[bopat]

Originally Posted by Coop63

For any of you who have lived through a few Florida summers, and northern winters (e.g. Michigan), how does it compare? Is it as grueling, do you get use to it, or make every attempt to escape north during the summer month?

This is my biggest concern moving to the TV. I have owned 2 properties in the past and not something I really want to do at this point in my life. I don't mind the snow, just the gray and lack of sun.

Last summer was our first summer in TV, and from what I understand it was one of the hotter summers. Compared to winters up north, it was a lot nicer in TV. Adjusted our schedule so we were indoors or at the pool during the early afternoon. As I get older I find I'm more tolerant of heat, less tolerant of cold.

But everyone is different. My advice to you is to rent for a month or two in the summer and see for yourself. Rates would be lowest of the year and you'll be able to see how you like it.

[Shipping up to Boston]

Originally Posted by Dusty_Star

There are hurricanes & tornados in the northern parts.

Of course their are...but isolated at best. FL... All of FL is under constant threat from now til November. Every year. Is what it is

[Joe C.]

When it comes to the seasons, I will take the northern winter months over the Florida summer. I don't mind the cold .....even when way below zero. The cold and snow has never kept me from going outside. And when going inside, there's nothing like a good fire going in the woodstove. Ooooooh, the comforting warmth and smell......
The only thing I dislike about northern winters is the salt/brine that they cover the roads with that end up all over the car.
Florida summers are a bit tough ..... the heat and humidity make it a little tough to breathe. But indoors, the air conditioning keeps one indoors more than outside.

I love the snow. The more snow, the better. I love to drive in it and play in and on it.

[opinionist]

I can tolerate heat better than cold so my choice is heat with no regrets. The trick is to get out in the early morning during the summer. I have also played golf in the worst of the summer heat and the trick is to stay hydrated. The hazards of travel in ice and snow are not something that I want to deal with. I would prefer heat rather than cold with the occasional loss of power.

[PompeyKing]

We moved down from the Syracuse area. When it's 5 below and the snow is blowing, we just stayed in the house with the wood stove going full blast. So being in the house in the winter was common.
Here (at least for me) when you wake up and it's 88º and the humidity is high, I don't go outside. I don't play golf (although my husband will) and I don't ride my bike (although my husband will). So the summer here and the winter up there, the house was my refuge!!
So.. it depends on your comfort level!!

[Sandy and Ed]

Originally Posted by Aces4

In all honestly, I would rent in a warmer area whether it be TV's or not and break up the winter cold that way. If you find that you absolutely love a certain area after 4-5 years, then considering moving. It's surprising how the shine wears off of something you thought you'd love forever and Florida summers are ridiculously hot.

Amen. The novelty of paradise does wear off but if you want to maintain only one property , come on down! I moved down from PA (originally from NYC) with my wife (originally from Maine). There is period to become acclimatized in the summer but swimming pools, air conditioned homes, cars and stores help.

[Aces4]

[QUOTE=tophcfa;2313751]Like when a nor’easter hits up north?


We never suffered a nor’easter in the Midwest. Apples and oranges…

You are missing the point. As I stated earlier, some people love Florida heat, some don’t. And when one doesn’t, it’s a tough pill to swallow. That isn’t taking anything away from those who love it. Declaring a Florida summer is the same as an up north summer, however, is ridiculous.

That’s the reason for the rent suggestion. Try before you buy and determine if it’s your cup of tea, OP.

[Drakeswood]

We now live in Hawaii but summer in TV (grandkids nearby) after 26 years in Oklahoma. Summers in TV do not compare to the OK summer much less the ice storms of winter. However, each to his own!

[Aces4]

Originally Posted by paulajr

We have lived here full time for over 10 years. Every day we say that we can’t WAIT until summer. Less traffic, less people, more time to “play”. We golf almost every afternoon (less crowded and less expensive), spend time in our pool..and enjoy..
The Florida heat is not “murder”!

For some it is…

[Just jimmy]

Originally Posted by Coop63

For any of you who have lived through a few Florida summers, and northern winters (e.g. Michigan), how does it compare? Is it as grueling, do you get use to it, or make every attempt to escape north during the summer month?

This is my biggest concern moving to the TV. I have owned 2 properties in the past and not something I really want to do at this point in my life. I don't mind the snow, just the gray and lack of sun.

We have been full time here for six years. Came from Philadelphia area. It was just as hot in July and august there as it is here. We have pools and ac here. What’s the big deal. Exercise early in the day or later at night. People are going to complain no matter what the question is.

[Aces4]

Originally Posted by stone8735

You don't have to shovel heat

And you won’t have a heatstroke shoveling snow..

[Robojo]

Originally Posted by Coop63

For any of you who have lived through a few Florida summers, and northern winters (e.g. Michigan), how does it compare? Is it as grueling, do you get use to it, or make every attempt to escape north during the summer month?

This is my biggest concern moving to the TV. I have owned 2 properties in the past and not something I really want to do at this point in my life. I don't mind the snow, just the gray and lack of sun.

Its been my personal experience that the summers in Florida are really no different than NJ or NC except that it lasts longer. Hot n sticky. I like it in fl but not in those other states go figure.

[Robojo]

Originally Posted by Cliff Fr

Every regions weather has its own advantages and disadvantages. If I were able to financially I would have a mountain house in Tennessee to go to a few months in the summer

Haha we should talk. I'd like to spend my winters in a tennesee mtn house and my spring and summer in florida.

[Karmanng]

Originally Posted by Aces4

But the value is corrupted. We have friends who live full-time in Florida and they all say the summer heat in murder. At least when it is cold, people can go out during the daytime and don't have to stay housebound. I'm only suggesting the OP consider the downside of full-time Florida living when he could alter his schedule to have it all.

IF florida is that bad then you all need to try ARizona in the dead heat of 118 plus for days on end! Oh ya its a dry heat sure HOT IS HOT I have been here for 122........degrees that is......not days ! It truly is living in hell.........

[Lea N]

Originally Posted by Coop63

For any of you who have lived through a few Florida summers, and northern winters (e.g. Michigan), how does it compare? Is it as grueling, do you get use to it, or make every attempt to escape north during the summer month?

This is my biggest concern moving to the TV. I have owned 2 properties in the past and not something I really want to do at this point in my life. I don't mind the snow, just the gray and lack of sun.

I suppose either extreme takes some getting used to and everyone is different. I'm originally from CT. When we moved to FL in 96' the heat of SE FL was very hard for me to get used to. My husband on the other hand adjusted quickly but he always adjusted to the cold up north easily too. My husband used to love, love, love to do yard work. It didn't matter to him how hot it was even when we first moved here. He'd get so involved with making the yard look nice he didn't notice how hot it was. I would run water out to him and stay in the A/C house.
It took me about 10 years to get used to the hot summers. I weighed more then too and believe that made it a bit harder. Now after 28 years in FL the cold is harder for me to tolerate than the heat.

Someone suggested renting for a summer, that's a good idea.