Florida - Population Growth

[Dash man]

Doesn't Florida have BUGS? Like as in REALLY BIG BUGS! My brother lived there many yrs ago and I remember him talking about continuous pest exterminators many times through out the yr to take care of all the BIG BUGS. I'd think BIG BUGS would be a population growth deterrent.

I'll take our brutal winters over BIG BUGS any day!

And REALLY BIG SNAKES!!!

 

[harley]

Doesn't Florida have BUGS? Like as in REALLY BIG BUGS! My brother lived there many yrs ago and I remember him talking about continuous pest exterminators many times through out the yr to take care of all the BIG BUGS. I'd think BIG BUGS would be a population growth deterrent.

I'll take our brutal winters over BIG BUGS any day!

I've heard that all my life too, but now that we're down here I just haven't seen it. We're in SW FL just above the Everglades, so I assume we'd be in BIG BUG territory. Maybe it's because we're snowbirds and aren't here during the summer, but I just don't see the big bugs. Or the big snakes for that matter. But we're here 6 months or more, so it's not like it doesn't get hot.

Big gators, now, that's another issue. Never seen any in the rivers I kayak, but definitely have seen them on my hikes through the swamps. BIG gators. We went to Bird Rookery Swamp last weekend, and a bike rider who did the entire 12 mile loops said he'd seen 190 gators of varying sizes. Mostly small, but a few up to about 12 feet.

You talk about the big bugs as possible population deterrents. Maybe the snowbirds with their exterminator contracts have become big bug deterrents. All the bugs must have gone to TX.

 

[marko]

My observation on Florida (after spending winters here over the past 30+ years) is that there are "two Floridas".

There's the one that is a two mile wide strip that runs along the entire coast --and the Orlando area-- that is made up of condos, beaches, Bentleys and more or less an imported environment from NY and New England. Bugs, snakes, alligators are an occasional novelty. You're more likely to be hassled by a homeless person than a mosquito.

Two miles inland and Florida is a different place entirely.

 

[52andout]

I live in the Villages. I love it. No matter who your tribe is, you can find people like you. Interested in bike riding? Lots of competitive to friendly groups that ride around. 6,000 people play softball. Tennis, competitive swimming, pickleball and tennis, card games galore, lots of entertainment. We even have a philharmonic that rivals most mid size city philharmonics. Huge amount of philanthropic groups. Lots of inexpensive golf. And if you choose you can sit in your recliner and watch TV but chances are you won't. It is meticulously maintained.

Occasionally someone moves from here but it is rare. Before you knock it come visit. I never thought we would like it here but it was the best move we made.

It is 7:03 and I am off to work in an art studio with fellow artists, I'll swim today in one of the 70 or so pools, and tonight a bunch of neighbors are getting together. On my way to my art club I'll drive my golf cart on paths and see people walking, bike riding, walking dogs, running etc. every day I meet people who tell me how old they are an I am amazed they look and act so young.

The only negative comments I hear are from people who have not spent time here. It is truly a wonderful place and our kids are thrilled that we have such an active and fulfilling life after working so hard so many years. They love to visit this Disneyland for adults.

 

[sanfanciscotreat]

Ever wonder where Floridians go on vacation?

It's the mountains of North Georgia, Western North Carolina and East Tennessee. You wouldn't believe how many Florida license plates you'll see there. Life's easier, quieter and so much more inexpensive for the most part in the mountains.

Shhhhhh!!!!!

 

[48Fire]

Doesn't Florida have BUGS? Like as in REALLY BIG BUGS! My brother lived there many yrs ago and I remember him talking about continuous pest exterminators many times through out the yr to take care of all the BIG BUGS. I'd think BIG BUGS would be a population growth deterrent.

I'll take our brutal winters over BIG BUGS any day!

We have our share of cockroaches, maybe a few each season. We used to joke that even the rich people have cockroaches. Have had several lizards in the kitchen. One snake in the kitchen. A citrus rat in a shoe box in the garage that my wife picked up. Lots of alligators. Hit my golf ball a little too close to this one.

 

[HFWR]

I live in the Villages. I love it. No matter who your tribe is, you can find people like you. Interested in bike riding? Lots of competitive to friendly groups that ride around. 6,000 people play softball. Tennis, competitive swimming, pickleball and tennis, card games galore, lots of entertainment. We even have a philharmonic that rivals most mid size city philharmonics. Huge amount of philanthropic groups. Lots of inexpensive golf. And if you choose you can sit in your recliner and watch TV but chances are you won't. It is meticulously maintained.

Occasionally someone moves from here but it is rare. Before you knock it come visit. I never thought we would like it here but it was the best move we made.

It is 7:03 and I am off to work in an art studio with fellow artists, I'll swim today in one of the 70 or so pools, and tonight a bunch of neighbors are getting together. On my way to my art club I'll drive my golf cart on paths and see people walking, bike riding, walking dogs, running etc. every day I meet people who tell me how old they are an I am amazed they look and act so young.

The only negative comments I hear are from people who have not spent time here. It is truly a wonderful place and our kids are thrilled that we have such an active and fulfilling life after working so hard so many years. They love to visit this Disneyland for adults.

Sounds like an extrovert's paradise, but many of us are introverts...

 

[REWahoo]

Sounds like an extrovert's paradise, but many of us are introverts...

+1

I'm sure it is wonderful for those who enjoy the lifestyle, but living in "Disneyland for adults" is my idea of Hell on earth.

 

[MRG]

+1

I'm sure it is wonderful for those who enjoy the lifestyle, but living in "Disneyland for adults" is my idea of Hell on earth.

Disneyland and that many people. No my idea of a good time. Glad that many do enjoy, just not my personal idea of fun.

I used to have to go to crowed places Boston, Orange County, New York, London, Edinburgh.... While I enjoyed the unique experiences, crowds are not for me.

 

[Andre1969]

Does anyone have any experience or insight with the Florida Keys? My only recent experience with Florida has been the Port Orange/Daytona Beach and Orlando area, and that was back in 2005.

I've always wanted to see the Florida Keys. I have heard they're over-rated...but sometimes, when my expectations get lowered, I end up finding myself pleasantly surprised!

My Mom and stepdad have a second home in Grand Island, Florida. I think they've had it since 2003. I've never been down there, and really don't have any desire to. Their original plan was to move down there once they retired, but that was in 2011 and they're still here in Maryland, dammit! To be fair though, they stayed around because of aging, sick relatives (his mother, who got sick and then died, and now Grandmom), and Mom has a horse that's old, sick, and feeble, and I think she's holding off until it dies.

I'm curious to see if they'll stay down there once they move, though. It's one thing to go someplace and visit for awhile, even a long while. But picking up your roots and then calling it your new home is totally different. And my Mom, at the age of 66, has lived her whole life here in Maryland. She did mention that if my stepdad died, she'd move back up to Maryland in a heartbeat.

 

[H2ODude]

We used to go to the Keys in early 80's, loved it but only went to K West once. Sort of like what a Jimmy Buffett song would evoke. Then in 2003 went there on a job interview w DW and saw pretty amazing changes that made it much less attractive. We spent most of the time in Key West and just found it a bit too touristy. The interview was with a local government agency; let's just say they think differently in the Conch Republic! At least we got a free trip out of it.

 

[MRG]

The keys are great, we used to visit Key West frequently, Key West can be party central. I would avoid around Halloween, unless you want to see a bunch of naked drunks. Past that, IMHO the keys are more like old Florida. Very high COL.

My MIL/FIL had a place on Marathon Key (about half way to Key West). Fantastic, one balcony you could see the Gulf, the other balcony the Atlantic. Marvelous home. FIL fished, dove for spiny lobsters, lived in paradise. Then came 1992 and hurricane Andrew. They were stuck, sure all traffic goes North when there's a storm. FIL panicked didn't get to the highway before running out of gas.

BIL has a private plane, single engine Piper, VFR. FIL calls and begs his son to fly down into the storm to rescue them. BIL did pull it off, Ft. Myers to Marathon and back before the storm hits. Andrew had gone north, totally missing the Keys. FIL/MIL moved back to Ft. Myers within six months. They couldn't handle the thought of another hurricane. FIL quit giving his son crap about why did he need an airplane, after the rescue.

 

[robnplunder]

That was me on the porch... blue shirt, back to the camera... and my golf cart... 5th from the left.

I pegged you for a skinny man. Perhaps, it was the previous avatar that gave me the impression. Looking at the picture, you look like a 200+ lb, 6'2" burly kind of man.

BTW, I look exactly like my current avatar.

 

[LRDave]

WRT Key West: Went once with fairly low expectations and actually had a great time. We stayed at the Southernmost Hotel which has basically the only beach. DW and I are semi-parrotheads and did the Jimmy Buffett walking tour.

We flew direct from ATL. DW and I agreed that we might like to drive from MIA and stop at some of the other keys for a night or two after retiring. Many have told me that while the pictures of A1A stretching across expanses of blue water look enticing, it is mostly a long drive with few changes in scenery. So ideally, two day leisurely drive stopping for a night or two on the way to Key West, a night or two in Key West and drop off a rental car and fly back. This is not on the bucket list, just the "nice to maybe do" list.

The airport in Key West is the shortest runway in the entire Delta route system and the pilots draw straws NOT to get the Key West run. I knew this ahead of time and did not warn my family (as they would only worry). The landing in particular will get your attention.

 

[MRG]

The drive to KW is one of my favorites. As long as there's no accidents. Then you sit. The view changes some, but strips of sand and blue water, 7 mile bridge, all pretty amazing. I've always been the driver, just once I'd love to be the passenger.

Watch out for the endangered Key Deer. Even with huge fences one of those jumped out right in front of us, middle of the day too. The speed limit was slow and we were following it, but it was too close.

Yes I do remember the landing in Key West on several flights. Really short.

 

[LifeIs]

Orlando (Disney) looking for a Condo

Hi,

I see most seem against Florida, however, we are looking to spend some time down there as we go four times a year.

Does anyone know good locations to look for Condo's in the Disney area? or just a little outside the area.

I have browsed online but maybe a loco can give us more information. It is my wife, 3 year old daughter and I. The fees at most condos seem high and all the houses have fees as we.



Thanks in advance,
LifeIs.........Grande

 

[52andout]

I obviously am not going to change anyone's preconceived notions of a place they have never visited. But I did want to bring up a very important point. When you retire you have a certain idea in you head.

Retiree # 1 wants to sleep late, read the paper, do the crossword and soduko, get the mail and watch sports all evening in the recliner with a few cold ones and stay up until they want to

Retiree #2 might say whoopee! I finally have the time to golf, do yoga, do art, become a bridge master, ride their bike everywhere, make quilts, learn to line dance, do volunteer work with Habitat and for their church and so on.

If they are married to each other large retirement communities can be perfect for them. I know many couples who are happily spending their retirement in totally different ways because there are people to do stuff with, lots of stuff to do and learn. Or you can sit home all day. Your choice. I suspect most people are in the middle of the two extremes above, but there is less of an opportunity to drive each other crazy when everyone's needs can be met independent of their spouse.

 

[marko]

I obviously am not going to change anyone's preconceived notions of a place they have never visited. But I did want to bring up a very important point. When you retire you have a certain idea in you head.

Retiree # 1 wants to sleep late, read the paper, do the crossword and soduko, get the mail and watch sports all evening in the recliner with a few cold ones and stay up until they want to

Retiree #2 might say whoopee! I finally have the time to golf, do yoga, do art, become a bridge master, ride their bike everywhere, make quilts, learn to line dance, do volunteer work with Habitat and for their church and so on.

If they are married to each other large retirement communities can be perfect for them. I know many couples who are happily spending their retirement in totally different ways because there are people to do stuff with, lots of stuff to do and learn. Or you can sit home all day. Your choice. I suspect most people are in the middle of the two extremes above, but there is less of an opportunity to drive each other crazy when everyone's needs can be met independent of their spouse.

Bolds are mine

You know, this is an excellent point and perhaps one that places like the Villages fails to convey in their sales pitch; certainly one I've never thought of.

Sure beats meeting with the 11 guys sitting out front of Dunkin Donuts shooting the breeze (i.e. talking nonsense) for 5-6 hours every day.

Still not sure if it would be for me, but an excellent perspective!

 

[48Fire]

Hi,

I see most seem against Florida, however, we are looking to spend some time down there as we go four times a year.

Does anyone know good locations to look for Condo's in the Disney area? or just a little outside the area.

I have browsed online but maybe a loco can give us more information. It is my wife, 3 year old daughter and I. The fees at most condos seem high and all the houses have fees as we.



Thanks in advance,
LifeIs.........Grande

Are you interested in buying or renting?

 

[harley]

My observation on Florida (after spending winters here over the past 30+ years) is that there are "two Floridas".

There's the one that is a two mile wide strip that runs along the entire coast --and the Orlando area-- that is made up of condos, beaches, Bentleys and more or less an imported environment from NY and New England. Bugs, snakes, alligators are an occasional novelty. You're more likely to be hassled by a homeless person than a mosquito.

Two miles inland and Florida is a different place entirely.

You're absolutely right about the two Floridas. I live in the two mile strip, but I've been through the interior, and I bet they do have a totally different bug and critter situation than we do. I was just listening to the news in the car and they were saying the gov't is planning a bear hunting season for the first time in 20 years. A friend of mine went down to his family room where his two daughters were watching TV, and there was a bear outside the sliding glass door watching too. I don't think that would be happening in Naples.

 

[sengsational]

Me and my clan started in south florida (east side, cuz there isn't anything in the far south of the west). This was in the 60's and 70's. I never moved back after college, but the clan began crawling up the east coast. There are a few holdouts that would leave if their jobs didn't tie them there. Recently (last 10 years or so), they moved out of the 2 mile strip (which I would say is much wider than that, even between 'towns'). There's a congregation happening now about an hour east of Tampa. The little town has one bar, and they can smoke indoors (choked me out), but they have a national homebrew award winner in town (not sure about a brewing club). Can you tell I've been thinking about moving?

 

[Sarah in SC]

Sensational, you can't move from the Carolinas!

I spent ten days in October driving up to Charleston from Miami with a couple of friends. The unexpected charmer was the little town of Deland, just north of Orlando. A friend moved there a while back, and had us stay with her for a few days. Cute downtown, bargain houses, and they just opened a brewery!

Andre, definitely go to the keys. Driving down the keys is a great experience, and you will love the other keys, even if KW is too touristy for you.


Sent from my iPhone using Early Retirement Forum

 

[AndyS]

Most of these posts refer to South Florida. We retired on the Emerald Coast .... which is anywhere from Gulf Shores, AL to Apalachicola, FL.

Totally different vibe here.

Lived on Navarre Beach for awhile which is quiet, uncrowded, and quite reasonably priced for a beach town. Lots of military from nearby Hurlburt Field & Eglin AFB. Good location if you like the ocean & are a military retiree. Not a few northern snowbirds down here in the winter too - but the area is not dependent upon tourism, rather it's more of a military community.

Now live in north Santa Rosa County just outside Pensacola (aka: lower Alabama) as we needed to be closer to the University of West Florida Campus. Up here it gets very rural very fast the farther north you go. Still quite a few military north of I-10 too due to the outlying fields that belong to the major bases. Half the houses in my subdivision are military or otherwise employed by the military.

Seems like everything & most people south of I-10 here has more of a beach/ocean culture, while everything & most people north of I-10 are "The South."

Low cost of living in most places .... low crime (so long as you move to the right area.) Traffic not too bad anywhere (except certain stretches of Hwy98 which runs along the coast and that's only at certain times of the day)

There are certain areas of the City of Pensacola & Fort Walton I wouldn't live in on a bet - but each has very liveable areas too. As to nearby Mobile, AL .... "foget about it !!!!"

(As an added note: yes, the humidity in summer can be quite oppressive if you're not used to it. We don't do any outdoor work during the summer. However when I'm out having fun boating/fishing/beach/ scuba diving or whatever the humidity doesn't bother me so much.)

 

[sengsational]

Sensational, you can't move from the Carolinas!

That would be a long-term plan, as DW's dad is still enjoying our company. And I'm sure we'd keep a place up here (we just need to make sure we're here less than 6 months per year).

 

[LifeIs]

Re:

@48Fire

Probably renting would be best but been looking at both.


LI