Are we crazy?Thinking of moving to Florida from Maine!

[acadia1960]

My DH's employer sent him to Jacksonville Beach last winter, so DS & I went along. We were there from beginning of Feb to middle of April. They were having a chilly winter, according to locals, but we loved the weather, went swimming almost everyday. Every ache & pain I had went away. We were in an apartment complex with a huge beautiful pool. The locals thought we were crazy, going in that pool in February(a little chilly), but the sun was so warm.
There were giant wolf spiders in our apartment a couple of times, plus some other bugs. The exterminator came once a month to spray inside the apartment ,he thought I was being silly, because I didn't want us to be exposed to pesticides. He calmly told me, if he wasn't spraying once a month, there would be all kinds of bugs inside. Some of the locals told me, during the months of June, July & August, they stay inside, because of the heat & humidity. Overall the experience was good.

 

[Feralpeg]

I moved to Florida from Missouri four years ago. I have no regrets. I love Florida. I love the weather. It is actually less hot and humid here than it was in Kansas City in August. In fact, it has not hit 100 degrees in the four years I've lived here. We always had at least two to three weeks of 100 degree plus days during the summer in Kansas City. Yes, it was humid there!

People tend to judge Florida weather based on their theme park experience. Walking around on asphalt or cement for hours in the heat is miserable. People who live here don't do that very often. I always find the theme parks to feel much hotter than other places here. When I get really warm, I go into my nice air conditioned house. Living so close to the parks, I have no need to push myself. I go when I want and come home when I'm tired. If I don't get to do something one day, I can go back and do it another day. Nothing like popping over to MK for lunch or skipping over to the Boardwalk for dinner at Spoodles. I am thinking about lunch tomorrow at Margaritaville at City Walk. No need to plan ahead!

I love it when I see the reports of ice and snow other places and I'm in shorts, sitting on my lanai. And, no, I don't miss the change of seasons. We have a change of seasons. The changes just aren't as drastic here. Some trees change colors and loose their leaves. At the same time, flowers are blooming. I've had enough snow, ice and single digit temperatures in my life. I don't care if I never see them again!

I've never had a snake in my house. Yes, Florida has big bugs, but I've not had any problem keeping them out of my house. I love the birds and other wildlife here.

I love that Florida is such a melting pot of people from around the world. Maybe that is why it is such a friendly place.

The only thing I don't like about Florida is the crazy drivers. No, I'm not talking about tourists. I'm talking about the locals who are always in such a hurry. Of course, Missouri also had a lot of crazy drivers.

 

[**pixie**]

I've lived in Florida for most of my life. I live on the east coast of South Florida and attended college & law school (7 years) in Gainesville. I found the summers to be almost unbearably hot inland. At least on or near the coast there is an ocean breeze to cut through the heat. Of course, the trade off is that housing, taxes and insurance are more expensive. Hurricanes are a threat throughout Florida, both coastal and inland areas are affected.

Yes, we do have a vast array of bugs, but in 37 years I've never had a snake in my house. If that happened more than once to me, I would be moving to Maine! Granted, we are in an urban area, but I have actually twice seen little black garden snakes in my yard.

It seems as though many people I know are packing it in and moving to North Carolina, etc. I, on the other hand love it here. We are close to Disney (and the Florida resident discounts are awesome) and the Florida Keys, which is my absolute favorite destination. We are in an OK school district - excellent elementary and middle schools but will probably have to private school for high school.

We plan summers around the water, be it the ocean, gulf, pool or water park. This winter has been one of the mildest in my recent memory. I really wish I could have worn at least one of the two new sweaters that I bought in November!

There are such huge differences between North, Central and South Florida, and also between the coastal and inland areas. Each has it's own benefits, and I'm sure you will find the perfect place.

My good friend lives in Indiatlantic, a coastal town near Melborne. If I realistically had the opportunity, I would choose to live here over any other city in Florida. Lakeland is really nice, so is Sebring. We have frequently visited both, but don't know very much about residing there. Gainesville is a college town, and in my experience everything there revolves around the college. 7 years there, while lots of fun, was more than enough for me. I personally would not want to live there. Jacksonville is another area that I would consider relocating to, in fact neighbors of ours are moving there shortly. We have other friends that are moving to Ocala, and they love the area.

Good luck in whatever you decide!

 

[CPM]

We moved down from the Boston area 9 years ago!! I've never looked back. I just love it!
We have great schools in Fort Myers. It's not even in your zone of where you want to move, but we love Florida!!

BTW, GMboy 95, a lot of our family lives in Norton and they all want to move here We have warm 4th of July firworks and cool winter nights where you can have a camp fire too And, luckily we have the Red Sox down here to see too!!

I'd have to say the only season I miss is fall. But, that's what airplanes are for!

 

[CPM]

I hope you like bugs....BIG ones! My parents moved down there a couple years ago, along with some friends. They were initiated that first year with Hurricanes Charley, Frances and Jeanne. They both have also found snakes in their homes at some point. In my parents' case, it was a baby snake that got in through the front door that had been left ajar while the car was being unloaded. For their friends, it was a 4-foot snake that had gotten in where a pipe came into the house that wasn't well sealed around it.

Try to avoid the coast. Getting home owners insurance is hard nearer to the coast.

I live on the coast, it's wonderful!
I've never had a snake in my house, and very rarely have bi=ugs in it either. Maybe some ants on occasion. But, I had them on occasion up north too.
The frogs bother me more than anything else.

 

[GailT]

Here is a dissenting viewpoint.....maybe in retirement fine....but I can not think of a better place to raise kids other then New England. You get beuatiful summers, warm and bright springs, cool days in fall with great leaf colors, and the first snows of winter.

There is nothing better then a cool fall night, with a camp fire in the yard. Or a warm summer 4th of july with fire works...or a spring day when the leaves bud and the flowers sprout.

But most importantly....a fall day at Gillette stadium watching Tom Brady, or a summer day at Fenway watching Big Papi....or a winter night watching Kevin Garnett at the garden!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

You got a point, that's must be the reason why I can't move, thanks for typing out what my thoughts really are.

 

[maddiemom]

While we LOVE Florida, when we decided to make our big move south (not from the North East coast but from the mid west) we landed in South Carolina. We never get snow, though the weather does turn cool so the leaves change color in the fall. Spring starts about right now. There are trees flowering and the Azalea bushes are starting to pop out.

It gets pretty hot and humid in the summer, that's when we spend the heat of the day inside (or at the beach!) Winter is actually enjoyable here. February used to be my least favorite month of the year, now I really like it! The one thing I don't like is the possibility for hurricanes, but we have been really lucky since we have been here. They haven't had a big hurricane here since Hugo in the 80's. We have only had one very minor Tropical Storm and it was no worse than a decent sized storm in Illinois in the summer!

Good luck making your decision, you may want to consider other places in the south though too.

 

[Mermaid02]

I would love the Carolinas or Virginia..... like I said, it's all a dream for me because my dh would NEVER leave Maine. I truly get depressed with all of this cold and nasty weather and it seems to last FOREVER!! I feel like I can't get out of my own way.

 

[mla2177]

For all you Florida resident pros, what is the best town in Florida for good schools, least amount of bugs and resonable real estate?

 

[Thats_for_Shore]

Another cold weather hater here, too.

I'm in Maryland, and that's plenty cold for me. We get snow and ice, but rarely have blizzards. There's no way I could stand the cold weather in Maine, Michigan, New York, etc.

I sooooo want to move a little further south.

 

[hppy2bhome]

While we LOVE Florida, when we decided to make our big move south (not from the North East coast but from the mid west) we landed in South Carolina. We never get snow, though the weather does turn cool so the leaves change color in the fall. Spring starts about right now. There are trees flowering and the Azalea bushes are starting to pop out.

It gets pretty hot and humid in the summer, that's when we spend the heat of the day inside (or at the beach!) Winter is actually enjoyable here. February used to be my least favorite month of the year, now I really like it! The one thing I don't like is the possibility for hurricanes, but we have been really lucky since we have been here. They haven't had a big hurricane here since Hugo in the 80's. We have only had one very minor Tropical Storm and it was no worse than a decent sized storm in Illinois in the summer!

Good luck making your decision, you may want to consider other places in the south though too.

Hi, My husband can retire from the State in two years (he'll be 45). What part of S.C are you from? We (I) am looking at Aiken or Charleston. How are the schools? We will have one in 8 grade and one in 3rd grade by the time we move.

thanks
Hppy2bhome

 

[forr2grls]

Wow!Thank you all for your responses!I haven't quite figured out how to quote from different posts yet,so I'll just ramble a bit!
Virgo10,Thanks for the links!Watching grapefruit harvesting sounds umm peaceful!lol!
Jack-Jack-yeh,cha-ching for Gainesville,not in our budget!!
Poohnatic-hope your son is doing well....been thinking about Lakeland...hmm,real farmstands?lol..thats a big plus.but would definately miss my lobster,maine shrimp.....
palmtreegirl-rofl
for the people talking about the bugs-guess i can deal with it as long as i can see them...soo tired of the pesty black flies here..
CPM-a bit too south and coastal for us..Aunt lives in Cape Coral so we would atleast visit the area!!
Maddiemom-never thought of S.C.

Thanks for not thinking we're crazy!..The more I think about it,the more I realize we'll have to do.it's not just about where to go,a house to choose,but jobs,Drs,insurance co's,etc..a bit over-whelming.

I really don't like the thought of hurricanes,tornadoes either..but is Central Fl "safer" than other parts?


again,thanks!
Paula

 

[Mermaid02]

To multiple quote hit the "quotations marks" in the lower right corner of every post you want to quote and then hit post reply.... I think... I do it all the time but don't even think about it.

What part of Maine is everyone in?? We are in the Bangor area..... seems like a heat wave here today- I have the doors open. It's 28*

 

[forr2grls]

Thanks Mermaid02!..Poland,Me here!It is pretty nice out today!Tomorrow is suppose to be even better!Not looking forward to Tues-Wed...ugh more snow/mix.....

Paula

 

[mirthmaiden]

I would love the Carolinas or Virginia..... like I said, it's all a dream for me because my dh would NEVER leave Maine. I truly get depressed with all of this cold and nasty weather and it seems to last FOREVER!! I feel like I can't get out of my own way.

I moved from Michigan to Virginia 7 years ago. It's sooo much milder here in the winter, although I live in the mountains and we do still get snow. But it's usually gone a day later. Typical winter temps are usually in the 40's, often 50's.
But that's still not warm enough for me I have been planning for years to move to Florida just as soon as my kids are off to college. Their dad lives in FL and I don't want to share custody with him, or I would have moved already.

Lately, though, I've been really questioning whether or not that's the right move for me. Where I live now is pretty central for all the NASCAR races I attend. If I move to Florida, I'll have to spend a lot more to go to the races I love. It never seems to be an easy decision, no matter what you do.

 

[Feralpeg]

I really don't like the thought of hurricanes,tornadoes either..but is Central Fl "safer" than other parts?


again,thanks!
Paula

There is no place in the US safe from tornadoes. I grew up in the Midwest and was pretty freaked about not having a basement in Florida. While tornado's do happen here, I don't worry about it much. There is really nothing I can do about it and the odds are with me.

I moved to Florida just in time to experience the three 2004 hurricanes. I had no real damage. Obviously, there was damage in the Orlando area, but most of that was because people had not been proactive in the maintenance of their property. Most of the roof damage occurred because the roofs were old and should have been replaced prior. Many of the trees that came down and the limbs that fell should have been trimmed before. If the same storm were to come through this area again, the damage would be much less due to the repairs and clean up.

I do not worry a great deal about hurricanes in the central Florida area. By the time they reach here, they have lost strength and we don't get the storm surge. Living on the coast is another story. I would be very concerned about hurricanes.

Now, should a CAT 4 or 5 storm be predicted to make landfall in the Tampa area or Cocoa Beach area heading inland, I'd be out of here. Storms that strong would still be very strong when they reached this area. I wouldn't chance it.

Do try to remember that no hurricanes had hit the central Florida area for 40 years prior to 2004. The odds of getting hit inland are not that great.

 

[Disney Doll]

Some of the locals told me, during the months of June, July & August, they stay inside, because of the heat & humidity.

You know, that's an argument that I use to hear (and use!). We were in WDW in January this year and were talking to a couple of Florida folks (they lived further south....Ft.Myers I think). When I mentioned something about having to stay inside in the summer, the woman said to me "So, do you spend all winter in CT outside?". So I said "No, it's too cold". (I am not a winter sports person...no skiing, snowboarding etc. for me). So she said "So what's the difference?".

It was a "lightbulb" moment for me.

 

[Virgo10]

I really don't like the thought of hurricanes,tornadoes either..but is Central Fl "safer" than other parts?

Maybe a bit safer regarding hurricanes for two reasons. First we are in the middle of the state. While that sounds comforting, Florida is a pretty narrow state. A Cat 3 or higher hurricane and my guess is you really wouldn't have much protection. The only thing you wouldn't have to worry about is storm surge.

The other reason is because I live here. I told my neighbors that after Carol in 1954, I'd never seen another hurricane. No matter what the forecast, they always went the other way. To prove this point... I moved here in the Fall of 2004 (after Charlie, Jeanne et al) and despite 2005's record breaking year for storms, we haven't had another one since. 'Nuff said.

While there's never been a tornado in our town, there have been some pretty close. I found it odd that summer tornadoes that are associated with thunderstorms are usually not too bad. It's the winter ones that come along with the cold fronts that are deadly. Buy a weather radio and use it. It may make you nervous when it goes off but that's better than a nasty late night surprise.

We do get a lot of thunderstorms in the summer. Most of them are amazing and some of them are frightening. That's coming from someone who absolutely loves these storms. We had one last summer with the closest lightning I've ever seen. One flash was immediately followed by something resembling a sonic boom. My neighbor, two houses down, had her a/c unit struck!

Most are just beautiful though and a wonderful relief in the summer when they drop the temperature 20 degrees in a matter of minutes. It's also fun to take pictures of the lightning although maybe not too smart.

If you're any type of a weather junkie, Florida is a fascinating place to live!

 

[va32h]

One of the pluses of having a military spouse is getting to see many parts of the country. They all have pluses and minuses. As an Arizona native, I honestly thought I was going to die during my one and only winter in Chicago. But apart from those few months...Chicago was an amazing city. Until it got humid. Then I thought I was going to die again.

We loved Virginia most of all - not just because it's a gorgeous state but because the Eastern seaboard is just so easy to travel...ten hours and you could be in New York City or Orlando.

Currently we are in Texas, where you can drive for ten hours and still be in Texas.

Anyway, my point is that you can be happy anywhere really (okay, except Missouri. Sorry, Missourians. I really hated that duty station.) So good luck with your decision.

 

[nhpooh]

You know, that's an argument that I use to hear (and use!). We were in WDW in January this year and were talking to a couple of Florida folks (they lived further south....Ft.Myers I think). When I mentioned something about having to stay inside in the summer, the woman said to me "So, do you spend all winter in CT outside?". So I said "No, it's too cold". (I am not a winter sports person...no skiing, snowboarding etc. for me). So she said "So what's the difference?".

It was a "lightbulb" moment for me.

This is what I tell people all the time. We too are going to be moving to Florida, we should be there now. But DH got a great promotion in work so we are here just a little longer then planned.

Our best friends moved in "04" and they love it! I know I would too, think about it. You can go outside in the winter without putting on many layers of clothes. Just step outside in t-shirts and shorts, or pants.

We were down there for on of the "04" hurricanes and it wasn't that bad. As someone said they don't really come to the central Florida area. Not very offen anyway. We could and have gotten hurricanes up here.