Originally Posted by
Bucknut
Do you like heat, traffic, crime and crappy schools. I lived in Florida for twenty-two years and finally moved out. I grew tired of people that can not drive and eight months of summer. Schools are tough because you may find a district with a good grade school but then have a bad high school. I know commuting sucks but ask yourself if you would rather live somewhere that you do not have to worry about your family when you are on a trip. I miss saltwater fishing terribly but not the rest of the garbage I had to deal with. There is no sense of community in Florida because everyone is from somewhere else. Driving in Florida is outright dangerous. Hurricanes seem to be getting worse every year. It is no fun having to get home and trying to board up and evacuate when the weather is going downhill. It was an adjustment getting used to winter again after moving but at least I do not have to do yard work in the winter. There is no income tax in Florida but property taxes, homeowners, and car insurance is expensive. South Florida has the highest rate of car theft in the country. These are facts of life living anywhere in Florida. Good luck with your decision. I try to look at things on the positive side but these are things you will deal with living there.
Amen! I'd never go back. I lived down there for years. No state income tax but they find ways to get their money out of you. $700 for plates! Insurance is very high and Schools just suck! You'll need to send your kid to a good private school or your kids will be going to Junior College!