We lived in Zephyrhills, Fl for 23 years and loved it! We miss the accessability to attractions, arts and craft fairs where there is so much to see or to buy with little if any cost to enter, etc. etc. Loved it!

I lived in Brevard County for 5 years. It was the first time I moved away from home and it was a military move. It was traumatic for me and it was one of the best things I ever did.
My best friend from Florida is still my best friend ever.
It took about a year to acclimate to the weather, as it did when I moved back to Colorado. There are both GOOD and bad things in every location, and the worst is having a bad attitude before it starts. (Yes, I did!) I missed the 4 seasons, but we had the ocean and other things to keep us entertained. We had the Brevard Performing Arts center built while we were there, and many other things.
When your daughter moves, she needs to involve herself in the school, her church, or find a part-time job to help make her transition easier. It is not and will not be the end of the world. And still beeing on the east side of the country, they can drive home if she needs to visit her home state.

Good luck to her and you.
Susan

OMGosh! Best luck to them!! What a wonderful break in life they got!!
We moved to SC from Buffalo 15 yrs ago, and I cried all the way down driving behind hubs.
I hated the climate, I hated the flatness, I hated the pine trees and no seeming hardwoods, I hated the language (didnt understand Southerese), hated the food(sweet tea! good grief!), hated the bugs, and most of all hated the "no seasons"!
Now - I dont even like to take a vacation away from here and cant imagine how I grew up anywhere else but here! If they let themselves, they will fall in love with FL. It's not as southern as where I am cus it seems mostly everyone in FL is from up north or the midwest, you will find your fav foods, and find new hobbies (I thought I LOVED winter and skiing - heck! I hate the snow and cold now and love love love the ocean!)
It took about 3 yrs to become acclimated and accept where I was and not try to make it be Buffalo - I can understand the movie Hawaii now, where the missionairies tried to wear long underwear in the "winter" cus thats what they always did. LOL.
I think if they go with the flow, and wander around and look at things and try something new, talk with people, esp talk with people, get the feel of the place they will go nuts for FL! The only other place I ever ever wanted to live after being in SC was Key West - If I win a lottery Key West is my dream! Thats how much I love the south now! sharet

Dyed in the wool New Englanders to Florida....hmmm! Interesting!

A lot depends on the pace of life they had where they came from, & the pace of life where they're going. We do, to a certain degree, set that pace ourselves.

1. Really, really hot summers!
2. People wear more casual clothing styles.
3. After a couple years my blood thinned and winters now seem as cold as Pennsylvania winters did. It's a different kind of cold that really gets into your bones. Last night the temperature dropped to about 60 degrees & I dug out my wool comforter. Already.
4. Learning to live with the ongoing threat of sinkholes and seasonal hurricanes requires developing another level of inner fortitude.

We have vacationed in Florida in each season. Summer is hot and humid but businesses, homes and cars are air conditioned. Fall, winter and spring offer wonderful weather. Winter can be a bit cold at times but not as cold as New England and no snow. There are many historical sites to visit, lots of beaches, Disney and Disney type venues, professional ball teams, the Everglades I could go on and on about the entertainment and educational opportunities that are there for them to see. Traffic does get a bit full with snowbirds and service can be slower but at least they aren't rushing you out the door. For every negative there is always a positive. Hopefully they will find only the good of the state.

Lived in Graceville, FL for 2 yrs., 4 mos., HATED IT!!!

So sorry to hear she's moving to FL, I moved from there five years ago and have not regreated it. As far as culture shock, I hope she knows a little spanish, because that's all you hear there. They are very crude and rude people. As far as the traffic goes, I hope she does not live too far from work, because communting will not be plesant. There's like a light at every conner and nobody beliveves in stopping for stop signs or giving you signals, you have to be a defensive driver. I hope the move will be worth while for her and her family. I know, I lived in Florida for 18 years Hollywood, and I retired and moved to Texas have not regretted it one bit. I sure don't miss the Hurrican season. Tell her good luck.

I have lied here 3 yrs, its growing on me. Miramar has a great quilt syore. Sunshine quilts very friendly

Thanks to all who responded...I have read them all and will keep them. She loves where she is...she is def. a New England person..fall is her fav. time of year. They have both been involved in the performing arts field so they will look to that for enjoyment and she is a hand quilter. . I was awake most of last night praying and dealing with this and trying to answer the "What if.." questions. Mike leaves Sunday to start work on Monday. He knows some Spanish...his sales territory will be south of Miami, some of the islands and some of Central America....It should be exciting. With every move (and she has made a few, inc. West Coast) ) one of her biggest fears has been that she is leaving her friends behind and she won't make any new ones....but she always has. God is faithful. Thanks again to all. fmd36 in NH

LOL - I knew you from here cause you spelled it right.

I was born and raised in St. Louis, Mo., and except for a brief time in Biloxi, lived there until 1993, when we moved down to Ft. Myers, Fl. Nothing will drag me back. Yes, it is hot in the summer, but it wasn't Floridians who complained about the 100+ temps this year. Or a lot of years. People who live down here year around know how to deal with the heat.

As far as season changing, and missing those "glorious colors", something is always in bloom, and we have reds, golds, purples, oranges, greens, pinks, oranges....all kinds of glorious colors blooming. We get cooler weather, which is one reason they sell heaters in the stores here, lol. We do get hurricanes, tho we haven't had any major storms lately. But look at what the rest of this country has had this year.

Maybe the thing for your SIL to do is rent for a couple of months before making the move with the entire family. He might be more than pleasantly surprised.

I don't speak very much Spanish at all, but I do know how to say Please, thank you and "I'm sorry". And Lo Siento, dear, that you think all the Hispanics are rude and crude people. Perhaps they were just responding in kind?

I lived in St. Louis, and we always thought the people in Ill were the worst drivers.

Where do you live? Because I don't know what you are use to...

I grew up in Louisiana, lived there till 12, moved up upstate NY and have truly lived BOTH worlds. I can say that there is good and bad in both. No difference. Depends on if you like HOT, humid weather or not. lol
(I was treated VERY BADLY when we moved up NY. VERY. I was considered a dumb, southern hick based solely on my accent. )
At least in FL you have people from all over the world.

Depends on if they are moving to a city or the country.
Depends on a lot of things.
That's a general question, so answering it in general.
Good and bad no matter where ya go.
Depends on one's attitude and how you look at life.
Bottom line, be thankful they have a job.

I hear you as far as seeing them... My daughter is up there in NY on the canada border, I'm in S.E. GA right on the FL line (10 min. to it from my house). It's life. My grandkids won't know me as much as I'd like them to. I send them plane tickets , go there, send tons of care pkgs (check out the US Postal Svc flat rate boxes, they are great!), do what i can. You have internet now and can have so many more options. It's just life, we all have to do what we have to do to live and survive and I'm afraid it is going to get worse. Be thankful for their good job.

We visited his brother & SIL in 2004 & approx 2009. Only problem I found was the summer humidity and SIL and SIL & I went looking for quilt stores. Had a list of 5 and visited each one. Closed! All five of them and this was Pt St Lucie and surrounding close towns. That was a disappointment. Love the beaches though.

We lived in Florida a short time years ago. We loved it. Since we are from Texas and Louisiana the weather is about the same. Things are slower there, but you can have just about anything fixed. Many retirees have the skill to repair appliances, toos, etc. AND CHEAPER THAN BUYING NEW ONES. My cousin from Illinois is now living in North Point Florida and really likes it. The schools are getting better (She teaches junior high) When they miss the snow so bad they can't stand it, they spend christmas in Illinois. I don't thnk either of them miss frozen streets and oil burning furnaces. Their Christmas cards always have the beach as a background and everyone in shorts. Just think of it as a new experience. Get your computer set up with skype so you can see them when you talk to them. If you are retired or have a lot of vacation time, start watching orbitz, travel com, etc for cheap air rates and go see them. Life is not over. It is better to have a job somewhere than be homeless and unemployed.

I have lived all over the US and the world, but home has always been Sarasota, FL. (Gulf Coast)...I always considered a move a new adventure, new friends, new favorite "thrift shops", and lots of cooks tours. Good schools can be found by asking around of other parents. Also, the company may have (what we call) a sponsor to smooth the transition, give information about good grocery stores, schools, etc
Your realtor is also going to be a fantastic source of information. So, go ahead! - ASK!! and be sure to explore your new hometown. I find I miss the two season climate when we lived elsewhere and as for the
"horrible heat"... well everything is air conditioned, even your car!! You will probably have a yard man during the summer months and the winter months are perfect for planting and entertaining on the lanai, grilling out there too!
I wish you and your family a wonderful move and new best friends and good times!!
Sandy
from the SUNNY SIDE OF FLORIDA = SARASOTA COUNTY!!

I lived in Florida year round for 21 years. Aside from the humidity, bugs and fireants, it wasn't too bad. Oh, and the 6 months of hurricane worry every year. Cooler along the coast, nice in the wintertime. It has pros and cons just like everyplace else. Life is what you make it. We learn to adjust.

I go from Canada to Fl every winter --why because I happen to like south west Fl lifestyle. Lived in different places but I believe they are what you make it. The kids might actually like the heat / swimming/ boating hobbies of the south. Moving by choice or necessity is a good way to expand your life not be stuck in a very closed minded life.

Hate Florida, son lived their for 8yrs, now back home, i would never live their.

I encountered some "misplaced Northerners" last week at a sewing class in Clearwater.......you could tell right away who they were; rude and crude and soooooo loud! No manners and enjoyed being loud about it. Vocabulatory limited to mostly 4 letter words.

I am a Native/Native. American Indian and Floridian and VERY proud of it. If you don't like us please leave.

I lived in New Hampshire for a year back in 1983, was so glad to finally leave there.

hahaha, I live in the north country for 6 months, and in Florida for 6 months, so I have the best of the year where ever I am. I find getting used to each area takes putting myself in the right frame of mind, I love the folks in the north, and also in the south. at my age , slow is welcome,,, and I find stores and cultural acticvities are what you look for, We are happy snowbirds,,,,, and love it.

Born and raised in Reno, Nevada (mountains, dry, 4 seasons), now live in eastern Washington (mountains are hard to see, dry, 4 seasons), been in Riverview, Florida (burb of Tampa) since late February house/pet sitting for my daughter while she was deployed to Afghanistan.

The summer was warm (low 90's), humidity was high, electrical storms were awesome, the grass is always green (trees too), and I've made some awesome friends here (quilters, of course!). Freeways are crazy, especially at rush hour (but I usually live in the country outside a little town of 900). I haven't gone to the beach, theme parks or anything like that, but there always seems to be something going on around here, from plays, street fairs, concerts, sporting events. I have thoroughly enjoyed my time here and I would not have a problem moving here permanently (but won't cuz DH won't leave the farm). The east coast seems to have more hurricane threats than the west coast and a tornado did stroll up the street in front of my daughter's apartment complex (I was away visiting a quilt shop in another town).

I think you can be happy wherever you live since your attitude determines that. I'm sorry that they will be moving away from you - always hard - but you can visit Florida and enjoy all this lovely state has to offer.

I've been in FL for 25 years and a transplant from IL. I love it here. So sorry to hear the negative remarks but if you don't like FL............ why come? If you are a quilter there are plenty of quilt stores, join quilt groups,meet people, have the men learn how to fish and eat FRESH fish or seafood that is still flopping when they bring it home. So sorry but I don't like shoveling snow or scrapping my windshield of ice. Please give it a try and smile - it will give you a whole new prospective.

if northerners are "rude" its because we have to put up with people that work in Florida and they do not know how to wait on people, they don't smile, throw there change back at them and if you go into the grocery store (which are small and not well kept) you have very long lines, and the cashiers are talking among themselves, and going so slow that it takes them at least half an hour to check a person out, and they may only have a arm load of stuff, then they stop to talk to each other and take a sip of water, and saying stuff like "I wonder if I can go on break"
So before you call someone rude and crude, you should take a look in a mirror cause i am sure the face u see will be none other than yours, and remember who keeps your economy going in Florida as we get poor service.

I'm originally from western Maryland, but have lived in several States on the east coast. We transfered to Florida 38 years ago because my husband worked for IBM. Our kids pretty much grew up here, and are married and they still live in Florida too. So it can't be too bad here! We have sunny, blue skies with the cleanest air to breath anywhere. We're an hour away from the beaches on the east coast and 45 minutes from the beautiful Gulf coast. There are many types of beautiful wildlife in our area. I've seen Florida panthers and even a bear this summer. The palmetto bugs are the worst bug ever, so don't plant any palm trees or pine trees near your home! Don't walk barefoot because you'll step on painful sand spurs! If you have cats, please keep them indoors, because there are coyotes here. But, for the most part, FL is a pretty nice place to live, even though I still miss the beauty of western Maryland, especially in the Fall of the year. And, there seems to be a lot of quilters here and they're very friendly, so I hope you'll like living here.

I think I will take this opportunity to suggest maybe it's YOU that needs an attitude adjustment, lol. I lived in Missouri, and frankly, the people in that state are not thrilled with their Illiniois neighbors. As one of those people in Florida who you think are rude and crude, let me say, you must have never been in one on my lines...or if you were, you were one of those who tried my patience to the limit. I did my job, and did it well. I didn't complain while you hunted around in your cheesy purse, or worse yet, pulled your money out of your bra, while everyone else waited in line behind you. I counted your change back to you, and thanked you, asking you to come back, hoping you didn't.

You get back what you give. I'll just bet you were the one talking nasty about "all those Mexicans who should learn to speak English." You'd be surprised how many do, but prefer to stick to Spanish in the stores, so they don't have to deal with rude and crude people like the ones who talk about them like they are deaf.

Since we were not allowed to have water at our registers, don't know where you got the idea we are standing around sipping it. What were you drinking before you came in? Yes, I am sure that you are just as welcome up in Illiniois, as you are in Florida. And I doubt we miss any of the money you spent. I don't know where you stayed, but I am betting it wasn't Ft. Myers, Sarasota, St. Augustine, Venice, Pensacola, etc. But you come on down....we will be glad to let you try again. THis time bring manners.

Boy what a racist and a hypocrite, talking about Mexicans, i never said a word about them.
I bet you were fired from your job for talking like that about people and thats why i can't stand Florida, people like yourself, at least i had money to stuff in my bra, you live in florida you must be on welfare and don't have a bra to put money in. You're the one who needs to learn some manners, i'm surprised you know how to count.

WOW, bunch of nerves getting shot at. Bring it on, this is getting good.

Ellen in FLORIDA

Yes...there is a lot of passion out there. Good to give people a chance to vent, though. I have my own opinions but have kept them to myself. Mostly interested in others..still found them interesting and valuable. Son lived in Tampa for 15 yrs before moving to Seattle. And so it goes....I personally think in the current atmosphere/angst the country is in, a large city is the worst place to move. Rather be in the mtns. of NH. Actually feel safer but then I an 76 and famiily that is moving is only in their 40"s and boys are 10,5 and 1. But I have to remember...God is faithful. Thanks for ALL postings..bring 'em on! fmd36 in NH

No, I'm not a racist. Unlike you, I like most people. And I don't go around talking about them like you have. Maybe you should reread just what you wrote about the people who live down here, and just how insulting you were, and are, about the people who work down here.

Me on welfare? No dear, I am not. I have worked since I was 14. Now that I am unable to work, thanks to an unfortunate round with cancer, and having finally been bested by congenital arthritis, I can no long stand those hours at the cash register, waiting on people. But make no mistake, I am still far friendlier than you appear to be. I do not bad mouth the hard working people who do hold down these jobs. I have over the years, worked in hospitals, worked as a waitress, and while in college, as a cocktail waitress, to pay for my classes. And not in a dive, either. I worked in a REAL sports bar, lol....where all the baseball, football, hockey, etc players came in, and were treated like real people, and not just sports figures. Joe Torre even gave me a nickname, and not one I am sure YOU would love to give me. I also worked for a doctor, as a paraoptometric, for 12 years. I worked for a Sociology Professor in college, helped him with his PhD thesis, and wrote an Sociology Honors course for him, including the lectures and tests. My GPA, 4.0. Dean's list, all the way through. Yes, dear, I can make and count change.

I do not assume that people of other races, religions, sexes, sexual persuasions, or who live in states other than mine are "rude and crude" simply because I might be dissatisfied with my lot in life. Maybe because my outlook on life is such that I am not unhappy with myself, and therefore do not have to look down my nose at everyone else.

I have never been fired from a job. My bosses were sorry to see me leave, and went out of their way to extend my medical leave as long as they could, so that I could receive quarterly payouts along with the rest of the employees. They have told me that my job is there, if I ever feel up to coming back. And since I decided again reconstruction, if I were ever tacky enough to put my money in my bra....it would probably fall thru. I prefer to carry mine in a purse, thank you. Cashiers REALLY HATE handling money carried in bras....ask them sometime.

So, I am sure you will find something nasty to come back with. I know Ellen is just waiting eagerly, lol. But know this, you are stuck up there in Illinois, while we here in Florida are enjoying just simply gorgeous weather today. Cool mornings, wonderful sunshine, beautiful flowers and foliage in bloom. I went out to yard sales this morning, and just EVERYONE was happy and smiling. As my southern friends all say...You all come now, ya hear?

Any place you live is what you make it. If you only think of the negatives, then it will be a negative experience. I like to think of the positives. I've always liked the places we have lived, many states, because my DH and kids were there and it was home for us. Just be blessed with where you are, who you are with, and look for the positives.

I sure hope everyone feels better. I waited for the dust to settle before I added any comments.
Here in Florida, during the "season" we see drivers from every state and many countries. It makes driving very hazardous and dangerous!!
In stores (especially grocery stores) we see people who are VERY impatient, seeming to forget that sometimes elderly people do no move as quickly as they once did and can be easily confused. That usually will bring the snide comments and eye rolling from people further back in the line.
BUT, what makes ME angry are those shoppers who have a cart FULL of food and still get into the "20 items of less line". I don't know where they are from, but I watched one lady harangue the cashier who DARED to point out to the customer she was in the wrong line. Her husband left the store. Do you think that lady stopped to think about what what her hateful words were doing to that kid? Or what the other customers thought about that lady? Nearly everyone in Florida is a 'transplant', although there are more and more natives. My kids are and so am I. Sarasota....
Anyway, I think I need to point out that people who are having a BAD DAY want to lighten their load, misery loves company....
Yes, the tourists DO help our economy. After all, our unemployment is above 10% and we are second in foreclosures - NV is #1.... Many of our young people have gone up North to find employment or to go move in with relatives.
Considering our wonderful economy and current social-econo status I think everyone needs to stop and be thankful for what they DO have and if they can afford to come to Florida on vacation and spend their money, God Bless them!!
So Smile! Enjoy the sun and the sane. Go to Orlando, enjoy Florida's treasures and spread the wealth....
Is that what comazar Obama and the Unions want us to do? Just keep on praying that he will be a "One-Termer" and maybe we'll get someone in the Oval Office that has some idea of what to do to get our Democracy back to what it's supposed to be -
A government of, by and for the people.

Please don't paint all Northerners with the same brush. Not all are "rude and crude". Rember, "be it ever so humble there is no place like home" be it, Vt., NH, CO, TX .....Fl. Home is where the heart is.

piney

I take people as they come, individually. Tags are a terrible thing. They rub and irritate. That's why they print them in clothes these day, instead of hanging them on there, for all to see and deal with.

I am usually just about as friendly as one of my little doggies, but just like them, my hackles can be raised by people who want to mistreat. And I don't appreciate having an entire state full of people maligned by someone who apparently doesn't have a sunshine outlook.

One of the biggest fears is the fear of the unknown. My entire married life has been with a DH in the Oilfield. You go where the work is and sometimes we have had to live apart. Not easy but it is what it is, and we made it. Now my DH works away from home for 2-5 or 6 weeks at a time. I do not like it at all, but I do like to pay the bills and have a roof over my head. One day he will retire and then we will reap the rewards of this life and be happy. Well we are both happy people by nature and had to learn that life is always a series of adjustments to be made. Basically, your life is what or how you choose to make it. It is not always happy or easy by no means and we cannot always have things the way we want. There is always a silver lining to be found though. I raised 4 rowdy kids with my DH being gone through most of it. And then we did not have computers or the technology that is available now. Skype is great for families seperated due to work. My youngest DD had a 3 yr old and twin babies & her DH had to be away from home a lot during that first couple of years of the twins lives and they made it. Make's them stronger. I worked at that time & could not really help her much. It hurts us Mom's see our kids go through tough patches and to see them unhappy, but they do usually make it on their own just fine. And I am the type & raised our kids that Home is what you make it. Sometimes we have to be unhappy until we get settled and plant our roots elesewhere, other times some of us have to live one place while a spuse another until the situation can change. It is much better than being homeless and no job! Your family will be fine if they do all move down there. Just a few growing pains to get through. I hope this will help ypou some as that was my full intention when I began typing this. Huge Hugs!! Will pray for your family.

The cultural opportunities they will have in that area are Many and varied. I live on the Gulf and have traveled all over the states and many countries. Rudest people I have come across are the snowbirds who visit from the north and Midwest. I grew up in MI and have lived in KY & GA also so I am a transplanted Floridian. I miss Fall and early spring. Do not miss the depression long winters and gray days bring. My cost of living is way lower than my brother's in CA and lower than any home owner or city renter I have met in NY. My taxes were lower than my single son's were in Ohio. There are pros and coms to any place. The most important thing in this situation is for the family to be together, realize this is an opportunity if they choose to treat it that way and it won't be for ever. They definitely need to visit you inthe summer to get a break from the heat and you need to visit them in the winter for a break from the snow. Or if it is the snow they miss ( and they will at Christmas) they may need to visit then. Attitude will be everything and the boys will take their cues from mom & dad. Thank the Lord you SIL found a job! So many can't.

My take on this... I grew up in WPB... lived in several different areas of the state over the years. Moved to AL in the late 80's Have come "home' many times as I have family here, taken travel "work" jobs here but would I live here ...nope.

Too many bugs, too much heat and humidity. Sure it get's hot in other places but the heat doesn't last March through November. I got real tired of sweat running down my back in March weeding and turning the a/c up to cook Thanksgiving dinner. Love bugs 2x/yr..car stays nasty. Palmbetto bugs that fly, too many people and many that only visit here who think the residents should leave to give them room.

I love the change of season's in North Alabama. In FL, it's the same everyday. So tiring. Also, who wants to go to a theme park every off day? When I was in Fl, I went to the beach not even once a year. Pay is very poor for nurse's and the working conditions leave alot to be disired. Insurance is high for housing.

You may not need much for winter clothes but I spent very little time outside in the heat. Just can't stand it .. might as well be someplace that has more to offer..

Good luck to who ever wants to live down in Fl but for me, I will visit family.

I guess it all depends on where you live, and how. I don't think people who live in Florida want to go to a theme park every day, any more than people who live in St. Louis or Texas want to go to Six Flags every weekend. The weather is NOT always the same every day. I can point out that we are not the ones who had the killer heat waves this summer, and yes, we have hurricanes sometimes, but look at what happened in the midwest and further north.

Florida has palmetto bugs. Ever see the waterbugs in Missouri? They can't fly, but they are as sure a sign of Spring as Robins, lol. I don't do snow and freezing my butt off any more. I need to remind myself how that felt, I will go stand in Publix's cooler for a few minutes, lol.

My dears, there has been NO PERFECT PLACE, ever since Eve said to Adam,...."Here honey, try a bite of this."

I am fortunate to live in NJ but also have a vacation home in Sarasota, Fl. While my "real life" is in NJ, I LOVE going down and spending time in Florida--especially in January and February when I'm up to my knees in snow! As far as culture goes, I enjoy the opera in Florida as much as the Met in NY and Sarasota offers a tremendous opportunity for cultural experiences. The people I meet are delightful and restaurants are plentiful and good. Would I move there permanently? No, because my family is in Jersey, but if they all moved down there, I'm sure I could have a great life enjoying beautiful weather most of the year and the slower pace. You make your own happiness--wherever you live!

Please don't paint everyone with the same brush. Not all snowbirds are rude.

piney