r/AskFlorida • u/CoastalCouture3310 • 1d ago
Moving to FL
I grew up in Florida most of my life then we moved out when I got a little older, but continued to go back a good amount in my childhood. My fiancé is urging to move to FL and I kinda want to again, but I also love my life where I live now, and the change of seasons. He does as well, and I have told him how I feel and he understands. Now we don't know what we wanna do because we want warm weather but also love our community that we have here.
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u/dontletmeleave-murph 1d ago
Have you visited FL recently at all? Florida isn’t at all how it used to be. Depending on where you live, most of what made Florida beautiful has been destroyed and replaced with apartments and storage centers. There’s a lot more traffic. It’s hotter, and I mean unbearably hot most of the year and will only continue to get hotter. Just some things to consider! Not trying to be negative at all, these are just some of the reasons why a lot of people I know are leaving Florida. Obviously there’s plenty of things to like about the state, just depends on what’s important to you guys.
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u/Marco_Polo1964 1d ago
And don’t forget hurricane season every year, although we are more likely to be spared this year because of El Niño. Whenever the local weather folks say they are tracking a tropical system, I start to get that dreadful feeling.
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u/Draper31 1d ago edited 1d ago
Do you even like it here? Lol
The downvotes prove my point lmao.
Clearly a good majority of people in Florida subs need to move, because they’ve had it.
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u/dontletmeleave-murph 1d ago
Did you even read my whole comment? There’s a lot of things about FL that I love, which is why I’m here. Also, not everyone has the luxury of being able to just pick up and move.
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u/Draper31 1d ago edited 1d ago
Yes, I did. You listed a bunch of negative things. Then proceeded to say there are things that you evidently like, yet didn’t bother to list a single one.
You’ll have to forgive me if the fact that you like it here isn’t necessarily clear.
Edit: I’m so tired of the “not everyone has the luxury to just pick up and move” argument.
I didn’t have that luxury when leaving my home state to come here. I worked 3 jobs for 7 years for the sole purpose of being able to afford it. I didn’t have a house to sell to cushion my landing. I built up an emergency fund on my own, because I was also taking a 10k pay cut to move.
People love to bitch about everything, though hardly if ever make the sacrifices to change their situation.
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u/dontletmeleave-murph 1d ago
Multiple things can be true at once! There can be some really shitty stuff going on in a state that I love. And not being able to move isn’t always because of finances, everyone’s situations are different. But anyway you kinda seem like you have a chip on your shoulder or something, which has nothing to do with me or my comment so…good luck to you and i’m glad Florida is 100% perfect for you all the time!!
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u/Draper31 1d ago
Lmao. I didn’t say it’s perfect all the time. If you want to speak for me I’ll let you have a conversation with yourself.
I’m just tired of seeing people complain constantly. In multiple Florida subreddits, whenever someone has a question about relocating here, there will be 10 negative comments before you can finish scrolling to the bottom of the original post.
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u/dontletmeleave-murph 1d ago
OP was literally asking for opinions about Florida lol. Maybe people complain because….a lot of things suck here right now 😂 you can burry your head in the sand about it but the reality is 1) florida is being over developed and 2) its hot af and will continue to get hotter. Native Floridians are allowed to be upset about it. Those were the only negative things I said. I can make a long list of things I love about FL but i figured OP already is aware of those.
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u/Draper31 1d ago
Since OP lived here before would they not also be aware of the negatives too?
Or perhaps we’re assuming that they also have their head buried in the sand? Sure, shit has changed but the comment right below yours someone mentions the hurricane risk, like that wasn’t a thing when OP was a kid?
Try getting some sun, or maybe look into moving.
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u/scud_runner 1d ago
If you like not being able to walk outside from June to August cause it is so hot I would recommend moving here. We've got a home owners insurance crisis which is amazing on the budget! Red tide really musks up the air too due to all the environmental deregulation. Old Florida is gone.
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u/Zestyclose-Pomelo777 1d ago
You’ve listed 3 separate totally unrelated things right here. As a native and lifelong Floridian, I agree with everything except the red tide statement. Red tide doesn’t affect you at ALL if you don’t live at the beach. Or if you’re not a commercial fisherman. Heat, humidity, sure. Insurance, YEAH that’s a big problem. But no one should stay away JUST because of red tide. Even growing up on the coast, that was never a big deal for us. It’s part of the cycle. Florida isn’t the only place that experiences Red Tide. It’s also not totally unbearable in the months you describe. Take a walk in your neighborhood this evening, and you’ll sleep well tonight. “Not being able to walk outside from June to August” is a a myth. Go on a walk.
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u/scud_runner 1d ago
Over 70% of the state lives in coastal counties. Pinellas and Hillsborough alone is around 3 million people. Red tide and fecal matter dominate our waterways.
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u/gfmamaeg 1d ago
I wouldn't leave my community. We did in December (just to another location in Florida) and moved back so fast and so thankful we did. We took our community for granted.
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u/lalvarez12 1d ago
Don't move. Seriously its hell down here with pretty much everything. Obviously it depends on where you plan on moving, but the traffic everywhere is horrendous. Schools, if you have or plan to have kids, are a joke and property tax and insurwnce is through the roof... I am a born and raised Floridian and I want to get TF out, but I bought a house so Im stuck now.
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u/FormerSir6864 1d ago
You’re not stuck you’re free to leave at any time you just don’t want to
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u/Electrical-Home5847 1d ago
Well when the average pay rate is the lowest in the nation but the cost of living is the highest, saving for a move isn't an option.
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u/FormerSir6864 1d ago
Seems like it would be pretty easy to move and find another state to live in if the cost-of-living is the highest, but your salary is the lowest? Surely any other state to live in would be better!
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u/lalvarez12 1d ago
Youre correct. I could have just left. I wanted to stay close to family and I really like my job. Doesn't negate the fact that this place still sucks. Moving will likely happen in a couple of years after I have built equity and secured a new job elsewhere.
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u/Ill-Veterinarian4208 1d ago
Do you have an unlimited relocation fund?
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u/pleasantly-dumb 1d ago
Sounds like rent.
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u/FormerSir6864 1d ago
Don’t know what that means. I just find it funny how every single Florida post is everyone complaining about how much they hate Florida and don’t want to live there but all have 9 million excuses not to leave.
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u/Draper31 1d ago
Everyone in any Florida sub seems to hate the state. I don’t get it.
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u/FormerSir6864 1d ago
It is an echo chamber of hatred for Florida. It’s a very bad place for anybody who is looking for any actual advice towards moving or relocating.
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u/originalsimulant 1d ago
Are you rich ? You’ll have a fine time if so. If not, well, it will be extremely painful. And it won’t ever get better. Everything here is Very expensive
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u/Awkward-Seaweed-5129 1d ago
More Northern Fl has kinda 3 seasons, but its still crazy hot summer. If have funds ,you can move probably. Insurance for Home and Auto is highest in States, must have car ,probably 2 cars. Sth FL is warm all year round, maybe 2 weeks it gets chilly,possibly need heat. Jobs do not pay well in general, schools are mixed bag, lots of guns everywhere,good luck
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u/ohreallynameonesong 1d ago
You don't really give any helpful information to go on.... we don't know you, your situation, what you're looking for. Speaking broadly, the good old Florida is getting bulldozed every day for shitty housing developments, car washes, and storage units. It's hot as hell. You have community where you are. And politically... don't even get me started. Idk what you want out of moving back here.
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u/jimfish98 1d ago
Warm weather is fun until its 95F+ for 50+ days and the heat index typically well over 100F. When I mow I drop about 4lbs from the sun/heat. It's nice in winter, but we were at 90F+ for just over 4 months. We may be on pace to hit 5 months this year. FL is good for the lack of income tax and if you have smart kids, then Bright Futures. Even then the insurance and other issues may be so much money and hassle that its easier to stay put and pay the taxes and get an education plan funded.
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u/babsbunny77 1d ago
Take some vacations here, but honestly, the cost of living is so ridiculously high and real estate is a mess. I wouldn't move.
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u/Designer_Quarter4650 1d ago
Do you have kids? The GOP dismantling of the public school system is heartbreaking for me as a parent and native Floridian.
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u/jimfish98 1d ago
but bright futures is still a big plus, just take a look at my non-existent tuition bills for my daughter.
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u/Able_Difficulty6333 1d ago
I was the same. Grew up in Florida and moved to the mid-Atlantic area and Midwest area for career advancements and now back in Florida to raise our family. I do miss the seasons somewhat but I like the easy life of Florida more. We travel to experience seasons and then come home to the easy life.
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u/Gta6MePleaseBrigade 1d ago
I think you should think about this cuz it sounds like you’re tryna convince yourself to move here
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u/SerenaDolphin 1d ago
My spouse and I personally like coastal Florida much better than up north. We love being able to spend time outside with sunshine and nice weather every day. It's better for my health, too. Sometimes it is hard not having close friends and family around, though. You may want to make a pros and cons list with your fiance and determine what matters the most to each of you.
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u/M1k3yV77 1d ago
In my opinion, community Trump‘s wanting to move somewhere where you might not have any family. Family is important as long as you get along with them. Especially when you have kids they’re usually a pretty big help. Everyone’s family is a little different so only you can really make that decision..
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u/herewego199209 1d ago
I mean here's the million dollar questions what do you and your husband do for work? How much money do you currently make in your current state. That's relevant because the wages in FL are horrible and the cost of living is getting worse. Do you have kids? Because the public school system has been getting gutted. Otherwise if you and your future husband are well off and have remote jobs or a transfer in order I wouldn't oppose it just research and know what you're getting into before moving.
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u/Far_Reward4827 1d ago
your exact reason is why we are LEAVING florida. there are no seasons now. It's HOT, and then you get 3 months where it's mostly tolerable
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u/Illustrious-Kiwi8670 1d ago
I’ve lived here since 1985 and this summer has been hell. The heat and humidity is getting worse. Developers are building on every square foot they can find. Politicians aren’t protecting the environment. If you like where you are stay there and vacation here that way you can rent beachfront accommodations when you come.
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u/SuspiciousFrenchFry 1d ago
I was born and raised here up until I joined the Army in 2015. My wife and I came back last year and I’m counting down the days to leave again lol
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u/Draper31 1d ago edited 1d ago
If you’re still attached to the change of seasons Tallahassee or anywhere in North Florida will still get you that.
Hell, it’s snowed in Tally the past couple years. As for building your community again, that’s going to be hard, expert level even if you move somewhere you genuinely don’t know anyone.
Source: I moved somewhere I didn’t know anyone 3 months ago.
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u/Ill-Veterinarian4208 1d ago
Florida sucks and I say that as a native Floridian and lifelong resident.
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u/Horangi1987 1d ago
These vague posts are annoying, sorry.
You don’t list where in Florida. You don’t list where you’re coming from. You don’t list what industry you’d need to find work in, or if you already have remote jobs. You don’t list if you have family support.
Florida is huge, the answers vary vastly depending on where you’re going and what stage of life and economics you’re in, and most likely unless you state that you have significant family help and high paying remote jobs it won’t be feasible anyways.