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| Florida Discuss, concerns at States forum; I'm considering moving to Florida (Orlando or a suburb) in a few years. However, I'm concerned about : 1) Crime ... |
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| | #1 (permalink) |
| Member Join Date: Dec 24th, 2006 Location: Wilmington, DE
Posts: 213
| concerns
I'm considering moving to Florida (Orlando or a suburb) in a few years. However, I'm concerned about: 1) Crime - any safe suburbs that are predicted to REMAIN safe? I don't want an area on the verge of going ghetto. 2) Weather - The stats don't phase me, because it's really not much hotter there in summer then it is here. However, is the heat unbearable and sticky like 10 months out of the year, like some people say? 3) Bugs - Are there bugs ALL OVER THE PLACE in Florida like I constantly read? I hope a good exterminator will keep 'em away! |
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| | #2 (permalink) |
| Slave to Sir Azi Join Date: Jan 14th, 2007 Location: Western Washington
Posts: 1,306
| Re: concerns
BUGS...TONS OF THEM!!! EVERYWHERE!!!!! I don't remember that so much in the Orlando area but more in Souther FL. And those little tiny frogs that would get squished between your toes if you weren't wearing shoes! I learned that the hard way. YUK! They have the BIGGEST roaches, even bigger than the date beetles in CA. Can't help you with the crime stuff... My daughter loves it there and lives in Kissimmee, just outside Orlando. But she doesn't like the bugs. And she loves the hot sticky weather. Hated the Pacific Northwest... But then she and I always clashed on every level!!! LOL
__________________ FEEL THE FEAR AND DO IT ANYWAY |
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| | #4 (permalink) |
| Member Join Date: Dec 24th, 2006 Location: Wilmington, DE
Posts: 213
| Re: concerns
Just for fun, since I REALLY hate bugs, what are some states (besides Alaska lol) that have LESS bugs, even in their summertime? I'm not looking for something Arctic but perhaps a state that just happens to have less bugs than Florida - a LOT less? just wonderin!
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| | #6 (permalink) | |
| Slave to Sir Azi Join Date: Jan 14th, 2007 Location: Western Washington
Posts: 1,306
| Re: concerns Quote:
__________________ FEEL THE FEAR AND DO IT ANYWAY | |
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| | #7 (permalink) |
| Member Join Date: Dec 24th, 2006 Location: Wilmington, DE
Posts: 213
| Re: concerns
Spiders are probably the bugs I worry least about. But I do hate them. Do mountainous areas have less bugs, like Denver CO? What city are you in in Western WA? I just wanna look up info! Do you have few bugs year round? |
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| | #8 (permalink) |
| Slave to Sir Azi Join Date: Jan 14th, 2007 Location: Western Washington
Posts: 1,306
| Re: concerns
Yeah we have spiders here... even those ugly wolf spiders and hobo spiders but I don't see them often. Mostly just the small wood spiders. I hate when they get in the house but Azi (my cat) loves to chase and play with them. And gets mad when I take them away. But stepping in spidery cat barf isn't fun after he eats them! I really don't see many bugs... slugs outside ...yeah we have those. But I have yet to see a roach or anything like that. However we do see plenty of raccoons and deer. The occasional opposom and those darn Teengager animals... a lot of those around! I am east of Seattle in the Redmond area... You should be able to find that one on the map pretty easy.
__________________ FEEL THE FEAR AND DO IT ANYWAY |
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| | #10 (permalink) |
| Duff man! Join Date: Jan 04th, 2007 Location: Bothell, Washington
Posts: 1,320
| Re: concerns Come ask the folks in the washington forum!
__________________ "Who am I and what am I doing here?" - James stockdale, Ross Perrot VP candidate, VP debate, 1992. My favorite political statement. |
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| | #11 (permalink) | |
| American Join Date: Jan 15th, 2007
Posts: 345
| Re: concerns Quote:
As to whether it'll have growing crime problems, well, it does, but less than Orlando. I guess I'm not really sure what you're looking for, but from your other postings, it isn't clear to me that the Orlando area is an ideal fit... Best wishes on finding what you seek, though! | |
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| | #13 (permalink) |
| Newbie Join Date: Dec 28th, 2006 Location: Space Coast, FL
Posts: 11
| Re: concerns
I've lived in Brevard County Fl for 20 yrs and have yet to have to worry about stepping on frogs or huge bugs in house! My son and family live in Orlando (officer with FDLE) and he lives in a preserve with nature areas around him and no frogs or bugs! I guess our prospective of Orlando is different from some but we love the casual lifestyle and wonderful weather here. We don't want to move to Orlando as son wants us to because it is a much busier active city. Lots to do, theme parks of course, nightclubs, restaurants, and cater to the tourists from all over the world. I would not call Orlando a retirement haven. Now the coast is another story. We have an influx of retirees come Nov through March. Orlando runs up to 10degs warmer or cooler than the coastline. East Orlando is the booming housing area right now, and away from downtown. Unfortunately there is crime in Orlando like any other large vibrant city but if you check the area out before moving you will see where most of it is.
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| | #14 (permalink) |
| Hi guys, I am here! Join Date: Nov 30th, 2006 Location: Pennsylvania
Posts: 1,114
| Re: concerns
The fireants are the worst bugs I have ever encountered in my life. We just got back from up north and it's so darn hot and sticky right now. It seems to be getting hotter and hotter down here. Can't wait to move back up north in the next month. |
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| | #15 (permalink) |
| Member Join Date: Dec 24th, 2006 Location: Wilmington, DE
Posts: 213
| Re: concerns
So, is the general consensus I should move to Florida even though it has bugs (i.e. don't let that stop me), or should I NOT move there because of the bugs, crime, etc? I'd be moving primarily because the hospitality and whatnot industries are the kind I want to break into, and plus, the PARKS! I love the Disney parks and the second I move to Orlando I'd get an annual pass. But is it worth it, or am I being ridiculous? |
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| | #16 (permalink) |
| Slave to Sir Azi Join Date: Jan 14th, 2007 Location: Western Washington
Posts: 1,306
| Re: concerns
I think you should take a sheet of paper and draw a line down the middle and do the pro con thing... You will know what to do after that.
__________________ FEEL THE FEAR AND DO IT ANYWAY |
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| | #17 (permalink) | |
| Looking UP!!! Join Date: Dec 28th, 2006 Location: AZ
Posts: 430
| Re: concerns Quote:
No way are you being ridiculous!! Your a kid with dreams!!! There is crime everywhere. Just be careful and don't invite crime to be your friend. What I mean by that is what my mother use to tell me, tell me who your hanging out with and I will tell you who you are. It's a Cuban thing. You"ll be OK!! | |
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| | #21 (permalink) |
| Cheery Chick Join Date: Jan 02nd, 2007 Location: Navarre, Florida
Posts: 1,089
| Re: concerns
Kdm31091...I can totally relate to you regarding the "BUGS"!! We are in Navarre, Florida (the panhandle) and when we first moved here, we had a few "extra roommates" if you know what I mean. Yes, a few huge roaches and a couple of gigantic spiders...but WAIT!!!! I've lived in the south for almost 15 years...there are bugs, but here is what I do: 1. Clean...and I mean CLEAN the place you will be living...bleach, disinfectant, etc.; bugs do not like cleanliness as much as we do. 2. Buy the industrial size and strength bug killer (we use Ortho Home Defense Max) and spray absolutely EVERYWHERE inside and outside the place you will be living. The outside perimeter of the house is very important. The new formula keeps working for almost one year. 3. Keep clothes off of the floor...it's a perfect place for bugs to hide. 4. If you will be living in a decent apartment, you really don't need to worry...most of those places do pest control on a monthly basis. 5. Buy a can of Raid and a mini-broom/dustpan and ALWAYS know EXACTLY where they are!!!! Comes in handy for emergencies! Just remember this...I am TERRIFIED of roaches and spiders (especially the ones you can mistake for small children!) and I have enjoyed living in bug-frequented areas for a long time. As far as fire ants...if you watch where you walk or sit, they are very easy to spot...they also have yard pellets that you can sprinkle on your lawn and water in to get rid of pesky insects/spiders/ants. Sorry to write a book, but I was in the same position as yourself a long time ago...I understand your hesitation, but I really think you should go for it...as previous posts suggest. Remember, there are a BUNCH of incredibly wise, experienced and helpful people on this forum!!
__________________ Real generosity is doing something nice for someone who will never find it out. |
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| | #22 (permalink) |
| Member Join Date: Dec 24th, 2006 Location: Wilmington, DE
Posts: 213
| Re: concerns
Thanks kim! Looks like I can handle Florida bugs! So, do you think I should go for it? So many people complain about Florida on that old citycaca...what should I be aware of? Are they exaggerating? |
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| | #24 (permalink) |
| Cheery Chick Join Date: Jan 02nd, 2007 Location: Navarre, Florida
Posts: 1,089
| Re: concerns
Well, I can only offer you my point of view on the Florida panhandle, as I've never been anywhere else! I don't doubt that there are a lot of people from the "other" site who are just constant complainers. On the other hand, I've done a lot of research on areas in Florida that we were thinking about moving to and found that the very least expensive areas were mostly in the panhandle. (The average price for a house in Naples, FL, was $700,00 as per Realtor.com!!!!!!!) You mentioned that one of the reasons you would like to live in either Florida or California is because of the Disney and amusement parks. With that in mind, there really isn't too much of that type of thing in the panhandle that I'm aware of. I've been to California (my dad lived in Norco for about ten years) and now I'm living in Florida. In my opinion, Florida is just a much more laid back, less expensive, even more beautiful place than California. From what I've seen, the attitude is much better, in general...and the beaches are like paradise. It might be a good idea to take mini-vacations to both places and see the pros and cons of each. There's a site online called Sperling's Best Places where one is able to compare the cost of living, medical, food, etc. Last, but not least...I think that a lot of the people on the "other" site in the Florida forum were chronic complainers. If a person wants to live in the most beautiful state in the U.S., he/she may have to sacrifice something here or there! Follow your dreams, because if you don't, part of you will always regret it and wonder what might have happened.
__________________ Real generosity is doing something nice for someone who will never find it out. |
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| | #25 (permalink) | |
| Retired & Lazy Join Date: Oct 17th, 2006 Location: Florida ----> TN
Posts: 37
| Re: concerns Quote:
I believe most of the comments were telling it like it is now. A lot has changed in the past few years. There is good and bad everywhere. Do alot of research, then take a vacation to any area that has sparked your interest first. I got priced out of Florida after 20 years.
__________________ Smile every day | |
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| | #26 (permalink) |
| Member Join Date: Dec 24th, 2006 Location: Wilmington, DE
Posts: 213
| Re: concerns
Well being that there is good and bad anywhere, I don't see the problem w/ Florida. Homeowner's insurance and high taxes okay, yeah, but I'm going to be renting. Crowding, pfft, we have it in Delaware, and traffic pretty much 24/7. Even at 3AM there is a steady amount of people driving on the main roads. You won't believe me, but it's the truth. I'm prepped for Orlando/etc traffic. Any othe huge cons?
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| | #27 (permalink) |
| Member Join Date: Jan 26th, 2007 Location: anywhere I can rake off the top ! I was talk by Ivan Boesky, Mike Milken, Jeff Skilling and many mor
Posts: 148
| Re: concerns
No one is entitled to live in Hawaii on the beach, right ?? no one is similarly entitled to live on Fifth Avenue, right ?? There are 49 other states from which to choose, everybody can't afford to live in Naples, FL, or South Beach, or Sarasota, that's exactly why some of the people who flocked to FL in the 90s are moving to places like rural GA, or rural TN, etc ...they probably didn't do their homework, and probably don't belond in places like that anyway, heck if you can't afford where you live, it seems rational to MOVE, and not whine about it, or complain that there are many many others who are able and willing to move to Florida (or Hawaii, or Costa Rica, or to Georgetown in DC area)....sometimes you can't have everything |
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| | #29 (permalink) | |
| Member Join Date: Oct 29th, 2006
Posts: 566
| Re: concerns Quote:
Good post I agree......... | |
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| | #30 (permalink) |
| Member Join Date: Oct 29th, 2006
Posts: 566
| Re: concerns I don't know about you but if I was young like you I'd give it a shot. When I was a teenager I had 2 places on the brain California and Florida. I ended up in Phoenix from New York but it worked out fine. I was mainly looking for Palm trees,wearing shorts at Christmastime and beaches. I settled for Palm trees and wearing shorts in the Winter. I was told ahead of time that Phoenix has big big yucky bugs. I HATE BUGS!!! I was very nervous about that. I can tell you I have been here for 19 years and I haven't seen anything that yucky. I do have an exterminator come every other month and I don't see a thing. You seem to be leaning towards Florida, I say go rent an apartment for awhile and try to settle in. If you like it stay if you don't leave. I'm heading to North Carolina and that looks nice to me. I would really still like to keep Florida on my list but I'm nervous about hurricanes. I will however take a trip down to Navarre and see what I think. Never say never. |
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