[Alex]

Originally Posted by senior citizen

I would like to thank all of the very friendly folks in this forum, especially the lady from Connecticut, who seemed to have the most understanding of "why" I was asking certain questions (prior to a lifestyle visit) regarding various issues of living in a sub tropical climate after having done so in the past & relocated back to New England from both seacoasts of Florida. In the back of my mind, I was wondering if perhaps central Florida might be different.

Well, as of yesterday, my dear husband notified me that his retirement clock shows 638 days till his retirement; 509 days until he begins shutting down his business......which should take several months; then prepping our home for sale. He has a "plan" which will have us buying our retirement home in midcoast Maine. Our winters may be spent in Florida when the cold dreary days get to us. Now that glorious spring has sprung up here, that's all fine with me.

It isn't all about his boat and lack of convenient body of water........but mostly that we are so ingrained with the Yankee "Live Free or Die" philosophy of independence, I do believe that we would find it extremely difficult to be stifled in speech. Being politically correct (and I'm not talking politics) can get very old fast. We've always been the "honest plain speaking" type........and appreciate that in others. Perhaps I used the wrong words when I "joked" about the cheerleaders at TV........and I can understand that the ones who did not adjust well (whether to the intense sunshine and intense heat & humidity, the "critters" since I won't say what type I found out about, the density and the crime in the "rest of Florida......not in TV, but in the state in general", we just don't want to make another costly mistake.

I think TV would be a lovely place, as would other retirement communities for a month or so getaway...........but I know in my heart........we would not adjust. New Englanders are a more private sort and an adult Disney World might be nice for a spell, but not for 365 days a year. This is only the conclusion we've come to. My husband also has an intolerance to the heat, which I have to keep in mind.

I deleted all my own posts the past few days (after I figured it out) as I believe a lot of my questions were taken out of context when answered. I didn't think I was being that negative. Florida has many good attributes or there wouldn't be so many people moving there. We know that; we are not stupid. We also know that when the long dreary cold snowy icy winter gets to people, they think of balmy Florida. It's natural.

In deleting my own posts, I noticed some critical information which I had been trying to research.........and the "mom" who kept writing about the problem in TV was now BANNED. So much for free speech. All I can say in closing is how can an adult senior citizen make an educated choice to even come for the "lifestyle visit", which we had planned to do all along.........when their serious, not frivilous questions are considered negative. It's expensive to move long distance nowadays. The properties may indeed be cheaper down there, but the moving costs are not, not to mention buying new furniture. So, in trying to determine if we should even "think" of Florida again as a retirement zone..........the general tone of too many rules, regulations, restrictions made it seem like the town of Stepford all over again. A few only on this forum made me feel that way. I'm sure this will be deleted or banned.......but just want you to know we have finally decided. We will be living in a small village of 1,500 down to earth folks.
We have a beautiful home in a residential area now..........just want to be by the water so he can enjoy whatever years God gives him "on his boat".

When we moved to New England 40 years ago, we left a suburb in the greater New Jersey/ New York metro region because of the density and were fortunate to raise our children in small town America (no malls, no highways, no crime). Guess it rubbed off on us too well............so all I was trying to do was weigh the pros and cons of trying Florida once again as we did have many happy vacations there........but two long distance round trip relocations, in error. Happy Spring to all and again, thank you.

The best response I received was from a realtor in Ocala who in answer to my query on the "critters" was very very honest and told me the truth but also softened that truth with the fact that they were here before us (or their ancestors were) and we have to cohabit together;-) At least now I know they are not just on the barrier islands.
We were not being naive in asking these questions.........as it would impact on our lives in retirement. Again, I do appreciate all the sincere responses I did receive. You are all great.

Very well said. You sound like a very intelligent person. I thank you for your thoughts. Have a great life!