[MrJones17]

Originally Posted by LINYchick

can anyone tell me about the pros & cons of FL vs NC/ taxes, traffic, people, jobs etc...

NC has a state income tax, FL doesn't. That said, I hear property taxes are a lot higher in FL and of course you generally always need to have flood insurance.

I found the summers in FL to be basically unbearable for everyday life. Going to the beach for vacation in the middle of August is tolerable, but having to go to work or be outside for more than like 60 seconds is very difficult, at least for me.

NC doesn't let you have as much window tint, if that matters to you.

I live in Raleigh, NC. Of all the major cities I've lived in, this city's traffic isn't bad at all. Florida highways can get congested, but of course that depends on where you live. I lived in Sarasota and loved it. Never had any complaints about the traffic. Even 75 was pretty doable most of the time.

The people in Sarasota are older, laid back, and eclectic. You'll find a lot of unique things in that city. NC is just a lot of southern people with lots of transplants, like me, too. FL is definitely a transplant state too.

The job market here in Raleigh seems pretty focused toward government, education, and technology. FL is a lot of tourism and healthcare. I do read quite often that there's a growing tech scene in the major FL cities like Tampa, Miami, and Orlando.

Unless you live right on the coast of NC, the effects of hurricanes aren't nearly as bad as they are in FL. *usually*

You'll never have to worry about finding an alligator in your yard like you will in FL sometimes.

I hear Miami has some rail transportation. Good luck finding that in NC. All of these NC cities are very much car-friendly cities.

[kyle19125]

Originally Posted by MrJones17

I hear Miami has some rail transportation. Good luck finding that in NC. All of these NC cities are very much car-friendly cities.

SE Florida has Tri-Rail which runs back and forth between West Palm Beach and Miami with links to Miami's Metrorail system. Charlotte has a newer light rail system that runs in/out of the downtown area from the south side, with two more lines in planning stages.

[LifeIsGood01]

If you own a home Florida has homestead exemption for your property and a property tax deduction if it's your primary residence.