Would you move to FL for Disney?

[Albytaps]

It has been something I have dreamed about as far as I can remember, to move to FL so I can go to the parks as often as I wish.

How many of you have done just that? Has it been better than visiting once or twice a year, or does it dull down the experience? Most people I talk to that have moved to FL from NJ say it gets boring down there (however, they are usually not that crazy about WDW.) FL happens to be my favorite state as it has been a second home to me, but to work and live there every day is something I've never experienced.

What do you think?

 

[married2mm]

I would if I could!

We're in the UK and far too far away from the magic.
If you can swing it,why not?

 

[RedHeadedFairy]

I think it's great in theory but the reality of living in FL is very different than vacationing here. Bugs, hurricanes, brutal summers, seasonal residents & traffic....that's just the beginning. & I couldn't tell you the last time I made it to the beach.

I would never base a move to FL around the convenience of the parks, even if it is great when it works out. If I were retired & secure with my retirement income, or able to relocate to a better job, yes, definitely, I'd consider living within an hour of the World.

 

[LekiaHall]

Nope. For me, part of the fun is knowing Disney is far away, so it's a treat to go. Having it in my backyard would not be as much fun for me.

Now, what I would love is to shorten my driving travel time from 14 to 6-8. That would be great!

 

[Princess Disney Mom]

Nope wouldn't do it. Then where would I vacation? We do two trips a year and after the second I need a break so I'm sure I would get tired of it living next to it.

Oh and my experience with the celebration hospital emergency room makes moving to FL a no not ever.

 

[Albytaps]

We can swing it, however there are several things stopping us from doing it right now. We definitely have it on our plans for the future though. I'm just wondering if it's worth doing or better just going down to vacation. We go to Sarasota once a year also, which is only a 2 hour drive from the world.

You bring up some good points about hurricanes and bugs, but everywhere has it's ups and downs.

 

[grimley1968]

I like being somewhat distant from Florida and WDW. I'm definitely a WDW fanatic, but I think if I went more often than I do now the experience might be slightly less special than it is now. I do get tired of winter by early January, but I definitely do not enjoy the extra level of humidity for 9-10 months of the year in Central Florida that I don't have to deal with in the upper south (I live in southern Kentucky). I wish I could experience Florida more often for a few days about this time of year, but not permanently.

I also live in a relatively rural place, where real estate (before the crisis and after) is pretty inexpensive and life is a little slower paced. Florida is now, I think, the third most populous state in the country (or 4th, depending on if it's passed NY by now). That many people together in a state not much bigger than many midwestern states is just too much for my tastes. I like some elbow room. I realize you don't get much at WDW, but at least when I'm there I know it's only temporary until I get home.

 

[Albytaps]

Nope. For me, part of the fun is knowing Disney is far away, so it's a treat to go. Having it in my backyard would not be as much fun for me.

Now, what I would love is to shorten my driving travel time from 14 to 6-8. That would be great!

This is what I'm thinking too. If we moved to say, NC, we would cut the drive in half.

Nope wouldn't do it. Then where would I vacation? We do two trips a year and after the second I need a break so I'm sure I would get tired of it living next to it.

Oh and my experience with the celebration hospital emergency room makes moving to FL a no not ever.

That's too bad about the hospital. I found the hospital in Sarasota to be very nice and accommodating, and the nurses were very nice there.

 

[Albytaps]

I like being somewhat distant from Florida and WDW. I'm definitely a WDW fanatic, but I think if I went more often than I do now the experience might be slightly less special than it is now. I do get tired of winter by early January, but I definitely do not enjoy the extra level of humidity for 9-10 months of the year in Central Florida that I don't have to deal with in the upper south (I live in southern Kentucky). I wish I could experience Florida more often for a few days about this time of year, but not permanently.

I also live in a relatively rural place, where real estate (before the crisis and after) is pretty inexpensive and life is a little slower paced. Florida is now, I think, the third most populous state in the country (or 4th, depending on if it's passed NY by now). That many people together in a state not much bigger than many midwestern states is just too much for my tastes. I like some elbow room. I realize you don't get much at WDW, but at least when I'm there I know it's only temporary until I get home.

The humidity does suck, but I'm sure you get used to it... and AC is nice.

As far as FL being populous, I wouldn't think it compares to NJ

 

[FortForever]

I think it's great in theory but the reality of living in FL is very different than vacationing here. Bugs, hurricanes, brutal summers, seasonal residents & traffic....that's just the beginning. & I couldn't tell you the last time I made it to the beach.

I disagree. We did base our decision to move here partly on Disney and found it to be fantastic. We've been here 7 years and it hasn't gotten old yet. We located ourselves in north central FL. It's close enough for a day trip to either the Atlantic, Gulf, or Disney, yet far enough from the coast to not be too bothered by hurricanes.

We have never had bugs in our home since we've moved here. I've seen some giant roaches (Palmetto bugs) in the shed. They are slow moving and not nearly as intimidating as northern variety roaches. We have never had a roach in our home...not a single one in 7 years.

We do have tree frogs and geckos by the thousands. We chase one or two out of the house in an average week. They tend to hang out on the sides and windows of our home so come in through open doors and the doggie door.

We go to the beach nearly every weekend in the summer when it is too hot for Disney. We usually stick to state parks as they tend to be the nicest beaches and never a crowd.

We went camping at the beach last July 4th and had the place to ourselves. Took pictures of a beach stretching for miles with only about half dozen people on it. I guess you have to spend most of your life up north fighting for a square foot of sand before you truly appreciate it here.

We live in a small town and there is rarely traffic. We are not a tourist spot or a typical location for seasonal residents. I guess it makes a big difference WHERE in Florida you move to.

Brutal summers? Yeah, we had those up north too! It's hot everywhere in the summer. At least now we can hang out on a beach.

As far as Disney goes .... although we COULD take day trips there, we don't. We only go about four times a year and always stay onsite. I never want the magic to become routine. I want to keep it the special place it has always been to me. I love that it's close and we go there on the cheap, but I never want it to become and everyday experience.

 

[LekiaHall]

This is what I'm thinking too. If we moved to say, NC, we would cut the drive in half.

The only reason why this wouldn't realistically work for me is that I'm a city girl and can't think of anywhere in the Carolinas where I'd want to move. I just need the people, the noises and the sounds of the city.

If you enjoy a slower pace and need elbow room, go for it! I hear Charleston is nice or you could go even further down to Savannah, GA.

 

[Texas Barbie]

I actually know a couple who did that, true Disney lovers like me. They moved there and applied for jobs as Cast Members. With no special job skills, he wound up sweeping on Main Street, and she cleaned rooms at POR. Within 6 months, the magic was gone for them, and they quit to move back home.

I know others who live there, and they tell me Disney "gets old". They are even tired of the stream of visitors who come from out of state and want to stay with them to tour the parks. Love the place, but not living there keeps it special.

 

[Albytaps]

I disagree. We did base our decision to move here partly on Disney and found it to be fantastic. We've been here 7 years and it hasn't gotten old yet. We located ourselves in north central FL. It's close enough for a day trip to either the Atlantic, Gulf, or Disney, yet far enough from the coast to not be too bothered by hurricanes.

We have never had bugs in our home since we've moved here. I've seen some giant roaches (Palmetto bugs) in the shed. They are slow moving and not nearly as intimidating as northern variety roaches. We have never had a roach in our home...not a single one in 7 years.

We do have tree frogs and geckos by the thousands. We chase one or two out of the house in an average week. They tend to hang out on the sides and windows of our home so come in through open doors and the doggie door.

We go to the beach nearly every weekend in the summer when it is too hot for Disney. We usually stick to state parks as they tend to be the nicest beaches and never a crowd.

We went camping at the beach last July 4th and had the place to ourselves. Took pictures of a beach stretching for miles with only about half dozen people on it. I guess you have to spend most of your life up north fighting for a square foot of sand before you truly appreciate it here.

We live in a small town and there is rarely traffic. We are not a tourist spot or a typical location for seasonal residents. I guess it makes a big difference WHERE in Florida you move to.

Brutal summers? Yeah, we had those up north too! It's hot everywhere in the summer. At least now we can hang out on a beach.

As far as Disney goes .... although we COULD take day trips there, we don't. We only go about four times a year and always stay onsite. I never want the magic to become routine. I want to keep it the special place it has always been to me. I love that it's close and we go there on the cheap, but I never want it to become and everyday experience.

See, here's where my mind flip flops. This sounds similar to what I want to do. There are some differences though...

I would want to live near the beach in Sarasota. Out of all the years we been there, I've never heard of anything devastating... just a few evacuations. I would like to own a boat and go fishing everyday, and go to the beach everyday or every weekend.

The bugs... the creatures that would scare me most are the huge spiders (I think they're harmless but I don't want them near me anyway) and snakes and gators. I would definitely hire landscapers or live in a condo where I wouldn't have to do anything.

It would just be nice to get up and go to WDW if I felt like it, as well as make plans (DVC) or ADR for restaurants. F&W would be awesome too. There would just be so many advantages of living near enough to just go when something was going on.

 

[JeRmS]

Floridians telling NY/NJ people about Hurricanes ... didn't NY/NJ just get blasted by a Hurricane? That should make no difference, sure Florida has a far greater chance of getting hit by a Hurricane but NY/NJ have a far greater chance of getting hit by a Noreaster Snow storm so as stated every place has issues.

with that said, I personally would not move to FL simply for the parks, there has to be other motivation

Maybe the beaches? FL does have 2-3 of the top 10 beaches in the world.

Maybe the outdoors? FL has some great outdoor nature type related things i.e. The Everglades, The Nature Coast.

Maybe Historical reasons? St. Augustine area is rich with History and an absolutely gorgeous area!

Maybe an Economic reason, Florida has some of the lowest home value right now. You could buy a mansion in FL for what it would cost to buy a shack in NY/NJ areas ... it's definitely a buyers market down here right now.

Then again, maybe it is the parks you seek ... I'll admit, we've been around 12 times this year. Sometimes just for a few hours we'll drive out. It is nice to have something in your back yard that many others spend years planning and years saving thousands and thousands of dollars to visit.

It's all up to you really!

and who can complain about wearing shorts and flip flops in Dec/Jan/Feb???

 

[RedHeadedFairy]

I disagree. We did base our decision to move here partly on Disney and found it to be fantastic. We've been here 7 years and it hasn't gotten old yet. We located ourselves in north central FL. It's close enough for a day trip to either the Atlantic, Gulf, or Disney, yet far enough from the coast to not be too bothered by hurricanes.

We have never had bugs in our home since we've moved here. I've seen some giant roaches (Palmetto bugs) in the shed. They are slow moving and not nearly as intimidating as northern variety roaches. We have never had a roach in our home...not a single one in 7 years.

We do have tree frogs and geckos by the thousands. We chase one or two out of the house in an average week. They tend to hang out on the sides and windows of our home so come in through open doors and the doggie door.

We go to the beach nearly every weekend in the summer when it is too hot for Disney. We usually stick to state parks as they tend to be the nicest beaches and never a crowd.

We went camping at the beach last July 4th and had the place to ourselves. Took pictures of a beach stretching for miles with only about half dozen people on it. I guess you have to spend most of your life up north fighting for a square foot of sand before you truly appreciate it here.

We live in a small town and there is rarely traffic. We are not a tourist spot or a typical location for seasonal residents. I guess it makes a big difference WHERE in Florida you move to.

Brutal summers? Yeah, we had those up north too! It's hot everywhere in the summer. At least now we can hang out on a beach.

As far as Disney goes .... although we COULD take day trips there, we don't. We only go about four times a year and always stay onsite. I never want the magic to become routine. I want to keep it the special place it has always been to me. I love that it's close and we go there on the cheap, but I never want it to become and everyday experience.

I'm not disagreeing with you, I'm just saying that visiting the parks doesn't show you what LIVING here is like. It definitely depends on which part of the state you are moving to, as well as your family dynamic. Families with school-aged children with working parents have very different set of needs & resources than semi or fully retired couples.

I've lived in FL for more than 20 years.

 

[grimley1968]

As far as FL being populous, I wouldn't think it compares to NJ

Here's the two state's rankings. Yes, NJ may have some higher population densities in places, but Florida now has double the population. Florida is #4, about 200,000 behind NY 6 months ago. I bet it goes to #3 in the next year or so. Somewhat surprisingly (to me), NC is #10 on the list, just ahead of NJ.

Rank-State-7/1/12 est.-'10 Census-2000 Census

4-Florida-19,317,568-18,801,310-15,982,378
11-New Jersey-8,864,590-8,791,894-8,414,350

Kentucky, thankfully for me, is smack dab in the middle at #26, with about 4.3 million people, most of which is in three urban areas all at least 1 hour from me. Plenty of elbow room here, but close enough to plenty of more urban places I want to visit, to do so easily.

 

[Albytaps]

The only reason why this wouldn't realistically work for me is that I'm a city girl and can't think of anywhere in the Carolinas where I'd want to move. I just need the people, the noises and the sounds of the city.

If you enjoy a slower pace and need elbow room, go for it! I hear Charleston is nice or you could go even further down to Savannah, GA.

Yea I would love elbow room. I will have to visit Charleston and Savannah some day.

I actually know a couple who did that, true Disney lovers like me. They moved there and applied for jobs as Cast Members. With no special job skills, he wound up sweeping on Main Street, and she cleaned rooms at POR. Within 6 months, the magic was gone for them, and they quit to move back home.

I know others who live there, and they tell me Disney "gets old". They are even tired of the stream of visitors who come from out of state and want to stay with them to tour the parks. Love the place, but not living there keeps it special.

Ouch! This is what I'm afraid of. I've thought of working there plenty and was thinking that would happen. I have a cousin that works for Universal along with her husband. When I asked them if they go to the parks on their days off they laughed and said hell no.... and they used to love them!

 

[katt789]

I would move down to FL in a heartbeat! Granted, I want to work for Disney, but still, I managed to get down to WDW 7 times in a 1 year period, and I live way up in Canada.

I don't think going that often, or living down there would take away the magic, or make it boring, I think it would be amazing, like, take a trip on the weekend just to go eat at a Disney restaurant!? Yes please!!

 

[FortForever]

I also live in a relatively rural place, where real estate (before the crisis and after) is pretty inexpensive and life is a little slower paced. Florida is now, I think, the third most populous state in the country (or 4th, depending on if it's passed NY by now). That many people together in a state not much bigger than many midwestern states is just too much for my tastes. I like some elbow room. I realize you don't get much at WDW, but at least when I'm there I know it's only temporary until I get home.

A popular misconception. Only south FL and the big cities are heavily populated. Much of Florida is rural. In fact, we live on 8 acres and have no nearby neighbors. Our county has a law that allows only one home per acre for new construction. All of the outlying areas here are farms.

Other than the main roads (and even some of them) most of the roads here are dirt roads!! We moved here from WV and this place is so country it makes WV look like big city living. The pace of life here is slow and easy. Nearly everybody knows each other and most people are in church on Sunday and Wednesday. It's the Bible belt.

If you've never experienced real FL, you have no idea what you're missing. It's nothing like Miami or what most people see of it in the tourist areas and cities. I'll admit I was shocked myself. I love it here. It's a great place to raise kids.

As far as the bugs, WHAT BUGS????? I have only seen a couple of houseflies in all the years we've been here. You can eat outside and not be bothered. There are also no gnats! Are you talking about Love Bugs? They are only out for a short time twice a year and are like mentally challenged lightening bugs. The look just like them but fly into stuff and just get stuck there. They are not a problem for us at all.

 

[Albytaps]

Here's the two state's rankings. Yes, NJ may have some higher population densities in places, but Florida now has double the population. Florida is #4, about 200,000 behind NY 6 months ago. I bet it goes to #3 in the next year or so. Somewhat surprisingly (to me), NC is #10 on the list, just ahead of NJ.

Rank State 7/1/12 est. '10 Census 2000 Census

4 Florida 19,317,568 18,801,310 15,982,378
11 New Jersey 8,864,590 8,791,894 8,414,350

Kentucky, thankfully for me, is smack dab in the middle at #26, with about 4.3 million people, most of which is in three urban areas all at least 1 hour from me. Plenty of elbow room here, but close enough to plenty of more urban places I want to visit, to do so easily.

Those rankings, they're not taking the size of the state into consideration. Compare 10 fish in a jar to 100 in a pool... which has more elbow room? (or in that case fin room)

Population densities is what counts most imo.