[patfla06]

We’ve lived in Florida 26 years and this is the hottest Summer I can remember.

Would I ever go back to Long Island - never.

That would depend on if up north was a state that even resembled what I once knew, could recognize and "weather".

Been in FL for 37 yrs from CT, VA, CA. This is the hottest its ever been and is hopefully just a fluke. I wouldn't recognize those states from a whole in the wall.

FL has been very good for my family and has been very consistant and recognizable in spite of the hot weather.

God bless Florida, The Villages, and the 4 Counties now being mass occupied in spite of the weather on earth evolving.

Stay cool, hydrate and don't forget salt.

[Lisuccia]

Originally Posted by VApeople

NO!!!

We moved here from Virginia 7 years ago and have never even thought once about moving back to Virginia.

We also moved here from Virginia 8 years ago and we have no intention of moving back.

[kendi]

Originally Posted by Michael G.

People in TV move to Florida full time from the north for many reasons, family here, mild winters, cheaper taxation, entertainment, etc.

Now reading all the gloom and doom about Florida's summers will only getting hotter, insurance companies leaving the state with raising home and auto rates,

I need to ask:
If given another chance, would you move out of Florida maybe back up north?

Cheers!

Snowflake here. The hot summer has certainly dampened my enthusiasm for becoming a frog. Also has temped us to be more of a snow bird than a snowflake. But healthcare would be my biggest reason for not making TV permanent. When we first bought here thought we’d eventually be frogs.

[Rwirish]

105 Florida temperatures beat falling snow any day. Love the few Christmas Days when it is 80.

Way too cold in TV in the winter.

Would never move back north.

[PersonOfInterest]

Florida and TV has changed in just the five + years we've been here, but probably just as much change everywhere else as well. I think TV still beats the other options. If something we thought was better came along we'd take a look at it and decide then.

[Laker14]

Originally Posted by kendi

Snowflake here. The hot summer has certainly dampened my enthusiasm for becoming a frog. Also has temped us to be more of a snow bird than a snowflake. But healthcare would be my biggest reason for not making TV permanent. When we first bought here thought we’d eventually be frogs.

I need a reminder what the difference is between a snowflake and a snowbird.

We spend mid-May through mid-October in the Finger Lakes of NY State, and the rest of the year in TV. We realize we are very fortunate to be able to do that, but also realize we won't always be able to do that. I'll be 70 in September, and face it, the clock is ticking.

The question that looms large is what will we choose when we can no longer go back and forth, and realistically, unless things become unlivable in TV (which I don't see happening at all, despite the pessimism that abounds in TOTV), our lake home is a converted fish camp, which means stairs, docks, uneven ground, and plenty of opportunities for old people to get hurt.

Our home in TV was well designed for old people. One story, large bathrooms, and a variety of activities that are easily accessed. These activities come in a wide variety of degrees of physical requirements, so that as we age we can seamlessly transition from things like pickleball and golf, to water aerobics, billiards, cards etc.

If we die soon, it's not a problem, but if we live a long time we will unfortunately face the sadness of losing spouses and dear friends. Up north the resources for moving forward from those life changing events are much more limited, and much harder to access then they are in TV. Not a fun conversation to have, but DW and I have had it and we've both come to the conclusion that a place like TV is more suited to that stage of life than our lake home.

It it what it is, it isn't perfect, it isn't "paradise", but it's a darn good place to age out.

[skippy05]

I've lived here my entire life. These temperatures are high but nothing you don't see in cycles over time. Insurance is high. I've never lived up north, but have no desire to do so. FL has changed and not for the better, but it is still ok. Enjoy it while you can.

[Dusty_Star]

Originally Posted by ThirdOfFive

"I need to ask:
If given another chance, would you move out of Florida maybe back up north?"

Nope. Negatory. NWIH, Uh-uh. Ain't gonna happen.

First (and probably foremost) I don't believe most of the negatives. Crime? Where I come from folks walk into big box stores, help themselves and walk out with impunity. Here? Just read a story about some guy who got jailed for shoplifting a battery charger, and electrical cord and a couple of buckets. Back where I come from this isn't even a "crime" any more. Here, it is a headline.

Insurance? I pay less for my home insurance here than back in Minnesota--on a property here worth about 1.5 times as much. Car insurance about the same. Non-issue.

Crowded? Back where I was raised, "next-door neighbor" means two miles down the road. Maybe desirable to some. Me? Nope. Not at this age.

Too hot? Well, it is 5:00 PM now and I just returned from playing 18 holes of golf--walking, not riding in a cart--at about 3:45. Maybe it is "too hot" for folks who let media control their lives. That ain't me. Plenty of water and taking my time--I could play all day. Maybe tomorrow I will.

We're in our third year of residency and TV has either met or exceeded our expectations in every respect. No place is perfect but Florida in general, and TV in particular, surely does beat living in the fourth-highest taxed state in the nation, six months of snow up to my armpits, and feeling the need to carry a pistol every time I left the house.

Ain't goin' back.

I found this table listing the states with the highest overall tax burden, & the good news is Minnesota dropped to #8 in 2023. That doesn't change any of your excellent points, it just points out a few other states have convinced their legistatures to make their states even more expensive than they were.

2023’s Tax Burden by State

[Marmaduke]

Originally Posted by Michael G.

LOL
Great description about Wisconsin.
I lived up there for 75 years, and everything you mention are things that
I miss the most.

One big reason that keeps my wife and I down in Florida is our one and only adopted son.
He is one of a kind and helps us with Dr. appointments, financial help, and is always available 24-7, especially now that my wife has colon cancer.

Our son wants to take us back to Wisconsin one more time, but until my wife
gets her strength back it looks pretty bleak.

You folks are so wonderful to share stories about growing up and coming to age in the Great State of Wisconsin! It sounds so nice to this east coast girl.

I wish all of you the very best. Remember- no one can steal those memories.

[RPDaly]

////

[oldtimes]

Originally Posted by Michael G.

People in TV move to Florida full time from the north for many reasons, family here, mild winters, cheaper taxation, entertainment, etc.

Now reading all the gloom and doom about Florida's summers will only getting hotter, insurance companies leaving the state with raising home and auto rates,

I need to ask:
If given another chance, would you move out of Florida maybe back up north?

Cheers!

We would never move back north. Florida is the best

[sharonl7340]

Originally Posted by Michael G.

LOL
Great description about Wisconsin.
I lived up there for 75 years, and everything you mention are things that
I miss the most.

One big reason that keeps my wife and I down in Florida is our one and only adopted son.
He is one of a kind and helps us with Dr. appointments, financial help, and is always available 24-7, especially now that my wife has colon cancer.

Our son wants to take us back to Wisconsin one more time, but until my wife
gets her strength back it looks pretty bleak.

Not being catty or snarky: but why describe your son as "adopted" in the second paragraph? Isn't he just your son? It sounds like it in the next sentences you write, so why did you qualify it to begin with that he is adopted? Does it matter, why should strangers know or care? Just asking...I am truly curious.

[JGibson]

No way

[sallyg]

Yup.