Moving to Florida. Looking for advice.

[billymach4]

Yeah the hurricanes and homeowners insurance is out of control. Not to mention the Condo reserve thing if you live in a high rise.
But people still keep relocating there? Every few years they get whacked by those dang hurricanes. This last year was quiet. But not for long?

 

[TolmiePeak]

The Villages is the polar opposite of my first point -- Quality of life is 100% determined by proximity to the ocean. They don't have to worry about Hurricane Zelda. But it's a bugs, humidity, horrible-transplant fest every day of the year. I wouldn't live there even if all my expenses were picked up by some anonymous benefactor. "Thanks but no thanks. This place sucks worse than a VW microbus full of dead skunks being driven by John Tesh and Kenny G."

You forgot to include Yanni as well. . Scott Katz song a song with all three of them...

 

[billymach4]

Another question for florida residents? How is your water quality? Do you have in house water treatments? Reverse
Osmosis system?

 

[rapmarks]

Another question for florida residents? How is your water quality? Do you have in house water treatments? Reverse
Osmosis system?

No, I do have water dispersed through refrigerator. I don’t have a water softener. Right now we are in a drought,bso can’t plant anything new. I have lost a lot of shrubs

 

[billymach4]

 

[PigsDad]

Someone earlier mentioned the Villages (which is inland). Your point about tropical cyclones is significant. So, the Villages aren't going to be as threatened when the cyclones/hurricanes role through.

We have learned that you don't have to go very far inland to make a big difference on hurricane issues. We are 9.5 miles inland, and were in the path of hurricane Ian, which was a strong Cat 4 (<3mph of being a Cat 5). Near the shoreline, boats were tossed up in trees 15 ft. off the ground, major flooding and wind damage -- it looked like a warzone after the hurricane. Even 3 years later, there is plenty of damage visible and rebuilding is continuing.

However, the only damage at our house was a few screen panels of our pool cage were blown out (and to be honest, they were getting toward the end of their life, so no big surprise). No major wind damage in our whole neighborhood, no flooding, nothing. Hurricane Ian hit only about 1.5 years after we bought. Since then, hurricanes Helene and Milton have hit our area, but again with no to little damage. Talking w/ neighbors about hurricane Irma which was a direct hit a few years earlier, our neighborhood came through with very moderate damage as well -- no flooding, but some had roof damage that time.

Our insurance rates in FL are only about 20% more than in CO for very similarly-valued homes (that was a surprise to us; we were expecting much more). We can be at the beach in 15 min. Sure, being closer to the water is nice, but after our experience w/ Ian, we are very happy we purchased where we did. And unlike what some FL haters may say, we rarely have issues w/ bugs, alligators are a non-issue, and the people here are very nice.

Kurt

 

[PigsDad]

Another question for florida residents? How is your water quality? Do you have in house water treatments? Reverse
Osmosis system?

Our water is very good. I can drink it straight from the tap and it tastes fine, but I mostly get it from the refrigerator dispenser which has a filter. It is fine for cooking. But of course it varies across the state, just like anywhere else.

Oh, and regarding the video you posted from that financial advisor -- his quotes on homeowners insurance are not what we have experienced; not even close. We pay less than half of his low end that he quoted. I'm sure there are some that pay what he is saying, but it is not common.

Kurt

 

[dioxide45]

We have learned that you don't have to go very far inland to make a big difference on hurricane issues. We are 9.5 miles inland, and were in the path of hurricane Ian, which was a strong Cat 4 (<3mph of being a Cat 5). Near the shoreline, boats were tossed up in trees 15 ft. off the ground, major flooding and wind damage -- it looked like a warzone after the hurricane. Even 3 years later, there is plenty of damage visible and rebuilding is continuing.

However, the only damage at our house was a few screen panels of our pool cage were blown out (and to be honest, they were getting toward the end of their life, so no big surprise). No major wind damage in our whole neighborhood, no flooding, nothing. Hurricane Ian hit only about 1.5 years after we bought. Since then, hurricanes Helene and Milton have hit our area, but again with no to little damage. Talking w/ neighbors about hurricane Irma which was a direct hit a few years earlier, out neighborhood came through with very moderate damage as well -- no flooding, but some had roof damage that time.

Our insurance rates in FL are only about 20% more than in CO for very similarly-valued homes (that was a surprise to us; we were expecting much more). We can be at the beach in 15 min. Sure, being closer to the water is nice, but after our experience w/ Ian, we are very happy we purchased where we did. And unlike what some FL haters may say, we rarely have issues w/ bugs, alligators are a non-issue, and the people here are very nice.

Kurt

That reminds me of something else that should be mentioned to the OP. Find a residence that is not in an evacuation zone. Look at the counties emergency information website and find the map of evacuation zones. Either find zones that are way down the list of those to be evacuated first or just find a place not in a zone at all. It certainly won't prevent issues in the event of a storm, but one may not want to own or rent in Zone A, B or C.

 

[dioxide45]

Another question for florida residents? How is your water quality? Do you have in house water treatments? Reverse
Osmosis system?

Our water is terrible in south Jacksonville, but with just the two of us we bought a countertop reverse osmosis system that we use for drinking and most cooking water. We even have a pellet ice maker that we run that filtered water through for ice. When we lived in Ohio we had good tasting water in one place but water that had a chlorine taste in another. So it isn't only Florida that has bad tasting water.

 

[rickandcindy23]

Our water is terrible in south Jacksonville, but with just the two of us we bought a countertop reverse osmosis system that we use for drinking and most cooking water. We even have a pellet ice maker that we run that filtered water through for ice. When we lived in Ohio we had good tasting water in one place but water that had a chlorine taste in another. So it isn't only Florida that has bad tasting water.

Water in Thornton, CO, is undrinkable but the "water quality reports" always state otherwise. To me, it tasted like dirt. We also have reverse osmosis at our kitchen sink. I wanted Rick to install one upstairs in our master bath but he said we wouldn't use it, and of course he was right because I just take a glass upstairs with me at night.

 

[moonstone]

Another question for florida residents? How is your water quality? Do you have in house water treatments? Reverse
Osmosis system?

Our DS & DiL who moved to the Tampa area (Apollo Beach to be specific) 2 years ago to a house that already had a water softener installed. After a few months they were both (but DiL more) experiencing dry, flaking, red, itchy patches of skin. A dermatologist recommended they install a filter (a PH level adjustment?) on their water supply. Within weeks their skin issues had cleared up. I did not enjoy the taste of their tap (through the fridge filter) water before the new filter but now it is a bit better. It is not as good as our Canadian water at home that comes from a deep artesian well, is cold and tastes way better than any bottled water. All community water now has to have chlorine and other stuff added since the 'Walkerton water incident' ( https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/inside-walkerton-canada-s-worst-ever-e-coli-contamination-1.887200) years ago, but we know where to get it right from a private well with no additives. It is wonderfully cool and refreshing.

For our winter or timeshare stays in Florida I bring a Brita filter and jug. I started doing that in the early '90's when none of us could even stand the smell, let alone taste, of Florida water. Our kids wouldnt even drink the concentrated lemonade mixed with tap water and our tea/coffee tasted horrible. It seems to have improved over the years but I still have a Brita jug at our condo and use that water for drinking, making tea/coffee and ice cubes.


~Diane

 

[Kat05]

Hello friends, I am in a transitional period of my life. My husband passed away 5 months ago, my children are all grown and live in different parts of the country. I am giving serious consideration to moving to Florida (presently live in NC) as I love sun, sand, and beach. I have been taking care of everyone most of my life (I am 70) and feel this is the time to enjoy the next 4-5 years before old age and health issues (none so far) necessitate living closer to one of my kids.

However, I don’t know where to start.

On my wish list: a 1 bedroom (would prefer 2 but probably unaffordable) rental apartment with a nice pool, gym, clubhouse, close drive to a beach with beautiful blue water and proximity to an airport not to exceed roughly $1,500/month.

I would prefer to stay within a 6-8 hour drive to be able to visit family and friends in Georgia and the Carolinas. I live on a fixed income so the monthly rent has to be within the $1,500 range, give or take. I would appreciate any advice from any of you familiar with various parts of Florida and am open to all suggestions that would point me in the right direction.

Do you think that my plan is achievable? Thank you so much for your time.

Crazy thought maybe, but do you have a close friend or relative that might be interested in sharing a place and expenses?

 

[PigsDad]

That reminds me of something else that should be mentioned to the OP. Find a residence that is not in an evacuation zone. Look at the counties emergency information website and find the map of evacuation zones. Either find zones that are way down the list of those to be evacuated first or just find a place not in a zone at all. It certainly won't prevent issues in the event of a storm, but one may not want to own or rent in Zone A, B or C.

Yes, this is excellent advice! Our home is in evacuation zone D. For Ian, zones A, B and parts of C were sent evacuation warnings. AFAIK, zone D has never been evacuated here.

Kurt

 

[Brett]

I suppose it depends on the definition of "hidden fees" and "destroyed".
My parents and their friends didn't seem to be "destroyed" retirees when they lived in Florida

.

 

[geekette]

I suppose it depends on the definition of "hidden fees" and "destroyed".
My parents and their friends didn't seem to be "destroyed" retirees when they lived in Florida


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yeah, one size fits all fear mongering doesn’t work. Not so hard to do your own homework. I generally recommend the Kiplingers Retiree Tax Map to start. If I were looking to buy a place, I’d find an insurance broker in that state to give me an idea of what X type of house in Y county would cost to insure. Don’t have to be part of the sheeple herd. Forget who posted above that a family member is completely clueless with no retirement savings. That’s who could be scared away from certain states that might actually fit them well. Lucky me, I don’t need to live in a giant house on several acres in a coveted location. Heck, I’d never heard of this town before. Cost of living very low but not feasible to walk or bike anywhere but to a neighbor. Always trade offs, there is no Perfect.

 

[rapmarks]

Not only is insurance expensive, but you have to audition for coverage and hope you will be accepted, then every few years, the insurance checks everything such as your valves, your electric, your plumbing, etc and decides what you need to upgrade.

 

[chriskre]

Another question for florida residents? How is your water quality? Do you have in house water treatments? Reverse
Osmosis system?

Depends on where you live.
In Miami we have County water.
It is heavily chlorinated so I use filtered water to drink but it's fine for bathing.
It doesn't have that sulphur smell that you get in other parts of the state that get their water from the springs.
We get our water from the Biscayne Aquifer.

 

[ScoopKona]

Not only is insurance expensive, but you have to audition for coverage and hope you will be accepted, then every few years, the insurance checks everything such as your valves, your electric, your plumbing, etc and decides what you need to upgrade.

Citizens also targets affluent areas of Florida with much higher rates (compared to the value of the homes being covered). That way everyone else is subsidized. And since Citizens is typically the only option for "we live directly on the water on Marco Island," it's either pay it or self insure.

 

[chriskre]

Citizens also targets affluent areas of Florida with much higher rates (compared to the value of the homes being covered). That way everyone else is subsidized. And since Citizens is typically the only option for "we live directly on the water on Marco Island," it's either pay it or self insure.

Citizens isn't targeting affluent areas, they are the only game in town for most owners.
I own a condo across from the bay in downtown Miami and a house in the suburbs 10 miles in and Citizens is the only option for my house in the "Everglades".
Luckily I don't have a mortgage so am able to lower the coverage to just a little over self insuring to be sure I can rebuild.
Our condo has a private commercial insurance policy that is not subsidized by Citizens and is in a more affluent area of Brickell.
Of course you have to fortify the house with impact windows and a solid roof and just hope for the best.

Our homes are built much more solid than in most areas of the country since Hurricane Andrew.
We learned our lesson but the insurance companies are still leery of South Florida.
It's not the wind that usually gets you, it's the flooding and just about all of Florida is a flood zone whether they officially recognize it or not.
Buy the flood insurance. It's cheap.

 

[topmom101]

Oh, my goodness…. Thank you all so much for taking the time. I have been traveling extensively and have had little to no time to be on-line the last few days. I quickly read thru your comments (wow, a lot to consider) and will take more time tomorrow to reread them. I will have some questions, I’m sure. First thing that popped in my head was the lizard/snake warning. Yikes, what if they find a way into my apartment? I know it sounds silly but as a single woman, what the heck would I do??? Also, please don’t laugh, but I have a phobia about frogs. Should I be rethinking this?|

 

[billymach4]

Lions, Tigers, and Bears oh my.

 

[billymach4]

Lions, Tigers, and Bears oh my.

It's a joke a la Wizard of Oz.

 

[easyrider]

Oh, my goodness…. Thank you all so much for taking the time. I have been traveling extensively and have had little to no time to be on-line the last few days. I quickly read thru your comments (wow, a lot to consider) and will take more time tomorrow to reread them. I will have some questions, I’m sure. First thing that popped in my head was the lizard/snake warning. Yikes, what if they find a way into my apartment? I know it sounds silly but as a single woman, what the heck would I do??? Also, please don’t laugh, but I have a phobia about frogs. Should I be rethinking this?|

To me anyway, it isn't what you can see that is the problem in Florida. Its the noseeums biting as the sun sets. Then there are the mosquito attacks. Some weird dark stealthy flying bug bit me on the shoulder and left a mark even though I had the Deep Woods Off on.

Bill

 

[geekette]

Oh, my goodness…. Thank you all so much for taking the time. I have been traveling extensively and have had little to no time to be on-line the last few days. I quickly read thru your comments (wow, a lot to consider) and will take more time tomorrow to reread them. I will have some questions, I’m sure. First thing that popped in my head was the lizard/snake warning. Yikes, what if they find a way into my apartment? I know it sounds silly but as a single woman, what the heck would I do??? Also, please don’t laugh, but I have a phobia about frogs. Should I be rethinking this?|

I can very much relate.

On the lizard thing…. On one of my first trips to FL, I felt lucky that I noticed the lizard in my suitcase as I was packing to go. I would have freaked out, freaked out my dog, had it gone home with me. He was small, 3” or so, but I’m from the north. I can’t handle big hairy spiders a fraction of the size, but the lizard didn’t seem to be a threat. Female, solo travel, I threw a shoe, he got out of my suitcase and I got the hell outa there.

Flash forward some decades, to about 5 years ago. I moved to NC, roughtly 40 mi N of Spartanburg. Lizards lizards lizards. Lucky I’m not afraid of them, but they startle me a lot, Out in my garden, no one around, something moves. I don’t like that. Made my peace with it, especially because a lizard adopted me. Seemed to live on my camper tire. Weird, but I named her Lizzy and we got along fine. Still in the 3-4” range, never a Big Lizard. I have not found any lizard to be aggressive nor particularly scared of me. In fact, two skinks (pretty as lizards go) copulated on my front stoop. Oh no, that means more lizards.

Lots of snakes, too, which I really cannot handle. The day I saw the coil when I lifted a tarp…. It was weeks before I went near it again, armed with a very long bamboo pole to lift a corner of the tarp. He was gone, but I knew I had to leave that place. People ask what color he was. I don’t know, the blue tarp made him blue and I got the hell away fast, didn’t stick around to inspect. Yuck. They scare me. I’m so grateful that I sold that place relatively quickly. I lived on edge since that incident.

Yes, rethink this, if you can’t handle the creatures. I couldn’t handle snakes at all and So Many lizards, moved into the mountains. A bit too chilly for them. They are here, but very few, one garden snake and one orangish lizard in 2 years. I needed that peace of mind. I’m in my yard a lot, hands in dirt, would have noticed them.

My big issue with FL is humidity and gators. Gators scare the crap out of me. I couldn’t relax thinking one was always sneaking up on me. I know this from a subsequent trip to FL where rest area had warning signs.

What about FL draws you? Could you find same desires fulfilled/compromised somewhere with less snakes and lizards? Whenever I venture from Myrtle Beach I find a lot of cute towns that would cost less to live in and not so many tourists. Know zero about coastal GA but maybe you don’t need to go as far south as lizards and snakes become prevalent.

I don’t know much about frogs beyond Kermit. I won’t laugh at your phobias, I have plenty of my own, But I do think frogs would want to get away from you. You could maybe startle them away from you. Lizards don’t give a crap, especially if they smell food.

 

[PigsDad]

Oh, my goodness…. Thank you all so much for taking the time. I have been traveling extensively and have had little to no time to be on-line the last few days. I quickly read thru your comments (wow, a lot to consider) and will take more time tomorrow to reread them. I will have some questions, I’m sure. First thing that popped in my head was the lizard/snake warning. Yikes, what if they find a way into my apartment? I know it sounds silly but as a single woman, what the heck would I do??? Also, please don’t laugh, but I have a phobia about frogs. Should I be rethinking this?|

We bought a place in FL in 2021, so these are my experiences.

First regarding lizards -- I have only ever seen geckos, I have never seen iguanas or any kind of larger lizard. Geckos are very small (pencil thin body, 3-4" max), they don't bite, and they are excellent to have around for eating bugs. Only once had one accidently gotten into our house, but he didn't want to be there and we easily got it to go outside with the help of a broom. We like the geckos that hang around our lanai. We also tend to name them when one is around a lot. They've never bothered us, and we like having them around.

Snakes -- I've seen maybe 2-3 snakes when walking around our neighborhood. I'm definitely not a snake person, and I'll freely admit that I jump when I see one. With that said, I've never heard of anyone having any issue with a snake, and certainly not in anyone's house. I see more snakes at our Colorado home than in FL, and given that you are in South Carolina, I would think that you have just as much probability of running into a snake there vs. FL.

As for frogs, they have been every place where I have ever lived. Yes, there are frogs and toads in FL, but just like the snakes, the frequency at which I see them in FL is about the same as any other place. A total non-issue for me.

I truly hope you don't let a different set of wildlife from what you are used to scare you away from FL. To be honest, the biggest snake I ever saw in the "wild" was a big black snake in Charleston, SC. But even w/ that experience, I would never let it deter me from moving to SC if that is where we were wanting to live.

Kurt