How is it like living in Pensacola as opposed to other parts of Florida (Jacksonville: insurance, job market)

[Valnf]

I am thinking about relocating due to job. How is the northwest part of the state?

[covebound]

Florida is Florida. Pennsacola is ok, but it's still Florida. That area get's hit pretty hard with hurricanes. You will get a change of season up there and it is nicer than the southern parts of Florida. All I can say is I thought I would love Florida but boy what a mistake that was.

[JimKing]

Wow, what a bad response. Florida is not Florida at all. Different parts can be totally different. I lived in Pensacola for a year, Tampa for several, and Palm Beach County for several.

Pensacola is unique. It is more humid than the east cost of Florida. Anyone who has visited the upper gulf coast knows what I mean.

Pensacola has 3 distinct populations. A part is very, very religious, to the point of soliciting on street corners. Another part is very military, as the Naval Air Station is a huge part of Pensacola. And the rest is the old, poor south.

You need to spend some time in Pensacola first because it is unique and not for everybody. It is totally different than Palm Beach County and most of the rest of Florida.

[PBCboy]

Originally Posted by covebound

Florida is Florida. Pennsacola is ok, but it's still Florida. That area get's hit pretty hard with hurricanes. You will get a change of season up there and it is nicer than the southern parts of Florida. All I can say is I thought I would love Florida but boy what a mistake that was.

Wow, just because you have a personal dislike for the state doesn't mean you have to spread false information about it. Florida is not Florida as you simply put it; many areas are diverse compared to each other. South Florida is filled with Northerners and Hispanics and the way of life and most about it is far different from North Florida, which is full of southerners and rednecks and it's more like the actual south it's near.

So are you going to say that Miami is the same thing as Pensacola? West Palm Beach the same as Jacksonville? South FL the same as North FL? No...

[sunrico90]

Originally Posted by Valnf

I am thinking about relocating due to job. How is the northwest part of the state?

Pensacola is the largest city on the Panhandle, Fort Walton and Panama City follow. Pensacola and any city within Florida has an unique flavor that sets it apart from other cities.

I do agree with JimKing, does have a diverse communities, but got to remember Pcola is one of the oldest cities in the state.

If you got a job transfer great, half of your move is already taken care. Let us know the location that you are working and we can tell you about the community. The key to a painless relocation is research and planning.

In regards to hurricanes, yes we got hit before and we will get hit again. Hurricanes are nothing new to families living in Florida, don't be afraid, be prepare and you can deal with the situation.

My opinion for Pcola that is a great community, very diverse, has good and bad areas and everything that you want might be available just got to look for it.

I live in Navarre about 1/2 hour drive and we visit friends and we do shop at the malls, and other areas. Again can't complain about the area. So far good experiences. Let us know the location of you employer and we might be able to get a local resident to provide feedback. Good luck

[Valnf]

Thanks. I was looking at Gulf Breeze, what do you think? Also, I am considering going over to the Alabama side which is around Daphne and Spanish Fort area because taxes and insurance are much cheaper. Any comments about if that community is similar to PCola.

[ElyaBella]

Originally Posted by covebound

Florida is Florida. Pennsacola is ok, but it's still Florida. That area get's hit pretty hard with hurricanes. You will get a change of season up there and it is nicer than the southern parts of Florida. All I can say is I thought I would love Florida but boy what a mistake that was.

hey I must ask Why was it such a mistake, me and my bf are planning moving there From Vancouver Canada next year sometime and are looking for all the info neg and post we can get, thanks

[Strel]

Originally Posted by Valnf

I am thinking about relocating due to job. How is the northwest part of the state?

That depends on what you are looking for.

It's more Southern, whatever that means to you.
It ls more laid back and relaxed. Slower.
It's greener, it's cleaner, and far less crowded.

If these things appeal to you, you will like it. If it is nightclubs and big-city lifestyle you want, look elsewhere.

[AustinTraveler]

Originally Posted by ElyaBella

hey I must ask Why was it such a mistake, me and my bf are planning moving there From Vancouver Canada next year sometime and are looking for all the info neg and post we can get, thanks

Have you been there? If you've only gone to enjoy the beaches, please visit again before you move. Pensacola is a very conservative, good-old-boy type of area. Many people love it but many others do not, mainly because it seems resistant to change of any kind. Also, the job market is awful. Will you and your bf need jobs? If you're only moving here for the weather, I'd definitely think twice. And I have to disagree with the "greener" comment above. It's green as far as there being many trees. It is definitely not green environmentally speaking.

[linc]

Originally Posted by Valnf

Thanks. I was looking at Gulf Breeze, what do you think? Also, I am considering going over to the Alabama side which is around Daphne and Spanish Fort area because taxes and insurance are much cheaper. Any comments about if that community is similar to PCola.

Alabama does have cheaper property taxes, but keep in mind Florida does not have a state income tax. In my opinion, Pensacola is much nicer than Daphne and Spanish Fort. You are farther from the beach in bama too. If you can, spend a week driving around the area from Mobile to Panama City.