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I've lived in Florida for almost 50 years -- 23 years in south Florida, 16 years in north Florida, now in my ninth year in central Florida. In all that time I have never seen a lizard fall from a tree, nor have I heard from a friend or family member that they saw that happen. I'm sure it does happen now and then, but I'm just saying it's not an everyday occurrence. So don't let that deter you from moving to FL.
OP, you are not too old to move here. As another poster suggested, don't try to do it all yourself. Definitely hire a mover, and consider hiring them to pack at least some of your belongings. I once hired movers to pack my kitchen stuff, while I packed everything else. It was definitely worth it.
We likewise, have lived in Florida for 50-years (moved from the cold Midwest) ... and have never regretted the move. About 11-years ago, however, we decided to move to North Florida from Central Florida - to be closer to our daughter and grandkids. Now, we would gladly move back to Central Florida (weather, traffic), but don't want to leave our daughter's family here.
While a little older than the OP, we don't feel too old to move, BUT, would rather take a beating than try to do another SELF-pack/move.
No, you’re not crazy. I applaud you! My husband and I are doing the same thing at 65 and 72. We moved to Oregon upon his retirement eight years ago from south Florida. In hindsight we were essentially running away from a very difficult situation (and some difficult people). So, after a series of extremely unfortunate events, we are leaving Oregon where he lives, and Pennsylvania, where I’ve lived the past two years. I miss the warm weather and abundant sunshine. I miss my walks by the ocean. I have come to the conclusion I’m solar powered!
The house in Oregon is sold. Next week we make the drive to Pennsylvania with his clothes and two cats. Having an auction to get rid of everything else. Anyway, after a lot of online research and a few scouting trips combined with our previous experience living in Florida, we’ve decided on Indian River County, aka the Treasure Coast. There is an abundance of over 55 communities in all different price ranges. After Easter we’re making the final scouting trip to narrow down which communities we want to focus on and wait for the right house to come along.
Over-55’s are ideal for childless couples and the widowed. Face it, odds are one of you is going to be left grieving and alone. We lived in one in Jacksonville, Oregon and I want to be a part of that type of community again.
Look at this as your last, great adventure! Congratulations.
No your not to old not at all. You only live once. The way the world is going might just as well enjoy yourself and do what you want. I can't stress enough though before you sell your house, that you try Florida and Retirement community living before you pack up and move. Florida gets more and more crowded by the day and remember you would be living on a Peninsula with out of control growth. It also has gotten more and more expensive with no end in sight. Retirement communities I really do feel it is better to rent in one, before you buy if that's what you plan to do. Remember there is always the possibility you may end up not liking the atmosphere in these communities. Renting allows you to see first hand, what both living in Florida and a Retirement Community is like. Definitely visiting Florida and living here are two very different experiences. Might as well be sure before you put yourself through such a big move as a senior.
I was 72 when I moved cross country by myself. It takes a lot of organization but there’s plenty of movers going from NY to Florida. Think of it as an adventure and Florida has lots of transplants. And remember, you’re younger now than you will ever be again!
I just turned 70 recently & in a month I'm heading to check out if moving to Europe is feasible for me, I figure it's 50/50 since I do have family over there. Whatever, I've decided that at least this will be the last winter I spend in NYC if not moving abroad. I can't say that I've found a warmer spot in the US I would want to live in year round for one reason or another yet, (ok, I would take some California locations seriously if it wasn't so expensive). So I may ultimately snowbird Nov-Mar & return here for the warmer months, but once my health goes south I'll have to decide to stay in one or the other.
If you both are healthy, can handle a steep learning curve, know enough not to take on the long distance move by yourself, and don't mind leaving friends/family or surroundings... you should probably do okay. Touching on the morbid element, how about the surviving spouse in a different place. Will that be okay?
Make a list of things that will change -- doctors, dentists, specialists, hobbies, gardening, etc. If that is not a problem, then good. Think about the time when you won't be driving as you look for a place.
I moved 1000 miles at 65 and never looked back but there are some challenges.
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