trees, beaches and life in shorts/flip flops sometimes distracts from the reality of fierce competition for jobs, lower pay, a cost of living that often doesn't mesh with salaries and a lack of the warm fuzzies in terms of people and places to live. There are other states where one can find work a bit more readily with salaries that are higher and where the cost of living is lower. I'd recommend doing some more research and expand your search into other states like South Carolina, Tennessee or even Texas.

[mollybygolly]

As a former resident of IL, I am all for encouraging people to move away from there if they are unhappy
FL is a very large and diverse state. I'm in north FL now, but have lived pretty much all over the state.
Anyway, your best bet is to first research the jobs, THEN decide which part of FL is best for you, based on job opportunities.
In my opinion, almost any area of FL is better than IL, but you can really narrow your search by first determining where you are most likely to find employment.
Good luck!

[Looking4aplacetocallhome]

Thank you for the feedback !

[OptimusPrime69]

Come down, talk to a local palm tree and they will hook u up with a job. It always works out. U know, they have jobs up in their coconuts just waiting to be picked! It's amazeballs/

[Restrain]

Florida still has high unemployment, but specialties such as Special Education can command jobs where others may not. But do not discount Texas. Houston, etc has a similar climate, just not as nice beaches. If you head that way, avoid the big inner-city districts. Lots of problems there.

Good luck in whatever you decide.

[The b8nk]

lol never heard of someone coming here to "get ahead" career wise, maybe to run away from other issues but def not for a "career"

[LakelandFLNative]

You might want to consider the Jacksonville area. Tons of opportunity, low cost of living and very close to the beach. Jacksonville is the largest city in Florida but you would never know it. There are like mini-towns that boast very different vibes and cultures. You are sure to find one that fits you perfectly.

[unquiltom]

It'd be hard to recommend a move to Florida unless you have a job set up beforehand and are able to live with the lower salary you're sure to be receiving. I've had to sacrifice much in lifestyle from what I had before, since moving here. I basically stay at home all the time since I can't afford to go out or do anything that'll cost money.

[rye-rye]

The west coast is more southern and mid western. South florida is more like New York with sunshine fused with island cultures. Jacksonville is basically Georgia. All nice but depending on the culture you want.

Career wise I have found it be a really good move to St Petersburg. I have found there is a shortage of really smart, creative, and educated consultants down here so my career is in high demand. ( relocated from Portland). I wish you a lot of luck. This is exciting for you.