[locogrande247]

I'm sort of overloaded with info and need some clear cut answers please.

I'm wanting to relocate to Florida, mainly Ft.Lauderdale (NOT Miami), and in my research I found not such a good outlook for myself for jobs in the area. Also seems that rents are very high and that auto insurance is even worse.

Now I'm looking about an hour north, up towards Orlando, Palm Beach, Ft. Myers and even Tampa, and even the little towns in between.

Would the cost of living be cheaper in these areas, getting further north, or is all pretty much the same.

Any sugestions, advice, I'm really stuck. My alternative is either Pensacola, or going to Houston, with Las Vegas still on my short list.

This forum has alot of info, but my head is starting to spin a little.

[jghorton]

There are many areas of Florida where the cost of living is probably less than Ft. Lauderdale. Your best bet is probably to work out the best possible job situation -- and then look for an affordable place to live nearby. Otherwise, if you look at the Florida forum, you will discover that 'everyone' seems to be looking for the same thing: ... a nice place, in a good area, near the beach in Florida (where it's always sunny and warm)... "Oh and by the way, I'll need to find a great job where I can spend lots of time frolicking in the sun, and make lots of money with little or no experience."

The reality is that most of these folks who imagine if they can only get to Florida, all of life's difficulties and obstacles will simply 'drift away into the tropical sunset', need a 'reality check.' I don't mean to sound negative or to discourage you, but, it sounds like you really don't have much of a plan for your life, except 'moving some place warm.'

Perhaps the reason your head is spinning with so much information and so many possibilities, is that you need to narrow down the information and possibilities, with some practical realities (?) -- What kind of work do you do and what kind of training do you have? Where are you likely to find employment? Do you have any kind of support system in Florida or ??
(How does Florida, Pensacola, Ft. Lauderdale, Vegas, Houston, etc. come into play?) Do you have a plan to get started and pay your rent and utilities and deposits, etc. -- until you find suitable employment?

[kyle19125]

Orlando is nearly as expensive as Ft Lauderdale with lower salaries on average so it's about a draw. Check out Jacksonville which has a lower cost of living and salaries on par with the rest of the state (if not higher). Otherwise a city like Houston would be a better alternative in terms of cost of living and salary comparisons.