[oxymoron]

I have lived in Florida for 3 1/2 years. Over the course of the last year, we've seriously contemplated leaving the state. Every time we think we have decided to leave, though, we decide to stay. I'm tired of not being able to make up my mind. I know the town in which we live is not right for us, but I'm not sure if we should leave Florida or stay here. We really liked Florida the first two years, but now our rose-colored glasses are tarnished.

Those of you who love Florida, would you please share what you like most about this state. I think the grass might really be greener outside of Starke, but I'm just not sure.

[CJFlorida]

Go down a few threads and read the one called "Best reasons to move to Florida". People list what they love about it.

[Tarastomsgirl]

I understand completely how you feel, I recently left Naples Fl in June because I believed the grass was wayyyyyyy greener and always mowed on the other side!! I talked nothing negative about Florida, it took me 6 months to realize the mistake I made.. I'm now moving back. There are always negatives about everywhere you live, as you said perhaps it is just the town, maybe start visiting other towns in Fla, see if you get a feeling of "this is where I should be" while there. Just remember its cheaper to move in state then out of state. So why not shop around before you make a harsh decision...

Why I love Florida..

no snow
no -15 for a high
1 license plate
swimming in January
flat roads, no pot holes
easiy biking, no up and down hills, and easier to walk
no being snowed in for days on end
no gas bills!

beautiful sunsets
great wildlife
close to a beach no matter where you are
no haze!
cheaper taxes!
more jobs (my sunday newspaper here had 12 jobs in it)
faster to cool down the car than to spend 25 mins scraping ice and THEN heating it
Don't have to pay extra taxes to send my child to the school I want
longer daylight hours = cheaper electric bills
beautiful blue skies, no long stretches of cloudy days
the list goes on

But if you are truely unhappy then perhaps it is time for a change, only you can make that decision and I hope you make the one thats right for you and the family and you finally find your grass is greener place after all

[Tarastomsgirl]

Originally Posted by CJFlorida

Go down a few threads and read the one called "Best reasons to move to Florida". People list what they love about it.

oh good thinking lol and I started the thread derrrrr....

[TKramar]

Originally Posted by oxymoron

I have lived in Florida for 3 1/2 years. Over the course of the last year, we've seriously contemplated leaving the state. Every time we think we have decided to leave, though, we decide to stay. I'm tired of not being able to make up my mind. I know the town in which we live is not right for us, but I'm not sure if we should leave Florida or stay here. We really liked Florida the first two years, but now our rose-colored glasses are tarnished.

Those of you who love Florida, would you please share what you like most about this state. I think the grass might really be greener outside of Starke, but I'm just not sure.

One thing I like for sure...NO SNOW. I don't have to shovel it. Don't have to walk in it. The weather is usually good.

[floridasandy]

i love when i walk out at night and can see all the glittering stars with no pollution. it is so peaceful here at night. (plus all the other reasons listed in the other posts). i don't know if it was mentioned, but no car inspection is good also.

[Rhett_Butler]

Originally Posted by floridasandy

i don't know if it was mentioned, but no car inspection is good also.

Yes, the environment says, "Thank you Florida!!!"

[Petertherock]

Originally Posted by VAFury

Yes, the environment says, "Thank you Florida!!!"

Car inspections have nothing to do with the environment. It's another tax put on you by the state. Almost any car on the road is built with California emissions standards or other tougher standards in each state. If you have a friend that works in the inspection station you can get your car to pass inspection as long as you pay the state their money. Inspections do nothing for the environment.

[CJFlorida]

Originally Posted by Petertherock

Car inspections have nothing to do with the environment. It's another tax put on you by the state. Almost any car on the road is built with California emissions standards or other tougher standards in each state. If you have a friend that works in the inspection station you can get your car to pass inspection as long as you pay the state their money. Inspections do nothing for the environment.

We disagree about global warming and other topics, but you are right about this one. And the corruption involved is unreal.

When we lived in NJ and PA anyone who knew anyone got an emission or inspection sticker with no problem. But if a newcomer or stranger came it...every time they would need emissions work or brakes or whatever business the station could drum up for itself and neighboring repair shops.

[macguy]

Originally Posted by CJFlorida

We disagree about global warming and other topics, but you are right about this one. And the corruption involved is unreal.

When we lived in NJ and PA anyone who knew anyone got an emission or inspection sticker with no problem. But if a newcomer or stranger came it...every time they would need emissions work or brakes or whatever business the station could drum up for itself and neighboring repair shops.

Florida inspections ended when they were losing money. They didn't care the first thing about safe cars or emissions. This is not just my opinion by the way, they discussed what it was costing the state and decided to drop it. It was all about money, nothing else. It was a total joke anyway. There was one testing station in Hollywood and across the street was a place called "The catalytic connection". You brought your car there and they would put a testing machine on the car and mess with it till the numbers were right. Then the mechanic would drive the car across the street and run it through. Some times the car would hardly run as a result of what they had done to get it to pass. Then they brought it back, reset the car back correct settings so it could be driven and off you went with your new sticker. I brought one car in there and when the guy was going through the test the engine was racing away like crazy, you could not hear yourself think. It passed. I am glad they dropped testing, it was just another Florida farce anyway.