Originally posted by: Mwilding
What are the highs and lows of life in Florida for a Northeasterner transplant?
The highs... probably the temps in winter. A Florida winter is kindof like a nice spring/fall day in upstate New York. The beaches are another thing I liked, but didn't take enough advantage of. I personally love the beach, just to chill, hang in the ocean and build sand castles. But there are major disadvantages (see the lows). Also, people in general seem a bit friendlier there too. Oh, and seriously, WAY more eye candy in Florida. Seriously, there is hardly any fugly in Florida.
The lows? Where do I start.
I absolutely hated Florida summers. Hot and humid, all the time. When you take you dog out for a walk at 6am and are soaked in sweat from a quick walk around the block... it's just sad. Too hot for the kids to play outside most of the time - they usually go out, then come back in 5 minutes later panting and sweating asking for drinks. Rain. Lots of it. The fact that summer is about 6 months long and it's so damn hot it makes going to the beach a waste of time. Having to be afraid of every weather system that came our way, be it tropical or not (tornadoes all the time). Who'd have thunk it... Florida summer is less hospitable than a New York winter.
Driving in Florida sucks too - no where will you find worse drivers than Floridiots. Can't wait to get rid of my Floridiot license.
Cost of housing compared to what you're likely to have for income in the area sucks. I'm happy to see Florida leading the way in this Sub-Prime mess (I tried to buy a house for about two years down there, but it was always out of reach). And even if you do buy a house, 9 times out of 10 you'll be stuck in a development with nearly zero yard and an insane HOA fee.
Employers are generally cheap in Florida too. Not sure why, but Florida generally seems to be at the lower end of the scale for pay (part of the reason I left: higher housing cost + lower pay makes it "meh").
The touristy places - way to freaking expensive, even with the so-called "Florida Resident Discounts". Seriously... $7.50 for a 20oz bottle of water??? Needless to say my son was the only one that has been to Disney, thanks to his uncle. Seaworld is a bit more reasonable though.
All in all, it's not that bad of a place. I'd rather pay for AC over a heating bill. And having a good amount of sunshine year round is nice. But still, Florida just wasn't for me.
Originally posted by: BoomerD
When you crossed the NY state line, did you feel your IQ go up by 40 points? (you gotta get completely out of the South for the effect to kick in)
Is that what that popping sound was?