Question Tell me the TRUTH.....

[Raydawg]

My kids, grandkids, son in law and his family are all giving some serious thought of picking up and moving to Florida from their home in Southern California ( Inland Empire ).
They have already contacted people to sell their home and like the profit in their equity that would allow them to purchase a nice home and still bank a substantial amount too.
Of course they want us to go as well, but in our 70's and the very thought of moving to an area unknown to us, never been there, and I am sure a huge leap from our serenity and slow life on our island in the Pacific Northwest.
I can think of many reasons why we should, but I speak from ignorance and only see an upside peppered with lots of hope.
I would really appreciate any advice and firsthand experience from those who made a similar life change as well as those who have called it home for a spell, etc.
So much contradicting information on the internet, etc, and the deeper you dig into the more confusing it gets.
I don't think we would move until we visit, maybe land on the west coast by Tampa then cross over to the east coast, and just try and get a feel for it in a week, if possible, maybe in June.......

THANK YOU in advance!

 

[Neal]

It may be the best thing you ever did!

 

[Rosy]

You prepared for hurricanes and critters that can kill you?

 

[Holdmybeer]

If you really want to get a feel for that part of Florida try late fall through early spring, especially around the Tampa area. June will be a bit slower pace, it becomes a real rat race during the winter. It certainly will be different from the PNW.

 

[Raydawg]

You prepared for hurricanes and critters that can kill you?

Well if I want my laundry done and meals cooked, yeah I guess I am willing to bring my wife too

 

[Raydawg]

If you really want to get a feel for that part of Florida try late fall through early spring, especially around the Tampa area. June will be a bit slower pace, it becomes a real rat race during the winter. It certainly will be different from the PNW.

Well that is sorta of a flip, as the summer we get bombarded with tourist....... we just time our exposure to the heathens in early mornings, while they are nursing their hangovers, or around sundown, before they start on a new one and still crowding the beaches, to watch the sunset at 10PM

 

[Holdmybeer]

Well that is sorta of a flip, as the summer we get bombarded with tourist....... we just time our exposure to the heathens in early mornings, while they are nursing their hangovers, or around sundown, before they start on a new one and still crowding the beaches, to watch the sunset at 10PM

Yep, grew up in Florida. The snowbirds go home in the spring and return in the fall. Don’t get me wrong summer’s are robust as well, but winter is when it really gets rolling in mid and south Florida. There were bumper stickers that read “ When I retire I’m moving up North and driving 12 mph”.

 

[ARD]

I don't think we would move until we visit, maybe land on the west coast by Tampa then cross over to the east coast, and just try and get a feel for it in a week, if possible, maybe in June.......

I think this is a very good idea. It is a big change and there will always be things to get used to... the heat, humidity, traffic, bugs; however, there are a lot of pros ESPECIALLY moving with your family which will make the transition so much easier — nothing more important than family. I love your attitude, hope and sense of adventure. Wishing you the very best.