[Jannie]

Hi all, just found this site. I need advice on making a decision to move to Naples from NY. Here's my story: I lived in NY all my life(54yrs)single,no children. I rent an apt. here. I got laid off from my job recently after 36yrs. I own a condo in Naples for the last 16 yrs.(paid off mtg) I am trying to decide if I should move to Naples and give up my rental apt. in NY and look for a job in Naples. I have been going down to Naples twice a year to check on things but have never stayed longer than 3 weeks.
I desparately need advice on whether to move there, stay in NY, move there later on, rent or sell condo. Also, if I decide to move to Naples, how do you make the move?
I am going down to Naples in Nov. for 3 wks. then I have to make a decision; NY rental lease is up in June.
Just too many decisions!

[Edvard]

Make sure you can afford it first. It's not getting any cheaper. Research now will pay off. If you can swing it, you'll like it. Visit a few times and price Real Estate and Insurance (if you can find it) before you move.

[CASAJO]

You own your condo in Naples free and clear? I would make the move. Being a born and raised New Yorker myself, lived and worked in Manhattan for 18 years, then on to Chicago for 7, now in Florida for 7 years(Tampa Bay area), I can tell you that I welcomed the change. I visited Naples last winter and I thought it was beautiful there. Way out of my price range though. Just remember, once you leave New York, it is really tought to go back, financially. I visit NY often, and every time I go back, I find myself thinking I could never live that pace as I get older (51). Besides, its only 2 1/2 hour flight. If you are a true city person and you are single, you might miss the "buzz" after awhile. I am here 7 years and I am beginning to feel the itch for someplace new. I have been researching Charlotte, N.C. I am really missing tall buildings...lol good luck in your decision

[NSHL10]

If you can get a job in Naples lined up, it looks like the better financial move. You'll be losing the cost of renting the NY apartment, so consider that if the salary in FL is not in line with your old salary.

[Jannie]

Thanks for the advice. I know that I'm the only one that could make up my mind. I do have to pay for Maintence on the condo but I never stayed there longer than 3wks. I don't have much family or friends in NY or in florida. I know I will never make a NY salary in florida but all I need is a job that will cover the bills.

[Jammie]

Hi Jannie~Jammie here. It was so good to read your post this morning. I'm also plagued with indecision. But it's easy for me to suggest things for others because I can see their situations more clearly then my own. Not sure how that works. Anyway, I agree with the posters who said move to Naples. Since you already own your condo, you won't need to make a fortune in order to live, especially since you have no children to support. You won't have to worry about your apartment rent because I understand that's quite a bit in NY.Also, you won't have the utilities to pay there plus personal property insurance up there. You'll have sunshine instead of clouds and snow. You'll have palm trees year around. You've spent time there so you know what it's like there. It'd be scary to move somewhere without ever having been there for a while, but you and I aren't going into this totally blind because we've both been in the areas we're moving to. Granted, it's not the same as actually living there, but we have some idea of what the area is like. By the way, you're just a bit older then I am. That warm weather will be great for bringing out our inner child. Also good for the aches and pains that come with our maturity.

[Jannie]

Hi Jammie-Jannie here! Thanks so much for replying. Somtimes you just get scared with making a life changing decision because you don't know if it's the right one. I bought my condo 16 yrs ago brand new and I have furnished it. All I have to do this winter in NY is go throught everything in this apartment and try and sell it. I would not be taking much with me. It's just an overwhelming task. But I guess I can do it since I am unemployed not and semi-retired. Thank God I will be getting health benefits until social security.
Thanks again. write anytime.

[Jammie]

Jannie, health benefits until social security? Oh you're sitting VERY well. You've got a fully paid condo in Fla. and health benefits until retirement. You've got the two biggest things already taken care of.