[goolsbyjazz]

Originally Posted by LoveBoating

What about those that decided to settle here, but later changed their mind? That does happen and that is what this thread is about. I was just inquiring where people who don't want to live here anymore move to. If someone considers "bashing", telling what they don't like about an area and/or state, then that's up to them, but I'm not bashing.

You like it, or even love it, here, that's up to you. But, the replies on this thread are from those that don't.

I didn't think you were bashing Florida when I read your thread. You shared your story about learning it wasn't the place for you in the long run. Nothing wrong with that. I will say, though, the west has a lot going for it and is a totally different vibe than the east. We briefly lived in Florida (Daytona) and did not care to the city, but enjoyed the state and what it offered in terms of recreation/entertainment.

However, after nearly 20 years in the west (AZ), I was contemplating moving back east where we grew up. We looked at Miami (which I loved but my wife hated) Fort Lauderdale (which she loved) and Tampa. I was nearly ready to pull the trigger...then the hurricanes hit! We also wrestled with things we enjoy about living in the west (Mountains, low to no humidity, wide open space, reasonable cost of living). Florida, for us, will remain a fun place where we visit friends and family.

[goolsbyjazz]

Originally Posted by popcorn247

I lived in Miami Dade county for 43 years. I worked in a beautiful spot and enjoyed my 40+ year career. After retirement, I moved back to where I grew up (22 years), Lafayette, Indiana. I am very happy up here. Friendly people, much lower cost of living, four seasons, good drivers, appreciation of nature, camping, hiking, rivers and creeks, wonderful festivals, nice parks, fantastic university (Purdue). I know that the Midwest is not for everyone, but I missed it terribly while I was in Florida.

I really liked Miami when we visited in spite of friends and others who absolutely hated it. Seriously considered moving there but after digging a little deeper I saw what people were saying about the low pay vs high cost of living. When I get my finances in place I will consider buying a small condo there as a second property.

[Jimrob1]

Originally Posted by bmw335xi

I moved to California (San Francisco) and Alaska (Wasilla)... I keep coming back to Florida (Orlando, but I also loved South Florida too around Delray Beach to Fort Lauderdale). I know for a fact now that I prefer hot weather, tropical feeling landscapes, nice homes etc.

My guess is you can afford a lifestyle that makes it easier to like Florida.

[BabyBoomers2]

Originally Posted by Jimrob1

My guess is you can afford a lifestyle that makes it easier to like Florida.

What I was thinking also. But, with us, we just don't like living here. Turns out that it just isn't our type of lifestyle.

[lluvia]

We're looking at Tennessee but it's still a few more yrs until we can move.
Our plan is to live there 9 months every yr and spend summer living with family in South America where the seasons are flipped.
Nothing like enjoying winter in August lol

[Sweetbottoms]

Originally Posted by Jimrob1

My guess is you can afford a lifestyle that makes it easier to like Florida.

We could afford it just fine. Our quality of life is better not there though. The weather made it unbearable.

[Sweetbottoms]

Originally Posted by LoveBoating

Once we leave here, we won't return. No reason to. Wife's brother (my BIL) left Florida (Baca Raton) this past Sept. He definitely won't be back. He lived in Florida longer than we have, but told us "Florida is just too expensive, especially to live in a decently safe area."

I urge family to visit us. Not the other way around. My sister moved to NC a few months before we did. She recently had to go back for a week to take care of some business and from the min she got off the plane till she left she hated every second.

[BabyBoomers2]

Originally Posted by Sweetbottoms

I urge family to visit us. Not the other way around. My sister moved to NC a few months before we did. She recently had to go back for a week to take care of some business and from the min she got off the plane till she left she hated every second.

But, why does she hate it that much?

[expatCA]

Originally Posted by LoveBoating

But, why does she hate it that much?

People are different.

You will also see cost of living mentioned a lot. That is a legitimate reason for avoiding popular areas. They cost more.

If you cannot make enough money you have to live where the COL is lower or find a way to improve your financial condition. This is not just the case in FL, but everywhere popular. Life is not what it used to be.

[BabyBoomers2]

Originally Posted by expatCA

People are different.

You will also see cost of living mentioned a lot. That is a legitimate reason for avoiding popular areas. They cost more.

If you cannot make enough money you have to live where the COL is lower or find a way to improve your financial condition. This is not just the case in FL, but everywhere popular. Life is not what it used to be.

Well, from living in just south of Denver, CO for 5 1/2 years, we have found out just how different people are here. To us, just not nearly as friendly.

We could afford living in the house we bought in Parker, CO in 2004, because wife and I had descent paying jobs AND it was just her and I.......no kids or family living with us. It was in a very nice/safe area, but I had to drive some 28 miles to downtown Denver to work. Had to get up each morning (Mon thru Fri) at 5:15 AM to be to work at 7AM.

Now we are living in a descent 2-bedroom apt. on the Southside of Jax, just north of the Avenues Mall. IOW, a nice/safe area.