Moving to Florida - Things I Wish I Knew Before Moving Here

[@georgiaisom6347]

I'm a die-hard Floridian born and raised. The heat, the weather, the atmosphere period I'm not going anywhere. There's no place like home. I love it here. 🌴🌴☀️🌞🌞

[@puppethound]

I moved to Norway a few years ago, but was born and raised in Florida. Already planning on moving back with my Norwegian wife. She is excited.

[@Gamemaster-rv7ih]

I have the same mentality, exactly. I love Florida.

[@tentoes4936]

Y'all can HAVE this place.. I can't wait to get outta here.

[@stugooden7826]

I don’t care how hot it is, nothing is worse than shovelling snow in -40 degrees Celsius, driving in snow, sliding on ice and not seeing the sun for days, even weeks on end. I’ll take the warmth!

[@kenpozek]

😂😂same here!

[@BrianAshenhurst805]

Exactly.

[@Trucking4Freedom]

Amen to that!

[@jennyhong6746]

Lmao. Fer feal. Grew up in Chicago. Was so depressed there. 14 years strong in FL.

[@DaveM-FFB]

Make a summer "escape plan" to avoid the heat and humidity. Road trips, 2nd home, etc. Whatever you can do to spend time in cooler, dryer climates. And invest $300 in a generator for power outages. The best investment you can make.

[@kenchambers7137]

I would never live in Florida without second home lol

[@caroletta451]

A generator there (or anywhere)) is a lifesaver!

[@DaveM-FFB]

@@kenchambers7137 We used to say that, until I added up all the state income tax we were paying. And then I multiplied that by another 25 working years. Over the last 25 years, we've had the discipline to bank what we would have paid in state income taxes. In hindsight, best financial decision ever.

[@majorsynthqed7374]

My summer escape plan is called "parking my ass on my boat and fishing." Get a boat with a Bimini top or a CC and enjoy the Gulf breeze under a bit of shade.

[@caroletta451]

@@majorsynthqed7374 That is still really hot! Been there, done that!

[@wsmith3849]

In the summer you need a shower and an outfit change after every project outdoors. Get a good washer and dryer. The traffic in populated areas is terrible. You’ll spend 7 minutes sitting at traffic lights for every 20 minutes of driving. Good luck finding a boat ramp to launch your boat.

[@ranger2316]

What's your hurry? You're in Florida for Pete's sake!

[@djrickyb]

@@ranger2316 I live in Maryland, and travel 495 and 695 and 95 here where drivers are crazy. I noticed driving through Jacksonville that drivers/commuters there are just as crazy as drivers here in Maryland! LOL. Orlando wasn't as bad, but Orlando has a ton of tourists driving around so it's different. I drove around Miami Dade area...Fast paced, but not too bad. I noticed A LOT of Convertibles on the road down there lol. South Florida has to have the highest concentration of people driving a convertible.

[@ranger2316]

@@djrickyb That's why we picked Tampa-St Pete! good quality of life, fairly slow paced. People drive locally around here. On the East Coast, they're driving to get somewhere. I don't miss the beltway up your way, although, I do like northern VA and MD. Those winters and the traffic really got to me after awhile. Have a great 4th!

[@kimberlyklimek9968]

True, the traffic lights here are horrible! Hard to find a boat ramp too

[@dianecenteno5275]

Many people who move to Florida, unfortunately, do not do their research and have no clue what they are in for on many levels. Makes the current growth situation difficult for everyone. 🤦‍♂️. Thanks for the informative video👍

[@joedavenport2477]

Honey people love Florida until they see their first paycheck and gotta pay rent

[@MrWelfarehater]

Diane although many people don't do their research many do. Speaking from personal experience, even though the realization that it is not all beach, sunshine, and play. It is going to suck. The only thing that sucks worse is staying where you are. Believe me if you're poor, Michigan sucks way worse than Florida

[@MrWelfarehater]

@@joedavenport2477 Joe think that sucks, try looking for a job and paying rent. Why I moved here, yeah the pay sucks, but at least in my case, I can always find a job

[@erocker78]

So true. When I lived there I met many northerners who ended up not liking it and moved back to where they came from.

[@stevewalther2293]

Florida is hyped up with misleading marketing...preying on people in cold weather states like Michigan and Wisconsin...living in Florida is like buying a cheap T-shirt in Vegas for $65. A lot of people I know absolutely hate it here...

[@ranger2316]

Thank you for the video. Good comments and observations. It's hot and humid, but man-oh-man, those winters! We retired from the rat race up in Washington, DC about 7 years ago and haven't looked back. I don't miss it a bit. All the things you say are true, but, hey, we're living in paradise! There is definitely a GOOD quality of life here! Thanks again for the video.

[@kenpozek]

Glad you’re loving life here!

[@Blackdawn80]

Not that I want anyone else moving to my home state, specially those from NY/NJ/CA, but: With sufficient warning to prep and even evacuate + home owners insurance, you should be much safer here than any state prone to TONADOS, EARQUAKES and SOCIALISM.

[@RPlavo]

Definitely not coming as a tourist to pay taxes listed on my resort bill

[@blevering99]

Just avoid coastal property - too expensive anyway.

[@majorsynthqed7374]

Hey...some of us are fleeing our democratic tax-infested hell holes to be free. Many of us will never vote Blue again.

[@Yormsane]

It's not so much the heat, but the humidity that's so hard for newcomers to deal with. The Orlando area is especially sweltering, with countless lakes that drive the moisture content through the roof. On the coasts, there are sea breezes which cool things down significantly, but in central Florida it's essentially rain forest conditions. Come down over the winter to try it out for a few weeks, then you'll adapt better to the stifling summers.

[@karlmartin2972]

Never under sell the amount of humidity. It is brutal. If you sweat, it will be like you jumped into a lake just by standing outside between May to October.

[@RiDankulous]

I chose Arizona at least for now. Florida is nice to me but yeah, the heat is brutal with the humidity at times. That's a lot easier to cope with than home state Ohio, the cold, though (for me at least)

[@erocker78]

Actually I would say March through October.

[@PETER394100]

@@RiDankulous......smart choice. In retirement it will either be Phoenix, Tuscon or Vegas for me. Give me mountains, desert and bright blue skies. Florida’s a rainy backward kind of place......not for me.

[@hotshoestudios]

Pro tip: once you move here please remember not to vote for the same people and policies that destroyed the state you left. Keep Florida free.

[@bs4real]

Why don't YOU just stay in the midwest?

[@Kaaaaammmm]

If you think Florida is free with Republicans and DeSantis in charge, then you are nuts.

[@EpicLemonMusic]

Been in florida 34 years, why don’t you just live in Kentucky or Tennessee, or whatever Flyover state your ideas came from

[@kidcope8632]

Funny. I live in California and have left the sunken place mentality, now I'm looking to buy only in Republican states. I think everyone knows that California is unfortunately too far gone to ever be a red stated.

[@EpicLemonMusic]

@Morgan Hill i said his ideas came from, I never said HE Himself. His Ideas are ignorant af and most likely come from some backwood Kentucky Turtle like Moscow Mitch

[@jeffevans3193]

The Florida of old was the last vestige of laid back beach parties and drinking beer in the sun, long gone. Like California in the 60's Florida has succumb to the snowbirds in the 80's. Lots of nice places to retire but you better have big bucks to do it,big bucks.

[@caroletta451]

Amen to the "lost Florida of old" and yes, you will need big bucks, indeed!

[@danacaro-herman3530]

@Jeff Evans. We have to sell our inherited condo due to the condo fees, assessments etc.

[@caroletta451]

@@danacaro-herman3530 I am so sorry. It just is not fair. Florida IS for the wealthy at this point. I have a divorced niece whose 3 year plan is to move to St. Pete. I will not tell her that she is delusional ...but she is!

[@sherrymiller2302]

You didn't mention anything about the BUGS, esp. mosquitos and fire ants!

[@kddavis5492]

Snakes wasps ..roaches .

[@christineclancy5801]

Those gawdawful Love bugs! 😵‍💫

[@mattisonjames5639]

Gators, frogs

[@sherrymiller2302]

@@christineclancy5801 Yeh, I remember my sister telling me they were all over her walls!

[@christineclancy5801]

@@sherrymiller2302 walls! I don’t quite remember them on walls but I grew up in Palm Bay and when they were bad, they were thick in the air and of course all over your windshield and car grille. They really collected along the highways ugh.

[@ncrpejxi]

Don’t NY My Florida

[@kenpozek]

Word

[@benjaminperez7328]

Don't CA my TX!

[@EpicLemonMusic]

As long as you don’t Kentucky my Florida with anti-gay Bills, Horrible Southern Infastructure, Fill my Florida with Tax Criminal Churches. Then we are happy not to NY Florida

[@9Alchemy13]

Well said

[@MultiAnne36]

I can't see why people would complain about the heat even coming from Detroit area where I am from. In Detroit you are trapped inside with the terrible winters 6+ months a year. In Florida you are inside in the summer air conditioning or in the pool for summer. Btw, summers in Detroit can be unbearable hot some years resulting in the same scenario.

[@DaveM-FFB]

If you live in a condo or apartment, and can't have a generator, get a lithium power station for inside use (>600kwh). It will run your fridge and fans for 5 to 10 hours in a power outage. It's a ~$600 investment that you won't regret. (Ecoflow River Pro)

[@NikkiNikita840]

@financial fast break thanks for the tip and recommendation for an exact product!

[@televisionarchivestudios1130]

I retired in Florida but I certainly couldn't live off the wages down here. Thankfully I have a pension

[@freddiebasset4298]

Wages?

[@lisa9867]

@@freddiebasset4298 He means jobs pay less in Florida. I've heard that too.

[@banditboy2010]

Agreed @Television. Having a pension in Florida is like life living in paradise.

[@daleeasterwood2683]

If you are a professional the wages are fine.

[@joedavenport2477]

@@daleeasterwood2683 True. However those types of jobs are hard to find. And if you're housing costs are high it can still be tough

[@DeborahDoodles]

Mostly I liked living in Florida (Tampa Bay area) for many reasons. Unfortunately my family did not so we moved home after 13 years. The sink holes are predominately on the west coast not so much near Orlando. Also, Orlando has so much to do but be sure you research neighborhoods before you move. In all that time I only saw one gator, a baby gator.

[@DeborahDoodles]

Forgot to mention, I’ve been going to FL my entire life, mostly Miami and have relatives living in several ares.

[@TheSnowyWind]

Where did you live before Tampa? How is the sink hole situation in Tampa area? I just bought a property there from SF Bay Area but I haven't visited it. I was in Miami for a year but it is much worse.

[@TheSnowyWind]

@@DeborahDoodles I'll visit there during the next 5 years. My kid is admitted to NYU so I have to work longer than expected. UC has stopped looking at SAT scores. Can't get into UCB or UCLA. I'm 10 years from early retirement😅. I must buy the retirement property before the rate jumped.

[@taramiller3236]

Sinkholes are everywhere in northern Florida. Limerock erosion is the cause. It's not just the west coast. Gators are oddly gauged to be everywhere. I have trouble finding one when I'm looking. Kinda like bigfoot😆

[@puppethound]

There is no place like Florida, in the U.S. where millions actually live. The weather is hot and humid sure, but living by the beach helps. The food is amazing, the locals are great, the atmosphere is chill and laid back. The cost of living is actually decent, the jobs are in abundance; however, a long term high paying career is not. (if that makes sense) While I was born and raised there and other than college and military obligation, I lived there all my life, close to a beach. There is a lot to do all year round. Also something that is a little surprising to "out of staters" is how cold it gets. While it doesn't stay cold for long, living in the panhandle where the Gulf air blows off the water, the wind chill can get into the high teens some nights. I know that doesn't sound cold to someone from say Minnesota, just like anything in the high 80s isn't HOT to us either. I have met a lot of people from NY, Ohio, New Jersey, and Maryland and that is what shocked them the most. The winter months last from beginning of Dec to the end of Feb, and while it can get colder sooner and last longer, it typically doesn't and most of the winter's temps get around mid 50s F. The cold never bothered me and I even moved to Norway a few years ago for the experience, but plan to come back to FL in a few years. Anyways, just thought I would share. Peace

[@obijuankenobi420]

Any east coast areas you can recommend ? Family oriented ?

[@DavidNoach65]

Bugs, noseums, mosquitoes. Did I mention mosquitoes? I am up north in Gainesville. Weather here is nice maybe in December, but January through March is nice. Then as soon as the rain starts up it is muggy and hot. I will never get used to all this rain. The entire state is overpopulated. What people call a farm here is maybe 20 acres. Any road is crowded, even the toll roads down south where he is. There are a few nice things I can say about Floriduh, but they are few.

[@benjaminperez7328]

Go Gators!

[@ranger2316]

I've got a pool cage ... it's like an outdoor room, with NO mosquitoes. As long as you have a cool place that is air conditioned to retreat to, you're good to go. I am curious, if you're so down on Florida, where would you rather be ... and ... why aren't you there? Life is too short to live in some place that sucks.

[@DavidNoach65]

Ranger, if it wasn’t for my wife I would not be here. Nothing like the cool mountains of northern New Mexico. No bugs, decent weather, better scenery, not all crowded. I am just making do with what is here.I might add, I do not like to be wet.

[@ranger2316]

@@DavidNoach65 I do not like to be COLD ... ever again! The place you describe sounds like Asheville, NC. has all the attributes without the altitude! Have a great holiday.

[@PETER394100]

@@DavidNoach65........I’m also a real rain-hater myself and central Florida is WAY too rainy for me. Upon retirement in a couple years I will be ‘leaving’ Florida for either Phoenix, Las Vegas or Palm Springs. Life’s too short for rainy days. I want mountains, desert snd bright blue skies!😁

[@joedavenport2477]

Vacationing in Florida and living in Florida are two completely different experiences. The tourist areas are in their own bubble. And don't let the no state tax fool you. Florida is expensive AF and most of the jobs pay like crap. I lucked out and was able to find a pretty sweet job (which is the only thing keeping me in FL right now). I make 63K, paid off my car and found a nice apartment (in a good area) that isn't too expensive so i'm doing ok. However Florida is attracting all of the crazy people from other parts of the country. And don't get me started on the "Florida Man". The quality of life here is slowly going downhill. I do not recommend raising a family here. However if you're single, don't mind having a roommate, and have a hustler mentality then Florida might be for you.

[@caroletta451]

Good points. You speak truth. Moved out of FL four years ago after 15 years.

[@joedavenport2477]

@@caroletta451 I'm looking at Pittsburgh right now. Heard a lot of good thing about it. Cold I can get used to again since i'm originally from the midwest.

[@caroletta451]

@@joedavenport2477 We are living in N. Indiana. It has been a pretty mild winter for the last couple of years. After so many years in Florida, and watching it deteriorate, we are very comfortable and thankful to be on our little six acre farm in the country. Most who live in PA do not want to leave. Western PA is much more rural. In my business, the people i talk to in PA do not leave nor want to. Good choice!

[@jvane28]

You forgot about all the bugs and mosquitoes.

[@glennpedersen986]

He sells real estate. Why would he want to mention that?

[@viva7642]

@@glennpedersen986 Good point but the title says otherwise. But of course, like all lawyers says, "No need to lie, just don't give them the details." :D

[@jvane28]

@@glennpedersen986 he talked about alligators and showed one in the video, also he forgot about all the Sulphur in the water in most areas in FL. You must have a water filtration system in the house, the Sulphur ruins everything . I know this because I have a lake house in Florida. Also I know in some areas there are flying cockroaches and frogs too.

[@MissMyMusicAddiction]

@@jvane28 Is it sulfur or iron? A lot of people mistake one for the other.

[@Primalxbeast]

@@MissMyMusicAddiction Well water definitely has sulphur in it. It's yellowish and smells like rotting eggs.

[@randorific333]

I was born in Lakeland, family moved to Daytona when I was 10 & that's where I grew up. Moved to St. Pete when I was 20 & lived in the area for 5 years. Moved to Orlando for a job. Orlando's okay. Moved to West Palm for a relationship. Meh. Out of all of the cities I lived in, I liked the Tampa area the most. I moved from WPB to Atlanta where I lived for 3 years. Too humid (worse than FL IMO) and air quality issues. Moved to San Francisco & lived there for 13 years. Got too expensive so I moved to Seattle. Currently living in Palm Springs after a failed attempt to relocate to London (yes, England). I don't hate it here, but it's clear the desert life isn't for me. Don't want to return to Seattle. Thinking about FL again. I'm retired (not by choice) so I'll either need to find low-income housing or a housemate/flatmate situation. Not sure where I'd live. I've read lovely things about Wilton Manors. Daytona is also an option (love the beach there) but I'm concerned about crime in that area. One of the things I didn't like about FL (and is why I moved to ATL) is the lack of a winter season. I'm not crazy about snow, but I enjoy colder weather. Anyway, thanks for the video.

[@bryceharper446]

It’s freak’n hot here.

[@howardkerr8174]

@ Randy P I hear you on the lack of seasons. However, in my case it drives me a little bit crazy that there is so little that changes here. I must often remind myself of the month, and occasionally even the day of the week. Of course, in my case, it doesn't help that I am retired. I guess short of moving to a state in the upper tier of the country, I would still find many days to be quite similar.

[@randorific333]

@@howardkerr8174 It is the same in Palm Springs. Seriously, there is absolutely nothing to do here. I moved here at the suggestion of a friend after my London plan fell through. I just like being near water.

[@nana2647]

I lived in FL 22 years! Went to GA! I don’t like here! We’re going back to FL we love it!

[@kenpozek]

Welcome home in advance!

[@mjo3275]

Yeah GA sucks I lived there for a year. Nearly exact same weather but NOTHING to do.

[@star_platinum2821]

with the heat in the summer, I just do things in the morning and the evening outdoors, in the afternoon I will do indoor things such as the mall

[@kenpozek]

Right! Everything is in AC. It’s not too bad at all

[@randorific333]

Same here in Palm Springs. You learn to run errands in the early morning.

[@bryceharper446]

We work around the weather lol

[@austinstitzel]

I would only visit Florida between November-April.

[@shauncampbell969]

Informative. All the best Shaun of NYC

[@jazzis4u1]

Flat landers listen up. Florida has its own beauty, but it’s nothing like the west. Line of sight there is measured in tens of miles. People in the desert head for the mountains in the summer. Landscapes there will take your breath away. No real traffic to deal with outside of major cities. The air is dry and comfortable most of the year. Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, Arizona, California, New Mexico all possess so much natural beauty to feed your soul. I’ve been traveling for 3 yrs in an RV out west and decided to come to Florida to buy a home in the villages. A week before closing I had a WTF am I doing moment, called my realtor and the bank and said keep my good faith deposit, I’m going back out west. I’m currently in Pagosa Springs. What a beautiful place! Never going back.

[@madeline9902]

Is pagosa Springs a 55+ community?

[@SewEyeSea]

Don't forget the $225.00 "Welcome to Florida" tax for the right to put a Florida tag on EACH of your vehicles... (motorcycles excluded)

[@benjaminperez7328]

One time. Stop whining and enjoy no State Taxes jabroni.

[@MultiAnne36]

We paid about $400 per vehicle in December.

[@caroletta451]

Yes, another lovely HIDDEN cost! We brought four vehicles in!

[@kenpozek]

We had this in Michigan too. Except it was $300-500

[@caroletta451]

@@kenpozek Yikes!

[@1965JB]

I’ve been there in August and January, I’m never going back. You’re welcome Florida.

[@paulsoxl7739]

You won’t be missed

[@1965JB]

@@paulsoxl7739 Like I said; you’re welcome.

[@coolaideevens8678]

That bad?

[@1965JB]

@@coolaideevens8678 For me, yes. Not my kind of place, and the weather is only part of it.

[@JuancoPRoFlow]

@@1965JB what's a better option in your opinion?

[@robinluther3617]

My escrow jumped $150 a MONTH this spring and 70% of that increase was homeowners insurance. Managed to knock off some $$ because I had a wind mitigation study when I bought my house 3 years ago.

[@brianpreston8483]

Move to NY, 95 thousand value and pay 6 thousand in property taxes

[@tonyyero7231]

The state has become way too expensive for folks who make lower salaries. Jobs just do not pay well for the increased cost of living here anymore. I have lived all over FL and Central Fl is far too over rated and land locked. Better of in less populated area closer to water. After all..why live in Fl if u cannot be near water.

[@exelmans8855]

Exact. I’m not from Flo but if I have to live there it have to be around the sea otherwise I don’t really see the point.

[@caroletta451]

Agreed...

[@CommonSenses101]

People are leaving FL for other states, especially the young people due to jobs/careers. FL does not have good paying jobs.

[@kenpozek]

The stats actually don’t back that up. For every seven people that moved in only one leaves. The next closest is Texas at 5 to 1.

[@CommonSenses101]

@@kenpozek I know a couple young men and a family moved to our state for jobs. They said lack of jobs in FL. The people that moved in FL most likely are retired and seeking to retire in FL. FL has lot vacant homes and they own by Snowbirds from the Northern states as their second home. They go down during the winter time to avoid the cold in the north.

[@alainfernandez1760]

@@CommonSenses101 mate, i hope that you were right about “your facts” but I am sorry to tell you that you are wrong…….there are a bunch of people coming to FL every day from states like California and New York.”lack of jobs”???,I don’t know what are you talking about???? There are “for hiring” signs every where in the state from trucking companies to hotels and restaurants. Taxes??? Just compare Fl taxes to the ones on NY and Cali. House prices, utilities cost, insurance cost…….and I could go on and on……but the most important thing is “government intrusion on people’s life……. I wonder why some of the Californians that I meet here in Fl are telling me that they feel freedom in Fl…….WHAT THE HECK ?????? Are they living those states because they are feeling oppressed????

[@benjaminperez7328]

@@alainfernandez1760 Hey Tucker! Loosen your bow tie and give it a rest with the oppression drivel.

[@gloriakadar3288]

@@kenpozek Texas too hot.

[@TheJhxc]

As a local, the amount of people moving into west palm beach is getting sooo bad.

[@easyfix5618]

That's why things is getting so expensive over there

[@TheJhxc]

@@easyfix5618 and traffic is getting so bad

[@orion3706]

I'm in Illinois, and my wife and I are retiring in Florida. We have a ways to go, but our hearts are set on Florida. We love Disney, we love the beach, and we both hate Illinois winters.

[@kenpozek]

As a Midwest guy (originally) I hear you!

[@orion3706]

@David Well oh we're not. We found a 55+ in central Florida near Lakeland that we're set on.

[@freedomring4813]

Do us all a favor if you're democraps, stay the HE LL out.

[@orion3706]

@@freedomring4813 I vote independent.

[@blackjack2933]

@@orion3706 So ,who'd you vote for in 2020? If it was Joe then ,stay the hell out.

[@elizabethwestlake8896]

I left Florida after retiring there 10 years ago. The humidity and traffic became unbearable.

[@An-Engineered-Journey]

We are planning on moving to Florida from Pittsburgh. This place has the most corrupt roads and tolls. You said tolls can start there at .50 there is a toll here that costs $15.

[@truenewsexposingtheblues.7908]

I'm from SAGINAW now I live in Orlando...The weather is amazing for depression.

[@kenpozek]

That seasonal affected disorder is no joke!

[@truenewsexposingtheblues.7908]

But I'm getting out of Orlando because of the outrageous crimre here .Disney covers up the actual crime rate.

[@musikmakerfan]

​@@truenewsexposingtheblues.7908 what area

[@yoshit9819]

Florida is awesome. From mid November to mid to late May. Summers suck.

[@pbkayakyer]

Swing by in September. It's awesome to see outsiders dodge hurricanes!!!

[@Mickey-jn8hz]

We moved not long after hurricane Andrew. We visited after that devastating hurricane but decided to move anyway. We have been there for 30 yrs. But now we are tired of the heat of the summer. When we were young, it was beach time every week end….you get tired of that soon enough. Now we enjoy our cottage up North…. Retirement is coming soon…will we opt for 6/6 and become ? Have had enough of South FL, maybe move to central FL, a little cooler. Sinkholes now will become a fear….

[@richardsrj64]

One thing about wildlife that surprised me were the wild flocks of peacocks. I was amazed when I saw them. They are beautiful. Also, our birds are very large compared to other areas of the countries. Sandhill cranes anyone?

[@kenpozek]

SO MANY Sandhill cranes. There were so many animals I left out. Wild pigs, bears, bobcat (we have one in our backyard) peacocks, it’s incredible!

[@daveriley6310]

Birds are larger in Florida than other parts of the country? Seriously? Check the range of those birds. They don't recognize the Florida state line. The Sandhill Crane National Wildlife Refuge is in Mississippi. I can hear sandhill cranes outside my home here in Alaska at this minute and two bald eagles are circling above me. We have 30,000 bald eagles here. California and many other states have some very big birds, too. (Cue the alligator in Orlando, doing his best Sinatra imitation - "🎼 🎵 Egrets . . . I've had a few . . . 🎼🎶 ")

[@PETER394100]

Reginald Richards......just hope there are no wild peacocks in your yard at night. Was visiting friends in Sarasota and in the middle of the night it sounded like a woman was being violently assaulted outside my bedroom window......scared the sh-t out of me! 🤣🤣 .......it was a couple of peacocks screaming!

[@rogerredford6242]

Moving from Las Vegas to Boynton Beach. Visited for 9 days and loved it. Vegas is either cold and windy or hot and windy. Came home to a dust storm. Can't wait to get back to Florida. I'm originally from Detroit.

[@timfields6130]

As a Native Floridian, I'm sick of people moving here. In my life time (55 years) I have watched so much of our beautiful natural land disappear just to be replaced with homes, golf courses, and more traffic. Up until the early 80s a drive between Ocala and Orlando consisted of Orange Groves and the amazing scent of the blossoms blooming. Now there's 100s and 100s of thousands of cookie cutter homes jammed in together. Beautiful land destroyed for golf courses. The lakes and rivers we played in as kids now have homes surrounding them that are no longer accessible by the people that grew up here. Florida use to be a laid back relaxed state, now everyone is in a hurry and miss the point of actually living here. Our wildlife are getting pushed out their homes. Then when the northerners see a gator, snake, or any wildlife in their yard they flip out wanting it destroyed. I am grateful the Snowbirds go home in the summer, but honestly...If you can't handle our summers, you don't deserve our winters. Please understand, this is not a hate comment, but just a Native Floridian that is sad watching the beautiful state of Florida disappear and that my own children will never get to enjoy the woods and waterways I played in, because they're gone.

[@gloriakadar3288]

Keep your Florida i dont trade my California for your humid state

[@djrickyb]

This is true! However, this is honestly True just about EVERYWHERE. Suburbs have grown exponentially over the last 40 years. So many areas have literally doubled or even trippled their population over the last 30-40 years that farm land and wooded areas are all being replaced by housing or commercial real estate. It's all about monetary growth. It is also true that older Americans are moving west and south...more than ever.

[@pcb12462]

I too am a native central Floridian & we thank Mr. Disney for the loss of most of our natural Florida in the area. Once the doors opened 10/1/70, it was game on & there were no 'growth plans' developed in the affected or surrounding counties, much less the state. Cypress Gardens in Winter Haven, my hometown, was the 'theme park' people flocked to for beautiful flowers & entertainment. We had some hard freezes and citrus canker take away that industry. Farming/ag is surviving but barely. I4 has been under construction in one way, shape or form for as far back as I can remember & I traveled it both directions to the beaches every weekend with my family and friends. I could go on a tirade about imports & the changes associated with that topic to our ecosystem, so I'll keep it simple. Those crazy, weird, mean, odd looking lizards you see everywhere, they didn't start out looking like that! Lizards here 'back in the day' were of few species so what you see represents importation. They come in crates of food from wherever & once it hits land, out they come. We also have many non native species frogs, plants, vines, etc. that have slowly been devouring natural FL due to imports. The imagination of one person can sure switch things up & not always for the best of all. Come, visit, have fun & go back home was taken off the table of options many decades ago. ✌️

[@timfields6130]

When I was a kid, my family moved from Hollywood up to Summerfield (South of Ocala) in 1970, We lived on a small humble 5 acre farm. Back then, are closest neighbors lived over 2 mile away. We were 5 miles away from the closest town (Belleview). The houses were scattered back then. I drove by the old property several years ago and there's about fifty house on that old property alone. The 100+ acre property across the street was vacant and now as cookie cutter homes jammed in there. There use to be a nice little lake hidden back in the woods a few miles away without a home anywhere in sight. The woods were all destroyed and now houses surround that lake with no public access anymore. It's just sad what has happen to Florida.

[@verasiwik4065]

@@gloriakadar3288 Yikes

[@mullins809]

Also beware My car insurance Doubled when I moved to Florida !

[@kenpozek]

Mine actually went down 30% from Michigan’

[@frankmartin9958]

When I moved from Sarasota to Tampa my Insurance Doubled

[@freedomring4813]

Funny ,my car insurance doubled when I went back to NY for a short time. And dropped back down when I moved back.

[@edwardmartinez]

If you don't like it stay away.

[@TexasTiago86]

WOWWW crazy. You’re right, literally watching this from metro Detroit 😱

[@adamevarts8711]

Currently in Florida. BIG FAN!

[@kenpozek]

We’re a BIG FAN of you man

[@rebeccawalters5727]

What part of Florida are you at thinking of moving there soon

[@BluntMann420]

Im moving to Florida in about 6 months with my freind were only 18 any advice on the living situation

[@onthefarside2096]

with Flordia being in the news almost every day you should know everything about the state. The good, the bad, and the ugly. this man is however a great reminder.

[@Gypsygirl9]

Not too accurate about weather. Having to run the AC daily is not good. Last year thete qas a tital if about 10 random days in which we were able to turn it off. Elevttic bills are high.

[@DIZZYHALE]

You forgot about Fire Ants. I wish someone would have given me a heads up on that one.

[@kenpozek]

You know what. Moving to Florida part II. That’ll be on there. My son got eaten up when we first moved here

[@kathleenhazy6126]

@@kenpozek you can add wild boars to the list. It’s a real problem in Lake Nona…they like to reek havoc on the pricey landscaping.

[@kenpozek]

Omg. So many boars. So random!

[@kathleenhazy6126]

@@kenpozek totally random, I know. We’re destroying their turf to make way for housing and retail so I suppose it’s the price we have to pay [pun intended.] 😎🌴🐗

[@al1203]

@@kathleenhazy6126 Boars aren't indigenous to Florida. They are an invasive species.

[@jcripp7974]

Doing your video down in Ivanhoe Village in Orlando. Definitely not representative of that area HaHa. I came to Central Fla from Mass. In 2014. North of there. Inverness, Crystal River, area. Yes the summer is something you have to get used to. Winter is great. Took me a bit, but I like Florida.

[@freedomring4813]

LOL, we might be neighbors.

[@clutchcargo5259]

Dentists in Tampa are way over-priced, double or triple the prices I paid in NJ. It would be cheaper to get my procedures done when I go back to visit. The Florida summers are brutal but if you can manage to get away for a couple weeks it's a relief. My apartment rent doubled in the past 5 yrs. The mosquitoes (no-seeums) are actually midges and white vinegar takes the sting and itch away in about 10 minutes. The more you pay the safer the neighborhood. $1600 a month gets you a decent 1 bedroom apartment. Good Luck! ..its over-crowded everywhere, even in some of the rural countryside areas..btw Michiganders with that whiney- nasal accent drive me up a wall, so stay up there😁

[@MikeX3000]

Prices are going up everywhere.

[@Ioncandi]

$1600 for a one bedroom apt? We are paying that for a 3 bed/2 bath house with trees and land in So Cal lol

[@johnlabus7359]

The Burmese Pythons are eating the deer, raccoons, and other native wildlife.

[@kimwiles8201]

Sink holes lime stone under the ground it melts away in the ground and sink holes form.

[@kimstoll5161]

Hi Ken. I’m going to be moving to Central Florida in a couple weeks and am thinking of buying or at least looking to buy probably in the next 6-8 months but I’m worried about cost and more specifically being bought out with people willing to overbid. I currently live in Colorado now and it’s a huge problem. Average single family home now in the state is $600k. I would love to get some feedback for what to expect in the market there. Specifically in the Winter Garden or Clermont areas. Thanks for the content

[@kenpozek]

Hey Kim! Thanks so much for watching. We’re seeing people over bid on almost every house. It’s happening and I’ll price brackets too. Not as crazy as I’m seeing in Denver and Austin though.

[@freedomring4813]

LOL, if you want to live where everyone wants to live ,then of course its gonna cost you.

[@katazack]

We moved to Oakland, between Winter Garden and Clermont, last year. Very nice area, but it is getting congested. A nice 3-2 new construction in this area will run you about $400k. Figure closer to $500k for four bedrooms. If you are willing to go a little further west or north, the housing is less expensive.

[@cozzoli39]

I'm born and raised in Florida, my grandfather was a farmer, born in Florida, his father was a farmer born in Florida. You forgot to mention the impact of all of these people moving here. All of the out of state people are driving the locals nuts. I've never seen traffic this bad in July. The summers are usually pretty relaxed, but not lately.

[@G0thbabyxo]

Well seeing as how Covid has taken over every persons life Since 2019 it’s not very surprising that people want to start traveling and going out again and going to beaches and things like that it’s absolutely to be expected

[@RickysFarmAndHatchery]

Hey great info. I'm on the fence of moving to FL. I was told I need to live in FL. For 2 years to buy a house? I want to go from CA straight into non flooding land 2-3 acres. Maybe in Homestead area or something closer to Orlando? Any info areas of land I can find for farming animals and/or homesteading?

[@scottsellers8967]

What about Ocala Florida? Good place to live?

[@docbailey3265]

Yes.

[@Lianne459]

The pay in Florida is awful. A teacher friend of mine moved back when he found out FL pays their teachers 35% less than up north. If you arent retired just know the pay sucks in Florida

[@michellemarie1197]

I'd rather deal with humidity, and have rain than have dry heat with droughts and sand storms. The lightening scares me though.

[@gladiator8325]

and in Florida for over two years and love it including the wages

[@truthbetoldgizmo7186]

I live in Oviedo and you forgot to mention 500lbs black bears and 100lbs panthers that live here too.

[@kenpozek]

Those are just friendly neighbors. Completely free of charge 😂

[@truthbetoldgizmo7186]

@@kenpozek Yup, exactly why I bought a shotgun, just in case. 😆

[@speederz1]

my friend just built his 1500sq ft ranch in cape coral and his house insurance is 5400.00 a year....Thats insane...im glad i pay 600.00 a yr in the country

[@minidivinty]

I’ll be moving to Florida soon for college around Orlando and want to know would it be better to get an apartment or rent a house? I’ll be staying in Florida for 7years.

[@kenpozek]

Depends if you want yard maintenance and extra privacy or not? An apartment is a great lock and go option, but gives you less privacy and no outdoor space. Both are renting so it’s just personal preference really.

[@l.ls.8890]

Check where you buy a house, if it was elevated farm land probably okay. If it was wetlands filled in Run away as quickly as you can.

[@ranger2316]

Just check what flood zone you're in and what evacuation zone you're in.

[@bigtexan2218]

Any slow down with the number of people moving to FL?

[@sarahhardy865]

Florida is full. Do not move here. Also, if you need social services, Florida is not your state. It doesn’t have the revenue stream to fund northern-style govt benefits (no state income tax). Medicaid is chiefly for children. Mass Transit is very, very limited. If you aren’t wealthy, don’t expect to visit the theme parks much. Housing is mostly out of reach for workforce (teachers, cops, firefighters) incomes and flat-out unaffordable for unskilled labor incomes (hospitality). Gang/drug/organized crime is rampant, as are home invasions. Do NOT move to Florida.

[@redwemette5942]

I did the same thing coming down in in August of 1987 I made it through that summer and was used to the Summer by the next year.

[@leanhnguyet71]

The weather is warmer than all other places in the US , it's like tropical weather in Fl . The highlight of the state is its own exclusive treasure of sinkholes and alligators and some other wildlife around that makes the land more stunning , a little wild . With almost all Americans , every land would be perfect for them where they could get a good career with a high income ...

[@taramiller3236]

You haven't traveled much! Nevada is 112 at times, Arizona is 108 a lot of days, Texas gets high spells etc. The desert areas are what people refer to as dry heat, but leave your car for 5 minutes and when you get back in the oven, try getting it cool fast. We live in an area where heat and cool are largely preference..... I've been to South Dakota where the day was 100, and it froze that evening. In Florida, you get a flux of 30/40 or so degrees at most, so it may be 60 that day and 30/ 40, that night. It will never be 100 and freeze that night. Every area takes getting used to

[@gloriakadar3288]

I hate humidity

[@rochellewilliams1022]

Yep we’ll be coming down from Detroit too Ken.... can you suggest some areas near Orlando to purchase a newer home ? Is new construction worth the hassle?

[@charlesj1258]

Not Ken but letting you know your question is a little broad. Ken has done a number of videos of different areas that are worth checking out to get ideas - his long Saturday videos have some good discussion with different types of people. In general, Ken is a fan of new construction in Lake Nona and Horizon West for example...but if you will be working on the northern side of Orlando, you might be better off checking out other areas like Lake Mary. But your price range is also critical...if money is no object, maybe shop in Windermere or Lake Nona, sure. Maybe one of the nicer areas downtown. But if you are on a tight budget, Clermont or Davenport might be worth a look...

[@rochellewilliams1022]

@@charlesj1258 thanks for the response...I’ll take a look at more of his vids for ideas

[@katazack]

House prices have gone nuts in Orlando, much like the rest of the state. We bought in a new subdivision about 15 miles west of Orlando, near Clermont, in the fall of '19 and if you build the same house we did today you will pay about $70k more (roughly 25 percent more). There is a waiting list for the second phase here. Figure on roughly 6-8 months to build. There is an inventory shortage of existing houses. As far as where in Orlando to build or buy, that is a matter of taste. Northeast of Orlando (Winter Park, Lake Mary and Seminole County) is more affluent, as is south of Orlando (Lake Nona area). Downtown and near downtown (Baldwin Park) is also very pricey. East of Orlando is more affordable in the direction of the University of Central Florida. Lake County (to the west and northwest) is a little more rural and affordable. Osceola County (southwest) is the most affordable but you are about 20-30 miles from downtown Orlando. All of these locations are anywhere from 15 to 30 minutes from the theme parks (depending on the traffic, which can be horrendous).

[@anthonyburrell1166]

KB building new homes in the winter haven area, 40 mins from Orlando,

[@MooMoo-zy2yg]

I moved here from Louisiana 7 yrs ago and there’s nothing that I like about Florida 😢😢

[@garyplummer621]

Former New englander...it's not for everybody,has it's pros and cons..if you come here for a year then it could help you decide,animals ,bugs and animals are no problem ...people and driving are more of a problem and the over building is the other...would we had moved here..No I probally would have moved to north Conway N.H. or Newbury mass. Oh yeah living near the beaches in Venice is a big pro...i miss the 4 seasons like up north and Christmas snow but would visit here when I retire.

[@matthewpinkas6204]

Great list to keep in mind

[@patriciabradley8182]

It is hot here more like 10 months a year and tell people about the infestation of bugs year round it is a far cry from the paradise you are projecting I have been here for 37 years so not a recent transplant. No we do not get snow but oh boy wish we could get enough cold to make it livable year round and to wear a jacket at least.

[@kenpozek]

Hey Patricia! Curious, what part of the state do you live in? I wear sweaters and jackets from November to March!

[@patriciabradley8182]

New Smyrna Beach

[@MiBurnout]

I AM IN DETROIT!! You were right!! It's 23° here right now, February 24th 2022

[@kenpozek]

Condolences 😂

[@MiBurnout]

@@kenpozek I appreciate the kindness.. thats a rarity in these parts... lol

[@stevenb1378]

Dude, I’m also from Detroit and a realtor. I’m looking to get licensed in Florida. Any guidance?

[@kenpozek]

Real estate express is great for licensing. I’d join a team before going in alone right now. Wild market.

[@jorge2861]

Hi Ken.. These videos keep getting better. Good 👍🏼 work!!

[@readysetreact1345]

I’m tired of the overcast west Michigan

[@isabelchelsea3047]

I would say the opposite. Come in the Winter so U can ease U'r way into summer.

[@ntao.henshaw5661]

Do you do renting?

[@Columbus1152]

It never ceases to amaze me, the number of transplants who complain about the heat and humidity. It doesn't take a lot of searching to learn southern FL is tropical, the more heat, the more tropical.

[@kenpozek]

Yep! No complaints here. Better than snow!

[@erocker78]

I'm from Florida and I hate the heat and humidity there. Everyone complains about it because it sucks. It literally sucks the life out of you to the point that you don't want to do anything but sit inside with the AC on with the thermostat set on 73.

[@kenpozek]

Try 70 degrees lol. Doesn’t bother me nearly as much 5 years in

[@erocker78]

@@kenpozek You're crazy. I'd rather have 4 seasons than to have heat and humidity almost all year long. You can't even be comfortable sitting outside in a lawn chair under an umbrella down there.

[@neilsmith9066]

50% of those people moving there every day are escaping felonies in other states. I lived there for 8 years had a family moved out.

[@kenpozek]

Lol FIFTY percent? Haha

[@neilsmith9066]

@@kenpozek Shit might be more

[@PETER394100]

Florida’s the “Walmart crowd” for sure.🤣🤣

[@coreymarks40]

I loved how he downplayed those hurricanes.

[@copperhead2694]

Not every place has toll roads. And I have lived in middle USA and got hit by two tornados, decided to move back to FL I can manage Hurricanes much better LOL and warn the people about Fire ants and sand spurs 😉

[@slothbros7607]

and no see ums :)

[@jonathana2079]

Not Detroit. Watching from Buffalo New York. I would choose Sarasota to live, but I hear it's getting crowded.

[@kenpozek]

Sarasota is amazing! Beautiful beaches

[@alainfernandez1760]

I am reading a couple of negatives remarks about Fl in this comments section, and most of them are from people that came from other states…….I would like to tell all of you “don’t forget the motive for witch you decided to live your home town and resettle down here in Fl”, and in case that you already forget I kindly suggest all of you to get back to those places and suffer the disastrous decisions of your democrátics politician.

[@jazzis4u1]

Why can’t florida republicans spell?

[@alainfernandez1760]

@@jazzis4u1 you are such a racist that you dare to mock an immigrant just because his first language is Spanish an misspell while writing in English……..it is supposed that you as a democrat are a very inclusive, and helpful person; where did you left all those good qualities????

[@michelecostantini993]

I'm looking to invest in boutique hotel in Miami do you have any thing interesting.

[@williamgiesecke6447]

We are trying to buy our first home in Davenport..

[@tessamarsh9796]

Yay Davenport. That’s where we are. I like this area a lot. It’s starting to grow fast though and traffic is getting bad too. It’s still a great area though.

[@shirleylake7738]

I can't breath in Florida in August. I love snow and the cool air.

[@cynthiaabbott1945]

SAME!

[@mjo3275]

Try Breckenridge Colorado you really can’t breath when you go there.

[@al1203]

Syracuse is nice in the winter.

[@chellejack3480]

I live in Idaho and I love the weather here. Moved from California with 110 degree summers. Bleh.

[@ranger2316]

@@al1203 ??? uh huh.

[@barblue3]

Which areas in central Florida have potential real estate turnaround? Which places in Orlando?

[@mr.5545]

I been living in Florida over 30 years and to be honest I’m sick of the heat , humidity, rain during the summer , lighting , the red tie . The overly slow drivers that always stay in the fast lane instead of the right line or middle . Lots of retire over 60 and 70s elderly people slowing down traffic or causing accidents. Sorry but Florida is more for retirement. Only if you can stand the weather mainly during summer . Don’t forget the mosquitos 🦟. . Jobs don’t pay that well and housing prices are ridiculous this days even for rent. Apartment renting is a joke total scheme . Some county’s and areas , beaches are nice areas . Summer totally sucks here . If I could move to another state I would.

[@mjo3275]

Alright leave then lol

[@al1203]

I'm sorry you're so miserable.

[@floridagunrat1625]

Don't let the door hit you in the butt on your way out!

[@ranger2316]

Miguel ... you DON'T have to suffer here. if it sucks that bad for you down here, take charge of your life and make it happen. Move to a place that makes you happy. You can do it. Seriously, life is short ... find happiness.

[@mr.5545]

Guys if you’re from Florida please don’t take my comments personal I’m just giving people the facts . For those that are still young , outgoing always in the move and don’t like the heat and humidity and like I said before on my comments if I could or had the funds to move trust me I’ll be more than happy to do so . I’m not miserable and I have met so many great people in Florida and nice restaurants to go eat with friends and family. After a while you just have to manage . Just like any other state . The facts are the facts and I’m just letting people know that Florida is not for anyone that does not like the heat humidity slow traffic and over priced renting and housing simple . When the day comes hopefully soon if gods willing I will move to Colorado . Is just how I feel and those that don’t like it . Than simply don’t pay no mined to my comments .

[@allycat7183]

I'm from florida and I spend about $30-$40 a month on tolls for normal use

[@jscollister]

Great video. Lots of good info. I think I need to figure out how to buy a house there now! Not sure how crazy prices will be in two years.

[@kenpozek]

I don’t think it slows down without (the right) government intervention. And the intervention they’re talking about (buyer incentives) isn’t going to help

[@williamgullett5911]

He didn't mention flood insurance. Thats the big one

[@ranger2316]

My FEMA flood insurance in Palm Harbor is about $500 per year. I'm in Zone X though, so living on the water might be more.

[@user-sf9pq5ox7w]

thumbs down- just another sales pitch. You should have stayed up north.

[@agamble1126]

We're waiting on a job offer. Might be leaving one sunny Disney obsessed state for the other. Coast to Coast move. Home prices have risen a lot. Our CA foothills home is not going to sell for much more than what we'll be looking to purchase in FL.

[@chop3625]

How can you possibly lose when transitioning from Detroit.