Semi O.T.: Hey, Floridians -- Got Tips for a Newbie?

[tomcat]

So I am retiring next month and even now we are preparing to put our place on the market. Once it sells, we're off to Florida. I'm an ocean person, which is something in short supply here in Arizona, so we're trading an oven for a steambath so I can get lots of beach time.

I know there are at least a few BYers who live in Florida, so I'm hoping to take advantage of that braintrust for information/advice on stuff that people don't often think about but that can be important to someone living there for the first time. BY way of background, we have done a lot of vacationing in Florida and we recognize that living there full-time is quite different. I'd also like to know if BYers tend to get together at UCONN WBB games at SFU, CFU and (apparently this year) FSU.

So any kind of advice beyond the obvious -- "watch out for hurricanes" -- is more than welcome. We will be living on the Fort Pierce/Vero Breach line.

 

[johnnyc]

Have you considered South Carolina? Lots of coastline and ex Floridians. They call them half backers. Moved to Florida from the north, did not work out so they ended up in SC. But I guess that wouldn't apply to you as you are coming from the west.

I do have family in Florida and they are all near the beach and love it.

 

[JordyG]

So I am retiring next month and even now we are preparing to put our place on the market. Once it sells, we're off to Florida. I'm an ocean person, which is something in short supply here in Arizona, so we're trading an oven for a steambath so I can get lots of beach time.

I know there are at least a few BYers who live in Florida, so I'm hoping to take advantage of that braintrust for information/advice on stuff that people don't often think about but that can be important to someone living there for the first time. BY way of background, we have done a lot of vacationing in Florida and we recognize that living there full-time is quite different. I'd also like to know if BYers tend to get together at UCONN WBB games at SFU, CFU and (apparently this year) FSU.

So any kind of advice beyond the obvious -- "watch out for hurricanes" -- is more than welcome. We will be living on the Fort Pierce/Vero Breach line.

Wherever you decide to reside part of me is happy to see another retiree. I'm hoping you and your spouse enjoy your retirement as much as I am.

 

[tomcat]

Have you considered South Carolina? Lots of coastline and ex Floridians. They call them half backers. Moved to Florida from the north, did not work out so they ended up in SC. But I guess that wouldn't apply to you as you are coming from the west.

I do have family in Florida and they are all near the beach and love it.

We thought about lots of places, and I am a huge fan of Charleston, but the SC coast seems even more prone to hurricane damage than some parts of FL. I guess if I loved there after Florida, I would be a "half upper." Now, I am not crazy enough or rich enough to live on the water but I wanted my beach to be no more than 10 miles from the house, and I managed that. I also like the fact that I can get in the ocean 10 months of the year. Fort Pierce Inlet State Park is nothing special by Florida standards, just another state park on the water, but it's clean, not crowded, not bordered by high rises, and in one week there I saw manatees, porpoises, pelicans, herons, and birds diving for fish in the water no more than 6 feet away from us. That's not to say you cannot get those features elsewhere. It's just that I had not expected to find a beach like that so close to where we will be living.

 

[tomcat]

Wherever you decide to reside part of me is happy to see another retiree. I'm hoping you and your spouse enjoy your retirement as much as I am.

Thank you for the kind words. I plan to work some if I can find something interesting to do, but I love the idea of relaxing and doing things at a different pace.

 

[FedupFred]

1. Make sure you buy a pool home. With a solar heater, we use ours 9 months out of the year. Housing prices are LOW.
2. Taxes are really low- no income tax and property taxes are less than 1%.
3. First time car registration runs $450; after that, it's $55 a year.

 

[GregP]

1. Make sure you buy a pool home. With a solar heater, we use ours 9 months out of the year. Housing prices are LOW.
2. Taxes are really low- no income tax and property taxes are less than 1%.
3. First time car registration runs $450; after that, it's $55 a year.

I might add to that a min. savings of $10,00.00 a year in total taxes. That is a lot of pocket change to spend as you see fit!

 

[GregP]

I am a mountains / Backpacking guy so FL has really nothing for me as far as that goes. So 2 three times a year I go north to the mountains.

You will NOT find a state with better state parks, they are outstanding. Nov - May is snowbird time so places get real crowed. You are trading running from one heated environment to another for running from one AC environment to another.

Good luck on selling your house!!! I took a big hit just to get out. Pretty big CT club here in Thr Villages, not to mention the "UConn Sports Club" which has trips to a lot of games and guest speakers. Ah but no Ocean.

 

[BobbyJ]

We thought about lots of places, and I am a huge fan of Charleston, but the SC coast seems even more prone to hurricane damage than some parts of FL. I guess if I loved there after Florida, I would be a "half upper." Now, I am not crazy enough or rich enough to live on the water but I wanted my beach to be no more than 10 miles from the house, and I managed that. I also like the fact that I can get in the ocean 10 months of the year. Fort Pierce Inlet State Park is nothing special by Florida standards, just another state park on the water, but it's clean, not crowded, not bordered by high rises, and in one week there I saw manatees, porpoises, pelicans, herons, and birds diving for fish in the water no more than 6 feet away from us. That's not to say you cannot get those features elsewhere. It's just that I had not expected to find a beach like that so close to where we will be living.

Did you consider SW Gulf coast? Much less hectic, very few high-rises outside of Tampa, and the beaches from April to Dec. are a lot less crowded.

 

[Storrsbred]

Seriously, go far enough south in FL until you don't see any more "bridge freezes before road" signs.
Also, make sure the county you move to is well run fiscally. On the east coast, Martin county is one of the best.
Also make sure there is an adaquate fresh water supply. FL has a fair amount of aquifers that have significant problems. Lots of sinkholes, more toward the middle of the state.
Wherever you decide upon, have a long, healthy retirement.

 

[Roger G]

A pool is key. It's great for cooling down when it gets too hot. There are lots of bugs. Fire ants and cockroaches are a fact of life. And topographically there isn't much to look at. Nothing like the spectacular geological features of Arizona. That said, I'm enjoying living here. I hate the long winter up North and love the brightness and slightly longer days. I am fairly near the water, but don't get to the beach nearly as much as I thought I would.

 

[huskeynut]

Tomcat - our house is on the market here in CT, 16 months now. We retired a couple of years ago after 30+ years in education for both of us. We're looking to Central Florida. The wife and I are not beach people. Besides, with the kids and grandkids come down, they can stay with us and still see all the Disney attractions. They are looking forward to that one!

We are looking seriously at 3 or 4 55+ communities. We have been down to Florida twice to check them out. Some real nice properties at reasonable prices. One major requirement for us is our own pool or the ability to have a pool put in.

As Gregp mentioned, we re going to take a good size hit on selling our house. Market up here is absolutely terrible. The name of the game is drop the price till someone offers. Last price drop has got us 16 showings in 17 days. But once sold, we will be fine with no more state income tax, high property taxes and the like.

Best of luck in your retirement and house search. Enjoy the Journey.

 

[reno tony]

The Villages is the largest Senior living area in the country. You must be 55 years old to own there. Not sure how they police that, but that's what they say. It is absolutely wonderful if you have an active lifestyle. Plenty of golf, live music almost every evening, can use a golf cart to get almost anywhere, farmer's market, movie theater, etc. We go there to the theater and some of the restaurants. The whole area is absolutely spotless. There is a VA medical center if you are a Veteran. If I liked Florida I would love to live there. Check them out at this website: The Villages - Florida's Friendliest Retirement Hometown - New Home Sales, Home Resales, Build Your Dream Home, Brownwood Paddock Square

 

[huskeynut]

The Villages is the largest Senior living area in the country. You must be 55 years old to own there. Not sure how they police that, but that's what they say. It is absolutely wonderful if you have an active lifestyle. Plenty of golf, live music almost every evening, can use a golf cart to get almost anywhere, farmer's market, movie theater, etc. We go there to the theater and some of the restaurants. The whole area is absolutely spotless. There is a VA medical center if you are a Veteran. If I liked Florida I would love to live there. Check them out at this website: The Villages - Florida's Friendliest Retirement Hometown - New Home Sales, Home Resales, Build Your Dream Home, Brownwood Paddock Square

Reno - while over 100,000 people live in the Villages, and its the 14th largest "city" in Florida, its not for everyone.

My wife and I did a stay there almost two years ago when we started our search. Yes, a lot of entertainment with their village centers. Yes, everything you would need to live is contained within the community. But there are some major drawbacks. The developers own everything - so to speak. They control the TV station, radio station and news outlet. Of course, their bank is available to finance your home. Read "Leisureville: Adventures in a World without Children" by Andrew Belchman.

Right after we came back from our Villages visit, headlines were the major sinkhole problems in the Villages. The aquifers underr the area are drying up and eventually the sinkholes appear.

For us, we found 4 communities, 55+, in Cnetral Florida that meet our desires.

Just some food for thought.

 

[Adesmar123]

So I am retiring next month and even now we are preparing to put our place on the market. Once it sells, we're off to Florida. I'm an ocean person, which is something in short supply here in Arizona, so we're trading an oven for a steambath so I can get lots of beach time.

I know there are at least a few BYers who live in Florida, so I'm hoping to take advantage of that braintrust for information/advice on stuff that people don't often think about but that can be important to someone living there for the first time. BY way of background, we have done a lot of vacationing in Florida and we recognize that living there full-time is quite different. I'd also like to know if BYers tend to get together at UCONN WBB games at SFU, CFU and (apparently this year) FSU.

So any kind of advice beyond the obvious -- "watch out for hurricanes" -- is more than welcome. We will be living on the Fort Pierce/Vero Breach line.

As a former snowbirder, your first choice of east coast was a good one. You'll love the area. Gulf coast is wine on the beach, Atlantic coast is beer on the beach.

Make sure you get to Cape Kennedy for a rocket launch. Watch it from Jetty Park. Take the Victory casino cruise trip for the afternoon. Brunch, sunshine and a little gambling ( paid for by the casino). Be ready for lots of friendliness and good people. Everyone seems to get along down there. Go see dog surfing in Cocoa Beach.

Get the homestead exemption. Check the State website for information you will need. Its not that easy. Register to vote in the Florida Pirate Party.

Be ready, things get done much more efficiently than in CT. - car registrations etc.Go to the beach in the afternoon when it gets hot. Everyone s gone but its still warm and sunny. Shop BOGO's at Publix.

House vs condo - condo really is easier for maintenance but there is a really good chance you will be governed by idiots. But I guess that's true up here though too.

We lived in Cocoa Beach - maybe 20 minutes from Vero Beach. Live near the beach, its not that much more expensive and its has its perks.

Anything else, ask away.......

B y the way we are back up here after having 4 grandchildren in 2 years.

 

[vtcwbuff]

I had friends from San Diego that sold their home and retired to south central Florida where the wife had family. The difference in home prices between FL and San Diego allowed them to buy up significantly. They lived in Florida for 2 years and decided to move back to San Diego. They couldn't stand Florida. They took a real beating and the home they could now afford in San Diego is probably 1/4 the size of the house in Florida.

On the other hand we have friends that retired a couple of years ago and they bought in the Villages and they love it. They are golfers and I think they play nearly every day. We spent a week with them last fall. IMO nice place to visit but I would not want to live there, We just got back from a week at Disney. The Orlando area is another place I would avoid like the plague. I need terrain and seasons and freedom from overcrowding, mega roaches and oppressive humidity. I think the only place in Florida that I would consider is the Keys. I lived there for 4 years and it's high on my list of best places ever. If you are an ocean person there is no equal in North America. Great boating, fishing and diving.

 

[Teacherdeb]

After perusing a number of places in Florida over many years, I discovered Seabrook Island SC. I bought a 1300 square ft free standing condo there last year, and it is a wonderful place to live. 30 minutes south of Charleston, 2 hours north of Savannah, the area has great history, fabulous food and the verdant beauty of the low country. I live in what amounts to a nature preserve- 10 minutes to our private beach and serene marshes around me. Great community with lots of activities as well. I am very happy here. It is affordable and SC has some tax advantages. If you're interested, you might want to start out renting using VRBO- that would go for anywhere you may be considering. Went to the game vs. South Carolina- 2 hours away as well.

 

[reno tony]

Reno - while over 100,000 people live in the Villages, and its the 14th largest "city" in Florida, its not for everyone.

My wife and I did a stay there almost two years ago when we started our search. Yes, a lot of entertainment with their village centers. Yes, everything you would need to live is contained within the community. But there are some major drawbacks. The developers own everything - so to speak. They control the TV station, radio station and news outlet. Of course, their bank is available to finance your home. Read "Leisureville: Adventures in a World without Children" by Andrew Belchman.

Right after we came back from our Villages visit, headlines were the major sinkhole problems in the Villages. The aquifers underr the area are drying up and eventually the sinkholes appear.

For us, we found 4 communities, 55+, in Cnetral Florida that meet our desires.

Just some food for thought.

I have heard the same, that the original developers/family do have a pretty tight grip on what goes on there. And that might be great or not, depending on what is important in your life. As far as the sink holes.... welcome to Florida.

 

[tomcat]

Seriously, go far enough south in FL until you don't see any more "bridge freezes before road" signs.
Also, make sure the county you move to is well run fiscally. On the east coast, Martin county is one of the best.
Also make sure there is an adaquate fresh water supply. FL has a fair amount of aquifers that have significant problems. Lots of sinkholes, more toward the middle of the state.
Wherever you decide upon, have a long, healthy retirement.

I should have included more specific information: We made the choice of locale -- Treasure Coast -- a couple of years ago and the specific 55+ park last year. The governing factor was where we could go with our three small dogs and four cats. My wife and I disagree on lots of things, but one thing we absolutely agree on is that any place that would restrict our ability to have those pets (we're not talking vicious dogs here, which is a completely different subject) is no place where we wanted to live. This place only cared if we had big dogs, which we do not, and says nothing about indoor cats. While we do not have our own pool, which I will miss, the development has two pools, two whirlpools, an "executive" golf course and lots of other amenities, including its own water system. We are going to be in Fort Pierce, right on the Vero Beach border, so it's St. Lucie County, which also seems to be well-run.

Sinkholes were a big concern for my wife, so I created a county-by-county map of Florida with the number of sinkholes that have been reported in each county. I color-coded them and overlaid it with a county by county map of hurricane strikes. Then I created a map with winter water temperatures. The target areas were any places that were coastal, that had the most months with water temperatures of 72+ (which rules out anything north of Vero); that had extremely low incidences of sinkholes (the worse are northwest of Tampa -- New Port Richey, etc.), and that did not have the highest incidences of hurricane strikes (West Palm Beach and south was the worst for that). By the time I was done, the map was very complicated, but I was able to make a case for the five or so towns in the so-called Treasure Coast area.

 

[BRS24]

We are in a 55+, although it's per my husband's age, not mine that got us in. We are active outside the community, but in time, we will probably do a lot more within. We have a pool at the clubhouse, and we don't mind paying CDD/HOA for someone else to maintain it. We were glad our home didn't have one. We also downsized from 2000+ sqft to just under 1600. The less space, the less stuff to collect (again). We are 40 mins north of Tampa, on the edge of farm/undeveloped, but love it, as it's not too crowded, for now. Close enough to TPA for flights, WDW for trips with grandkids (about 1.5 hrs) and 30 mins from the beaches.

ps - I love Publix ... and miss it dearly when we are in CT for 3-4 months.

 

[CL82]

Great thread. I'm not quite there yet, but the info is interesting.

 

[Storrsbred]

I should have included more specific information: We made the choice of locale -- Treasure Coast -- a couple of years ago and the specific 55+ park last year. The governing factor was where we could go with our three small dogs and four cats. My wife and I disagree on lots of things, but one thing we absolutely agree on is that any place that would restrict our ability to have those pets (we're not talking vicious dogs here, which is a completely different subject) is no place where we wanted to live. This place only cared if we had big dogs, which we do not, and says nothing about indoor cats. While we do not have our own pool, which I will miss, the development has two pools, two whirlpools, an "executive" golf course and lots of other amenities, including its own water system. We are going to be in Fort Pierce, right on the Vero Beach border, so it's St. Lucie County, which also seems to be well-run.

Sinkholes were a big concern for my wife, so I created a county-by-county map of Florida with the number of sinkholes that have been reported in each county. I color-coded them and overlaid it with a county by county map of hurricane strikes. Then I created a map with winter water temperatures. The target areas were any places that were coastal, that had the most months with water temperatures of 72+ (which rules out anything north of Vero); that had extremely low incidences of sinkholes (the worse are northwest of Tampa -- New Port Richey, etc.), and that did not have the highest incidences of hurricane strikes (West Palm Beach and south was the worst for that). By the time I was done, the map was very complicated, but I was able to make a case for the five or so towns in the so-called Treasure Coast area.

Can't go wrong with the Treasure Coast. I am in Martin County, just south of you. Enjoy!

 

[huskeynut]

I should have included more specific information: We made the choice of locale -- Treasure Coast -- a couple of years ago and the specific 55+ park last year. The governing factor was where we could go with our three small dogs and four cats. My wife and I disagree on lots of things, but one thing we absolutely agree on is that any place that would restrict our ability to have those pets (we're not talking vicious dogs here, which is a completely different subject) is no place where we wanted to live. This place only cared if we had big dogs, which we do not, and says nothing about indoor cats. While we do not have our own pool, which I will miss, the development has two pools, two whirlpools, an "executive" golf course and lots of other amenities, including its own water system. We are going to be in Fort Pierce, right on the Vero Beach border, so it's St. Lucie County, which also seems to be well-run.

Sinkholes were a big concern for my wife, so I created a county-by-county map of Florida with the number of sinkholes that have been reported in each county. I color-coded them and overlaid it with a county by county map of hurricane strikes. Then I created a map with winter water temperatures. The target areas were any places that were coastal, that had the most months with water temperatures of 72+ (which rules out anything north of Vero); that had extremely low incidences of sinkholes (the worse are northwest of Tampa -- New Port Richey, etc.), and that did not have the highest incidences of hurricane strikes (West Palm Beach and south was the worst for that). By the time I was done, the map was very complicated, but I was able to make a case for the five or so towns in the so-called Treasure Coast area.

Tomcat - you did your research. Good for you. And that's they key to retiring and moving to another state. We have done the same thing. We know what we want and what we need. The one that eliminates houses for us is not enough room for my wife's grand piano and my four horns and 6 guitars. Plus a big enough garage for my workshop - minus the big table saw which one of my sons is taking.

 

[billnaples]

Clearly a multitude of opinions from all over the state. Close to this, near that, too far from something else, the kind of housing, and on and on. By my name you will note that I am in Naples, in a condo, on a golf course. 15-20 minutes from the Gulf. Collier County. When I made the permanent move from CT in 1997 and became a resident property tax dropped from about $1100 to under $600......A YEAR. 19 years later and my bill this years was $605. Terrible to feel the bite from government compared to Malloy and CT ( YEAH RIGHT!!) .Got a new car last year, CT would have grabbed $800-$1000 in taxes, here NADA, ZIP. No income tax as many have noted. If you get north of the I$ corridor from Tampa to Daytona you will experience what we call winter, frost and such. But looks like you've chosen a coast and a neighborhood so good luck and a warm welcome from all over the sunshine state. Last few years been able to get to the USF games, working on UCF next although that will likely involve overnight if a night game, about 4 hours from home here.

 

[msf22b]

Lots of unwanted/unnecessary info here...here's some more.
I like Florida (in small doses)...the Keys, the Intercostal, sailing to the Bahamas.
The Cuban food and coffee in Miami.
The Disney's and whatever theme parks
We kept a boat in Indiantown for a couple of years (pictured)
Got rid of it and am now back on the LI Sound where we belong

Nice thing about FL. is how close it is to the Abacos and Eleuthera, the Exumas...gods country...don't miss it.

But we need mountains...especially in the winter...
We're reverse snowbirds; head North when it starts to get cold
Winter sports keep us young.
And taxes aren't a problem in NY if you hardly pay any.
So the last cheap Apt in Greenwich Village, an old Vic in St J Vermont
do us just fine.

Like I said...mostly disinformation. Just yacking about different lifestyles.