Moving to Florida soon Need advice
09-12-2012, 11:59 PM
#41
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Merritt Island, FL
Posts: 672
Dear Quilting Friend,
I was born in Chicago, raised in Indianapolis where I took my nurses training. As soon as I passed my State Board Exams, I moved to Madeira Beach, (nice then but a tourist area now) outside St. Pete (1958) and moved north for a few years so my spouse could attend Purdue. Shortly after his graduation, I moved back to FL but this time to Brevard County, where the Space Center is located. In fact, I live on Merritt Island, an unincorporated area; my home is about 20 miles south of the Space Center which is also located on Merritt Island. We are on the east coast with the Atlantic ocean and 2 rivers a few miles apart that run parallel to the ocean. Merritt Island is between the 2 rivers. We get a breeze most of the year, rarely have freezes as the water from the 2 rivers keeps the temp more stable. There are many incorporated areas that you may have heard of...Titusville, Cocoa, Cocoa Beach, Rockledge, Melbourne, Satellite Beach, Indialantic (a beach community), Melbourne Beach, Palm Bay. We have 6 or more hospitals and are less than 60 miles from Orlando. Our county is about 60 miles long and about 20 wide. On the west side we have yet another river which actually runs north to Jacksonville. If you will look at a map and note where the round lakes are, you will know that they have been formed by sink holes (think Orlando, Lakeland and others). Inland areas are hotter and more humid in the summer where breezes are less likely to blow. Lightning capitol...yes. I have lived here over 50 years and have not been struck by lightening whereas our house in Indiana was struck. Hurricanes, yes. Get hurricane shutters and relax. I would avoid any area along the I-4 corridor....tourists, traffic, sinkholes, fires and more. If your girls are of school age, check the area schools and move where you are assured that they will go to a good school. We also have Brevard Community College with a local connection to the University of Central Florida. Our hospitals have connections to good universities, as well.
May I suggest using PODS rather than moving trucks. You can pack yourself or hire it done and they will store the POD in a climate controlled place (must be safe as it is where the owners stayed in a POD in the warehouse during the many hurricanes of 2004...safely) and will deliver it to your home when you locate one and again, Unpack yourself or hire it done. That way, you only have to pack in your car for a month with minimal dishes, pots etc (paper goods is great for this time period) Do bring a couple sweaters each if you think that you will be here in the chilly months.
If you would like to talk on the phone, PM me and we can exchange phone numbers. My phone is a cell (Verizon) and I try to use it on weekends only as it is a family plan with 4 users, one of whom is chronically ill and makes many phone calls to MD's during the week. BTW, the daughter who is chronically ill lives in Lakeland and HATES it there...bad weather...too hot, too humid, few really good doctors, seems to get an unusually large amount of the lightening. The east coast breezes and the west coast breezes seem to collide between Orlando and Lakeland on many summer days.
Oh yes, we have several LQS, Hancocks, Hobby Lobby and Joann's is in Melbourne. From our house, they range from 3 to 20 miles away. We also have at least 3 quilt guilds that I am aware of.
Whatever and wherever you decide, I wish you the best of luck!
Donna Thompson
I was born in Chicago, raised in Indianapolis where I took my nurses training. As soon as I passed my State Board Exams, I moved to Madeira Beach, (nice then but a tourist area now) outside St. Pete (1958) and moved north for a few years so my spouse could attend Purdue. Shortly after his graduation, I moved back to FL but this time to Brevard County, where the Space Center is located. In fact, I live on Merritt Island, an unincorporated area; my home is about 20 miles south of the Space Center which is also located on Merritt Island. We are on the east coast with the Atlantic ocean and 2 rivers a few miles apart that run parallel to the ocean. Merritt Island is between the 2 rivers. We get a breeze most of the year, rarely have freezes as the water from the 2 rivers keeps the temp more stable. There are many incorporated areas that you may have heard of...Titusville, Cocoa, Cocoa Beach, Rockledge, Melbourne, Satellite Beach, Indialantic (a beach community), Melbourne Beach, Palm Bay. We have 6 or more hospitals and are less than 60 miles from Orlando. Our county is about 60 miles long and about 20 wide. On the west side we have yet another river which actually runs north to Jacksonville. If you will look at a map and note where the round lakes are, you will know that they have been formed by sink holes (think Orlando, Lakeland and others). Inland areas are hotter and more humid in the summer where breezes are less likely to blow. Lightning capitol...yes. I have lived here over 50 years and have not been struck by lightening whereas our house in Indiana was struck. Hurricanes, yes. Get hurricane shutters and relax. I would avoid any area along the I-4 corridor....tourists, traffic, sinkholes, fires and more. If your girls are of school age, check the area schools and move where you are assured that they will go to a good school. We also have Brevard Community College with a local connection to the University of Central Florida. Our hospitals have connections to good universities, as well.
May I suggest using PODS rather than moving trucks. You can pack yourself or hire it done and they will store the POD in a climate controlled place (must be safe as it is where the owners stayed in a POD in the warehouse during the many hurricanes of 2004...safely) and will deliver it to your home when you locate one and again, Unpack yourself or hire it done. That way, you only have to pack in your car for a month with minimal dishes, pots etc (paper goods is great for this time period) Do bring a couple sweaters each if you think that you will be here in the chilly months.
If you would like to talk on the phone, PM me and we can exchange phone numbers. My phone is a cell (Verizon) and I try to use it on weekends only as it is a family plan with 4 users, one of whom is chronically ill and makes many phone calls to MD's during the week. BTW, the daughter who is chronically ill lives in Lakeland and HATES it there...bad weather...too hot, too humid, few really good doctors, seems to get an unusually large amount of the lightening. The east coast breezes and the west coast breezes seem to collide between Orlando and Lakeland on many summer days.
Oh yes, we have several LQS, Hancocks, Hobby Lobby and Joann's is in Melbourne. From our house, they range from 3 to 20 miles away. We also have at least 3 quilt guilds that I am aware of.
Whatever and wherever you decide, I wish you the best of luck!
Donna Thompson
Last edited by blueheavenfla; 09-13-2012 at 12:04 AM.
09-13-2012, 02:19 AM
#42
Member
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Aiken, SC
Posts: 58
Originally Posted by carolynjo
I would say do your research. I lived in Orlando for 20 years and did not like the heat and humidity. Moved back to NC. Now in Tenn. Because the housing crunch hit Florida so hard, you should be able to find a house easily. Just to your research. Sinkholes near by? Don't buy near there. Don't live anywhere near the coast. Lightning is horrendous in Fla. It's the lightning capital of the world. Kissimmee has a lovely LQS called "Queen Anne's Lace". Hope it it still in business. Aiken, SC is a lovely, growing town that you might investigate also. The temps are easier to manage. 2 quilt shops there and antique shops and horses out the Wazoo. Go for it and enjoy the change.
Me again! Yes, the lighting in Florida can be terrifying!!
Sorry to say, our last quilt shop in Aiken has just closed. But two great stores across the river in Augusta, GA 0 Branum's and Jeff's.
Whereever you move find a quilt guild. In Aiken we have Carolina Pine Quilters.
09-13-2012, 04:38 AM
#43
Super Member
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Melbourne, Florida
Posts: 1,134
If you are thinking about the north part of Florida (panhandle) it tends to have more variances in temperature. You will have to remember that if you have arthritis Florida may not be the best for you. I also have arthritis and I am miserable when the humidity starts to rise.
Good Luck
Good Luck
09-13-2012, 04:48 AM
#44
Super Member
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Central Florida
Posts: 1,804
Originally Posted by Stitchit123
I have more info that may help. In my seargh for moving truck rentals-Penske-they have the best deals and they have larger trucks to choose from also the earlier you reserve a trk the better the price. get their brochure on HOW TO PACK its a really great tool.The really hard part of this kind of move is the sorting of all your possessions. Start NOW !!! Knowing the size of truck is very helpful in deciding what is and isn't necessary or can be replaced easily and cheaply at the other end.I used Closet boxes for linens and clothing these are 4ft tall an 2ftx2ft sqr. Try to keep your boxes in a uniform size to make stacking and packing the trk space work better.Also get yourself a yellow legal tablet and a couple rolls of packing tape. Label each box with its contents. Cover the list with tape to protect it from tearing.This makes the hunt for things needed first so much easier. Decide what you are going to sell as early as possible put these items on Ebay and Craigslist -yard sale everything else. The money I made paid for my truck and fuel and all my deposits and 1st months rent. Set yourself a daily goal on sorting each room Please do not over do.And when your tired take a break.Keep in mind this is a huge task and you have to pace yourself. You want to enjoy the experience as much as possible. I hope your new adventure is as wonderful and as joyous as mine has been.
09-13-2012, 06:13 AM
#46
Member
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: Glen St. Mary, FL.
Posts: 74
I live in a small town about 25 miles outside of Jacksonville, FL. Glen St. Mary, Fl. ; also Macclenny is in the same area. very nice small town; on the other end , about 25 miles from Lake City , Fl. Plenty of quilt shops in Jacksonville and Lake City. People are very friendly here. I love it. lived in Jacksonville all my life until 11 years ago, moved here to get away from the hustle and bustle of the big city. Still work in Jacksonville, but when I get back here, it's worth the trip.
Good luck searching for the right place. If you wind up around here, keep in touch, and I'll help you get aquainted with places and things as much as possibl. "Marty"
Good luck searching for the right place. If you wind up around here, keep in touch, and I'll help you get aquainted with places and things as much as possibl. "Marty"
09-13-2012, 02:56 PM
#47
Power Poster
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Alabama
Posts: 15,368
My DH and I own a small home built in 1950. It belonged to my MIL an she passed in 2007. It has been remodelled and is located in a small town called Pinellas Park, a suburb of St. Petersburg. It is 2 bed, 1 bath, 1 car garage and currently rents out at $750 per month. That is low because we know the lady renting it. That just covers the taxes, insurance, and allows us a little to put away for repairs and problems. I believe the insurance is around $3,000 per year and the taxes are about $2600 per year. In 2007 when it was remodelled, the realtor put a selling price on it of
$159,000. It is now worth about $100,000. but the taxes and insurance haven't gone down one bit. It just got to be too expensive for us. I lived there for 47 years before we moved to Alabama in 1989. At that time you needed a permit to build a cage 4' x 4'. It would take us 3 time as long to get to work in the winter than in the summer. Because of the tourists, the area is very crowded in the winter. I went there (St Petersburg) in 2000 because my daughter was having cancer surgery. My sisters car broke down on the bridge (actually the approach to the bridge) that was 7 miles long, 10 lanes wide that goes from Tampa to St. Petersburg. It was very hot (September) at 1:00 in the afternoon. I had my hood up and I stood there for almost three hours before anyone stopped to help me, including the police who passed without helping. I own a home there that is paid for and wouldn't go back there to live. That is just my experience. Please do a lot of investigating before you decide where you would like to live. You might find it a wonderful place and enjoy every minute of it. I wish you luck whatever you decide to do.
$159,000. It is now worth about $100,000. but the taxes and insurance haven't gone down one bit. It just got to be too expensive for us. I lived there for 47 years before we moved to Alabama in 1989. At that time you needed a permit to build a cage 4' x 4'. It would take us 3 time as long to get to work in the winter than in the summer. Because of the tourists, the area is very crowded in the winter. I went there (St Petersburg) in 2000 because my daughter was having cancer surgery. My sisters car broke down on the bridge (actually the approach to the bridge) that was 7 miles long, 10 lanes wide that goes from Tampa to St. Petersburg. It was very hot (September) at 1:00 in the afternoon. I had my hood up and I stood there for almost three hours before anyone stopped to help me, including the police who passed without helping. I own a home there that is paid for and wouldn't go back there to live. That is just my experience. Please do a lot of investigating before you decide where you would like to live. You might find it a wonderful place and enjoy every minute of it. I wish you luck whatever you decide to do.
09-13-2012, 06:42 PM
#49
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: Alabama
Posts: 649
Well, I just have to put in my 2 cents. I live in Robertsdale, Alabama. I am 30 minutes from Mobile and 30 minutes from Pensacola, We are 1.5 hrs from Mississippi and the casinos. I love it here. Well since we moved here 12 years ago have made it thru all the hurricanes with only losing a few shingles, and our wood fence laid down on one side. It sounded horrendous, but even though it went right over our town there was no devastating damage at all.
We live in the last vestiges of country which is soon to change with the new route to I10 being built very close to our neighborhood. Our subdivision has many homes for sale, but if you have VA you can get into a very decent home for a good price. I love where we live and I never fear anything stormwise. It just gives us a real good place to live and call home. The only thing I have against Foley is all the crime I have seen. We drove down a street there the other day and witnessed a black man selling dope in the middle of the street. He swaggered off like he was a king. I hate people like that.
We do have a high population of law enforcement in this area and that makes me proud and safe. That is just my opinion. We were headed to Pensacola when we passed this subdivision and stopped in to look. We were sold.
Charlottemarie
We live in the last vestiges of country which is soon to change with the new route to I10 being built very close to our neighborhood. Our subdivision has many homes for sale, but if you have VA you can get into a very decent home for a good price. I love where we live and I never fear anything stormwise. It just gives us a real good place to live and call home. The only thing I have against Foley is all the crime I have seen. We drove down a street there the other day and witnessed a black man selling dope in the middle of the street. He swaggered off like he was a king. I hate people like that.
We do have a high population of law enforcement in this area and that makes me proud and safe. That is just my opinion. We were headed to Pensacola when we passed this subdivision and stopped in to look. We were sold.
Charlottemarie
09-13-2012, 06:58 PM
#50
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Merritt Island, FL
Posts: 672
Actually the LQS "Queen Anne's Lace" has closed. I think that was about 4 months ago. It was a lovely store but Kissimmee is more of a tourist area.
I have OA, rather severe, and have few days that I am really in pain. Having lived on both coasts, I would choose the area where I live now (EAST coast) if I had it to do all over. While I know that is just my opinion, I think that if Florida is for you, you would like this area and have less pain here than inland. Good Luck and success in finding just the right place and that you will be as happy wherever you choose as I am with where I live.
Donna
I have OA, rather severe, and have few days that I am really in pain. Having lived on both coasts, I would choose the area where I live now (EAST coast) if I had it to do all over. While I know that is just my opinion, I think that if Florida is for you, you would like this area and have less pain here than inland. Good Luck and success in finding just the right place and that you will be as happy wherever you choose as I am with where I live.
Donna
Originally Posted by carolynjo
I would say do your research. I lived in Orlando for 20 years and did not like the heat and humidity. Moved back to NC. Now in Tenn. Because the housing crunch hit Florida so hard, you should be able to find a house easily. Just to your research. Sinkholes near by? Don't buy near there. Don't live anywhere near the coast. Lightning is horrendous in Fla. It's the lightning capital of the world. Kissimmee has a lovely LQS called "Queen Anne's Lace". Hope it it still in business. Aiken, SC is a lovely, growing town that you might investigate also. The temps are easier to manage. 2 quilt shops there and antique shops and horses out the Wazoo. Go for it and enjoy the change.
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