I grew up outside of Boston but have subsequently lived all over the country, although my family is in southern Maine and the Boston area, and DH's are all in Ohio or Indiana. I find that as I get older (mid-50s now), I have more issues with driving in the winter, walking on ice/snow, etc., and we have considered moving south. Having lived in the Boston area and IN San Francisco, I am OK with the traffic concept. We have vacationed in Florida in May, June, August, October, and January, so while I won't presume to say I can handle the weather, I have experienced some of the extremes! I AM concerned about the wildlife (roaches, snakes, spiders, gators) and wonder how bad it really is, if someone wants to clue me in to "everyday" living.
I won't kid you. Florida has some really big bugs, but they don't have to be a problem. I have a contract with an exterminating company. They treat the inside of my house twice a year and the outside once a quarter. I don't have any bug problems. Since moving here 7 years ago, I've had a couple of palmettos get in the house. They fly. If you just happen to have a door open at the wrong time, it can happen. Not a big deal.
The only snakes I've encountered here are black racers. I see them in the yard every once in a while. They are the southern version of a garter snake. You leave them alone and they won't bother you. I don't go walking in overgrown areas. That would be asking for trouble from all sorts of creatures.
I have seen several gators in the wild since moving here. I love to see them. However, I have great respect for them. I don't get near the waterline if I see one. I live a couple of blocks from the nearest lake. I've not seen a gator venture far from water.
Everyday living for me is great! I am retired, so my days are my own to do whatever. I have annual passes to the parks, so I go when I feel like it. Disney is not my life. I enjoy it, but it doesn't play a huge part in my every day existence. The weather is the greatest part of living in Florida. I love, love, love this time of year. I walk a lot and enjoy seeing the Florida wildlife. It does get hot in the summer, but I don't really mind it unless I'm mowing the yard. I stay out until I get uncomfortable, then, I go into the air conditioning. Many people equate summers in Florida to their experience in the theme parks. In reality, it is much hotter in the parks. All that cement soaks up the heat and radiates it back. While it is hot outside the parks, I don't find it any more uncomfortable than the summers when I lived in the Midwest.
In truth, living in Florida is not that much different than living anywhere else. Most people have to go to work, take care of their homes, run errands, etc. The big difference is the weather. If you move to Florida realizing that it has its good points and bad points, just like anyplace else, you'll probably be happy here. If you think it is some sort of magical place, your probably in for a shock.
I do agree with others about the traffic. Drivers here are nuts. Of course, I noticed a trend in that direction before moving from KC. I just think it's a sign of the times.
Ethan, I think you'll really like Windermere. I love it!
over the drivers here.
Both my girls are in college in Texas so we want to wait until they graduate to move but here are some of my criteria for a place to live.
