Re: Moving to Florida
Redwing91 said:
Hi, folks. I am thinking about moving to Florida and trying to decide where in FL to go. Could anyone give me some feedback on the nice areas, where the jobs are, etc. I am single, no kids, so I would be looking for an apartment rather than buying a house in the 'burbs. I don't want to go to any high-crime areas though. I would appreciate any comments/advice.
Hi,
I moved from Northern Virginia to Melbourne (Space Coast) one year ago, so I have a good (and recent) perspective on both areas. Melbourne is a good area, job wise, if you're in the IT field, due to employers like Harris, Northrup Grumman, DRS, AuthenTec, and Kennedy Space Center. In fact, out of Harris' 10,000+ employees, approximately 6,500 of them are based in Melbourne. If they hire you, you will get a good relocation package as well (packing & shipping, two vehicles shipped via the Amtrak AutoTrain, 30 days free lodging at a beachfront condo--with Per Diem, in addition to your salary--and a "disruption" bonus, which is usually several thousand dollars. Also, my salary only went down $10,000 from what it was in Northern Virginia.
Most of the things other posters mentioned about the lower cost of living are true, as well as the fact that you don't pay a state income or local tax. Melbourne is a rapidly growing area, which is both a good and a bad thing. Housing prices, while not at DC or Lexington Park levels, have risen dramatically. I sold a 4100 square foot home, 1/2 acre, in Dale City last year for $480,000. I bought a 2700 square foot home here last year for $300,000, open Florida floorplan, 1/2 acre, swimming pool, patio jacuzzi, 4 bedrooms, 3 full baths, landscaped yard, and a 15-20 minute drive to work. I'm told that my house would now sell for between $335,000 to $350,000.
Melbourne isn't a Miami, Tampa, Jacksonville, Orlando (which is approximately 45 minutes drive northwest), and certainly not a big city by any measure. It is a small city that seems to have a handful of malls, Super Walmart, movie theaters, basically all the popular chain stores and restaurants. With the rapid growth, though, the roads are getting choked, leading to long waits at traffic lights. I'm also starting to see more DC area type aggressive driving. This seems to be a place where everyone is flocking to, and the schools and roads are suffering because of it. It being the South, don't expect things to get done quickly. And the businesses, well, they don't seem to care one way or another if they keep you as a customer or not.
Another concern are the hurricanes, of which we had two of the four major ones pass through here last year. After one, I had to get a new roof and fence. Also, we had no commercial power for 10 days after one hurricane, and 5 days for another, so a generator is a must. Locals here told me that the devastation from the hurricanes last year was unprecedented, but sometimes I believe lightning can strike twice (oh, and Florida leads the nation in the number of deaths by lightning strikes). On a positive note about the weather, you'll be able to go out in your patio in shorts and t-shirt almost every day of the year.
The "Snowbirds" (retirees living here during the Winter months) can be a concern for some. The roads, stores, and restaurants can be filled with them, but personally I've never had a problem, save for some that inexplicably pull out in front of you at the last minute. The way I see it, they pump a lot of money into the local economy, and they are usually more courteous people and better (safer) drivers for the most part. Naturally this being on the coast, you have to mention the beaches too, which are very nice and clean. The craziest it gets is sometimes Cocoa Beach during a festival or concert, but most of the out of control stuff is in Daytona, Ft Lauderdale, or Miami.
If you want a smaller place to live, away from (most) of the big city ills, Melbourne would be a good choice, and I don't think the salaries would be much less than the DC area. Bear in mind, though, the growth the city is experiencing. You might be able to get away from some of that big city madness, but not all of it.
Good luck with your decision, and I'm sure just about any place you choose in Florida will be a good one. Be prepared, though, to miss four separate seasons, better efficiencies from state/local governments, and the cultural attractions of the DC area.
Work at Kennedy or RonJons. This could totally be you!
). So my advice is to definetly enjoy Florida, but don't feel as though you need to burn all your bridges to Southern Maryland. As much as it seems to stink now, trust me, you'll feel some nostalgia down the road.