Suburban Florida living....compare to NJ (Tampa, Orlando: to buy, camping, military)

[mom2cjj]

My son plays travel baseball here in NJ and it is just about year round. Well in the winter we have indoor practices, not games. I'm not sure if he's good enough to make a Florida team (I assume they are pretty good since they play a lot more than he does!), but we would try out. I'm glad to know that he won't be playing in the dead of the heat possibly!!!

[MortonR]

I can't speak for baseball, but my youngest son was on a traveling soccer team for a while, and they did not play year 'round, however, they did practice year 'round.

RM

[rHop]

Originally Posted by MortonR

No worries. While moving away from family and friends is certainly stressful, the lifestyle here is not terribly different from the one you're currently leading - that's what seems to confuse some people who come here with "vacation" on the brain.

I've described it as this when discussing it with friends and family from outside the area:

My days are little to no different than they were when I lived in (insert previous domicile location). I go to work, the kids go to school, we come home, go to soccer practice, run errands, etc. Weekends are spent in a similar manner.

What's different? I don't have to deal with climate related issues that might exist such as snow, inclement weather, etc. When I come home and have some time I can relax on the lanai by my pool, or go to the beach on the weekend if my schedule permits.

We don't go to Disney or Busch Gardens every weekend, just as we wouldn't have visited local attractions at our previous home.

In short, it's no different than where we used to live, only a bit nicer due to the climate. Our days are pretty much the same.

RM

Yes, this sums it up very well and is similar to our experience the past 2 years...particularly the last sentence. Only difference is our kids had grown up and moved out on their own before we moved.
It's what you can do in your free time that is different...and IMO there is so much more to offer here for activities than what we had up North. Summer in Syracuse was May/June to September, then it was close everything up and prep for winter. We get to play year round down here.

[mom2cjj]

Originally Posted by rHop

Yes, this sums it up very well and is similar to our experience the past 2 years...particularly the last sentence. Only difference is our kids had grown up and moved out on their own before we moved.
It's what you can do in your free time that is different...and IMO there is so much more to offer here for activities than what we had up North. Summer in Syracuse was May/June to September, then it was close everything up and prep for winter. We get to play year round down here.

I am hoping our quality of life changes with the move. Right now, you're right. We are active during the summer months, but when winter hits, its difficult to do anything besides movies, tv, etc. I know summers will be HOT in Florida, but I am hoping that we can get the kids more active, and us too. Besides the sun helps ALL 5 of us with being happier.

[MortonR]

Don’t let the fear of hot summers scare you.

While yes, it’s hot here in the summer time, I grew up in the Midwest where August temperatures were well into the 90s and the humidity was oppressive. It’s no worse here, it just lasts longer, that’s all.

And as people do with winter up north, you do here. Swim, do things inside during the hottest parts of the day, etc., etc. In other words, you adapt.

RM

[rHop]

Exactly, again MortonR hits the nail on the head.
Our 1st summer here I adapted very quickly....trial by fire so to speak. Had an accident in the gym late June and spent 6 weeks on crutches. We were still out and about....went to a Bacon festival in 97 degree heat.....yes it was brutal but come'on....it was a BACON festival!
Too much to do that you won't want to miss out on, you'll figure out a way!

[mom2cjj]

YES! I live in NJ. Our Augusts are HOT and humid. So much so that we do Disney every August for the time before Labor Day since that's usually when free dining is. Yes, it's hot but we plan swimming and air conditioned restaurants for the afternoon and hit the parks at night and mornings. Works like a charm!

[paradiselost]

Lived in Jersey a few years when I was in high school, but grew up in PA. Since Uturns are illegal in Jersey and its jughandles at every intersection. You might be in a rude awakening Driving in Brandon Florida.

[mrviking]

Originally Posted by paradiselost

You might be in a rude awakening Driving in Brandon Florida.

Or driving on any major roadway during rush hour in Tampa Bay you will have a rude awakening.

[Swimmom32]

This all true...lived In NJ the summers here dont phase me as NJ Summers arent any better..

The Driving here well that is totally different Story...Yikes