Quote:
Originally Posted by arabianhorse59
I have lived here now for close to 2 years. I am a full time resident and moved here because my husband is a golf addict!  I can honestly say that this is the most expensive place I have ever lived in my life and I came here from Illinois, the over tax em state. I realize alot of you sold property and moved down here with no mortgages on your backs but, we couldn't do that. We have a mortgage here but, I am talking about the over the top fees for everything. The monthly fee for golf is $150, trail fees, mandatory garbage fees at $55 a month (whether you have garbage picked up or not! If you own property, you pay it!), the internet for $96 a year, Progress Energy, which is the most $$ utility company I have ever had to deal with...on and on. I am young enough that I am able to work (I am 51) and I have to hold down 3 jobs to keep food on the table here.
Before people buy here, they need to research the fees. If I would have known that this place was so costly, I never would have moved here!  |
Good morning.
I am sorry you find this place expensive. We find it less expensive than our home in Ohio.
A lot of people don't have mortgages, that is true. I think I read that about half of us have paid for our homes. The golf trail fees can be paid annually and that saves on the "free golf". The free golf is for the nine hole courses to be sure, and most "serious" golfers play 18 and that fee does add up. The garbage fee I am unclear on. Is that part of our $135 a month? I find the cost for heating and cooling our modest home is quite good. I think the grocery bill is a little higher but not much. In fact I am willing to admit that Publix has my beloved Krogers aced on quite a few things. The bakery may be my doing in!
There are so many free or low costs things to do here. Last week our rec center offered a spaghetti dinner with salad, garlic bread and dessert for five dollars each and that was served before a bingo that was three dollars. The movies are about the same as what we pay in Ohio. I am not sure about the alcoholic drinks when you are out. Toojays charged $2.60 for my coke with a yummy entree for about nine dollars. The food at the country clubs is usually less than ten dollars for an entree...except for Nancy Lopez and Arnold Palmer where it is much more and much better of course.
Church on the square offers lovely evenings of musical entertainment for a pittance. (And if you haven't been there, it isn't religious music, they offer the venue)
For those of you contemplating coming here, it is something to think about, retiring in your most profitable age. Most people find their highest wages in the later years of their employment. This economy is certainly still not well.
But back to you and your unhappiness. I truly hate to hear that you are working so hard. This isn't the best place for good paying jobs to be sure. And most of them nearby are in some way related to the maintanance and well being of this communty.
I think I remember that you brought your horse with you. Do you still have him/her? Does he/she like Florida?
Kindest wishes,
Gracie