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Boy do you have that wrong. Retirees and snow birds contribute a whole lot to the economy. We pay the same taxes as working people( granted with a slight discount on some of them). You do know you pay taxes on Social Security, right? You do know we made money, put it in 401ks and are now spending that money in Florida, right? We eat at the same restaurants, go to the same places, buy big ticket items,have homes-maybe even bigger than yours so the kids and grandkids come down to visit and have a place to stay. We have boats and campers. We travel around the state. We buy things in the stores. We probably even do volunteer work more than most working people in the state so do not short change us! Of course not all of us are millionaires but even on fixed incomes we contribute to the economy. Some day you will be a retiree, too!
Sugah Ray has never been known for saying anything accurate. Don't take it personal. But thank you for pointing out how ludicrous his statement was. Of course retirees and snow birds contribute. Probably more than anyone else. They go out to eat often, travel and spend money. Snow birds and retirees often have nothing else to do than get out and spend/contribute.
And really, much of Florida banks on snow-bird season to make ends meet. Especially the service industry. The population explodes during season with people who spend money.
Boy do you have that wrong. Retirees and snow birds contribute a whole lot to the economy. We pay the same taxes as working people( granted with a slight discount on some of them). You do know you pay taxes on Social Security, right? You do know we made money, put it in 401ks and are now spending that money in Florida, right? We eat at the same restaurants, go to the same places, buy big ticket items,have homes-maybe even bigger than yours so the kids and grandkids come down to visit and have a place to stay. We have boats and campers. We travel around the state. We buy things in the stores. We probably even do volunteer work more than most working people in the state so do not short change us! Of course not all of us are millionaires but even on fixed incomes we contribute to the economy. Some day you will be a retiree, too!
It is a known fact that retirees spend less. Even if I didn't see the numbers I know this from personal experience as I know many areas in this state. The spending habits of people living in South Florida or Orlando are very different from those living in Inverness or in mobile homes on the West coast. I didn't say they don't spend at all. Anyone who knows a little about marketing knows about marketing segmentation and purchasing power. Sure wealthy retirees spend more money but we have far more retirees with fixed income. Moving to an area full of retirees with average incomes when you need a job is reckless in my opinion. Many retirees in those areas compete for part-time retail jobs. I think it's That is especially true in those little towns in the middle of nowhere. Wealthy people don't tend to move inland, the exception could be John Travolta who I believe has a large state close to Ocala.
I see you live in Brevard county. Brevard is normal compared to other areas of the state. A lot of younger families live there. I have no issues recommending places like Palm Bay or Melbourne. I still prefer areas closer to Orlando and Tampa but at least Brevard towns have more diverse economies.
The over 65 market makes up about 14 percent of our population and is growing. People in this age group are, of course, consumers of the basic necessities. Most have discretionary income or expendable income, which is, the money left over after paying for the basic cost of living.
Last edited by Sugah Ray; 07-03-2016 at 10:59 AM..
Sugah Ray has never been known for saying anything accurate. Don't take it personal. But thank you for pointing out how ludicrous his statement was. Of course retirees and snow birds contribute. Probably more than anyone else. They go out to eat often, travel and spend money. Snow birds and retirees often have nothing else to do than get out and spend/contribute.
And really, much of Florida banks on snow-bird season to make ends meet. Especially the service industry. The population explodes during season with people who spend money.
You have no idea what you are talking about. The only things you are good at are at personal attacks and possibly making people's lives more miserable by posting wrong information.
My name might be Sugar Ray but I don't sugarcoat anything. I'm just warning the OP based on my observations of many towns I have visited in FL. I don't just read boards or stupid lists about the 20 worst places to live in the US, I have actually visited many places in the state.
You have no idea what you are talking about. The only things you are good at are at personal attacks and possibly making people's lives more miserable by posting wrong information.
My name might be Sugar Ray but I don't sugarcoat anything. I'm just warning the OP based on my observations of many towns I have visited in FL. I don't just read boards or stupid lists about the 20 worst places to live in the US, I have actually visited many places in the state.
Hollywood's population nearly doubles in the winter. Literally. It's when all of the restaurants, hotels, motels, and other service businesses make their money. Tell me more about how snow birds don't contribute much to the economy..... All those facts you are so fond of.
You have no idea what you are talking about. The only things you are good at are at personal attacks and possibly making people's lives more miserable by posting wrong information.
My name might be Sugar Ray but I don't sugarcoat anything. I'm just warning the OP based on my observations of many towns I have visited in FL. I don't just read boards or stupid lists about the 20 worst places to live in the US, I have actually visited many places in the state.
Hollywood's population nearly doubles in the winter. Literally. It's when all of the restaurants, hotels, motels, and other service businesses make their money. They travel inland to Sawgrass, visit the casino's, buy groceries, rent cars, etc. Tell me more about how snow birds don't contribute much to the economy..... All those facts you are so fond of.
You should be able to find jobs and an area you can afford in Florida. I would begin by checking with school districts . Stay out of the middle of the state except for Orlando area and you will likely make a little more money than in the more rural areas. Don't be afraid to live on the coast. It sure is easier to get a boat out in the ocean for saltwater fishing than carting it 80 miles to the salt water.
Check out Brevard County. Can find homes in your price range. Could even find a hospitality/tourism type job, too. Also check out St. Augustine area. School district is excellent up there and COL is pretty descent.
To find jobs check here....... https://www.employflorida.com/vosnet/Default.aspx
Maybe even check with Delaware North for job at the space center.
We live in Brevard to answer some of your final questions.
1. Cost of car...registration and tags runs about $400 per vehicle the first year. After that between $45-$65 for registration and tags yearly. Insurance on a 2012 and 2003 car runs us around $2000 for the year.
2. Homeowners in an older(1984) 1500+ sq ft home 10 miles from the beach runs us around $2100 for the year. Some friends pay less but no one knows how all these newer insurance companies will handle pay out after a hurricane. Hurricanes are far and in between though. Knocking on wood we make it without one again this 12th year.
3. Most areas of Brevard are pretty safe/family oriented areas. Of course there is some crime everywhere so even in the most expensive gated areas anywhere crime could happen.
4. Electricity is pretty reasonable....bills run less than $100 in cooler months and around $150-$200 in heat of summer. New air unit so should be cheaper for us this year. Yea!
5. Cable.....we have Brighthouse(just bought by Charter)combo phone/cable/internet and with all the fees runs $180 a month.
6. City water $50 includes garbage pick up. If you have sewer....double or triple the cost of water. When we had both 20 years ago our bills were in the $150 range and didn't include garbage back then. We didn't have a pool or water the grass back then either.
7. Cell phones---2 with unlimited data.....$170.
8. Traffic.......minimal.
Thank you for all that information. Seems that cable and cell phone won't change, well it will as there will be two less on the plan. Electric seems more reasonable. My last bill here for two months electric and gas was $786 for my 2000 sq ft cape cod home. That was the last heating bill for the winter. They are switching her to monthly billing-one month will be estimated. Can't wait for that one.
Car registration, a little higher but not much. We have two surcharges on our registrations-the MTA tax and a road usage tax for our county. Adds another $50 to each vehicle, camper, trailer or boat. Not right as I'd like to see those commuters use my tow behind camper to get anywhere without a tow vehicle. And the extra road tax, that's why I pay taxes I thought.
Good information and something to work with. I appreciate it.
It is a known fact that retirees spend less. Even if I didn't see the numbers I know this from personal experience as I know many areas in this state. The spending habits of people living in South Florida or Orlando are very different from those living in Inverness or in mobile homes on the West coast. I didn't say they don't spend at all. Anyone who knows a little about marketing knows about marketing segmentation and purchasing power. Sure wealthy retirees spend more money but we have far more retirees with fixed income. Moving to an area full of retirees with average incomes when you need a job is reckless in my opinion. Many retirees in those areas compete for part-time retail jobs. I think it's That is especially true in those little towns in the middle of nowhere. Wealthy people don't tend to move inland, the exception could be John Travolta who I believe has a large state close to Ocala.
I see you live in Brevard county. Brevard is normal compared to other areas of the state. A lot of younger families live there. I have no issues recommending places like Palm Bay or Melbourne. I still prefer areas closer to Orlando and Tampa but at least Brevard towns have more diverse economies.
As someone who at one point made a living off tourism, the retirees DO spend more than the families. We had a slogan "heads in beds". That's was the goal. I know many people who snow bird it there from November to May. I know two of my drivers who retired from the MTA and Verizon, now own condos there for their summers off from driving a school bus. I believe most spend their money wisely, but I know from being there myself over 31 years to FL and seeing what retirees do spend, I know they are. My own MIL is in charge of the activities for her condo association. They go gaming, to the dog track, casinos, dinner cruises etc. At least 2-3 times a month.
As I said we have been coming to FL since 1985. Familiar with certain areas more than others. Key West we know-grandparents lived there from 1970 to the early 90's. St.Petersburg we know, Maderia Beach, Clearwater. Now it's time to decide if Florida will be a good fit for us. We aren't someone who lives beyond their means. We don't need to. It's how we paid off our home. Putting extra in to own it outright early. Could I spend out everything we sell ours for, sure. But why? It's not necessary to.
As someone who at one point made a living off tourism, the retirees DO spend more than the families. We had a slogan "heads in beds". That's was the goal. I know many people who snow bird it there from November to May. I know two of my drivers who retired from the MTA and Verizon, now own condos there for their summers off from driving a school bus. I believe most spend their money wisely, but I know from being there myself over 31 years to FL and seeing what retirees do spend, I know they are. My own MIL is in charge of the activities for her condo association. They go gaming, to the dog track, casinos, dinner cruises etc. At least 2-3 times a month.
As I said we have been coming to FL since 1985. Familiar with certain areas more than others. Key West we know-grandparents lived there from 1970 to the early 90's. St.Petersburg we know, Maderia Beach, Clearwater. Now it's time to decide if Florida will be a good fit for us. We aren't someone who lives beyond their means. We don't need to. It's how we paid off our home. Putting extra in to own it outright early. Could I spend out everything we sell ours for, sure. But why? It's not necessary to.
You might think you are familiar but let's start with the areas you just listed. Madeira Beach, Clearwater, St Petersburg are all part of the Tampa Bay Area. Yes Tampa Bay, the area that horrified you for having 3-4 million people in an earlier post. You see how much you know?
It seems to me you just want to hear what you want to hear even if the people talking to you have no idea what they are talking about. Like the poster who listed Hollywood as an example of a small town. Hollywood is in freaking South Florida better known as Miami metro, a metropolitan area with more than 5 million people.
Ever heard of cognitive dissonance? I hope you don't end up like this guy because some truths were too inconvenient:
You might think you are familiar but let's start with the areas you just listed. Madeira Beach, Clearwater, St Petersburg are all part of the Tampa Bay Area. Yes Tampa Bay, the area that horrified you for having 3-4 million people in an earlier post. You see how much you know?
It seems to me you just want to hear what you want to hear even if the people talking to you have no idea what they are talking about. Like the poster who listed Hollywood as an example of a small town. Hollywood is in freaking South Florida better known as Miami metro, a metropolitan area with more than 5 million people.
Ever heard of cognitive dissonance? I hope you don't end up like this guy because some truths were too inconvenient:
Who listed Hollywood as a small town? You know how I keep telling you that you kind of read things and then go off in your own little make believe world.... this is yet another example. Nobody said Hollywood was a small town or even recommended it, but you went off on a rant about it. You have problems, bud. I'm hoping this is getting through to you, but I doubt it.
Who listed Hollywood as a small town? You know how I keep telling you that you kind of read things and then go off in your own little make believe world.... this is yet another example. Nobody said Hollywood was a small town or even recommended it, but you went off on a rant about it. You have problems, bud. I'm hoping this is getting through to you, but I doubt it.
That just means then you didn't even pay attention to the exchange I was having with the OP but you felt a big need to insult my response. Why I'm not surprised?
Speaking of problems who is the one who is stocking people? Last time I checked I didn't talk to you first. I haven't been rude to you until now. You might wanna reread this thread and analyze your confrontational attitude.
Quote:
Originally Posted by BNBR
Sugah Ray has never been known for saying anything accurate.
Last edited by Sugah Ray; 07-03-2016 at 07:42 PM..
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