Who has made the move to FL?

[Southernmiss]

This thread is awesome!

Me and the GF have been having thoughts of moving from Vegas as we don't really like it here anymore. The summers are burning hot (we actually love the humidity and miss seeing greenery), rent is skyrocketing, it's VERY hard to make friends here, and we don't party or gamble so we have lost interest. We've been talking about it more and more often, and central Florida keeps popping up. Not only because we both love theme parks, but I love being by the water and hate cold weather.

The only thing that's keeping us away from actually moving is the consensus that jobs are hard to find and pay is low. I don't have the opportunity to transfer since I work for a casino/resort here that's independently owned and the GF is a dental assistant in a local office. Our resort was just acquired by a big brand, so I plan on staying for a bit just to see what changes take place and if there would be any opportunities I could take from there.

We're both in our late 20's, and would rent if we were going to move as we live really simple. We plan on taking a trip over there and NOT going to Disney (although that's hard to resist) to drive around and sight-see.

Thanks again for all the great replies on here!

You might be interested in the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Your company may have a property here that you could transfer to.

Our climate is similar to central Florida. The casino industry is big and our casinos are on the beach.

We are a day's drive to Orlando and there are flights out of Gulfport to Orlando.

Cost of living relative to where you've been is cheaper.

The coast has a population of about 250,000 with our communities running together (you won't know that you've left one town and arrived in another-they are that close to each other), yet each has diversity and some maintain a small town feel.

Only an hour from Mobile, AL and New Orleans and 2 hours from Pensacola/Destin's beautiful beaches.

Lots of Military in our area with people moving in and out, so it's not cliquey.

https://www.gulfcoast.org/about/

 

[wendow]

I started this thread several months back when my dh had some job opportunities he was applying for. I'm sad to say that nothing panned out We still would like to move. Desperately!! I cannot believe how hard it is to find jobs. We are about to begin another school year in CO...yes, I homeschool but my kids are thick in enrichment classes and activities that tie us to the typical school year...We hope to look again and hope to find something in 2019. Seems forever away

 

[wendow]

OP- We moved here almost 3 years ago. After tons and tons of research, we decided on Clermont. It's the area to the west of Orlando you didn't visit Winter Garden and Clermont (north) are wonderful areas; very family oriented and homeschool friendly as well. We are part of a large homeschool co-op here. There's something for just about everyone. Clermont is growing liked crazy. You might look into the "Horizon West" area of Winter Garden. This is off the 429 where new homes are shooting up. You have access to a major toll, yet you're out far enough to feel a sense of community (not to mention you'd probably see Disney fireworks nightly). Anyway, I just wanted to add my 2 cents since we did the same thing several years ago. Have fun!

If we ever get to make our way, I will pm you for the co-op name! I just graduated my oldest, and hs'ed her all the way through. Blessed to have a co-op to partner with so I'll be looking for the same in FL. Thank you for your post!

 

[amalone1013]

I started this thread several months back when my dh had some job opportunities he was applying for. I'm sad to say that nothing panned out We still would like to move. Desperately!! I cannot believe how hard it is to find jobs. We are about to begin another school year in CO...yes, I homeschool but my kids are thick in enrichment classes and activities that tie us to the typical school year...We hope to look again and hope to find something in 2019. Seems forever away

I'm sorry it didn't work out yet. Next year! I'm sure something will come along.

We are still debating moving out of CO. Our tie here is just DHs parents and grandparents. Most days I think I could easily move back to my hometown (though that would be worse weather... ). We've looked at Orlando/FL. My hard thing is there are a lot of backshift/odd hour jobs for what I'm doing currently and I hate to start over and go back to that. But I feel like the way things are in CO currently, we'll either never get our own place or be in way too deep and house poor

 

[wendow]

I'm sorry it didn't work out yet. Next year! I'm sure something will come along.

We are still debating moving out of CO. Our tie here is just DHs parents and grandparents. Most days I think I could easily move back to my hometown (though that would be worse weather... ). We've looked at Orlando/FL. My hard thing is there are a lot of backshift/odd hour jobs for what I'm doing currently and I hate to start over and go back to that. But I feel like the way things are in CO currently, we'll either never get our own place or be in way too deep and house poor

I understand completely! And this is what I worry about for my kids. They’ll never be able to afford homes here. Wages are not consistent with housing. Something has to change!!

 

[amalone1013]

I understand completely! And this is what I worry about for my kids. They’ll never be able to afford homes here. Wages are not consistent with housing. Something has to change!!

Yes! We could buy cute little 2/3 bed 1 bath homes in Lincoln all day long for $130k, and would have long ago if that were an option here! My cousin just got a 2400sqft, 3 bed, 2.5 bath home for $198k there. Here there seems to be no market for a starter place. We drove by one the other night that just came up on the market... it's 5 bed 3 bath 2900sqft on 1.5 acres. This is what we'd like some day, but we don't need that yet, and definitely not on the $450k price tag!

 

[wendow]

Yes! We could buy cute little 2/3 bed 1 bath homes in Lincoln all day long for $130k, and would have long ago if that were an option here! My cousin just got a 2400sqft, 3 bed, 2.5 bath home for $198k there. Here there seems to be no market for a starter place. We drove by one the other night that just came up on the market... it's 5 bed 3 bath 2900sqft on 1.5 acres. This is what we'd like some day, but we don't need that yet, and definitely not on the $450k price tag!

And sadly, 450k for something like that is a great price!! Must be out of town some?

 

[amalone1013]

And sadly, 450k for something like that is a great price!! Must be out of town some?

Yup, it is up between Brighton/Henderson/North Thornton. Only about 10min from where my ILs are. It needs some work, but is still a good price for what it is, just not as much for us.

 

[tink1970]

I started this thread several months back when my dh had some job opportunities he was applying for. I'm sad to say that nothing panned out We still would like to move. Desperately!! I cannot believe how hard it is to find jobs. We are about to begin another school year in CO...yes, I homeschool but my kids are thick in enrichment classes and activities that tie us to the typical school year...We hope to look again and hope to find something in 2019. Seems forever away

I am so sorry you aren't going to be my neighbor! Remember you're always welcome in P'cola...and especially if you want to visit in fall 2019 when DD will be away (oh I hope!) and DH will still be working out of town...I'll have a half empty house

And sadly, 450k for something like that is a great price!! Must be out of town some?

I was thinking the same thing...we have a 3/2.5 on 2 1/2 lots and that's what we paid (or close, I can't remember, tbh!).

 

[wendow]

I am so sorry you aren't going to be my neighbor! Remember you're always welcome in P'cola...and especially if you want to visit in fall 2019 when DD will be away (oh I hope!) and DH will still be working out of town...I'll have a half empty house

What a sweet offer! I'd love to visit you, and see P'cola. Pretty sure we could have fun hanging out!

 

[MouseLover]

Any updates from people who have moved already?

 

[Happyinwonerland]

I started this thread several months back when my dh had some job opportunities he was applying for. I'm sad to say that nothing panned out We still would like to move. Desperately!! I cannot believe how hard it is to find jobs. We are about to begin another school year in CO...yes, I homeschool but my kids are thick in enrichment classes and activities that tie us to the typical school year...We hope to look again and hope to find something in 2019. Seems forever away

We found jobs and were set to move in August but we could not find a place to live within 30 mins of our jobs! The Orlando rental market is insane and so are the landlords. I haven't rented since I was in my early 20's, but we wanted to wait until we had lived there a bit to buy a house. The landlords were hostile and demanding and not anyone I'd like to pay rent to.

I'd still like to relocate, but maybe more towards winter haven/tampa. Cost of living is more affordable and people are more laid back.

 

[Happyinwonerland]

I started this thread several months back when my dh had some job opportunities he was applying for. I'm sad to say that nothing panned out We still would like to move. Desperately!! I cannot believe how hard it is to find jobs. We are about to begin another school year in CO...yes, I homeschool but my kids are thick in enrichment classes and activities that tie us to the typical school year...We hope to look again and hope to find something in 2019. Seems forever away

We are in the same boat with homeschooling. We are heavily involved with co-ops and dance and acting classes. It is hard to just pick up and leave.

 

[4kids4karen]

Jobs in Florida are hard to find. Although when I was job hunting I was finding a lot of companies had a turnover of less than three years. Everything in Tampa is about networking to find the right jobs. My co-worker moved here from NY more than six months ago and although she found a job with my company, her husband is still unemployed.

 

[LovesTimone]

Hi,

I'm a Florida girl born and raised, I have lived somewhere in Florida for most of my life, except for around 5 years in GA. (as an adult).

Okay so here's my take on people moving here and what you need to take into consideration when making the move.

First off you must realize that living here is completely different than coming on vacation...

Living in a tourist destination is completely different ballgame, as well you also have our Snowbirds that come for the winter again another layer of visitor...As well as many Colleges that is another layer to add into the mix. Florida in itself is a destination, Between the Beaches, theme parks - Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, Busch Garden, Legoland, Dinosaur World, Kennedy Space Center, etc..., 4 cruise ports, Jacksonville, Tampa, Ft. Lauderdale, & Miami, bringing in more visitors. In Orlando alone there are a million people a day visiting...and that's not even in peak seasons.

Our cost of living is on the higher side , and salaries are lower side... depending on where you live - you will have to look at employment and salary comparison in different areas, small town, rural, versus living closer or in a major city.

The cost of insurance is more here, and special insurance in certain areas must be included. Flood, Hurricane, sinkhole..

The weather is another thing to take into consideration... It's HOT here, and it gets unbearably Humid - One day last week, it was 91 with the humidity index it felt like 101... the Humidity is what is so bad. Then the hurricanes, flooding, tornadoes, thunder storms, sink holes.

Wildlife and bugs - Alligators, Snakes lots species, Lizards/ Iguana mostly found in South Florida, Every type of ants you can think of, Roaches, Mosquitoes, lots of buzzing stinging little gems to deal with, as well as love bugs... the list goes on.

Traffic is a nightmare, Not only to we have to normal rush hour traffic, but then you have to throw in tourist driving around trying to find their way into the theme parks, beaches or where-ever adding to the traffic pattern.

Now with all that said. There are a lot of nice place's to live here, if you want that small town vibe,

For me there is nothing like sailing down the river in the boat, or scalloping in the gulf, Fishing in the lakes, watching the sunset in Keys, the sugary sand between my toes walking the beach in Panhandle, leaning up against the railing at Epcot watching the fireworks go off or walking onto main street at MK. Or just floating in the pool with a drink in my hand.

It's a completely different lifestyle than anywhere in the country... You just have to be prepared to take the good with the craziness...

 

[SingingMom]

Hi,

I'm a Florida girl born and raised, I have lived somewhere in Florida for most of my life, except for around 5 years in GA. (as an adult).

Okay so here's my take on people moving here and what you need to take into consideration when making the move.

First off you must realize that living here is completely different than coming on vacation...

Living in a tourist destination is completely different ballgame, as well you also have our Snowbirds that come for the winter again another layer of visitor...As well as many Colleges that is another layer to add into the mix. Florida in itself is a destination, Between the Beaches, theme parks - Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, Busch Garden, Legoland, Dinosaur World, Kennedy Space Center, etc..., 4 cruise ports, Jacksonville, Tampa, Ft. Lauderdale, & Miami, bringing in more visitors. In Orlando alone there are a million people a day visiting...and that's not even in peak seasons.

Our cost of living is on the higher side , and salaries are lower side... depending on where you live - you will have to look at employment and salary comparison in different areas, small town, rural, versus living closer or in a major city.

The cost of insurance is more here, and special insurance in certain areas must be included. Flood, Hurricane, sinkhole..

The weather is another thing to take into consideration... It's HOT here, and it gets unbearably Humid - One day last week, it was 91 with the humidity index it felt like 101... the Humidity is what is so bad. Then the hurricanes, flooding, tornadoes, thunder storms, sink holes.

Wildlife and bugs - Alligators, Snakes lots species, Lizards/ Iguana mostly found in South Florida, Every type of ants you can think of, Roaches, Mosquitoes, lots of buzzing stinging little gems to deal with, as well as love bugs... the list goes on.

Traffic is a nightmare, Not only to we have to normal rush hour traffic, but then you have to throw in tourist driving around trying to find their way into the theme parks, beaches or where-ever adding to the traffic pattern.

Now with all that said. There are a lot of nice place's to live here, if you want that small town vibe,

For me there is nothing like sailing down the river in the boat, or scalloping in the gulf, Fishing in the lakes, watching the sunset in Keys, the sugary sand between my toes walking the beach in Panhandle, leaning up against the railing at Epcot watching the fireworks go off or walking onto main street at MK. Or just floating in the pool with a drink in my hand.

It's a completely different lifestyle than anywhere in the country... You just have to be prepared to take the good with the craziness...

Excellent, honest post! I think you have to be at a certain point in your life to move to Florida. For us, we are planning to in a few years - AFTER hubby retires. Our daughter is a full time CM, so we want to be near enough to drive to her for a visit. We have had our fill of WINTER months with snow, ice, shoveling etc. But I don't think I could handle the traffic if I had to commute to work every day..

 

[Moramoon]

We're still looking into moving next year. Hubby will be graduating at the end of April. He's planning on starting to apply for jobs after he takes some certifications in December so he can put those on his resume. We're hoping he can have something lined up for once he graduates, but there will be a time where he'd be there by himself because our son won't finish school until towards the end of May. Since we've heard there's high demand in the engineering field we're hoping he doesn't have too hard of a time finding something. We've looked into a few areas, but it's hard to get a feel for them without actually seeing them. We'll be down in December and planned on taking a couple of days to drive around to get a better idea.

 

[OnlyDisney]

You will find a lot great advice here with this question as I asked something similar about 2 years ago. Another great resource someone on here recommended was the facebook group Taking The Florida Plunge. We even found our realtor on that group. (We homeschool too!)

 

[aml3679]

My in-laws moved to Florida in 2003 and we vacationed there every year. Of course, we went when it was cold up North and thought we were vacationing in paradise. Unfortuntely, my mother-in-law passed away in 2006. A year ago yesterday, my husband and I moved from New Hampshire to Bradenton, Florida.

While I miss New England:

Our daughters and grandchildren.
Cooler weather.
Beautiful fall days.
Hills.
Mountains.
Blue Jays and Cardinals (birds).
Patriots and Red Sox.

There are benefits to living in Florida:

Sunny weather all year round.
Live less than 15 minutes to some of the most beautiful beaches around.
Live 90 minutes from all of the Magic.
In New England, I got pneumonia every year. So far, not one cold.
I have a severe form of psoriatic arthritis - the warmer weather helps my joints.
My husband had seasonal affective disorder, now he is happier than a clam.
Great fruits and veggies year round.

Drawbacks to living in Florida:

Miss our daughters and grandchildren.
Sunny weather all year round.
Having to run the AC most of the year.
Having to spray for bugs every 3 months.
It rains every summer day.
The traffic is horrible - especially when all of the snow birds return.
No Blue Jays, Chickadees or Robbins - just egrets, herrons, and crows.

Live is a trade off. Thankfully, our children and grandchildren come to visit.

 

[Moramoon]

You will find a lot great advice here with this question as I asked something similar about 2 years ago. Another great resource someone on here recommended was the facebook group Taking The Florida Plunge. We even found our realtor on that group. (We homeschool too!)

I second the Florida Plunge group. That's where we've been finding a lot of our info along with our realtor. There's been a lot of topics that have been asked by others that I hadn't even thought about.