5 Regrets We Have About our Move to Florida - Things we Would Have Done Differently

[@nycas2192]

Always rent 1st get to know the area and then if you don't like it you can always change city or state.

[@hootans.4293]

Add three more things to that list; 1. Heat and humidity, you will sweat, I mean alot. 2. Aressive and careless driving, that's why the car insurance is very expensive. 3. Hurricanes, they're real and you pay premium for those insurances, specially if your home is in a flood zone. Swimming pools are expensive, you are looking around $177 a week to maintain 14-by-28 foot pool. You won't also spend as much time as you think outside, too much sun can take a toll on your skin.

[@danacaro-herman3530]

@Hootan S. Thank you

[@stevewalther2293]

I'm in the pool industry for 4 years and I rarely ever see anyone in a pool...a pool is usually just something to look at. And you'll rarely see anyone outdoors...ever...lol...

[@1trillions]

I will say take it from someone who lived in Florida for most of their life it's actually really smart of your husband to find a home that doesn't have a pool on premises. The amount of child fatalities and accidents from falling in the pool in Florida would be surprising to you guys. If you have children that are younger than tween age I would 100% suggest not owning a pool until your children are older. The example your wife uses in the video is a perfect example of what you would NOT want to do all it takes is few seconds of you going back in the house to check on your baby for one of your children to fall in and drown. I cannot tell you how many stories I have read over the years in the local paper it's very sad actually. also I'm sure you guys realize already but a pool is very expensive to maintain and most people who live in FL opt out of owning one once they have owned one simply because they realize how much of a pain and money sink it is. It's better to have one maintained by community or HOA funds or just go to the beach then maintaining one yourself. Trust me

[@SCGMLB]

If you’re used to having a basement for storage then that takes a lot of getting used to because they’re pretty much non-existant in Florida.

[@doncorleyone]

Pretty much sums it up for the whole south east

[@quelquun2018]

Oh how come? Is it an architectural thing?

[@nysavvy9241]

I came from a NYC apartment and I have way more storage space in my townhouse. It depends what housing you're coming from and what you're going into.

[@russpeaknuckel9525]

Get rid of everything and buy new when you get there.

[@Thesage50]

There’re no basements in Florida houses. Residents put shelves up in garage to accommodate all their junk. Buy a house in a gated community with a Clubhouse and pool it’s worth paying the HOA dues, believe me!

[@FloridaWithFive]

We agree, as long as they are reasonable for what you are getting! Our garage is LINED with shelves! Lol

[@Thesage50]

@@geno5169 Yes you can. On one of those portable, folding clothes drying racks. Clothes dry quickly, especially if there’s a little breeze. No clothes lines down here like up north, lol!

[@robertminear3603]

I've lived in Florida 57 years and the summer temperatures can reach in 138th in the Sun 98th and shade I've rode out every hurricane that's ever come here be prepared to have no power 4 weeks a lot of good people down here and a lot of crazy people that's what makes Florida just be prepared to handle the heat you have beautiful beaches

[@christinepolacek1116]

@Sean T that is not compatible with life … persons comment is bizarre

[@christinepolacek1116]

@Sean T wow !! Didn’t know it got that hot ever in Florida… gonna visit in October but on gulf side .

[@stevewalther2293]

@Sean T what ever!!!..its hot as hell here...too hot even for the beach...its like being snowed in for 6 months...lol...

[@caroletta451]

@@stevewalther2293 truth!

[@danacaro-herman3530]

@@stevewalther2293 You know Steve, that's very true. We went down for a month from mid March to Mid April and it hit 88-90. It was hot!!

[@josienn4117]

Thanks for this. We have lived here almost 10 years on both coasts. I had been coming here 2-3 times per year for 20 years. As someone else commented the first five years were difficult even though we were financially stable when we arrived. Don't come here if you don't have a job. Some areas won't hire new arrivals since this is a transitory State. As you said, plan, plan, plan and be prepared. Living in FL is not the same as being on vacation.

[@theresedavis2526]

Exactly! Florida is horrible!

[@stevewalther2293]

Florida is hyped up by advertisement and marketing...come down! ! We want your money!!!

[@quelquun2018]

Please elaborate on being an transitory state. I’m looking to move down from the North as a registered nurse, so I want to be aware.

[@clarkgruber792]

@@quelquun2018 if you are a nurse then florida will take you right away. What state?

[@quelquun2018]

@@clarkgruber792 CT! The thing is idc for hospitals. I want a more relaxed, regular schedule.

[@Keep-on-ok]

Don’t regret not having a pool. They are a huge expense.

[@Keep-on-ok]

We are in AZ and have no family close by. We are also retired.

[@TheLongRunwithJoelandChristy]

Great points. Especially that you’ll have to work unless you are retired. It’s fun but not all games. 😂

[@danieldesimonedanny1827]

I bought a condo in 2004 and really got the feel for the area here in southwest FL . fast FWD I sold the condo and bought my 3 bed 2 car garage central air for $ 62 grand in 2014. It makes a huge difference where you move here. Rule of the thumb democrat counties have high crime and revolving door justice. I'm in Charlotte county a county with one of the lost crime in the state. Good luck.

[@danieldesimonedanny1827]

Lowest.

[@lakecountycrimereport]

The first three years were hell for us. We did our research before hand, but there are just some things you can't plan for. That said, we've been here for seven years and have been successful. My wife and I both got our degrees and were able to purchase a nice home. It was a grind though and we sacrificed a lot. It's all about mindset...

[@FloridaWithFive]

Thank you for this, and great job!

[@stevewalther2293]

Now your in Florida....

[@MarissaWashington530]

Im so happy things got better! What made the first three years tough?

[@Ervyn1246]

I’m glad don’t regret moving to Florida and as a Florida native, we’re happy to have you guys :)! Hope the journey is kind to you and we get to connect sometime in the near future.

[@FloridaWithFive]

Thank you for your kind words!

[@willmill7422]

I'm also from Wisconsin and greatly considering moving to Florida! Your videos are very helpful!

[@stevewalther2293]

Hot tubs are great...we all love soaking in hot tubs....but eventually you will want to get out...Florida is like that....

[@jonathansansone8025]

@@stevewalther2293 Man you really hate it here. Yes it is humid during the summer months but the half of the year the weather is perfect.

[@stevewalther2293]

@@jonathansansone8025 Many people hate it here...they complain of boredom...it is what it is...its a retirement home on a flat peace of sand...with lots of roller coasters and Red Tide. People jump off the Sky Way bridge to kill themselves...every month...lol...

[@stevewalther2293]

@@jonathansansone8025 Snow Birding is recomended.

[@Kayraine]

I needed this. I have a year to get rid of everything. You guys are amazing with the amount of in depth information you give from purging, types of schools, renting v buying, etc.

[@FloridaWithFive]

Thank you so much, Kaylia!

[@wendyrferrell1589]

we are bringing everything with us and will be moving there in the next yr. Just trying to find houses available in the area i want to go

[@Lisa-di1wi]

The only time that I was ever to Florida was back in February of '98. My brother was living in Fort Lauderdale at the time. Both my father, my oldest brother, and myself spent the weekend down there. It was the first time that I was ever out of Pennsylvania during the winter. We just covered the area between Pompano Beach and Miami. We stayed Friday and Saturday night at a hotel in Fort Lauderdale, and then Sunday night at my brother's apartment. Although the weather wasn't that bad there, it was raining the morning that we left. But at least we were inside the airport terminal there in Fort Lauderdale. That was the only time that I was ever in Florida, and I'll never go there for a vacation again. I cannot take the heat and humidity, and the thunderstorms down there all year long. I have a very strong fear of thunderstorms, and I wouldn't be able to enjoy myself down there. And besides, whenever there's a hurricane down there, there's a lot of property damage as well. The sooner that they rebuild, another one comes in and does the same thing. Remember back in 2004 there were four hurricanes down there: Charley, Frances, Ivan, and Jeanne? (The remnants of Jeanne also came up here to Philly as well.) Although I mean no offense to the people living down there now, I'd rather stay up here in Pennsylvania and have the change of seasons here instead.

[@russpeaknuckel9525]

I'm in Wisconsin and it's dark at 4:30 p.m. sucks.

[@FloridaWithFive]

It is nice that it stays light until almost 6:00 during this time of year!

[@russpeaknuckel9525]

@@FloridaWithFive Yes, I have been to Florida more than once in the winter. Bets the hell outta Green Bay,Wi !

[@judymckee5992]

@@russpeaknuckel9525 , Look on Zillow, century village deerfield beach florida.

[@Lisa-di1wi]

There's also no change of seasons there in Florida either. It's summertime weather down there all year long. Although I was born and raised up here in Pennsylvania, I'd rather stay up here instead. Although we complain about the weather up here a lot, I'd rather have the change of seasons up here instead.

[@DueRabe]

We are moving to Florida from Europe in 5 months. Can't wait 😍😍

[@PyckledNyk]

Florida has a ton of terrible things about it. People just don't know about them because they either haven't been here long enough, or they have some kind of defensive attitude about Florida because they don't want to admit it to themselves.

[@jerryapgar2579]

Just like every other state

[@jonathansansone8025]

Florida is fantastic

[@stevewalther2293]

Exactly!!! They spent all thier money moving here and then get stuck inside with the A/C on...lol...but don't want to admit they made a mistake...😆

[@stevewalther2293]

@@jonathansansone8025 a fanastic hot, and flat sand bar.

[@draileduncommon]

this is advice on moving regardless of were it might be to> but the comments are great to read for information on Florida.

[@davidhernandez9985]

As for myself, I going to purchase a home with a pool & I'm going to build a jacuzzi in it my home is on the beach in other touching sands!

[@wendyrferrell1589]

looking for a house on the beach--gulf side

[@towaritch]

I can relate : my wife is a hoarder...

[@christinepolacek1116]

No basements in Florida ?? Due to flooding , did not have in California either … due to earthquakes I assume

[@HEHE-dx9og]

It`s very simple, If you regret moving there then go back up north.

[@FloridaWithFive]

We do not regret moving to Florida at all. The video is “ regrets about our move”, not “ regrets about moving”.

[@n310ea]

If you want a home with a pool, you'll find a lot of them in Broward County.

[@n310ea]

@@bostonplace2314 - Ron DeSantis got rid of the Supervisor of Elections in Broward and Palm Beach counties, but we're still going to watch those two clownties very carefully, especially Broward, when DeSantis runs for re-election in 2022.

[@AikenAdventures]

Can’t believe we’re just now finding you guys! Great content!

[@FloridaWithFive]

Thank you so much!

[@blairsyniowa]

We are also from Wisconsin and are moving to Florida, my Dad and step Mom have already been living in Florida for 4 yrs and love it! So we are taking the plunge in a few months we are excited but so scared but one thing we don't have here in Wisconsin is family we don't really have family here, my brother and his wife are here and my other brother but he is always in Minnesota with his girlfriend so that's about it

[@miriamolivera9935]

My experience is that if you do not have a job that pays good it is difficult , jobs pay not much I am talking about the regular Jon's like stores , cashier , and other Jon's 9 . 10 . 12 dollars and the rent is not cheap specially the nice areas , if you whant to buy a house there is a waiting list and prices have gone up a lot. what I like is the weather , people are more layback overall it is a nice state .

[@lynnpeck3298]

Just curious have you seen your first palmetto bug yet? Just buy fishing poles and enjoy the sunsets. Although the fishing was much better back in the 70s and the water was a lot cleaner.

[@FloridaWithFive]

Yes we have! Although, it was not in our house!

[@lynnpeck3298]

@@FloridaWithFive Wait they will welcome you soon enough...

[@angnotgonnatellu1946]

Thanks for sharing. Florida is awesome! Good tips.

[@ouissandy2806]

Have money saved at least a years worth of rent just in case. I don't move unless I have 2 years worth.

[@Freddymcknight]

This video is amazing. This is the EXACTLY same thing me and my fiancé are going through right now. Thank you for this

[@FloridaWithFive]

You’re so welcome, Freddy! Glad that you found it helpful!

[@debyvelez]

I can't thank you guys enough for your videos! We are trying to move from sunny Chicago (LOL NOT) to Florida (not sure where yet). Our house goes up on the market this Thursday. I have been binge-watching your videos! You're lifesavers!

[@FloridaWithFive]

Awww! So happy that you find us helpful, and that you enjoy our videos! Hope that we can chat with you on a live stream of ours soon!

[@jeduardo38]

Hello, EVERYTHING that was mentioned in the video is the TRUTH! We moved from NYC to Florida, 2 months ago, and you don't really know how you have until you start packing.

[@FloridaWithFive]

Thanks James! Hope you are LOVING the Florida life!!!

[@candiecton8965]

The pool! Thats my dilemma right now! We just signed the contract to build our dream home and we've 'only' got $48k for our pool. We are also walking distance to the free community swimming pool but the private swimming pool is always what I envisioned moving to Florida! We can afford a swimming pool without a hot tub and without a screened enclosure, or just a screened enclosure with a hot tub and no swimming pool. Ahhh idk what to choose! Im afraid if I get a swimming pool without the screened enclosure I'm gonna get eaten alive by mosquitoes and never want to go outside!

[@FloridaWithFive]

You are right! The screened in pool is what I think we all envision when we Think of moving to Florida. Is there anyway you could talk to the pool contractor and try to finance the rest of it to have the pool that you want?

[@deniseeber4871]

I am fascinated with the screened in porch pools, it takes away from the whole “pool “ experience for me. I lived in Boca Raton and Pompano beach , I never had a problem with bugs. Now that I think of it they had screened porches on those pools too, maybe it is an insurance thing. I’m researching that myself.

[@Thesage50]

@@deniseeber4871 i believe most insurance companies dropped lanai screen room coverage after Hurricane Jeanne in 2004. Many screen rooms were destroyed by the Cat 3 winds and tornadoes it spawned. My brother’s was completely destroyed even though it was rated to Fl State code, 140 mph!

[@reneecollins9681]

I had the house with the pool I was so glad to get rid of it I do the pool in the man that bought my house so the two years later he threw the pool in the pool maintenance and the expense is not worth the few hours and everytime it rains by by chemicals and did I mention the upkeep it's like having a hundred 50 gallon aquarium with a goldfish in it the water cost more than the fish good luck I do not desire to buy another house with the pool

[@domrug]

I’m moving to Florida soon and more than likely finding a home base near the melborne area. Do you recommend any classes in person or online for studying for my realtors license?

[@FloridaWithFive]

I used “pro license Florida”. It was online, and the entire course was reading. It didn’t really fit my learning style but it got the job done

[@matzgt6235]

Been waiting for this. Thanks guys!

[@FloridaWithFive]

Lol you’re welcome!!! 😎✌️😜

[@LiveWeightLossSupport]

Can you do a video on Healthcare? Dr's the process the wait dentist etc

[@WhySoLoud]

Pools are overrated. Expensive to run, always needing added water, pricey chemicals (if you can find them in these supply-chain times), and around about mid-June onward the water is way hot unless you install a cooling unit and even then it will struggle to cool down the water.

[@JRAMOSK20]

I gave it a shot back in 2011 but lost my job plus Tampa was not for me , I’m now considering Davenport when I attempt it again

[@christinepolacek1116]

Good advice … already moved to a place I really do not like because I did not do enough research 🧐

[@idaliadeaibes7319]

Same here alone and bought into a horrible hoa please tell viewers to avoid terrible hoas

[@VinCode17]

Thinking of moving the family from New Jersey to Port St Lucie Fl. We're taking a trip out on 2.26.21 to check the area out. Any tips?

[@FloridaWithFive]

Biggest tip we can give is when you move, bring as little as possible!

[@VinCode17]

Thanks appreciate it.

[@wendyrferrell1589]

@@FloridaWithFive not gonna do that----everything comes with us

[@carolm4545]

Try to do a short term rental in the worst part of the summer if you’re serious about becoming a full-time resident. The West part of the Saint Lucie area is being built up like crazy, especially the areas west of the turnpike and I-95. Don’t fall for slick advertising. Familiarize yourself with the building codes because hurricanes are dangerous. Have the construction standards been updated? All homes should be built of concrete even if there is a second floor, etc. The Treasure Coast has a lesser chance of being hit by a hurricane, but there are other Atlantic storms to hit with plenty of rainfall. If you are still working, what types of jobs or careers are there besides working in construction or at the local supermarket? Are there enough medical centers and cultural activities to meet your needs? Does the local airport meet your needs, or do you have to go to Miami or Orlando? Your geography will have a direct impact on how often you see your relatives. Central and South Florida commutes in the big cities and their exurbs require significant driving time. Research the crime rates, and think about your cultural expectations. Enjoy your visit, but come with realistic expectations.

[@heavenlyfiremedia]

@@carolm4545 Wonderful advice ❣️

[@scottflynn5644]

How long did y'all plan for the move? How did you pick south Florida? Scott from Kentucky!

[@FloridaWithFive]

Hey Scott! We thought about moving to Florida for two years before we actually did it.... but we only had about a month and a half to prepare for our move. We are actually in Davenport, central Florida... we chose this area because of it’s proximity to the job that Erik was offered, however since then he has left his job and does real estate full-time!

[@judymckee5992]

Scott, I am in deerfield beach florida in a 55+ community which you can purchase a condo for $35k up . The fees including taxes, utilities, How is about $600 a month . Gated and fence up 3 mile by 3 mile radius, a huge clubhouse, 16 swimming pools, 1 indoor salt water pool, 7 tennis courts, picket ball, snooker , sauna , cycling and walking path, life security guards, free buses 1/2 interval. walking distance to supermarkets from target to public,walmart etc..

[@stevewalther2293]

I live in Florida and miss Kentucky...people here dream about retiring in KY.

[@scottflynn5644]

@@stevewalther2293 The more hurricane I see ,the more I don't want to move to Florida. I know that the insurance company don't pay crap and you get stuck with the damage! Scott from Kentucky! P.s I love my house 🏠

[@stevewalther2293]

@@scottflynn5644 it's not the hurricanes...it the lack of culture...its a retirement home on a huge sand bar...people are bored here...they go to Cosco for excitement....

[@chelseywalker7123]

Im thinking about moving from what you may say paradise to florida. My sister lives in florida, were not americans.

[@nysavvy9241]

Lobe you guys but please lose the background music. Its good for a short video but not for anything over a minute or two.

[@stacycreates24]

I’ll be moving as a single lady. might want to cover the window. I can see the camera gear too.

[@michaelcandelaria354]

The first two reasons had nothing to do with Florida that was all on y’all, you had so much stuff that you couldn’t bring it all down yet, how is that a reason to regret moving to florida ? 🤦🏻‍♂️

[@FloridaWithFive]

We appreciate your comment. The video is not “ five things we regret about moving to Florida”, it is “ five things we regret about OUR move to Florida.” We don’t want other people to make the same mistakes that we did.

[@whitleeflynn4689]

Are you all still looking to buy this spring? Love you guys!! Thanks for all the help with our move!!

[@FloridaWithFive]

We are still undecided! We love you too! Thanks for stopping by! 😊

[@lynnpeck3298]

Goodwill donation "toys"..I have an above ground pool for sale still in box.

[@fernandooliveira3812]

Great video, I am doing the same thing as Eric, doing all my research before we go. We will be there next month on a site visit to look at some neighborhoods. Thanks for the help.

[@FloridaWithFive]

Fantastic! What areas are you looking at?

[@clarkgruber792]

How do you do a site visit?

[@hominhchi]

Where in WI? I used to live in Tampa, FL, when I was young

[@FloridaWithFive]

We lived near Appleton, WI before we moved to Florida.

[@pedroV2003]

@@FloridaWithFive we moved from Florida to Wisconsin. No regrets. Could have warned you.

[@SHORTS-mu2hy]

Watching y'alls videos he gives he loves it you give I regret it

[@jonathansansone8025]

You people that think living in Florida is nothing like being on vacation, DUH!! Of course, You dont work on vacation etc.. I love visiting parts of the Northeast on vacation but anywhere I visit I research demographics, cost of living, economy etc then I make decision if I would actually live in that place. I love going to Boston but realize the cost of living and frigid winters along with taxes and say the juice is not worth the squeeze and just keep visiting

[@stevewalther2293]

Exactly!!! I love Florida. for a few weeks....or maybe a few months but then I miss simple things like wearing a sweater...sitting by a fire...mountians...hills...cool crisp air...no bugs...culture...Boston has a lot of culture....

[@jonathansansone8025]

@@stevewalther2293 True, I freaking love boston! But the areas that I likesay Beacon hill, Back bay etc, I could not afford to live there. But my favorite place to go. Food is awesome basically everywhere.

[@jeanneevans6078]

Love all your video that I have watched so far

[@jamescalifornia2964]

~ Stuart Florida ~ Nice area 👌

[@stevewalther2293]

1. Florida is great if your retired. It is very very hot...and very flat. I work in the pool industry and rarely ever see anyone in a pool...its too hot even to go swimming....summers here are like being snowed in...and summers here go on for 6 months...that's why we have SNOW BIRDS!!!...TOO HOT!!!! 2. It is flat...the whole State is a huge peace of sand that jets out into the ocean...it is like living on a barge with a nursing home...lol...so your on sand at sea level...

[@chococookies7292]

Tallahassee is hilly

[@stevewalther2293]

@@chococookies7292 it is? Are there waterfalls?

[@dmurphy7951]

The music is distracting

[@FloridaWithFive]

We notice that too, had it a little loud on this one.

[@inbetweenutube]

Okay....

[@treespirit2000]

Love your honesty:-)

[@cnetbuild]

I haven't heard about vision boards. Where can I learn more about your vision board or vision boards in general?

[@FloridaWithFive]

Wikipedia calls them “dream boards” You can Learn about them here: en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dream_board

[@brian782]

KZbin “how to make a vision board”

[@GFamilyThai]

Great information for sharing

[@AlecBig]

Thank you for this

[@FloridaWithFive]

You're welcome! 😊

[@Freddymcknight]

Subscribed ! ❤️

[@brodyvanlysal1038]

Haha first nice vid

[@FloridaWithFive]

Thanks bud!

[@lau_dhondt]

Helpful vid

[@phantasma2323]

😂 vision board 😂

[@juankarron9215]

Dude if you still got bright white feet living in Florida you're doing something wrong. LOL

[@LifeofMajik]

New subbie here. I’m totally obsessed with your channel. Beautiful family ❤️. I’m in the research phase of moving to Florida. I’m choosing between Orlando, Tampa or st Pete. I’m moving alone & looking at jobs & apartments. Any tips are greatly appreciated

[@FloridaWithFive]

Welcome to the family! Those are all great picks, depending on what you're looking for! Stay tuned, we have many more informative videos coming really soon!

[@romanromanowski9038]

Never move inland, it's hot , humid and plenty of mosquitoes. West coast is lucky , less hurricanes , always be as close to the shore as you can afford , sea breeze in the hot summer and the beach.

[@theinspiredgardener6434]

We’ve lived in Florida for 1 year. I’ve noticed 2 things, renting is expensive and job wages are low. That being said, we live 15 min. from the beach and go there several times a week.

[@romanromanowski9038]

@@theinspiredgardener6434 It is probably cheaper to buy, than to rent .

[@theinspiredgardener6434]

@@romanromanowski9038 I’m sure you can purchase a home or condo for less than many places in the country. Sha Williams was saying she was going to rent rather than buy. In my area, most apartments have have gone condo these days.

[@jeanettesmith765]

Before you move, purge.

[@staceyesteves2661]

You guys are so cute!

[@grumpydavid3839]

Target addict. that's hilarious.

[@FloridaWithFive]

Thats Lindsey!

[@tim-hypnotherapist]

So guys….

[@FollowLeonIsMyRealtor]

Purging bigtime right now, especially kids toys!

[@FloridaWithFive]

Good thinking! Making some good money too I hope!

[@lollipopkid8670]

Thankyou 👍🏽

[@lovabledork23]

Why so scripted?