[vintageogauge]

Originally Posted by Dond1959

I love these types of posts. There are also numerous articles about people moving away from Florida. I am a numbers guy and every year the numbers tell me there are a lot more people coming to the state than leaving. When that reverses then we can talk.

Very true and the traffic confirms it.

[arbajeda]

To those who claim the there's an exodus, please provide links to these stories. Certainly, there are those who came here expecting something but found it isn't for them. But just looking at the pace of homes being built will tell anyone that the newcomers far outnumber those leaving.

[coconutmama]

4 couples we are friends with have moved out of TV in the last 2 years to AR, NC, TN & OH. 3 of the 4 to be closer to family. One because of the expense & overcrowding. But the majority of our friends plan to stay until they can no longer golf.

However all the recent overbuilding is causing a lot of negative chatter. Traffic is an issue along with short term rentals

[ThirdOfFive]

Originally Posted by arbajeda

To those who claim the there's an exodus, please provide links to these stories. Certainly, there are those who came here expecting something but found it isn't for them. But just looking at the pace of homes being built will tell anyone that the newcomers far outnumber those leaving.

Very true.

Checking net migration numbers, Florida is far and away on top for total net migration (inflow minus outflow) for the most recent two years of data, at (+) 818,762. Texas is a rather distant second at 656,220 followed by North Carolina at 310,189, South Carolina at 248,055 and Arizona at 218,247. Florida also ranks high in net migration per 1000 people for that time period at 28.90, though this number may be misleading in that some of the states ahead of Florida (Idaho at 48.20, Montana at 36.01, for example), are really vast nearly empty places and living where your next-door neighbor might be five miles away and cutting enough firewood to heat your house during a brutally cold winter is attractive to some people (it was to me, until I realized that no matter how able I was to do such things 40 years ago, a septuagenarian body just wouldn't allow such a life style any more). Florida is far more conducive to a retiree lifestyle than living in a hut on the eastern foothills of the Rocky Mountains would be, regardless of the grand vistas and crystal-clear air.

Bottom line: there IS NO exodus from Florida, though there are some folks who I think dearly want people to believe that there is. Why, I don't know, other than the very obvious fact that bad news always has more shock value, and therefore more legs, than good news.

[Shelbyh]

Originally Posted by justjim

Recently I have read several articles about Retirees moving from Florida to other States. Some even going to States like Delaware, New York, Michigan, Tennessee, Kentucky and even midwestern states like Iowa, Indiana, Illinois and Missouri. Some of this information on Facebook and other social media sites. Realtor.com just posted an interesting article on this topic “America’s Most Popular State For Retirement is Losing Its Edge”. Retirement states most popular to move to are the Carolina’s and Georgia.

Primary reasons for leaving the sunshine state: Too hot and humid, hurricanes, too crowded, cost of living, especially housing, insurance skyrocketing, etc. The fact there is no state Income tax didn’t seem a good reason to stay because many pensions not taxed anyway.

We recently had good friends (compared housing cost) and they chose North Carolina over Florida. They had visited The Villages a couple of times. Is Florida losing its edge? You can’t back a“yes”using statistics.

The Villages are selling a 1000 homes (new/resale) a month. Doesn’t sound like retirees are moving out. That doesn’t even include MLS listings.
Yes I think it’s a bit pricey here but overall you get a lot for your money.

[opinionist]

People move out to be with family when they can no longer care for themselves. TV offers many ways to stay healthy, but many people make unhealthy choices.

[vintageogauge]

We are moving back north. Reasons: #1 Health & nearness to family, #2 Quality medical care, #3 heat and humidity, #4 winter season traffic, and #5 winter crowds. We enjoyed our time living here full time but things have changed over the years and feel it's now time to go and will leave a nice home for our replacement.

[ThirdOfFive]

Originally Posted by vintageogauge

We are moving back north. Reasons: #1 Health & nearness to family, #2 Quality medical care, #3 heat and humidity, #4 winter season traffic, and #5 winter crowds. We enjoyed our time living here full time but things have changed over the years and feel it's now time to go and will leave a nice home for our replacement.

Certainly all valid reasons. Florida in general and TV in particular is not heaven: Florida has large crowds and nuts traffic all year round but it is particularly heavy and irritating during high 'bird season, and medical care can be a roll of the dice. We've made our adjustments and absolutely love it here now and for the foreseeable future, but the possibility of a change that severely impacts our abilities to live here independently could certainly dictate a move in the future.

[airstreamingypsy]

Originally Posted by Teed_Off

I’m glad I moved here and so are the many friends I’ve made. If you’re not happy here then I’ll be glad to see the door hit your rear on the way to your new home and naysayers be gone 😄

Comments like this are why I'm sorry I moved here.

[vintageogauge]

Originally Posted by airstreamingypsy

Comments like this are why I'm sorry I moved here.

Agree, the people that post replies such as theirs are also most likely those that don't pay attention to their deed restrictions and don't pick up their dog poop. There are always a few bad apples in every bushel.

[ThirdOfFive]

Originally Posted by airstreamingypsy

Comments like this are why I'm sorry I moved here.

You'll find keyboard warriors wherever, and TV is certainly no exception. I've long ago come to the realization that these purveyors of sour grapes are representative of only a minuscule portion of Villagers, and the possibility (probability?) that many of the aforesaid warriors don't even live here is significant. You can be anywhere in the world and still be a regular poster here.

[MX rider]

Originally Posted by ThirdOfFive

You'll find keyboard warriors wherever, and TV is certainly no exception. I've long ago come to the realization that these purveyors of sour grapes are representative of only a minuscule portion of Villagers, and the possibility (probability?) that many of the aforesaid warriors don't even live here is significant. You can be anywhere in the world and still be a regular poster here.

Exactly right!!
We were snowbirds for the first time last winter and loved TV. We had owned our home for almost 2 years. When we got back to Indiana in May, it took about 3 weeks and we were both bored and wanting to go back.
June 16th we went back for a month.

Since then we put our home here up for sale and will be full timers in October. TV isn't perfect, but to us it's close, and it's a great place to retire especially if you're active. So much fun to be had there.

But as with all places, it's not a good fit for everybody.
Great thing is there's a happy place for everyone, you just have to find it.

[bshuler]

Concerning property taxes, I was shocked to see Florida does not collect property taxes on Automobiles. If you have newer vehicles that would offset the “shocking” property taxes in Florida.

In my case
Florida Home Property Tax equals (Missouri Home Property Tax + Missouri Automobile Property Tax)

[Switter]

Originally Posted by justjim

Recently I have read several articles about Retirees moving from Florida to other States. Some even going to States like Delaware, New York, Michigan, Tennessee, Kentucky and even midwestern states like Iowa, Indiana, Illinois and Missouri. Some of this information on Facebook and other social media sites. Realtor.com just posted an interesting article on this topic “America’s Most Popular State For Retirement is Losing Its Edge”. Retirement states most popular to move to are the Carolina’s and Georgia.

Primary reasons for leaving the sunshine state: Too hot and humid, hurricanes, too crowded, cost of living, especially housing, insurance skyrocketing, etc. The fact there is no state Income tax didn’t seem a good reason to stay because many pensions not taxed anyway.

We recently had good friends (compared housing cost) and they chose North Carolina over Florida. They had visited The Villages a couple of times. Is Florida losing its edge? You can’t back a“yes”using statistics.

I apologize for the length of this in advance, lol.

I moved here from Minnesota last July so I've been here a year now. The newness has worn off now and I have a more reasonable assessment.

First, I am still employed. I am a remote worker who is employed in Minnesota. I wasn't planning on living in the villages, only rented an Airbnb to scout out the area. I bought in The villages because it's beautiful and had all of the amenities, especially the pools which was the most important for me.

The reason I initially chose Florida is because my stepdaughter and her husband were moving down here for a job (so I'd have family close by) and because I absolutely hate the cold. Weatherwise, I love the heat and tolerate the humidity. I'd prefer a dryer climate but the cost-of-living on the West Coast is way too high, so this is second best.

Compared to Minnesota, the cost-of-living here is relatively close with the exception of me not having to pay a state income tax. Last year, when I was still living in Minnesota part of the year, I paid $5600 in state income tax. This year I will be able to file as exempt so I won't have to pay that at all. It's roughly the same amount as I am paying for property taxes here, so that will be a huge net plus for me of over $450 a month. The sales tax down here is slightly less but up in Minnesota we don't pay sales tax on food or clothing, so it's probably a net wash.

As for property taxes, they are about the same between the two places. However, I felt like I got more for my money in Minnesota.

My homeowners insurance here is slightly more than in Minnesota but not terrible. I am not worried about hurricanes since we are so far inland, more worried about lightning. In Minnesota, hail was the bigger problem. I had to replace two roofs because of it.

As for the general area outside of the villages, I am not very impressed. There is a kind of dumpiness to it. It also seems to be haphazard, like they have loose zoning laws. That can be good or bad depending on your viewpoint. I drove from the villages down to Key West, back up through Cape Coral and then home again with a buddy who is visiting. I have also been over to Flagler Beach in Palm Coast. I really liked Flagler Beach and Key West was cool, but the rest of the areas didn't do anything for me. We stayed in Cape Coral for four days. It is very crowded down there and again seems real haphazard, like there's no real effort in planning.

Minnesota is a very bike friendly state and I am an avid biker. You can go almost anywhere by bike. Florida, not so much. it does sound like Florida is trying to improve that with the rails to trails initiative but they're still quite a bit behind. I realize that is not super important to everyone but it is to me.

Minnesota also had top-notch healthcare, something that will become increasingly important for me. I'm not sure about Florida since I don't really use it right now.

Not to make this political but it can be a factor for some. Florida respects gun ownership and is conservative. Those are both pluses for me although the political leanings of a state don't "necessarily" dictate where I live.

Now for the villages proper. It is a beautiful place. The entire grounds are very well kept. The amenities are incredible. I am also an avid swimmer and for that, the villages is second to none.

There are hundreds of miles of multimodal paths for biking. The only downside is the risk associated with golf carts (and what look to me to be smart cars). I've had a couple close calls, mostly from people not paying attention. I get a general sense that people feel a golf cart doesn't require the same level of attentiveness as a car. I have seen kids who are way too young driving them, many people holding their pets on their lap while driving, and people passing me on blind corners just to name a few. I am surprised that there aren't more accidents. I still enjoy riding them but I am very much a defensive driver.

If it wasn't for the villages, I would have rented here for a year and researched other states. I still might consider someplace else. I am currently fixing up the place I am living in now and at some point I may decide to sell and move to a cheaper state like Georgia or the Carolinas.

The bottom line for me is that Florida is cheaper only because I don't pay a state income tax.

[CybrSage]

[QUOTE=justjim;2363633Is Florida losing its edge? You can’t back a“yes”using statistics.[/QUOTE]

A yes cannot be supported with facts? Why bother asking if you only want answered not supported by facts?