[merrymini]

Sure, the cheapest state in the US to live in may be West Virginia. It also is the most unhealthy state, has the worst health care and the highest obesity rate in the country. But, if living cheap is your objection, you can choose any state at the bottom the list to move to. Bye bye.

[Robojo]

Originally Posted by justjim

While waiting for a doctor appointment (I was a bit early) I picked up a magazine I believe was called “retirement”life”. The Article was called “8 shocking reasons retirees are fleeing Florida”. Briefly as I remember:
1. Insurance too expensive. Florida homeowners is well above the national average.
2. Rise in HOA fees.
3. Unavailable affordable housing for retirees.
4. Overdevelopment and loss of small-town appeal.
5. Higher Utility bills.
6 . Extreme weather conditions
7. Groceries cost above national averages.
8. Quality and lack of adequate
Healthcare.

According to this article a subtle yet significant shift is changing peoples minds regarding the Sunshine State as a destination for the ultimate retirement paradise it once was. I found the article interesting “opinion” more than factual with no empirical data to backup the opinions. Florida continues to grow in population each year as shown by the data I’ve seen. It’s certainly true (growth) with regard to The Villages. Maybe Florida isn’t paradise but the fact is it probably never was.

We have been in TV going on 18 years and can identify with overdevelopment, higher insurance costs and the loss of small-town appeal. Yes, groceries are more costly but isn’t that true elsewhere? - its called inflation! Finally, there are healthcare issues here but the shortage of Doctors, Nurses and health facilities are not just a Florida issue it’s nationwide. Fore!

I'm leaving for all of them except 2. Add the entitled asshats that make daily life a challenge. I'm one of those in late 50s in the south. THE SOUTH SUCKS.

[Kenswing]

Originally Posted by Robojo

I'm leaving for all of them except 2. Add the entitled asshats that make daily life a challenge. I'm one of those in late 50s in the south. THE SOUTH SUCKS.

That’s great. You’re doing the right thing. I wish all the others that don’t like it here would do the same. Why live in a place where you can’t find happiness? I hope you’re able to find it at your next stop.

[kendi]

Originally Posted by justjim

While waiting for a doctor appointment (I was a bit early) I picked up a magazine I believe was called “retirement”life”. The Article was called “8 shocking reasons retirees are fleeing Florida”. Briefly as I remember:
1. Insurance too expensive. Florida homeowners is well above the national average.
2. Rise in HOA fees.
3. Unavailable affordable housing for retirees.
4. Overdevelopment and loss of small-town appeal.
5. Higher Utility bills.
6 . Extreme weather conditions
7. Groceries cost above national averages.
8. Quality and lack of adequate
Healthcare.

According to this article a subtle yet significant shift is changing peoples minds regarding the Sunshine State as a destination for the ultimate retirement paradise it once was. I found the article interesting “opinion” more than factual with no empirical data to backup the opinions. Florida continues to grow in population each year as shown by the data I’ve seen. It’s certainly true (growth) with regard to The Villages. Maybe Florida isn’t paradise but the fact is it probably never was.

We have been in TV going on 18 years and can identify with overdevelopment, higher insurance costs and the loss of small-town appeal. Yes, groceries are more costly but isn’t that true elsewhere? - its called inflation! Finally, there are healthcare issues here but the shortage of Doctors, Nurses and health facilities are not just a Florida issue it’s nationwide. Fore!

Florida Healthcare issues are not only due to shortages. Our Northern home has shortages but still has a much higher quality and reliability of healthcare than in Florida. Florida healthcare is quite frightening IMO. I’ve seen what they’ve done to my neighbors.

And concerning groceries, cheaper up North than in TV.

[coleprice]

We love it here in the North end of The Villages. We couldn't be happier!!!

[kendi]

Originally Posted by Pugchief

I'm sure it varies by state as well as county. My point was that for the article to say that FL automatically has higher insurance rates is ridiculous.

Actually they do have higher rates. We switched our car ins to our Northern state for that specific reason. Switched the title from husband to myself since I’m still a resident up North.

[dewilson58]

Originally Posted by kendi

Actually they do have higher rates. We switched our car ins to our Northern state for that specific reason. Switched the title from husband to myself since I’m still a resident up North.

Be careful, it's where your car is garaged.

[tophcfa]

Originally Posted by dewilson58

Be careful, it's where your car is garaged.

Primarily garaged. Difficult to argue against where you claim, unless you have a newer car with some kind of tracking mechanism built into it.

[dewilson58]

Originally Posted by tophcfa

Primarily garaged. Difficult to argue against where you claim, unless you have a newer car with some kind of tracking mechanism built into it.

Agree with "primarily".

But, if you have a Florida accident/claim and it's listed as garaged up North.......the company will start asking questions and if you keep lying, it turns into insurance fraud. Ouch.

[MidWestIA]

Something I wonder about The Villages is will the next generation want to come down and live with old people to play golf, pickleball and hear 60-70s music at the squares? Otherwise there will start to be empty houses in the older sections.

[bopat]

You know you don't need to get a magazine or click on a click-bait link for those "top-n" lists, you can generate them youself with chatgpt or google gemini,

Here's a good one from google gemini:
> give me a top 5 list of reasons why top 5 lists are fake


Top 5 Reasons Why Top 5 Lists Are Fake (or at Least Questionable)
1. Subjectivity Reigns Supreme
Top 5 lists are inherently subjective. What's number one for one person might be number five for another. Without concrete, measurable criteria, these lists often reflect the opinion of one person or a small group, not objective truth.

2. Clickbait Central
Many top 5 lists are designed to attract clicks rather than provide genuinely valuable information. Sensational headlines and provocative content often take precedence over accuracy and depth.

3. Oversimplification is the Norm
Complex issues are reduced to five simple points. This simplification often leads to overgeneralizations and a lack of nuance.

4. Lack of Rigorous Research
While some lists are backed by data and extensive research, many are based on anecdotal evidence, personal opinions, or even guesswork.

5. Potential for Bias
List creators may have personal or financial incentives to include or exclude certain items. This bias can skew the list and undermine its credibility.

[Markus]

Originally Posted by dewilson58

Florida jus passed 23,000,000 people.

Thank God there are eight reasons for some to leave, it would be too crowded.

40% of Florida is undeveloped still.

[Stu from NYC]

Originally Posted by Markus

40% of Florida is undeveloped still.

Yes but limiting factor ultimately will be water

[justjim]

Originally Posted by Stu from NYC

Yes but limiting factor ultimately will be water

About 40 years ago my plane landed in Phoenix, Arizona. I picked up the local paper and the headlines and article was all about the water shortage in “The Valley of the Sun”. The development had to stop. Well, you know the rest of the story…

[Bealman]

Thank God we live in a freeish country to allow us to live where you can!