Living in Florida: What's it REALLY Like? 🌴 Cost of Living, Traffic, Weather | MELANIE ❤️ TAMPA BAY

[@MelanieLovesTampaBay]

If you have any additional questions that I haven't answered here, comment below with your Florida question and I can do another FAQ episode.

[@nadian6760]

Melanie Loves Tampa Bay What gas prices do you consider low ?

[@scabs7220]

Very high humidity and The most Lightening sticks in all the U.S.A.Yes Florida is a Beautiful state.

[@julier4315]

Melanie Loves Tampa Bay do you deal with section 8 for a 3 family home

[@brendagal1273]

THE MEDICAL CARE IS THE LOWEST ASSWIPES FROM HELL ! FLORIDA I S GODS WAITING ROOM !

[@garefamily01]

Melanie Loves Tampa Bay how is the port Richie to live? Or Holiday?

[@juliaquinones2117]

I was looking for an investment property in Tampa Fl and watching some videos on KZbin I saw the Melanie Love Tampa Bay. I sent her a text explaining what I was looking for and my price range. Melanie was so efficient and at the end of the day she emailed me around 80 properties available in the area that I was interested in. The next day she sent me a video of the house I was interested in. In four days I signed the contract and in three weeks I did the closing of the property. Melanie is very nice and friendly, she went out of her way to help me with the paperwork and finding a manager for the new property. If anybody is interested to buy or rent in Tampa Fl, I highly recommend Melanie. Thank you, Julia,

[@deandadon6756]

How’s Florida so far

[@antonleimbach648]

I’ve lived in the Tampa Bay Area since 1972 and I still love it. Florida is what you make of it. Just like any place. If you like beaches, warm weather, and lots of sunshine than this is the place for you.

[@foodiegal9923]

As a Native New Yorker living in South Florida- I have to say, each region is totally different! West Coast, East Coast, South Florida, the Keys, the Panhandle...doesn’t actually feel connected to me. Each has it’s own identity.

[@unfvzedmak]

West central Florida feels very nice

[@kylechesser645]

I've lived here for 39yrs my whole life never vacated for a hurricane or anything else

[@Ira88881]

Nice job explaining some of the issues. Here’s another one for people considering a move here. I moved to Coral Springs when my older son was two. He’s 27 now. At the time, New York had two of the worst winters ever. We were trapped in the house most weekends, and he was bouncing off the walls. I said that’s it, we’re moving to Florida, and the next thing you know, I’m taking him fishing, camping and swimming every other day. So Florida is NOT just for retirees. Next, best roads in the country and hardly any homeless. Best move I ever made.

[@haydee727]

I have a 4 year old boy and expecting a second son. One of my main reasons for relocating!

[@brian19877777]

I live in Tampa and you’re significantly downplaying how bad the drivers here are and the traffic

[@andrewmanley9579]

I guess that you've never been to Long Island.

[@Rob-bo7yn]

@@andrewmanley9579 I grew up in and lived in St. Pete most of my life. I moved to Long Island (Lindenhurst) in 2014. The one thing my Florida friends asked is what's it like there? I said it's exactly the same as the bay area only there are no palm trees and the weather is cold in late fall, winter, and spring. The traffic on LI can be brutal at times but it is a pain in the bay area as well. I haven't been back to Florida since the day I left. I enjoyed Long Island and being close to the city. Both places have their good and bad points.

[@Rob-bo7yn]

Keep in mind most people in the bay area are transplants and learned to drive in other places. Point being there are bad drivers everywhere.

[@anniebananie3970]

Or Tennessee.

[@jakebrasgalla2196]

Brian Wilson if you think the drivers in Tampa are bad ( I have been to Tampa at least 200 times) you should see how bad the drivers are in Sarasota.

[@timslater566]

Anyone planning on moving here....just make sure you’re a big rain-lover! It rains here.....A LOT !!!

[@MelanieLovesTampaBay]

William Kilgore Very True! 🌂🌂🌂🌧🌦⛈

[@timslater566]

Derrick Bridges, I actually lived in Seattle for 2 years and while it may be cloudier there it rains way more in the Tampa area and Florida in genetal. Believe me........Seattle has ‘nothin’ on Tampa in the rain department !!

[@TheChoochooboy99]

William Kilgore Tampa-St Pete average more rain annually but it is concentrated within a shorter period of the year. We average 56 days with rain per year but 309 days of sunshine. Seattle averages 150 days per year of rain. Sure we get more rain but we also have quite a bit more sunshine as well.

[@Urelob]

Florida rain is unlike rain anywhere else. You can be drenched in five seconds

[@nycfcistrash2097]

As a Floridian I can tell you that Tampa Bay is not an accurate sample of Florida life.....

[@forgottoremembertofo]

Nick The Man it’s nothing like the 954 that’s for sure

[@nycfcistrash2097]

@@forgottoremembertofo exactly. You have 3 parts of Florida, the coast cities like Miami, FTL and Palm beach, they are all exactly the same all along the coasts. Then you have the weird parts like broward and pasco county. Then the wannabe californians like clearwater and tampa, they literally resemble nothing even close to what florida is like. Everything else is everglades

[@forgottoremembertofo]

Nick The Man I’m actually from Broward, to say it’s weird is an understatement, and that weirdness leaks into Miami-Dade, it’s a freak show but the beach is beautiful around 6:30-7ish in the AM, there’s also the keys which are a massive tourist trap, but they were an independent country very briefly called The Conch Republic (a response to a dispute in taxes), you’ll see it’s purple flag every once in a while.

[@forgottoremembertofo]

J. Smart most people don’t go there, and it’s only one part of Florida, do give an overview of JUST Tampa and the surrounding area is irresponsible and ignorant.

[@BryanGarcia-qb2ov]

Excuse me (just a proud Tampan walking bye lol)

[@nick_jacob]

Lived here 15+ years in Clearwater and now Palm Harbor. The only issue is that most homes here do not have a lot of land. The nicer homes are typically 400k +, and still don't have a lot of land. But other than that, it's perfect.

[@michaelbarnhart2593]

Best advice as a Florida resident that I can give to others: "Make sure you have plywood that fits your windows and doors, with bolt screws a power drill." You will be using these more than you think.

[@lenchenes]

Why?

[@michaelbarnhart2593]

@@lenchenes Hurricanes! Where I live in Florida, there is a good chance you will board up your home and evacuate 2 times or more each summer.

[@unfortunatelyunfortunate5777]

Hurricanes when you get a warning dont be scared thoguh because a lot of houses down here are made of concrete and can withstand strong wind rain and flying objects. But still board up your windows. Also if your like me hurricanes aren't scary as long as theres nothing flying in the air like ... your neighbors trashcans from Thursday... and its Sunday

[@michaelbarnhart2593]

@@magiccheeseball Um, Hurricane Irma was almost 300 miles wide, and it is not just the "eye" you worry about. My home had considerable damage and it was nearly 150 miles away from the center. Depending on which side of the wind/storm surge you are on, that is not true. I have lived in FL nearly 60 years as well.

[@natrone23]

I have lived in Tampa for 30 years and never had to do any of that.

[@nysavvy9241]

Lived in Tampa for 5 years. I recently purchased a townhome and going back soon. Everything you stated about Florida is totally on point.

[@cfonde]

I've lived in Florida since the early 1960's. Florida used to be quite cheap compared to most metropolitan areas in the country. Over the last 20-30 years, real estate prices in the better coastal cities (and Orlando) have increased dramatically. My mother bought us, our first home in a hip area of Ft. Lauderdale, back in 1964, for $11,000. Today, that same home (renovated) and 2 blocks away from extravagant Las Olas Blvd. (if you know Ft. Lauderdale) is now worth over $850,000. I purchased my first home in Sarasota back in 1988. It's was a Florida Craftsman Bungalow style, and I paid $41,000. Today, that home is worth about $340,000, but only because it is in a gentrifying area near downtown Sarasota. Those are extreme examples, but I have seen real estate prices triple here in Sarasota, for most homes since the 1980's. As more people relocate to the more sought-after areas of Florida, it has pushed the prices of real estate to almost un-affordable levels for the working class folks. In Sarasota, just a basic home will cost $200k minimum. If you go south to North Port or Port Charlotte, a basic home will run about $160k and up. A 2 bedroom apartment in Sarasota for rent is about $1400/month. It might be lower outside the Sarasota city area, which tends to run about 20% higher than surrounding communities. Florida has a lot of service-sector jobs, where $12/hour is about average. So, unless you make a real professional wage, like $25/hour and up, (and I mean mostly "up"), then Florida could seem quite expensive. Probably one of the best industries I can think of to work in Florida, would be healthcare, with the aging population here. If you are coming from the major cities of the northeast (N.Y., Boston, Philadelphia), then prices of homes in Florida will seem reasonable. If you're coming from "flyover country" in the mid-west, or some small town somewhere, then Florida will seem expensive. If you're coming from a major city in California, then Florida will seem like an absolute bargain in comparison. If you're retired or nearing retirement, and have owned a home up north that is now worth $800k to over a million dollars, you can sell that home, move to Florida, and buy a beautiful home in a gated community for $400,000+ and live the good life with the money left over, and of course, never have to shovel snow again. Be prepared for population growth. It is getting crowded down here now!

[@ganymeade5151]

Very accurate description from what I have read. Thanks

[@hughwynn6193]

I totally agreed. I have been living in the Tampa Bay area for 40 years, but have also been traveling and living in other cities in different states six months a year, as required by my job. House pricing / living in Florida can be expensive for some people.

[@rodneyjohnston6280]

I think it beautiful I go fishing everyday The summertime tongue I take a vacation Then after summer I go fishing Everyday until the next summer I love Florida it's awesome place to live

[@auroralopez494]

People tail gate and cut me off and refuse to use their signal. It's nice because You have so many schools to choose from and kids may still live at home, attend a nice college near by, go to games and concerts. I miss the pacific northwest at times, the fresh evergreen tree scent and beautiful valley hills and mountains

[@christinesauers6347]

I came from Ohio when I was 32 and have been living in Sarasota Fl for 3 years. 5 min from the beach. It does cost more to live here and can be rough at times being single but so worth it. Love living in Fl

[@jesusescamilla7331]

I live in florida and have been living here for all of my life and will never leave

[@Crave200]

I been living in Florida for my whole life never seen one gator

[@renegaderebel2223]

@@Crave200 really one was in my backyard 3 weeks ago

[@forgottoremembertofo]

3:22 you can find an okayish job living in Pompano, Deerfield, Laudy, or Dania. Get IT credentials or work a trade, HVAC is particularly profitable because of the salt water. Avoid the marketing jobs like the plague and you’ll be ok, negotiate your hours so that you can visit the beach, the sunrises are awesome.

[@BlueGoat682]

Thanks for the video. Nice job! I was born and raised in Minnesota and summer was always my favorite season when I was growing up. Now that I live in the beautiful state of Florida I get to experience summer year round and I'm loving it! I have lived here in the Tampa Bay area for 30 years and I honestly could not imagine living anywhere else...

[@shaneomack5018]

I've lived in Florida, Georgia and in North Carolina. The humidity is Florida by far is worst than the other two. Summer days with a 95 and feels like 105 aren't fun times . Unless you like the heat..I mean really like the heat than Florida is your state.

[@scherylb]

LOL I am in Alabama and just yesterday the heat index here was 107, Florida is not the only place that has humidity and high temps...In fact, the temp in Alabama where I am located was actually higher then in the panhandle yesterday....go figure.

[@endofsociety]

Reasons to love Florida: endless summer green grass and 🌴 palm trees. No snow. I grew up in the northeast and I’ll tell you, in NJ , the pay rate is about the same for every job I look at on indeed. For a 3 br house in an ok neighborhood is about 1700 a month. I can get the same in or around Tampa for around 8- 950 a month and includes a pool. Oh yeah, no state taxes come out of your paycheck. And the peak season is may through September along the jersey shore. So the parkway is always a mess between those times. Not that it isn’t a mess throughout the rest of the state every damn day. It’s just worse in the summer. That’s why car insurance is really high. 7k a year for a new driver. Oh yea, Florida beaches are free access, Jersey beaches aren’t. None of them are free here.

[@JGW845]

Keep in mind that Florida is large and long. There are several regions within the state with each having its own charm and feel. North Florida actually has mild seasonal changes and a much different pace of life than SE Florida. Same goes for the Panhandle, Central Florida/Orlando, Tampa Bay, SW Florida, the Treasure Coast, the Keys, etc. Realty prices also vary by region. I grew up in the TB area and Tampa is one of my favorite places to visit, but I wouldn't live there again. If you are considering moving here take the time to look around. There is much to see! By road it is 830 miles from Pensacola to Key West and just over 500 miles from Jacksonville to KW. There are many smaller cities that are friendly and just a short drive from larger cities, beaches, and arts & entertainment without the traffic.

[@ts214121]

Whenever you move to a new great place there is the honeymoon phase which lasts for a few months. It seems great at first, but then everything begins to seem like life as normal. Florida isn't a non-stop vacation. The daily grind sets in. The ocean begins to seem like just an ordinary body of water that you don't care to see that much anymore. If you don't like traffic, beware of the seasonal residents that seem to double the traffic during the winter months. But it isn't just Florida. All of the desirable places to live in the country get crowded as the population increases.

[@ChristinaReichert13]

I live in the Tampa Bay area more like Pinellas County so just across the bay. But all of this is true. I love Florida! I was born and raised

[@ashcote2426]

Can i come see you lol im from Canada its really cold ;)

[@AsriaDurden5558]

Tampa, St Pete, and Clearwater are great cities. Avoid New Port Richey just north of Clearwater. Its full of corruption and drugs. I know from experience. The good people are moving out of this town and Pasco county as they tire of all the bad. The Pasco County Sheriff office is pretty good, but the town police are sketchy. I know this from experience, i lived there.

[@skyhigh33716]

AsriaDurden5558 st Pete is really bad as well....curruption is growing

[@AnaGomez-bu4vi]

All countries and cities have some form of drugs and corruption. The United States is not an exception.

[@2emptywords]

What about schools I heard because of low budget it's not great ?!

[@AsriaDurden5558]

@@2emptywords Tampa has decent schools, some better than others. As a parent you should be on top of even the best schools, making sure your child is getting the best offered. Another avenue is online through Connections Academy. They are excellent.

[@stevenj9414]

New Port Richey has issues but the cheap quality homes and close proximity to North Tampa and Pinellas make it worth while. Also that is Port Richey that had the crazy mayor shoot a cop not New Port Richey. I like New Port Richey for what is. It gets a bad overly bad rap. It is fine. Great place for blue collar people who want to cheaply own a home.

[@ashleyroman2233]

Moved to Florida with my husband in April 2016, and absolutely love it! And while living here within in the first year, I heard a alligator or crocodile got in to fight with a horse in Gainesville which was a half hour away from where I lived. Plus a alligator was found in a sun porch of a resident living in Florida.

[@scottferris6309]

I am so glad I moved to Florida 14 years ago! Compared to Illinois, there is no state income tax, property taxes are so much more reasonable, and there is no shoveling snow off your driveway and scraping ice off your windshield. A much better way of life!

[@michelleoller1649]

Yes I agree! I moved from pot hole ice cap Illinois

[@soraroxas1111]

Good to see someone who knows Illinois in the comments here, I'm assuming it's a lot cheaper overall than the upper part of IL? I'm a younger guy, but I'm planning to move maybe in my later 20s when I can afford it. Not too much of a fan of this state since I absolutely cannot stand the snow, bipolar weather, and taxes. I take it the experience is better even besides the weather.

[@MJ-my9sg]

I love Florida! Summers are rough just like winter months up North but Fall, Winter, Spring fabulous! People are super friendly, southern hospitality.

[@duanemcfarlane5064]

I'm sorry your comparison is totally wrong it's like saying inside and outside is just like each other truth of matter Florida summer is same as summer in Michigan so hot you can't take off nothing else to cool down only Florida summer last a lot longer and so for Michigan winter you can put on warmer clothes to enjoy the winter and you can build a fire to warm also cold weather gives better reason to cuddle with someone to help warm each other verses weather so hot and sticky you don't want a fire or to cuddle with someone cause both are sweating like pigs already I have been going down to Florida Southwest of Tampa since 1972 my mom has place on a bay and only a stone throw from gulf coast but I don't stay long during warmer months and usually not more than 2 weeks at a time in winter months My opinion Florida summers nice if you spend most of time indoors with air conditioning

[@duanemcfarlane5064]

And for that southern hospitality you say I have a problem with people walking through a gate that has no trespassing sign and keep out so they can fish off dock the neighbor that used to be on one side and they're guest used to swing around end of fence to fish off docks and no one ever ask if they can people with boats anchor ten feet off end of dock to fish not giving me room to fish also when I ask if they could move some get mad and refuse so them folks I say well then you fish off my dock and let me use your boat so I can easily fish in other spots some have even tied they're boats to hand rails of dock which has caused wood to break loose or off costing me money and time to repair However I don't believe the people I've spoke about are true southern folks It's that so many rude people have moved to Florida that southern hospitality is only small amount now and I've got lots of compliments between Michigan and Florida on how my kids and grandkids are People saying they don't see or hear that Being polite and using Manors in today's kids and as I said mine better be that they know it's important to be nice and show consideration to others life isn't just about ourselfs

[@johnbrown9802]

Friendly you kidding me go to Idaho if you want to see friendly. Too many New Yorkers move to Florida.

[@MJ-my9sg]

John Brown. You probably went to the popular beaches. I live remotely where the town is awesome. Or you're just not the friendly type!

[@JennyofOldStones713]

Duane McFarlane you seem to be one of those grumpy people that come from the north into Florida, than turn around and say how rude everyone is in Florida. News flash, it’s all the northerners like yourself. True Florida natives are delightful. Northerners, not so much.

[@rickdl5022]

Florida the first state I went in America. And the girl I love lives in Pembroke Pines,FL. I just love Florida.

[@At_the_races]

I’m English and I live in Florida for 6 months of the year, I love it.

[@emakay_ytgames206]

As a Floridian myself i can tell you that if you live near a beach aka me and a hurricanr arives DO NOT GO NEAR A WINDOW (Stones break glass and sand is rocks)

[@antoniomarusa9794]

I’ve been in south Florida almost 25 years. Florida is different depending where you live. The north part of Florida is cheap and more like Georgia and Alabama. The west coast is Cheaper to live in, than the south east ( except for Naples) and in 25 years I’ve never seen an Alligator in a neighborhood. That’s more of a myth. They are some very nice area and some bad areas in Florida. And it goes down to the 40 in the winter specially in northern Florida.

[@kimmartin3990]

GOOD JOB MELANIE . YOU ARE THE GOODS. DOWN HERE 40 YRS. FROM OHIO OUT OF THE ARMY

[@seaside1991]

Florida is a beautiful and diverse state from the Panhandle to Miami. "South"east Florida is very flat and very urban. The panhandle and north Florida are hilly and "southern". All the other parts are a mix of southerners, notherners, retirees and Latinos. There are also some decent hills in Polk and Lake counties. The blend of people gives Florida a unique richness and sometimes crazy drivers. For newcomers the high humidity for 6 months is the hardest to get used to. Lightning is also something to be cautious of in the summer and early fall. Hurricanes can be a threat but take precautions and prepare your home and self. Basically stay indoors during the summer from late morning to afternoon. So if you're not afraid of sweat it's a great place.

[@Th3lite]

Woohoo. Tampa, my hometown, but I'm not going back, no thanks. See you twice a year. Charlotte or Denver here I come.

[@Twizzledoc187]

I moved to Tampa in 2017. Love it here! Real estate is SUPER expensive compared to Youngstown Ohio. I never saw an alligator since I’ve been here but hoping to see one just for the experience of saying I saw one. I can’t stand snow and cold weather so this is a dream living here. I love the scenery, I love the restaurants (especially 4 Rivers BBQ on Dale Mabry). I also love my job better here than in Ohio. I just hate the traffic here but that’s what comes with a big city.

[@teamane8134]

Ihateohioandmoving to florida Youngstown sucks I live up there for a year I feel u on that 😂

[@greg33770]

I relocated here 25 years, and i'll put up with the small bad, for the lots of great good !!🌴👍

[@greg33770]

@Derrick Bridges sure did...how did you know ?

[@deonworld8094]

At the airport right now going back home to Florida I hated New York 🤦🏾‍♂️

[@TheChoochooboy99]

M Detlef I live in a house in Largo, Florida ten minutes from the coast. It was built in 1955. It’s still here. Lived in a double wide on the other coast and was hit by two hurricanes. It is still standing. Sooo....yeah. 🤔

[@ganymeade5151]

Seems you need that attitude to do well in FL. Too many Northerns are perfectionists.

[@sandraandre8622]

Do they spray for mosquitoes in all parts of Florida? By plane flying over residents houses or a truck driving around? I want to move there but I couldn't tolerate that as I am too sensitive to chemicals. I watched another video and where she lives they do this.

[@greg33770]

been here in paradise 25 years in the Tampa Bay area ! 🌴👍

[@mannyfreitas5563]

Coming from RI, the cost is higher here in FL. auto insurance is 3x more expensive and the pay scale down here is very low. yes the weather is nice but nice weather doesn't pay the bills. other than that, nice video.

[@jennifer66912]

Manny Freitas more expensive than RI? I’m from RI and thinking about moving to Florida in a couple of years.

[@mannyfreitas5563]

@@jennifer66912 I will say this, Florida is NOT for everyone, do your homework first, trust me. it has taken me 3 years of bouncing from job to job to make it. good luck!

[@lorilorena2777]

Thanks good to know

[@chrisj197438]

Manny Freitas What kind of work do you do? I’m in HVAC and do great.

[@mannyfreitas5563]

@@lorilorena2777 also, keep in mind that Florida is a "right to work" state, which means they can fire you without reason or explanation.

[@linamonreale5129]

I lived in Florida for a year and a half in 2012- 13 and I hated it. The cost of living was not that expensive, the summers sucked 🤯😱 so so happy we moved. Love to visit but not live there

[@ganymeade5151]

many agree and would miss the seasons; Christmas feels like something is missing in FL and that makes people sad

[@A42yearoldARAB]

The winters suck here so I'm going down there soon what sucked? Too hot for you?

[@joannatapia2050]

Gany Meade absolutely right Christmas isn’t Christmas without snow.

[@donnawoodford6641]

In FL since 2014, now living in "The Sunshine City". Melanie, for visitors and newcomers wanting to know the area,contact me and I'd be happy to show them around in the time they have available.🌴Casual Concierge 🌞

[@monthcodm1785]

Donna Woodford been in Florida since I been here

[@soupbonekid]

Great video.I have friends that moved from New York to California,and then out to Florida.They live in E.Bradenton.I have only been there twice now.I loved it.The Tampa airport is beautiful.I grew up here in Southern California.And over the last few years,traffic has become horrendous.I have seen your day to day,and your so called rush hour traffic...lol.Its nothing compared to the 91 freeway here.I loved going over the Skyway bridge.Beautiful drive.Love St.Armands circle,great to walk around in and eat dinner.The people there are so much more friendly and relaxed.I plan to move there hopefully soon.Thanks for the informative video.

[@FloridaCatholicGuy]

Here in the northeast, I have to figure $500 a month from October to April for heating oil. My electric bill ranges near $200 year round with the exception of a few months in the fall and spring. AC in the summer and heat mats for the snow in winter. I also have to figure about $200 a month in the winter months for plowing my driveway. Add on to that the wear and tear on the car from winter snow and salt from the roads and I think I would save a significant amount of money even if you figure extra for house and auto insurance.

[@MelanieLovesTampaBay]

Maine Catholic Guy I’m sure of it! Our electric bills can get pretty high during the summer months but they are really low in the winter! Plus, flip flops are cheaper than snow boots!

[@chrisj197438]

Maine Catholic Guy I dealt with winter weather for 42 years. Once you’re here for one winter you will never go back. My cost of living is definitely lower than in the northern Ohio area. Also the sunshine and heat makes me feel healthier. I had arthritis before moving here and the last winter I was in Ohio it became almost crippling. I haven’t had pain that an Advil couldn’t knock out since living here.

[@flamingpieherman9822]

Dont forget your a.c. is year round here and you have to mow every week in summer...so look at about $200 just on lawn care.

[@FloridaCatholicGuy]

flamingpie herman winters get down into the 70s in Florida and lows in the 40s and 50s. No need for AC then. I mow my own lawn so it won’t cost too much.

[@chrisj197438]

flamingpie herman Most people will cut their own grass and yes the air conditioning is going to be higher but when you factor in the cost of heating with natural gas or fuel oil it will be the same or possibly less.

[@freddyflintstoned913]

I live in Seminole. My favorite TV show is the Weather Channel. When it snows up in yankee land we just laugh and smile.

[@TheChoochooboy99]

Mister Berzins I lived in Chicago for ten years and then Tulsa for eight years after that. Let’s just say I won’t be going back to either anytime soon. 😁

[@TheChoochooboy99]

frank phillips my house has been standing since 1955. I’ve been through earthquakes, tornadoes, blizzards, extreme heat waves, and two hurricanes. If karma was going to get anybody it would have been me. I poke fun at my friends up north in the winter as well and I’m still here.🤔

[@freddyflintstoned913]

@@damnsnowflakes2403 More folks die from snow and ice every year. My trucks are not rusty.

[@daveharm5194]

@@freddyflintstoned913 your rite but I can jump cool spring fed waters of the AuSable river in northern Michigan and not get my ass chewed off by an alligator or my balls chomped on by a hundred poison filled snakes while watching big white tailed deer elk moose bear wolves in our beautiful full size Christmas tree forests and in winter we get to ski snowmobile ice fish and not get eatin by bird sized bugs and our houses don't get swallowed by sink holes

[@ganymeade5151]

Yeah but nothing is nicer than to watch snowfall out the window. We have kids we pay to shovel the walks; and most people can Telework when it snows, the county is quick to de-ice the roads; so its is not bad in most places in MD and VA, therefore. I would miss the seasons. However, I also like the FL beaches to visit.

[@geocape7060]

Boy are you good at this. Just came back after a month in Ft Lauderdale and the traffic didn't bother me but the traffic lights are awful. You sit forever waiting for them to turn green. Thanks for the great tips and am I allowed to say you are beautiful? Not sure anymore ;)

[@MelanieLovesTampaBay]

geo cape That’s a great point that I forgot to mention!! The traffic lights can be brutally long! Thanks for the comment and the compliment. I appreciate both 😊

[@gregorysmith4663]

My wife and I are planning to move Friday m Wisconsin to the Tampa area later this spring/summer (kids/grandkids). Your videos are so on the mark with pertinent information; we’re going to call your office and want you/your staff to get us relocated!

[@clutchcargo5259]

South Tampa, Davis island and Downtown Tampa are the best areas, very upscale, clean and low crime..a little pricey but worth it

[@jamesgivens3415]

Wow, very informative. Thx for sharing and answering all my questions and concerns.

[@edithbanks6626]

Thanks for information on Florida living. Hopefully relocating to Florida with family this summer.

[@MelanieLovesTampaBay]

EDITH BANKS That’s fantastic Edith!! Florida is happy to have you. Let me know if you have any specific questions about Florida housing. My direct email is: [e-mail]

[@williamgallaher1377]

Moving back to Florida this year, my children’s home state, after being gone for 18 years. It’s been WAY too long!!! I lived in Florida for 25 years and loved it. Can’t wait to come back home. I subscribed and will contact you when my kids, now adults, sadly lol, and I get there. Thank you for sharing. William

[@sandradrumm5803]

Not a good move. NO

[@peggysapp8583]

I just moved to Lakewood Ranch from Kissimmee and love Sarasota area. It is paradise!

[@waynelast1685]

One thing I LOVE is you can find anywhere to dine out in warm or hot weather.... up north i can NEVER find decent places or decent weather to just dine outside.

[@BlackTomorrowMusic]

The proper term for someone who lives in Florida isn't Floridian. It's Floridiot. From a former Floridiot who got the hell outa there.

[@cindyyoung8252]

Omg. That's hilarious.

[@roxanneholt-abernathy3698]

Sweating to death as early as 8am. I hated Florida, lived there from age 12 until I was 24. Not a fan of the beach either. Couldn't wait to move out! Give me the mountains of Tennessee.

[@TheChoochooboy99]

Roxanne Holt-Abernathy each person has their own preferences. I love the mountains as well, but I don’t think I could live there.

[@franwebb7756]

Tennessee native here and love it. Use to visit family in the north in summer and coming home to Tennessee was like a warm embrace. Florida would be too hot for me. Gets pretty here in Memphis too. But at least it gets cool in winter. Sometimes snows.

[@karlar8648]

Mountains! Now you're talking.

[@nicolebermudez4855]

Roxanne Holt-Abernathy do you live there now? I also want to move to Tennessee

[@nicolebermudez4855]

Fran Webb how is Tennessee? I hate Florida!! It's a soul sucking place full of assholes who can't speak English down in Miami. I want to move to Johnson city area... any pointers? Thanks!

[@manbtm1]

Nice to visit for a bit, but can’t wait to get back up north. I love the four seasons, the culture and large old cities. But for those that aren’t particularly interested in any of that, I guess Florida makes a lot of sense, to each his own, we are just lucky that we can live where we want to.

[@natewood8124]

I moved to the Palm Beach area 2 yrs ago because my wife is a native Floridian. She had moved up north with me to Maryland for a few yrs and didnt mind the snow or cold to much, enjoyed the weather changes, leaves, cold, snow ect. The people and racism where the problem which her being cuban where an issue. We moved down here and yeah the population is like 5 times what it was where I came from, you cant leave your windows open because you will be robbed. You hear the fire rescue or the cop sirens every day. I now have a 1 hr commute to work one way. I experienced gas lines for the first time when the hurricane was sposed to come through here last yr. Taxes are way lower as in no state tax on your check. I personally make $6 less than I did up north an hr and make more money with insurance. Cost of living is really about the same honestly. It has its pros and cons just like anything else. If one store doesnt have what you need, you can go to another 20 mins away if they have it in stock. We did this with Best Buy when we got our computers. Thats convenient. Traffic I have gotton used to, its a pain in the ass, stay off 95 at rush hr if at all possible. I take the turnpike when I can. Just like anywhere else in the country, ups and downs and what your willing to deal with.

[@mromneyobama]

I wish to live in Tampa in 4 years. Just getting my eldest to finish HS from where I live.

[@hughwynn6193]

I disagreed. There is a large number of people who live in Tampa and surrounding areas are reckless drivers. I repeat many drivers here are bad too. I am 62 years old and I have been living in the Tampa Bay area since 1979.

[@alanaroman1834]

This was very informative! Good to know they are building everything durable for big storms

[@Frostytravels]

Great video...excellent content and information. Moved here 2002 and never looked back.....mostly so i can ride my motorcycle year round.

[@fotomedia1]

If you live in Florida you're considered a Floridian but if you specifically live in Tampa Florida I guess that makes you a Tampon.

[@fotomedia1]

@Blake Q The Crackers were mainly white Northern Florida farmers. I guess that's where the Cracker Barrel restaurant started.

[@robhicks2117]

Hahahaha😂

[@ganymeade5151]

You must love The Villages; LOL.

[@karlar8648]

Womp womp womm. LOL!

[@natalielove4764]

😂🤣😂🤣😂

[@justsumguy2u]

I moved to Florida in 2006, and I'd never live anywhere else. I come from Ohio, and I really hated the snow and cold--now I can go to the beach in January if I want. The weather is the biggest thing that people that aren't from here get wrong. They assume that it's hot/humid all year round--the reality is that the humidity goes away for the year in mid October, and doesn't return until May. Tomorrow's forecast is sunny and 70

[@ralphharrison1903]

I moved here from New Jersey in 2012 and have no regrets. I love living in the Tampa Bay Area. We just have to put up with the summer heat but the rest of the year is nice.

[@liviarussell1926]

I’ve lived in Florida my whole life (south Tampa) and I haven’t been to the beach in like 2 years 😂 lmao

[@endofsociety]

I live on the Jersey shore and with the exception of last year( step daughter beach bag checker), I never go on the beach. Maybe the boardwalk but rarely. They charge too much to get on the beach. Florida beaches are free. That’s a plus.

[@alleytanner1709]

@@endofsociety the beaches are not always free. Some have parking meters, fees, i.e. Clearwater beach, honeymoon island, Howard Franklin, etc. Those are on the west coast, I'm not sure about the east coast.

[@pppalande20]

Lol

[@alexg2339]

I am a new subscriber to your channel. You have very good content with quality info and an upbeat flair. We plan to relocate to FL this summer...thank you for your helpful guides

[@MelanieLovesTampaBay]

Alex G Thanks Alex and thanks for subscribing! Let me know if you have any other Florida/real estate questions! Happy to help!

[@charleswheatley3897]

Gators, skeeters, hurricanes, snowbirds.....but no snow.To be a native, you must be born here..

[@jenniferlevrouw5577]

Planning to move with my hubz this summer. 😍 im excited and nervous at the same time.

[@MelanieLovesTampaBay]

Jennifer Levrouw Very exciting!! Totally normal to be excited and nervous at the same time! Good luck and let me know if I can help!

[@michellecunningham4759]

What part of FL? I’m in Naples. Let me know if I can help, my husband and I are licensed Realtors.

[@jenniferlevrouw5577]

@@michellecunningham4759 Orlando/Kissimmee area.

[@jameshartsfield8585]

Thank you, Melanie. Af a Florida resident, I found your report rational and coherent. Just for you, personally, when you get tired of Tampa Bay (I did), there is a whole different Florida waiting for you. Much more sane. I currently live in Suwanee county, and I like it.

[@MelanieLovesTampaBay]

Thanks yu for watching James! I will definitely keep that in mind for myself and my clients!

[@xo_sunshinecarebear_ox3753]

Snowbirds, strawberries and Florida Man.

[@speeddemon945]

ಥ_ಥ Sad Florida man! 😂😂

[@Pinkielover]

phoenix , snowbirds ,cactus, Hell

[@sharoncrawford3042]

Wages in Florida doesn't keep up with cost of living. If you have a bussiness that does really well, then you might be good.

[@brianalandaxo]

It’s great if u move there from a different state and can work from home making your same salary though

[@elohr82]

Very true. Florida pays nothing in relation to what most places ask for rent.

[@JB-tr2un]

I live alone in my own 🏠 in South Tampa and it costs me $259.32/month for housing and utilities. I save $1,500/month.

[@PhatRobsOils]

Coming from the Midwest. Wages are similar and cost of living is lower. Taxes are lower. Insurance is higher.

[@Jr-Cane-Corso]

I'm looking to move here... how well if you know do cement and dump truck drivers make?

[@MrSaadia27]

I am from Puerto Rico and moved to florida in 2009 . I love it in Wesley Chapel. My house increase on value almost double in just 7 years

[@johnmilner6505]

I've been in fla since 89...from june 1st to sept 20ish. It's hotttttttttt.....rest of year is awesome...tampa sucks because of high house prices..horrible traffic...

[@nathanjordan7692]

I enjoyed watching this video. it totally puts things in perspective and makes sense. very informative with a lot of knowledge I did not previously know. thanks and I was wondering if you can do a video on how to find jobs on cruise lines??

[@chrisj197438]

Moved to Naples from northern Ohio almost 5 years ago. Absolutely love it. No I didn’t retire here I’m in my late 40’s and wanted to move here and be young enough to enjoy it. It’s amazing how many people think giant mosquitoes and alligators are chasing people down the streets here. Yes there are dangers but just use common sense and you will be fine. I live 20 minutes from the beach and go multiple times a week. I will never live anywhere else!!!!!

[@johnescobedo7443]

Shout out to my Naples neighbor. I love Naples! Born there. Raised there. (Going to Ohio State for School!)

[@chrisj197438]

John Escobedo I moved from Ohio to here so I’m sure by now you understand why I left Ohio lol

[@johnescobedo7443]

@@chrisj197438 Yes. I have learned much as a first year college student. Everyone says I'm crazy for coming up here.

[@kheventplanner]

Michigan gal here who visited florida for the first time 2 years ago. I'd love to live in a house on the beach. It's as beautiful as you say Melanie! The good definitely outweighs the bad!

[@flamingpieherman9822]

Houses here for a small one is about $150k and and average home is $220k. Beach homes for 2 br are around $450k to start. Average wage is about $35k unless you find a great job...

[@theandlife]

I’m a Realtor in Sarasota and Manatee county. I completely agree with your video! Great job being objective and informative. The humidity is main complaint! Thank you for your content!

[@MelanieLovesTampaBay]

Alexis Smith-Frady Thanks Alexis!

[@PT-tw6kg]

Live in Fla. It's getting over populated. Crime is getting worse.

[@DavidLLambertmobile]

False. The FBI uniform crime reports say the violent crime rate 📉 in 2018. Florida has nearly 2mil CCW-W license holders: Mylicensesite.com . There is terrorism, human trafficking & drugs 💊💉 but it's mainly in the larger urban areas. 🏙🌇🏘. Vehicle accidents & traffic issues are a major problem, 🚥🚧🛣. The I-4 highway is under major construction until 2022 or so. Try & stay off highways, roads from 700am to 930am; 330pm to 630pm(Mon to Fri)...

[@flamingpieherman9822]

@@DavidLLambertmobile no its true...i dont care what the FBI site says...im 8th generation Floridian so ive watched enough come in...believe me its getting worse. I live in a town outside Tampa...walmart here is on the radar for trafficking of children. Actually had someone following my cousin and her kids with someone at the door. We dont go there after 9. Polk county is even worse. When you live here you know where to avoid. Traffic stinks. With accidents your 30 minute commute ends up as 1.5 hours....

[@beckybender4925]

Agreed! Overpopulated, high crime, outrageous housing cost and low pay

[@justsumguy2u]

How is it that Florida always get blasted for crime and overpopulation, yet no one ever talks about SoCal? SoCal is an absolute sewer compared to Florida

[@zacheryvicari9010]

Lived in Florida my whole life you can’t be saying that if you are not here trust me the crime here is no worse than it is in any other state some could even argue it’s better

[@johnescobedo7443]

Where my Southwest Florida residents at? Im From the Naples area. Love it there! But currently going to Ohio for school and let me tell u on some snow days u definitely miss the sunshine!

[@kachoo2135]

I had my sister and niece with me in Disney World in 1988; we had a good time and the people there really go out of their way to make you feel at home

[@nickyc1784]

Recently visited and home shopped in tampa. Very surprised and most likely will be moving to tampa as soon as i sell my place in nc.

[@joshuadean1558]

Hello!... Found your videos through Jen... We are moving to FL (Clearwater) in the next few months and we are just excited....

[@MelanieLovesTampaBay]

Thank you so much for stopping over here - let me know if you have any real estate questions or needs!

[@haroldmsimmons]

We moved to Florida 11 months ago. We currently live in Clearwater. We're loving it!

[@TheChoochooboy99]

Harold Simmons we moved to Largo last year. We love it here. We found a great house in a nice peaceful neighborhood for under $200K. We definitely feel lucky.

[@berryfairy68]

I can't wait to not live in Florida ( South Florida to be exact ) It's super hot and muggy, yearly stress over hurricanes coming to trash us, rude entitled people from other countries, who think they own the place, beaches are crowded and expensive, the pay is only enough to scrape by, and sooooo much traffic at all times of the day, not only rush hour. Tampa is definitely nicer than Miami.

[@marionwilson8141]

Just moved here in February from California, love it here ❤️

[@nicolebermudez4855]

Who's Who don't bring that liberal crap over here.

[@zsuzsuspetals]

@@nicolebermudez4855 stop assuming that every Californian is a liberal. We moved here two years ago and we are very conservative. CA is loaded with conservatives. I couldn't believe the large conservative base here. It's a huge state. Stop believing the media that CA is nothing but Hollyweird and Berkeley. I used to live in Florida too. I saw just as many natives voting blue and it was always because of the schools. They also tell teachers to vote democrat.

[@drsgreddy88]

Your videos are so easy to watch. Informative, professional and to the point. Thanks !

[@BrendaDon]

Why am I watching this? I live in Florida 😂 my whole life.

[@justincaldero5174]

Lucky, I want to move there. Either Tampa Orlando or Jacksonville

[@staybeautiful305]

Justin Caldero same here! Have you moved yet?

[@justincaldero5174]

@@staybeautiful305 not yet.

[@cherrydee8090]

Do u speak Spanish ?

[@BrendaDon]

Tampa and Orlando is your best bet. Tampa is more of a college city. Orlando is best for families.

[@reneephoeni]

How is Winter Springs? I’ll be moving from Chicago to Florida in a couple years, so I am looking now

[@lenchenes]

Im from Illinois, moving maybe next year to florida, Illinois is becoming more fucked up. Lol

[@lorriehenry7821]

Renee Soria - I live in Oviedo, next door to Winter Springs. Lovely town! You’ll love it 😊

[@stevehogan8829]

yes, yes, great, and wonderful... Florida is a paradise interrupted only by Northern Visitors and the Northern state of mind regarding life and business. "nuf said". Thank you Ma'am.

[@graceawina]

couldn't agree more- my family is personally from Florida and this is just-- PERFECT REPRESENTATION

[@scotthall9058]

I’m from Nevada just bought a condo in West Palm Beach. The associations in Florida make the home buying process a nightmare. I’m from the west coast and we are not use to the buying process in Florida very strict association rules.

[@MelanieLovesTampaBay]

Scott Hall Hi Scott! Sorry you were dealing with a tough association. Yes, some of them have very tight restrictions and some are much easier. Completely depends on the association bylaws and the Board managing them. Hopefully you enjoy your West Palm home!

[@sandradrumm5803]

Go home. West Palm Beach is the worst .i left 2015. Relocated to Laguna Niguel California. So happy. Go home please

[@MeganGarzaWellness]

Beware of cover ups in apartments. Many shady people sell condos for good prices but then you find out that there are parts of the living space that are falling apart. Not to mention the extremely overpriced rates.

[@michaelchristophergutierre7244]

I'm from the Caribbean, FLORIDA Weather is no big deal to us. Heat? We use fans man. One question is that I heard sink holes are more prevalent in the greater Tampa area. That is a big fear for me can you give me your opinion. Great video,

[@MelanieLovesTampaBay]

Quest Physics Very common question! There are definitely sinkholes in Florida but the major ones that you hear about on the news are pretty rare. Please remember, Sinkholes are a worldwide hazard, not just a Florida issue. Most are small and easy to reinforce 😊

[@ederescamilla3933]

Thanks for the info!!! I gonna move to Florida, doesnt matter what they say about "dont come to Florida, we have enough people". Thanks

[@jackabeans9111]

Eder Escamilla that just makes you wanna more there even more right?!?

[@ederescamilla3933]

@@jackabeans9111 correct!!! You Have the reason

[@tracyparenteintervention]

Very well put! You're amazing! Woman to woman you rock this session💖💖

[@annareich6054]

I live in Florida and wouldnt want to live anywere else.

[@nadiayoung7639]

Sameeee

[@johnbrown9802]

anna reich Have you ever lived any where else?

[@annareich6054]

John Brown nope

[@annareich6054]

Really Jayden i have never been to NY but would love to visit sometime

[@tomekmustangfreak.7346]

Love the video. Agree with you 100%. Would love to move to Tampa or Sarasota area with my family. But I cant. 😭

[@kristynzink1433]

I live in Sarasota. It is very expensive here and the jobs are low paying. Be prepared for hurricane season, bad drivers, and the red tide. You can smell the rotting fish from miles away 💕

[@amandamears1916]

If you live here.It's a great place to have a stay-cation.1st wk of May gas and hotels rates go down.

[@sm01845]

When I was a kid in the early 80s we lived in Springhill in Hernando county about 50 miles north of Tampa, it was a small area, very little businesses, now it's a completely different area stores and people everywhere, my dad use to call it gods waiting room, because of all the older people moving to the area, I now live in Brooksville right next to Springhill and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else.

[@katme8055]

sm01845 springhill is sink holes

[@kristynzink1433]

You forgot some important things.. like the mosquitos, red tide, and BAD drivers 🙃

[@ashcote2426]

Do you live There i Wanna live There im a 27 yr old dude and im from Canada its cold Up here

[@lighthouse7ry]

Too many RUDE snowbirds that wear there welcome out in the winter time. Traffic is real bad January to Apirl

[@daleknoel]

I would like to correct those who call Tampa Bay a city. Tampa is the city and people get this confused and call it Tampa Bay. Tampa Bay is a body of water but the term Tampa bay refers to the 3 major cities that are located around Tampa Bay - Tampa, St. Petersburg, and Clearwater.

[@johndesalvo3969]

Only extreme Southern Florida/Keys are truly tropical. Tampa Bay lies FULLY within the Humid SUB tropical region. There is actually a significant difference. Also, North Florida/ Panhandle areas enjoy 4 distinct seasons with fall color and some areas supringly hilly with red clay. Snow flurries/ice typically happens at least once EVEREY Winter n that region.

[@melissapoffenberger482]

I've thought about moving there, but the stories make me scared! I watch forensic files and tons of the cases are happening there. I have a cousin in sarasota she said theres a huge homeless and panhandling problem

[@grimsquad273]

Spring break

[@luvingg]

Melissa Poffenberger Saw a lady who looked 100yrs old panhandling. I felt so sorry for her but it didn’t seem to bother anyone else.

[@melissapoffenberger482]

@@luvingg That's horrible

[@PAULY-P]

Trafficking is a way of life in FL.

[@goonn337]

Crackheads here too