[firemed]

Originally Posted by Retiredcoach

When Pittsburgh was in the midst of losing much of the steel industry, many of its citizenry waited for the federal government to ride in on its tall white horse to come to the rescue. Needless to say, it never happened. Many of those in Michigan associated with the car industry are now frustrated that their white horse may never arrive. Like Pittsburgh and Detroit, many Floridians may never realize the dire realities of their collective fates until it clearly smacks them in their faces. Families left Pittsburgh for better opportunities (and jobs) elsewhere... nearly 50%. Besides the climate (albeit the hurricanes), why would anyone in their right mind want to establish roots in Florida in 2007-2008-2009....? Why would a young family relocate to Florida when the state offers so little chance(s) for their success (grossly overpriced homes, sales taxes on everything they need, underfunded/unappreciated schools, little/no jobs with a liveable wage and/or benefits, HOA's, housing prices, insurance, property taxes, etc.) ? Housing prices will continue to decline in your beautiful state until the other problems are corrected, which may never happen.

Very well said Coach ! We had this before in the 1920's I don't know why its not smacking them in the face now. http://www.floridahistory.org/floridians/1920's.htm

[MrTudo]

[quote=MaggieFL;1415612]Hi Turtle,

You are not alone, believe me. Because prices skyrocketed between 2004 and 2006, shock set in and prices came tumbling down due to increased taxes and insurance. The last two are being worked on diligently in Congress and by January 2007 there will be a major reduction in taxes!!! QUOTE]

There will never be any major reductions in any taxes. Americans have whined and snivelled for more and more socialism over the years and the government is happy to oblige.

The libertarians were right.

[seeriously]

Originally Posted by Retiredcoach

When Pittsburgh was in the midst of losing much of the steel industry, many of its citizenry waited for the federal government to ride in on its tall white horse to come to the rescue. Needless to say, it never happened. Many of those in Michigan associated with the car industry are now frustrated that their white horse may never arrive. Like Pittsburgh and Detroit, many Floridians may never realize the dire realities of their collective fates until it clearly smacks them in their faces. Families left Pittsburgh for better opportunities (and jobs) elsewhere... nearly 50%. Besides the climate (albeit the hurricanes), why would anyone in their right mind want to establish roots in Florida in 2007-2008-2009....? Why would a young family relocate to Florida when the state offers so little chance(s) for their success (grossly overpriced homes, sales taxes on everything they need, underfunded/unappreciated schools, little/no jobs with a liveable wage and/or benefits, HOA's, housing prices, insurance, property taxes, etc.) ? Housing prices will continue to decline in your beautiful state until the other problems are corrected, which may never happen.

Pittsburg and Detriot are well... um... they're Pittsburg and Detroit. Without the car industry or the steel industry, why would anyone stay? Florida is paradise. Florida is endless shoreline, warm winters, and palm trees. Many of the people moving to Florida do not need jobs. They've made their money elseswhere. Many professional people are in sales and they can live anywhere in their territory. Sales tax, underfunded schools, low wages, HOAs, housing prices, etc., etc., etc.,... just pick a state, any state, and go to the city-data forums and you'll see all these same problems. Whatever asset a state has to boast about, it is equally missing another. It all comes out in the wash.

People from the northeast will always want to retire in Florida. Their homes will always be worth more than a Florida home. They won't be looking to retire in Detroit or Pittsburg however.

[MrTudo]

I just gave you a positive check Verobeach for being so kind in your reply.

[JimKing]

Originally Posted by verobeach

Pittsburg and Detriot are well... um... they're Pittsburg and Detroit. Without the car industry or the steel industry, why would anyone stay? Florida is paradise. Florida is endless shoreline, warm winters, and palm trees. Many of the people moving to Florida do not need jobs. They've made their money elseswhere. Many professional people are in sales and they can live anywhere in their territory. Sales tax, underfunded schools, low wages, HOAs, housing prices, etc., etc., etc.,... just pick a state, any state, and go to the city-data forums and you'll see all these same problems. Whatever asset a state has to boast about, it is equally missing another. It all comes out in the wash.

People from the northeast will always want to retire in Florida. Their homes will always be worth more than a Florida home. They won't be looking to retire in Detroit or Pittsburg however.

Well I have been in the northeast the past two years, and talk to hundreds of people in the course of business, many retirement age. My parents are 70 and have tons of retirement age friends. Not a one wants to retire to Florida. That is a total myth. That went out 10 years ago.

Many want to keep working, many have very little retirement savings, many want to stay active in their grandkids lives. Those who do want to retire and move want to try the Carolinas.

And every single one of them who would move, want low taxes and a small 1-2 bedroom home. They want to sell their NE house for $500,000 and then pay $150,000 for a warmer weather townhouse. And bank the difference to supplement their retirement income.

If you think NE people are coming to pay Florida's ridiculous prices, taxes and insurance, you are sadly mistaken. The 3-4-5 bedroom houses flooding Florida's market have no allure to anyone we know.

[JimKing]

Originally Posted by Retiredcoach

When Pittsburgh was in the midst of losing much of the steel industry, many of its citizenry waited for the federal government to ride in on its tall white horse to come to the rescue. Needless to say, it never happened. Many of those in Michigan associated with the car industry are now frustrated that their white horse may never arrive. Like Pittsburgh and Detroit, many Floridians may never realize the dire realities of their collective fates until it clearly smacks them in their faces. Families left Pittsburgh for better opportunities (and jobs) elsewhere... nearly 50%. Besides the climate (albeit the hurricanes), why would anyone in their right mind want to establish roots in Florida in 2007-2008-2009....? Why would a young family relocate to Florida when the state offers so little chance(s) for their success (grossly overpriced homes, sales taxes on everything they need, underfunded/unappreciated schools, little/no jobs with a liveable wage and/or benefits, HOA's, housing prices, insurance, property taxes, etc.) ? Housing prices will continue to decline in your beautiful state until the other problems are corrected, which may never happen.

Great post coach, some folks here just don't get it.

[hiknapster]

My mom says she would never retire to Florida. Ever.

My dad did, and wants out.

Both have tons of money. They are 72 and 73.

I guess that shoots the "everyone wants to retire to Florida" theory right out of the water.

[Retiredcoach]

Vero,

People will move with the hope of going to a place better than where they are living presently. Right now, I am sitting in front of my laptop, windows wide open, listening to the sounds of nature around me. I will go to work around 7 AM and be there by 7:15... I rarely have to contend with traffic, yet I am only 20 minutes from downtown Pittsburgh. I love the environment of living around fellow Pittsburghers... so much pride in what the town represents. Pittsburgh has one of the oldest populations in the country right now. Many seniors seem to think that the region is worth the cold winters, but global warming actually is making the winters bearable. Much of our youth is receiving a top-notch education from most of our public schools, but are leaving to search for better opportunity. The quality of life has lead one leading publication to rank Pittsburgh as the most livable city, again.

Pittsburgh youth and our wealthier seniors share one thing in common, fewer see the opportunities in Florida. Your state is in such disarray right now... yet so many in your state are in such denial. I am one of those "soon to be retired", and as much as I wanted to be a snowbird (Pittsburgh 6 months/Florida six months), I cannot justify buying a home in Florida. Simply put, I have enough of my own problems, why buy into more?

From the readings that I have done, many of Florida schools are experiencing a decreased student base, but free/reduced lunch numbers are spiking upward. That should be an early telltale sign... your young families are leaving for opportunity elsewhere. The number of homes "for sale" should also be an indicator that your families are looking to leave.

My perspective may not be shared by all retiring northerners, but it is certainly shared by the majority. Some are so sold on "yesteryear" that they are blinded by their dreams and not the dire reality of the severity of your state's problems.

[floridamove2]

I would love to sell just so I can get out of here. I was sold on the Florida lifestyle BS. But thats all it is BS. But the good news is New Yorkers are hard headed and will still dive in head first just like I did.

[JimKing]

Originally Posted by Retiredcoach

Vero,

People will move with the hope of going to a place better than where they are living presently. Right now, I am sitting in front of my laptop, windows wide open, listening to the sounds of nature around me. I will go to work around 7 AM and be there by 7:15... I rarely have to contend with traffic, yet I am only 20 minutes from downtown Pittsburgh. I love the environment of living around fellow Pittsburghers... so much pride in what the town represents. Pittsburgh has one of the oldest populations in the country right now. Many seniors seem to think that the region is worth the cold winters, but global warming actually is making the winters bearable. Much of our youth is receiving a top-notch education from most of our public schools, but are leaving to search for better opportunity. The quality of life has lead one leading publication to rank Pittsburgh as the most livable city, again.

Pittsburgh youth and our wealthier seniors share one thing in common, fewer see the opportunities in Florida. Your state is in such disarray right now... yet so many in your state are in such denial. I am one of those "soon to be retired", and as much as I wanted to be a snowbird (Pittsburgh 6 months/Florida six months), I cannot justify buying a home in Florida. Simply put, I have enough of my own problems, why buy into more?

From the readings that I have done, many of Florida schools are experiencing a decreased student base, but free/reduced lunch numbers are spiking upward. That should be an early telltale sign... your young families are leaving for opportunity elsewhere. The number of homes "for sale" should also be an indicator that your families are looking to leave.

My perspective may not be shared by all retiring northerners, but it is certainly shared by the majority. Some are so sold on "yesteryear" that they are blinded by their dreams and not the dire reality of the severity of your state's problems.

You are right Coach. We are in the Philadelphia area on business until the end of the year. We know many from Pittsburgh, NY, NJ, CT.

Florida is not on the list of anyone we talk to. The reputation has changed up here in the last 10 years. The illegal situation, crime, bugs, costs, hurricanes are what many here think when Florida is mentioned.

Our family are Florida lovers, and can not wait to get back. But our extended family and friends have no interest.

The thought that people from the NE are going to sell their houses up here and pay silly prices for large homes in Florida is a total farce.

By the way, Pittsburgh was named top metropolitan area to live in the Places Rated Almanac.