THE TRUTH about MOVING to FLORIDA. 8 Things I wish I had known!!

[@sherryamanpour1531]

I have lived in the Middle East, Paris, France, NYC, San Francisco and now 18 mos. in south Florida..my favorite by far is Florida..the people, the energy, the friendliness, the diversity of incoming population and I am just getting started...so happy to have moved here..cheers

[@prettygirlus9008]

Over the years, several of my closer relatives have relocated from MA to FL. In 1975, one set of grandparents moved to FL. Followed by my father in 1980; brother in 1985; me in 1990; mother in 2000; aunt & uncle in 2010; and other brother became a snowbird in 2020.

[@samd4181]

I’ve lived in Florida for 35 years. Moved inside the State a number of times with about half my time living right off a couple of beaches and the remainder in different parts of Central Florida. Love the State but the difficult part for me is that the population has risen from 12 million to 23 million in my time here. The population boom has made it more expensive and much less desirable for many other reasons, as well. For example, in the early 90’s, often I walked on the beach between St Augustine and Ponte Vedra Beach. At that time, you could see no houses or other structures and many times I was the only person on the beach. I miss those days.

[@TheASG2010]

Wages are low. It's getting crowded and expensive. Home insurance premiums greatly increased. Summer weather is brutal, like a suana

[@charlenejohnson6632]

No 1 never move where you vacation.

[@tnthomas1954]

Kinda surprised by the ending. Imagine a real estate agent who says if she had it to do all over again she wouldn’t move to the market she serves. Honest, but surprising. For us, if we had it to do all over again we would definitely do it again. Same neighborhood (Wood Ridge in The Meadows), same timing (2019), same everything.

[@LivingInSarasota]

That is great to hear. I am not planning on leaving however change is difficult and I think people need to know it takes time to feel settled.

[@BL-ut2zz]

that's what happens when you're a puppet and chase your neighbor instead of your brain

[@marinavonhausser3073]

Been here for 30 years,love the beautiful beaches.❤

[@BamaPatriot61]

Wife and I moved to Sarasota (Lakewood Ranch) in March 2023 from Atlanta Ga and we are loving it. The lifestyle is so much better than Atlanta. Housing cost a little more but no state income tax more than makes up for it. People here complain about traffic and we laugh because it’s nowhere close to metro Atlanta. When i was going to an office my commute was 60-90 minutes in the morning (I left by 6am to get to work by 8am) and was 120-180 minutes in the afternoon. My drive was 35 miles. We bought a boat again after years without one and we enjoy the water and spending time with our son and daughter in law that moved to Cape Coral a year before we moved down. We are 62/63 so retirement is on the horizon and we couldn’t think of a better place to retire to. The only drawback is my aging parents live near Asheville NC along with my brother and his family so we don’t see them as much.

[@lizhaley803]

I’m glad you two are so happy here. I’ve lived in several other states, I have always adapted to my new area, not so much here in Florida. As a former realtor that worked with a lot of relocation people, I was used to counseling new relos. I chose the Gulf side mainly because one of my children live close by. Moving somewhere as a single, is far different than with a partner. I certainly won’t go into the negatives here, suffice it to say: heat-humidity-cost of living-crowded highways etc are just a few. I am too old and unhealthy a move again ( 76 ) but if I knew then, what I know now…no way. Enjoy your life and each other. I hope it lasts a long time.

[@francispicurro9990]

Are you and your family in Asheville ok?

[@BamaPatriot61]

@@francispicurro9990yes thank you for asking. Parents and brother and his family are all good now. Unfortunately the people from Asheville to Hendersonville are not expected to have clean running water for months. My wife and I survived hurricane Milton just fine. Had 3 days without power and then sporadic tv and internet outages until yesterday. Outside HVAC unit was damaged and got that repaired Monday. Thankfully we weren’t harmed.

[@francispicurro9990]

@@BamaPatriot61 That’s good to hear… Glad your family has made it through .. What a devastating past month almost forgot about Hurricane Debbie ..This video is very haunting but, Americans will rebuild and bounce back… All the best ..

[@jphillips4509]

Thank you for your honesty and practical advice.

[@cherier3283]

Yes the adjustment with a huge move takes time to adjust. I moved to AZ from Boston and I thought I should have move to FL and now I want to, but I'm not wealthy, RE prices, home insurance, HOAs, lot fees are ridiculously high now, very sad!

[@CarlitoswayDR]

For me I think It’s all about your income and lifestyle here in FL, specially and if you bought your home before 2022. For me was a good deal. I moved in 2020, kept my Boston income, wife have similar income than her Boston one now, Bought cheaper in early 2021, lower tax, newer home and in Lakeland FL away from most hurricanes at a highlands so away from flooding too and probably the cheapest car insurance available. And yes I shop at Walmart for groceries so it’s all about your income/lifestyle.

[@michelelafiura5272]

I love your honesty, especially because your business is selling real estate. Respect 🙏 Personally I want to leave yesterday, but my teenage son is safe and happy, so here I stay 😕

[@MG-G2G]

Thank you Lisa for your honestly and commitment to be genuine with everyone. Look forward to more content!

[@LivingInSarasota]

Thanks so much. I appreciate the comment.

[@markgilmour1844]

This is all BS ! I moved here 30 years ago with my family... we are all still here. In live; there are people who Whine about anything, and here is another example. Yes; we have hurricanes... and so do other states. I lived in Delaware and lost my home in Dewey to a hurricane... so, so much for that. It doesn't matter where you live; if something bad is coming; then go someplace safe until it passes. It's cheaper here ! There are no state payroll tax ! There are NO VEHICLE INSPECTIONS ! And it's SAFE to live here...maybe not in the big cities, but everywhere else, it's safe. In Florida, law enforcement is on the side of the citizens AND NOT the criminal ! NO GIANT HEATING BILLS !

[@kimboost9686]

😅😅😅😅😅😅 all the Miami and surroundings police officers are on the side of citizens? 😊

[@scott21113]

Let them leave. At least during season we'll enjoy the roads a little more and not have to keep building expensive fire stations everywhere.

[@LJH662]

Very genuine. Thanks

[@LivingInSarasota]

Thank you.

[@susan-e2y]

Thank you for a very well stated and honest assessment. We moved from the NE to Naples and lived there 8 years. We left because of an HOA with grand ideas for a 15M project for amenities we would never use PLUS huge increases in HOA fees as well as mandatory dining buys ins. As it turns out the project costs $21M and MANY residents are moving due to the high fees coupled with the taxes and high insurance costs. HOAs can be very punitive and in many cases are lead by a group of people who want what they want despite what others feel is not called for. Onerous roof cleaning letters with threats of $100 a day fines if not done in a 2 weeks, restrictions on painting peeling paint IN THE SAME on the exterior required a committee approval. Really? Other reasons were threat of hurricanes- living thru Irma in 2017 was terrible! As seniors putting up shutters is no longer possible/ We both have respiratory issues and the oppressive heat in the summer with the high humidity was terrible! We could not go into our pool during the day as the water was so hot! We also missed our son and 2 grandsons in the Midwest- they were not able to visit as both parents work full time with limited vacation time- seeing them on facetime was not the same as holding them and being real grandparents in person. We also found many of the people in our golf community to be rather snobbish and judgmental of anyone who did not golf and drink at the bar. They would ask "Do you golf?" Well my husband used to but no longer due to health issues- and when you said no- they went oooooh! and never spoke with you again. Snotty and stuck up people were quite common! We made a nice profit on our home packed up and moved to a lovely suburb of a major city in the Midwest- where the people are VERY friendly and caring- we live a mile from our family and have had made precious memories. Our new home is nearly twice as large as our Fl home (3100 vs. 5300 sq ft) and cost less than half of what the Fl. home sold for. We banked the difference to cover the state income tax- but have realized our expenses in the Midwest with lower cost of food, insurance, utilities has somewhat balanced the state income tax issue. We both have health issues and have found the medical care here to be more accessible and superior to the 2 hospitals in Naples. Many Naples doctors were all going concierge- which was something we did not like! The last 3 years of watching our grandsons grow up have been priceless for everyone! Love your honesty and great presentation-keep up the good work!

[@LivingInSarasota]

Thank you so much for your comments. So glad you are happy with your decision to leave. Florida is not the easiest place to live!

[@tapptom]

I lived in Naples when it was just getting started. A lot of retired USA military generals lived there. As I said before, you can have it! Saw nothing I liked and yes many poor city firefighters worked there but lived in poor housing and drive ole pickup trucks…. way outside of Naples because it was too expensive! A nice group! I remember that!

[@tapptom]

Sarasota Naples miami You can have it!!!

[@charlenejohnson6632]

Midwest house tax was 6700.00 a y r since 2000!

[@Anthony__420]

I’m done with florida. Moved here last year in North Port. Newer home built in 2017. Already had homeowners insurance company threaten us with cancellation for no reason no claims. Car insurance is ridiculous and when I paid my property taxes I was told next year they will be double which would be 8k dollars! I said what why I applied for homestead exemption and she laughed. I said my insurance in Connecticut was cheaper and she says yes but no state income tax. I said big deal I’m paying 3 times more for house insurance than before so that money is a wash. Don’t get me started on the banning books and taking a women’s rights away!

[@Floorguy1000]

I'm in the mist of doing research about Florida. A BIG factor on my list is politics. Ft. Lauderdale with 90% dems is top of my list in Florida. You are right....no State income tax is helpful... but you do pay in many other ways for sure.

[@globalfamily8172]

My homeowners tax, insurance and income tax in CT are almost 50k, so I'll take 8k.

[@tjkelly5898]

Florida is not a place for liberals. Just saying…🤷🏽‍♂️

[@Anthony__420]

@@globalfamily8172 I’m middle class so it’s still allot for me

[@CarlitoswayDR]

It’s all about your income and lifestyle here in FL and if you bought your home before 2022. For me was a good deal. Bought cheaper, lower tax, newer home and in central FL away from most hurricanes at a highland so away from flooding too and probably the cheapest car insurance available. And yes I shop at Walmart for groceries so it’s all about your income/lifestyle.

[@onemishelle]

I grew up in Tampa, but have been gone 30+ years. Florida is ruined because of the influx of ppl, traffic, red tide and the cost. Who cares if there is no state income tax. I will take the tax hit here in Northern Virginia and travel anywhere I want to in the winters.

[@BL-ut2zz]

so you'll be the people we hate. the ones that only use us for the winter. btw.. you'll be back. people can hate all they want but Florida is the place to be. people are running from the exact areas you speak of relocating because they're mind numbingly boring, and even if they aren't there are just things in Florida you simply can't get anywhere else

[@SD-sf7nh]

Thanks for the honesty. I appreciate all of your videos.

[@rodcoulter997]

The entire West Coast of Florida is horrible….beaches and water are just nasty. Water stinks…has Red Tide every few years and “FLEASH EATING BACTERIA”…HomeOwners insurance is almost impossible to get. NO! I wouldn’t either. The HEAT is just unlivable bad.

[@Anthony__420]

I was in Venice beach last summer. It was 6 PM. The water temperature was 91 degrees. Absolutely ridiculous and they wonder why they get CAT 5 hurricanes. Even my swimming pool was 90. No relief! We’re in May and my pool is already 86 degrees

[@rodcoulter997]

@@Anthony__420 100% agree. Anywhere on the Gulf is just too hot now…Sun intensity increases=hotter water temp=hotter air temp. We go back to the 60s Florida…Today, become almost unlivable.

[@marinavonhausser3073]

I live here and l love it❤.

[@jerryblackburn7062]

Thanks for sharing! Very genuine. Appreciate your honesty. Family is a huge question for myself as well.

[@LivingInSarasota]

Thank you. I appreciate the feedback.

[@jerryblackburn7062]

@@LivingInSarasota curious if you ever considered Naples before Sarasota?

[@mamai247]

Thank you for being honest and open. We are going to move to Parrish/Lakewood area after we sell our house in midwest. We are thinking if we don't move now, it will be much harder to move in the future with all the economic turmoil, uncertainty and even higher inflation.

[@JFreeUNC]

Same here! House goes on market in 3 weeks. What neighborhoods are you looking at in Parrish? We are looking in Parrish bc identical houses are 50k-100k less in Parrish vs LWR.

[@mamai247]

@@JFreeUNC we are looking primarily at North River Ranch, but if something becomes available in Lakewood Ranch close the same price - we’ll go with that one instead (most likely not going to happen seeing how stable the Lakewood ranch is 😅)

[@JFreeUNC]

@@mamai247 Same again. The builder realtors we met in LWR last month laughed about the slowing FL market saying “not here”, and saying no real discounts or concessions there (yet).

[@LivingInSarasota]

Thanks for watching and your comments. I am sure they help many people looking to move.

[@Floorguy1000]

Very good video....much appreciated!! I'm in the mist of doing research about Florida. For me the spot that has risen to the top (of maybes) is Ft Lauderdale... for a number of reasons.

[@karlastreeter7448]

Moved here 6 years ago from NY and hate it. Too hot, too expensive, high car insurance due to theft. Too many people.. bad traffic. Home insurance out of control. Food prices way higher. Sick of watching for hurricanes all summer. That gets really old. Moved to be next to Anna Maria Island. Have to go at the crack of Dawn or no parking. Would not move here again. Moving back to NY once I sell my house.

[@mariann916]

I heard the medical care is not that great in Florida for Seniors. What’s with that?

[@LivingInSarasota]

I hear people complain a bit about health care. I think part of the struggle is getting appointments and finding doctors taking new patients.

[@Anthony__420]

It’s horrendous. First doctor I found I sent my records to and never heard from then again. Finally found another and took 4 months for a consultation appointment. Then went to book a physical they tell me first available is in July. This was in march ! I said I could be dead by then. I’m so done with florida. Too hot in the summer too basically have to hibernate for four months no different than winter up north but at least you can breath air without that humidity

[@scott21113]

It's baloney to have a blanket statement like that. I have a parent with serious medical issues, including a recently broken hip and the care they received (inpatient, rehab, outpatient rehab) from Sarasota Memorial was top notch. Their physicians are experienced, wonderful staff as well. Could everything be quicker - sure who wouldn't love that? Are the computer portals confusing for elders - yes - but they confuse everyone else too. I can't wait until everyone in the comments moves to their friendly paradise in the Midwest - which will then be crowded, taxes will be higher as the newcomers strain local services and rinse, repeat. No place is everyone's cup of tea. Not everybody is moving out of Florida. Every HOA is not a cabal of control Karens stealing people's fees. Frankly if you don't like it - move.

[@scott21113]

@@LivingInSarasota Question is do you assume if all you hear is negative than all experiences are negative? I had a bad experience with a realtor who swindled me. You're a realtor - Are you also a swindler? I doubt it, but I guess if nobody says anything positive about you - maybe you are.

[@Anthony__420]

@@scott21113 we’re talking about General Practitioner. I went to Sarasota hospital in north port other than them missing my two broken ribs the care was OK 😂

[@elizabethmeyer7709]

Mosquito bait is me

[@Turbopriest]

Cheering on the patriots? Or royals? Don’t agree. You have all pro sports here including one of the best hockey teams (Lightning) and best players! Kucherov!

[@kathleenstubbolo5731]

I’m so glad you all don’t like FL and plan to move back. Maybe I will get my home back

[@paulthompson1216]

As attractive as you are I’m sure you made new friends quickly.

[@tapptom]

You do not have any idea

[@Quincyq15]

You ok Tom?

[@tapptom]

Florida is awful No class All from other places Awful all my life

[@MichaelGiordano777]

Yup! 34-year resident here. But the Winters and beaches are fantastic! And so close to the Bahamas and Carribean if you live on the Atlantic side like we do.

[@tapptom]

@@MichaelGiordano777 60 plus years in Florida …Naples is hot and humid all the time Miami same West palm you can have it AC runs 24 7 to keep up! My parents moved here when I was 6/7 years old. I’ve asked myself why why did they pick Florida ??? Because my uncle moved there before them and told them how great it was! My uncle was a stupid man! Beaches? Nah you can have it as well

[@scott21113]

@@tapptom A person who lives somewhere they don't like for 60 years and then wants to criticize it? Look in the mirror pal. Criticize that.

[@tapptom]

@@scott21113 Don’t take my dislike personal! I moved there because my parents went there. I was very young and did not know but I knew as I grew up that it wasn’t the place for me but then a marriage and kids came along. Kinda stuck. But I did wake up after 911 and saw Florida as a place that was increasing not to my liking, and left! No desire whatsoever to return even to this day and never have returned but if you like it man have at it!