OT: beginning to research a move to FL

[Robindianne]

If this is posted in the wrong place, mods please feel free to move.

I am in the very beginning stages of researching a move to Florida. Son and DIL are moving around Ft. Lauderdale for his job and we want to work toward moving to the state as well.

Here's a bit of history: DH and I are/were "risk takers" who left secure jobs and connections to move to Hawaii having never been to that island (although DH lived on Oahu for 10 years and we had been to other HI islands, and son was admitted to univ there).We did much much planning before going and had a blast there, but now we are older and must factor in retiring and such.

This time, DH can transfer so his job is ok. I'm a special ed teacher w/8 years experience so, although I know the teaching market is grim grim grim I think by the time we go, it might be better, or at least different in some way.

I have some initial questions I'm hoping to hear opinions on:
1. Can you recommend any good books to help with initial county by county or state-ish research?
2. Are there liberal vs conservative areas of the state (or democ vs repub)
3. Are some counties more or less open to newcomers?
4. Seriously, how dangerous are the gators?
5. East vs west, n, s, middle, etc which is safer re: hurricanes?
6. What does a gallon of organic milk cost?
8. Where do you go for vacation (besides WDW of course)? Camping? Swimming?
9. Farmers markets, organic produce, veggie garden in certain areas?
10. Plays, concerts, museums more likely in certain areas?
11. Any other info you have (or thoughts pos or neg) I'd sure appreciate.

If you've read this far, and feel like contributing to my beginning, thanks!

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

Answers in Red

I have some initial questions I'm hoping to hear opinions on:
1. Can you recommend any good books to help with initial county by county or state-ish research?Depends on what you are looking for--if you have an idea of area, each county should have their own chamber of commerce and govt web pages that you can research.
2. Are there liberal vs conservative areas of the state (or democ vs repub)Due to disboard rules, I cannot ansewr, but I'd be able to help a little via pm
3. Are some counties more or less open to newcomers?I think any county hurting is welcoming newcomers. It is one more house sale. I think some areas in general are more welcoming than others.
4. Seriously, how dangerous are the gators?They can be very dangerous if you encounter one. Always treat any body of water as though it has a gator in it. Mind your pets if walking a path near a body of water. Attacks are rare--but have occurred. Using common sense, you should be fine. I've lived in Florida since 1992 and I've never encountered a gator where they should not be. But you do hear about it on the news (infrequently) where a small gator is found in someone's yard. That is often due to folks leaving food in a development for the gator--who then doesn't fear people any longer and comes up close. So don't feed the gators and all will be well.
5. East vs west, n, s, middle, etc which is safer re: hurricanes?Won't matter. If the state is going to get hit, it will. Insurance as a whole for the state will cost you on a home you own. Coastal areas in general are more vulnerable than inland. So that is something to consider. My home is a half mile from the beach--got hit twice in 2004 and our only damage was to our pool screen due to all the shrapnel from everyone else's property. How the home is hurricane-proofed will make all the difference in the world.
6. What does a gallon of organic milk cost?I pay just under $4 for a half gallon--pretty typical for Organic Valley/Horizon. It will cost more in a "Whole Foods" type store. Super Walmarts and Winn Dixie Usually has Horizon. Publix usually has Horzon, Organic Valley, one other brand that I cannot remember and then their Publix-brand Organic.
8. Where do you go for vacation (besides WDW of course)? Camping? Swimming?

Lots of state parks, for swimming we have our own pool, but our county has lots of county/city public swimming pools that are very nice. For vacations--lots of locals will head to the keys, Amelia Island or some other Gulf Coast destinations. There are lots of them. When we are looking for a "non-tropical/beach" vacation--we leave the state.

9. Farmers markets, organic produce, veggie garden in certain areas?

The further north in Florida, the better the luck with variety IMHO. We haev farms here, but due to climate (we are Brevard)--they really have a limited supply. The good news is--we can garden in winter. The bad news--the summer is just so hot and tempermental to produce. I tried a garden last year--lettuce was my best luck and I killed my strawberries and my tomatos. Someone with a green thumb will have much better luck. There are farmers markets, but often it is folks fetching stuff from the larger produce markets at wholesale and then selling it retail. They do have some stuff self-grown--but not enough to make an income,so they supplement. We do have several produce markets though in our area.

10. Plays, concerts, museums more likely in certain areas?More variety near a metropolitan area. I live in Brevard and we have an awesome community theater scene and a regular theater that does feature Broadway shows and other national talent. Sometimes I feel they offer much better than a similar Performing Arts Center over in Orlando. But there is lots of it. The museums will be better in a major city IMHO.
11. Any other info you have (or thoughts pos or neg) I'd sure appreciate.Love the state--we have to leave due to no work and DH working in Virginia--we'll maintain our home though for the time being as our getaway spot. The economy is in a major pickle. Unlike Hawaii--don't come here without a plan and without something to sustain you in the event a job doesn't turn up. Prime time though to find your retirement home. Explore a little before finding a place to settle down. The panhandle, North Fla, Central Florida, South Florida-gulf coast and South Florida-Atlantic coast are all extremely different. I don't like South FL-atlantic, wayyyy too busy and rushed and...upscale for me. I feel like I don't fit in. I also do not like Hillsbourough County. Find it very very rough around the edges and though I have family that lives there--I still can't figure out why they stay. But among all those areas--there will be a difference in climate, lifestyle/pace, and just overall the way it is. It is best to find a place that suits your personality and how you wish to live. I love my little laid back island life and I will miss it dearly.

If you've read this far, and feel like contributing to my beginning, thanks!

 

[Robindianne]

Wow LisalovesPooh! Thank you for your time and thought and effort to respond! I will PM you as well. I really don't know where we'd want to be yet as I know almost nothing about the whole state. Clearly I must do tons of homework on this. I will first do what you suggested and check out gov and Chamber of comm for counties. That's a good starting point.

I'm sorry you have to move, but glad you will go back for vacations. I sure wish you success and ease with your job/move/finance situation. Sending you good thoughts and pixie dust.