I have a question, Floridians -- Spouse and i are thinking of buying a house in Florida

[whathehell]

We're nearing retirement, and, much as we love Chicago, we're getting really

sick of the long, cold winters....For the last week or so, the temperatures

have been well below freezing, and it's only November -- I think

you get the picture.

What are your thoughts on West coast of Florida vs. the East coast?

What are the most liberal cities on each coast?

Thanks so much for your help.

[monmouth4]

1. I live on the east coast in Palm Beach County and love it. Been here since 1989 and

except for the Governor I'm quite happy. Originally from Jersey and really know little or nothing about the West coast. I believe we have more Dems here than on the other side...

[whathehell]

6. Wow..Thanks for your quick response.

I will definitely look at that area.

So you're from Jersey?...Monmouth county, I'm guessing...I grew up in Philly,

but lived in Flemington NJ and did some real estate selling in Monmouth for a time.

I'm curious, what brought you to Florida?

[monmouth4]

8. I'm originally from South Jersey (Absecon) and spent much time in Philly then dad was

transferred to Freehold, NJ..After the divorce and kids grown I needed a change of scene and never looked back and the warm weather was a real incentive....

[whathehell]

9. Yea, South Jersey!..This Philly girl spent lots of time "down the shore" as we used to say

vacations in Wildwood growing up, and later, as a young adult in Margate NJ...Lots of good times.

You may not believe this, but Freehold IS the place where I sold real estate for a

few months in the middle nineties!...I forget the name of the company now.

Warm weather -- oh yes!...Warmth and SUN is what I crave!..The great lakes region,

where my huz grew up tends, not only to cold, but to Cloudy Days -- between the cold

and the overcast skies, it can get pretty dreary.

If you don't mind my asking, did you have any friends or contacts when you moved to

Palm beach?...If not, was it easy to make friends?

I hope I'm not "picking your brain" too much -- I really appreciate your feedback.

[monmouth4]

11. Not picking my brain at all. I was younger then and did go to work and made friends at the jobs. I

knew a few people but was not really friendly with them even up north. Folks tend to be very friendly down here because almost everyone is from somewhere else. Church groups are quite active along with just lots of stuff to do if you're into that sort of thing...I live right downtown in an apartment setting (Seniors and up) right on the intracoastal, trolley to the store, plane (2 miles from airport) to wherever I want to go, trains and buses, etc. It certainly would be worth the look...

[Callmecrazy]

12. Absecon? No shit...

I graduated from Holy Spirit H.S. in 1984. Lived in Bargaintown on Mill rd., Smithville, and Ocean City.

[monmouth4]

14. Small world isn't it? Holy Spirit was still in AC when I lived there now of course they're on

Pitney Road in Absecon. I still love Smithville and try to get there when I come in at the AC airport...

[Sancho]

2. Hmmm...maybe you have to see Florida as purple at best.

I'm on the West coast, a union member, and I know a bunch of liberal folks. Unfortunately, my typical middle class neighborhood (retirees on both sides, working people with kids across the street, etc.) has some seriously hard core repubs that will drive you crazy. Many watch Fox, donate and put up yard signs, and spout the old rhetoric about war, taxes, and racism. Our home owners' meetings are split along party lines pretty equally.

There are a good many here who worked for companies that are tied to the military, energy, or financial institutions. They are really difficult to talk with so I usually just agree to disagree.

Florida has lots of folks from up North, a very large immigrant population (not just Hispanic), and a gerrymandered state legislature that is pretty much Tea Party. Elections are close enough that Democrats can win sometimes. There are more registered Democrats, but they tend not to vote.

It's warmer here (I'm going sailing this afternoon). In 22 years here, it has not been below freezing at my house in Clearwater. An occasional drop to the 40's is about it. Of course, you have to get used to hurricanes in the summer.

I think St. Pete is becoming pretty liberal recently. Clearwater/Largo/Tampa are mixed. I think of Jacksonville as pretty conservative. Miami is liberal, but it's also Spanish speaking. Parts of Sarasota and Ft. Myers are liberal, but further South in Naples I see them as quite conservative. The center of the state (Ocala, Gainesville, Orlando) have communities that are divided into liberal and conservative towns and neighborhoods that are pretty segregated. Stay out of the panhandle, they are right wing zealots.

[whathehell]

10. Thanks, Sancho, for this very thorough overview of the state..

I do have some experience with Florida -- We almost moved to the Sarasota area

with my husband's company about 20 years ago, but the owners, at the last minute

changed their minds.

From your description, Florida sounds like a microcosm of the country, when it comes

to political issues. It sounds like you're handling the differences sensibly -- some people

are just NOT going to listen or change.

As it happens, my husband Mark and I are planning a winter vacation in St. Pete's this

year, end of January, beginning of February...Maybe we could get all get together, one

day? You sound ike an interesting guy. backatcha!

[Sancho]

22. I think you'll like St. Pete

It's getting better every day. Lots of culture and art and good restaurants.

Post a note when you're here.

[whathehell]

64. Yes, I think so too..

and I will post a note when I get there.

[ChiciB1]

56. I've Lived On The West Coast, South Of Tampa For All My Adult

life. I can't recall any Democrat being elected to Congress from my district at any time. Bradenton may lean a little more to the left, but IMO not much.

I live in Sarasota County which is RED and I define it as a "white bread" city. Not sure exactly where "Sancho" lives, but I noticed he said there were a lot of Hispanics. Yes, there are Hispanics and Blacks but it must be a low percentage here. A lot of celebrities have 2nd and 3rd homes here, many famous tennis players and the per capita income is maybe No. 2 or 3 in the state. I don't fit into that category at all, but I live in an area that's a short bike ride to the beach. I always hate making this statement, but as long as I've lived here we've never had a hard hit by a hurricane. I think the last time one hit here was in 1927.

Having said that, over the years I known people who've looked on both east & west coasts and really find the west coast much nicer. I can't say myself because I don't go east much. I REALLY like where I live, south of Sarasota in a small community that has great access to shopping, schools, theaters and much more. It's super close to the Interstate, just an all around place that has a lot to offer. I don't think I would like living on the east coast, but politically I find it pretty challenging for me. I know they say FL is turning more purple, but not in this area. Still, Sarasota has a LOT to offer and it's really a beautiful place to live and the crime rate is pretty low if you compare it to many other places in this state.

Plus I always laugh when I say we only have TWO seasons... Spring & Summer! Summers may not get much above 95 overall, but with the humidity it can be brutal. Perhaps it seems more so to me because the beach is so close. We had a cold snap last week, but today it's 80. I can remember having my air on at Christmas time. Last week's cold was really unusual, but all of this may be due to climate change.

BUT, I do have 5 acres of land further south that's for sale. My husband's parent's have passed away and their place is up near the Ocala area, so with taking care of that place and our home here it's not logical to have 3 places to take care of. Yeah, that was a self-serving plug, huh? LOL!

[Sancho]

59. We've recently elected...

Kathy Castor (Tampa)...a few years ago..Bill Heller. (St. Pete)..as Democratic state representatives. Obviously Allen Grayson has hung in there from Orlando. The current mayor of St. Pete is a Democrat. The only reason Jennings lost was that they hacked the DRE's. In Tampa, Clearwater, and St. Pete it's a split for some elections. I would say that Sarasota was more red than St. Pete. The GOP puts a LOT more money into the races.

If you go outside of town from Pasco all the way to Alligator Alley there are pockets of immigrants that are getting bigger. Even though it's more prevalent in Pasco/Hernando, I suspect that demographically even Sarasota and Bradenton will see larger immigrant populations soon. Florida is growing among immigrants at one of the fastest rates of all states.

In Ft. Myers FGCU has brought more Democrats in as part of the college faculty. They have the largest percent faculty union members of the state university system.

[ChiciB1]

61. Nice To Hear... I Know Palmetto Near Skyway Has A Large Population.

But, you appear to know about my area. Katherine Harris was my Congress Critter for 2 terms. I was involved with the Christine Jennings election at the time. WE did think she won, she felt she won because Sarasota County was the county that she was connected to more closely.

I recall talking with her and being involved with the 18,500 under votes. We've protested here around "Vernie" Buchanan's office, but there weren't many of us. This was back when we tried to get Occupy off the ground, but local Democratic Party distanced themselves from us.

Yeah, Crist is from Tampa, and Castor too. Big stuff going on down in Immokalee with immigrant workers and it seems to be building. Of course, they keep a big thumb on them. We used to have a large group of immigrants who picked celery around here, but haven't heard about them for a while.

My sister lives in Seminole, and I lived in Largo for a while and it does lean more Democratic. I sure hope you're right about my area, but living here I know what power money has. They took the benches out of the small park in downtown Sarasota because they build Condos around the area and didn't want riff-raff hanging there. They have a homeless community close by and they've been fighting about it for some time now.

But, as I said I do like living in this area because it's very nice. Actually live in Nokomis between Sarasota & Venice. New College is here, Ringling School of Art and more small colleges.

[HockeyMom]

3. The Gulf Coast has more Mid-Westerners (I-95)

It is generally more Conservative than the East Coast, unless you live in the bigger cities, e.g., Tampa. The saying goes that the farther North you go in Florida, the more Southern (Conservative) it is.

We live in Naples, but are actually moving back North for retirement in a few years.

[whathehell]

15. Yes, that's what my midwestern husband tells me!..He's originally from Michigan

and he met me when he moved to Philadelphia many years ago to take a job

with the FDA. After about 17 years, he got a transfer out to Chicago, and though

I originally balked, I've come to love Chicago -- It's just the winters that get me!

I know about the Panhandle -- "redneck Riviera"?...Hell, Mark and I were driving

through there and it seemed to have a church -- independent protestant -- every other

block!...I thought "wow"..I don't think this area is for me, lol...I'm not anti-religion,

per se, but the redneck conservative types turns me off.

Did you enjoy living in Naples?...it's interesting that you're moving back north for

retirement.

[HockeyMom]

18. Everything revolves around "Season"

Snowbirds, who come down from November to April, and then leave to go back North. Rich Snowbirds! Traffic is insane during this time. Spring and Summer, besides being as hot as hell, it is as dead as a doornail here. Nothing going on at all. In fact, some restaurants cut back on their hours, or even close down until Season.

We are going back because we want to be closer to our kids and grandson. Plus, I cannot take the heat and humidity.

Yes, the Tea Party rules Naples. "Hometown" of the Fraud Governor. That says it all.

[clydefrand]

4. Either coast is expensive

but, 'liberal', in Fl? Oh well, I have a 'winter' home in Sebring, just in the middle of the state with prices on everything less than on the coasts. It's fairly small, but has lot of amenities. Lots of small lakes as well as very close to a very large lake (Istapoga). I would love to move there full time, but the wife doesn't want to, SO.... will proably sell it this year or early next. Any way, it is a 2 bedroom, 2 bath, 1 car garage, with lots of up grades since we bought it about 5 years ago. We bought it at the very top of the sellers market, so will take a beating on selling it now, but, Oh well.
(if you like car racing, the house if only about 2 miles from the famous International Sebring race track.)

And yes, anywhere in Florida is going to be warmer than Chicago

[patricia92243]

71. Hubby and I moved to Sebring in October. So far, we love it, but...

we have not lived thru a summer. Plus I didn't understand that they have hurricanes in the middle of Florida. Going to have to do something about hurricane windows, etc.

[CherokeeDem]

5. Lived in Naples and Miami...

and spent many summers at the beaches on the panhandle. I'll admit to loving them all.

For excitement, the east coast is wonderful. Access to the Keys, Miami, Ft. Lauderdale, Palm Beach... great areas.

I prefer the beaches on the west coast, lots of public access, calmer water, a bit slower pace unless you are in the Tampa/St. Pete area. Naples is Redder than Red, expensive but gorgeous.

The panhandle... great beaches... gets colder there and there is the issue of being a very Red area other than Tallahassee.

Most liberal areas are Ft. Lauderdale, Miami, and Orlando's still Red but some areas are trending Blue. Huge Puerto Rican population there is boosting the Dems. The rest of Florida Red to Redder.

If you want really warm but also a bit slower pace... look at Homestead... there are some really nice planned communities there. When I lived there, the housing prices were reasonable... not like what you would find in Miami. You would then have Miami and the Keys close by.

I relocated to Kentucky because my parents were in need of help. I only have my dad now and he's 88.
When I'm no longer needed here, I'm planning on returning south, Charleston, Beaufort, Savannah, and maybe near New Orleans... love that place and I love Beaufort.

There are a lot of wonderful reasons to move to Florida and a lot not so good. The increasing population is creating traffic issues (well, traffic's been a problem for years) and it's very expensive to live in some of the higher populated areas.

Good luck and stay warm.

Oh... and did I mention if you move to Florida, you'll have the Publix grocery store to shop at. I miss Publix.

[RoverSuswade]

29. Oooooh....I miss Publix.

Moved from Cocoa Beach, Florida to Indiana 7 years ago. I actually GAINED weight in Florida from eating too many Publix Key Lime pies! They were cheap and delicious.
Cape Canaveral/Cocoa Beach is a nice low-key area. Just crowded in the wintertime. Practically deserted during June-July-Aug.

[CherokeeDem]

47. Oh... Key Lime Pie

My favorite... and Publix's was the best!

Loved the area you lived in...

[darkangel218]

7. I live in Orlando and i highly recomend Central Florida

Houses are much more affordable here, and the nature is beautiful. Awesome trees and lakes, its absolutely fantastic. I moved here 3 years ago from South Fl, wish I had moved sooner.

Good luck in your house hunting, and Welcome to Florida!

[whathehell]

19. Thanks, Darkangel -- I really appreciate everyone's help & friendliness!

added to the information on all the different areas -- isn't Alan Grayson your Congressman? -- I'm

a huge fan of his..Will definitely check out that area as well!

Backatcha!

[darkangel218]

25. Re Grayson: yes he is.

I used to like him a lot, but not so much lately. I won't get into it.

[demwing]

13. West Coast here

I live in St Petersburg, which is a very liberal place.

One thing people rarely tell you - East Coast beaches have real ocean waves, West Coach beaches have...not so much. If you like to swim without too much wave action, go West Coast.

St Pete is a very mellow college town - active music scene is a mix between jazz, blues, and folk. A big plus is the art scene. There's a lot of local galleries downtown, and both the Dali Museum and the Chihuly Collection have their homes here.

We live in Pinellas county which is a part of the "I4 Corridor" that you might hear about. I4 is a highway between Tampa and Orlando, and the area is supposed to be a political "swing" region, but that's more historic than recent Here's how we voted for Presidents since 1960:

Pinellas County POTUS Winners 1960-2012

2012 - Obama: 52.1%

2008 - Obama: 53.6%

2004 - Bush: 49.6% (beat Kerry by < 1/2%)

2000 - Gore: 50.3% (Even though Gore lost, he got more votes than Clinton)

1996 - Clinton: 49.1% (Clinton never got a pure majority)

1992 - Clinton: 38% (Bush had 37.5%)

1988 - Bush: 57.8%

1984 - Reagan: 65.2%

1980 - Reagan: 53.8%

1976 - Ford: 50.8% (oops!)

1972 - Nixon: 69.8%

1968 - Nixon: 51.7%

1964 - Johnson: 55.0%

1960 - Nixon: 63.7% (Shame on us for not supporting Kennedy)


We are just a few miles from Clearwater - rated as one of the best beaches in the state. and a few miles from Tampa, which is a large urban area with an international airport.

St Pete housing is very affordable and pretty stable.

East or West coasts are far cooler/less humid than the Inland, and the South is warmer than the North. The mildest weather is in the panhandle up North, but then you're into the DEEP south, socially and politically.

[Callmecrazy]

16. I live in Fort Lauderdale...

A very blue county but I prefer the Gulf Coast. Sarasota county is where I have a lot of family and I visit there often, but it's awful red there.

[whathehell]

17. Yes, I've been to Ft.Lauderdale and liked it, so it's on the list

also been to Sarasota and liked that as well -- didn't know it was so red. -- don't know if I could live

with that, but thanks for the heads up!

[independentpiney]

20. We settled on Saint Petersburg on the West Coast

after doing a lot of online research and making a trip down to check out a couple places on the East Coast and here in the Tampa Bay area. I think we probably had much of the same criteria as you, so I'd definitely recommend looking into it. as well as some of the surrounding towns like Gulfport where I live now.

[The_Commonist]

21. You do realize, of course...

...that Florida summers are the summer equivalent of Chicago winters?
Are you prepared for that?
You're ready to jump from the freezer into the frying pan?

That being said, my wife is from St. Pete, and I've visited there a few times, and it's very nice.

[FLyellowdog]

23. Stay away from NE Florida...

JAX and surrounding areas are terribly conservative
and basically just an extension of south Georgia. The prettier parts of the state are a little further south and inland has some beautiful rolling hills.

[darkangel218]

24. Oh yah, i agree. And i would say stay away from all north FL

Anywhere above Orlando. There are extreme RWs living in Ocala, Jax, I-10 area and anywhere in between.
I am literally scared whenever I drive through there ( liberal bumper stickers ).I would steer clear of Jacksonville and Ocala at least.

[csziggy]

39. The college towns are more liberal - Gainesville and Tallahassee

Up here in Tallahassee we have to put up with the Republicans the rest of the state sends up here but we vote blue. And enough of us liberals have stayed in the area the counties to the east (Jefferson) and west (Gadsden) are turning more blue.

But for someone who is looking for year round warmth, I wouldn't advise moving to Tallahassee. We just set a record the other night of 22! And the summers are just as hot without the ocean breezes.

[shenmue]

26. I live not far from Tampa, central west coast

Little place called Port Richey, in Pasco County. The area leans Republican. In metro Tampa and St. Petersburg, it's more mixed.

Probay the most liberal parts of the state are Miami and Orlando.

[whathehell]

73. What do you think of a place called Spring Hill?..Liberal or Repuke or mixed?

I've seen some nice, affordable houses there, but I don't want to move into a Red area.

Thanks, Shemue.

[shenmue]

74. I'm not sure

Sorry.

[whathehell]

75. No problem..Thanks for answering, anyway. n/t

[glowing]

27. Ahh, don't come to FL it is so frustrating and too expensive.

Go to SC or GA for the nicer winters and cheaper taxes.
Plus, people are really nice in the real south, in general... just don't discuss politics too much, and you'll be happy as a clam.

[darkangel218]

28. Excuse me, but thats pure BS.

Go to SC or GA for the nicer winters and cheaper taxes.
Plus, people are really nice in the real south, in general... just don't discuss politics too much, and you'll be happy as a clam

Are you effing sh***** me??

[glowing]

35. No, sadly, I find that SC is 10x's better than FL has ever been!

[steve2470]

41. SC and most of GA are the deep South, with all that entails

Only the Florida Panhandle and north central Florida (Ocala) are like that. Different strokes.

[glowing]

44. It depends on where you choose to live, along the coast, it is good.

I'm originally from VT, and I lived in SC, visited Savannah, GA often, and lived in Tampa Bay, FL. For me, I prefer Charleston or Savannah over FL any single day of the week. Food is better too.

[steve2470]

45. ok, but why post all this in the Florida GROUP ?

The OP was about their choices for Florida. I would never go into the South Carolina or Georgia group and say Florida is superior. With all due respect, I don't appreciate your input in this OP.

Try going to the California group and tell them how superior SC is to California. I don't think you'll get a warm welcome.

FYI, the SOP for this group:

It's not just for breakfast anymore. Discuss all things Florida.

[glowing]

46. Just giving an honest opinion for a "Northern" person choosing a southern state.

I live in FL now, I've lived in other regions of the South. I don't find the region all too "neighborly". It's just a suggestion for retirees on a budget, FL isn't cheap like it one time was. At least before one could live off of crap wages; not so much anymore. Maybe its different for the elderly retiring into the state, rather than younger people trying to keep their head out of the water just enough to survive? But its been one of the toughest states I've lived in yet.

[Rocky888]

30. I'm a 5th generation floridian

I live in fort Myers Florida on the west coast and have a place in north (Bible Belt) Florida. I have traveled throughout our state and the Keys are the most liberal. Retirement communities are extremely conservative with northerners. My county is RED, but not in your face, red. If you stay closer to coastlines you get a good variety, if you go inland and north, it's a little more, in your face, anti-liberal fox-nazis. Good luck, we need more mid western liberals to come here!

[darkangel218]

31. Orlando area is mostly liberal, i think. Not all "inland" is conservative

[Rocky888]

38. You are right, I was generalizing.

The smaller towns inland have a tendency to be very conservative.

[darkangel218]

32. Ohh, and I got a traffic warning in Ft Mayers approx 15 years ago, for driving " too slow"

My friend and I were driving to the beach ( on that road which goes over a hill ) we didn't know if we were going in the right direction, and the cop pulled us over and lectured us how we were obstructing the traffic, even though he clearly saw we weren't from there

Nice beaches though, it was worth it I guess

[whathehell]

76. Thanks, Rocky..

As for the Snowbirds, that's what I'd likely be as I don't think I could take those very hot
and humid summers, but, of course, I'm not conservative.

As to conservative retirement communities, there was an article in HuffPo awhile ago
that talked about "The Villages", with some democrats have been saying they're treated
like Second Class citizens!..I read the article and the democrats are fighting back, as it were, by forming their own Democratic Club...There is a Republican Club, too, of course, but from what I've read and seen of The Villages, I wouldn't move there under
any circumstances -- Just trying to find a nice liberal place to live that's not as Co$tly as the Keys.

[oldandhappy]

33. I see you are getting a lot of encouragement here.

Do what you want too, and cheers your way.

And, smile, how about southern CA? We do not have any water, but we have lots of sunshine and low humidity and we are a blue state and have a balanced budget. We have a strong Dem club that covers two repub districts -- we will get them someday! The coast is expensive and there are hi rent districts in most places but if you do a little research you might find something away from the coast that is equal to Chicago.

Good to consider the politics which others have covered, closeness to family, beauty, faith opportunities, exercise, climate, financial stuff, health care. We got it all!

I recommend renting for a year before making up your mind.

Good luck. Rooting for you.

[appalachiablue]

34. I love FL, been going for 50 yrs. Had, have family in Miami, Ft. Laud., Naples, Boca, Merritt Is.,

& JAX. These posts are helpful, interesting. Couple points RE politics-unpopular fraud FL Gov. Skeletor Scott was just re-elected by only 60,000 votes. So b/c of him 400,000 people are w/o health ins., the ACA Medicaid funds weren't extended like in other states w/ Red Govs. & Legislatures, here in VA also.

There's also been more recent news of the seriousness of advancing sea level rise in FL, esp. in the low lying 4 SE counties where some want to secede from No. FL b/c climate change denial is so prevalent & they can't work with politics in Tallahassee. Don't now if this will come to pass, it's been around awhile.

FL is a beautiful state but the conservatism in some areas & govt. bother some. Good that posters mentioned more liberal places. Still there's many advantages, I might go to the Keyes if I can get out of DC! Saw Chicago for the first time 6 years ago, just awesome, thought it was great. Good luck with your plans.

[locks]

37. I have had family in the Pt. Charlotte, Punta Gorda area (southwest)

and some still there. It is beautiful on the coast all the way to the Keys but only to visit. If you are an active progressive it is stifling and discouraging with very few state or federal services and still steeped in backward thinking. But there are always a few good folks and groups which would welcome support.

[steve2470]

40. 56 years in Florida, so here's my two cents...

1- Most liberal on west coast would be St. Pete, Tampa (in the city) and apparently from reading here, Ft. Myers. Definitely NOT Naples and Sarasota, which tend to be upper-income and very red.

2- Most liberal on east coast are Miami, Ft. Lauderdale, West Palm Beach. Definitely NOT Jacksonville and Daytona Beach.

3- If you want to avoid almost all cold weather, think south Florida or the Keys. Even here in Orlando, we get maybe a week of cold weather. Sometimes less.

4- Your choice will also depend on how politically active you wish to be and how much you want to vocalize your beliefs. Even here in the Orlando area, there are many conservatives.

5- As someone said above, east coast tends to have better waves and surf, but the gulf water tends to be warmer.

6- Another factor to consider is bigger city (more to do) versus small town quiet. You might want to take a look at the Florida Keys (almost always warm), but it's small town all the way, except for Key West. However, if you love water-related activities and fishing, it can't be beat, really.

I love the Orlando area, but I'm willing to admit it's not for everyone. Traffic tends to be pretty heavy, especially at rush hour. I'm also pretty good at keeping my opinions to myself, which helps me cope with the conservatives here.

You have a lot to choose from and a lot to consider. I also like Shenmue's area (Pasco County) and even Spring Hill (Hernando County) to the north of her.

Best wishes and ask questions if you have them.

[whathehell]

92. Hi Steve..

Happy New Year...It's approximately nine degrees here in Chicago, so

I thought I'd comfort myself by checking out all the great responses I got

from this board when I posted that I was strongly considering Florida for my next move.

You gave me a really thorough overview of the state, and I hope I thanked you

before (I don't see my response) but if not, I'm doing so now.

I do have one question -- What do you think of the ocean safety (to swim in,

eat local seafood from, etc) since the BP Oil spill?...I'm not normally made paranoid

by stuff like that, but I followed that closely, and remember, for instance, how they

put Corexit (carcinogenic, apparently, and banned in Europe) to 'clean' the oil.

Do you think the water is generally safe?...Thanks in advance for your thoughts.

[steve2470]

93. I really don't know

I have not been reading anything lately on those topics, but that means nothing.

You could either do a Google search on those topics, or, make an OP in General Discussion. It's pretty amazing how many people actually know the facts on so many different topics. Best wishes on your research, hope you find a lovely place in Florida, and stay warm.

[whathehell]

94. Thank you, Steve

I will Google the subject, or, if I get ambitious, post in GD, and yes, DU is an amazing place when it comes to very knowledgeable

people -- I learn so much here.

Thanks for your warm words and Happy New Year.

[madfloridian]

42. Avoid inland cities in Central Florida...like between Tampa and Orlando.

The so-called I-4 Corridor between them is mostly conservative. I think the East Coast tends to be more liberal than the Gulf Coast areas

[whathehell]

53. Definitely..

I have a friend ( ex-friend, really) who lives in "The Villages", which I think

is in the area you describe, and I know it's very Republican, as she's become,

unfortunately.

[Gumboot]

43. I lived in the Atlantic coast town of Stuart for a few years.

The Treasure Coast is really beautiful. Much quieter and less over-developed than the Palm Beach / Miami metropolis to the south. Unfortunately it's rather more conservative too, but nowhere near as much as those inland counties to the north.

I thought I'd found my own lil' slice of paradise until that crazy summer of 2004... Everyone's got stories to tell about the 'mean season' and its four hurricanes. Frances and Jeanne hit the Treasure Coast just three weeks apart.

After rebuilding the badly damaged roof of my house (that was two miles inland), I fled to Colorado. And of course, there have been no repeats of Florida's mean season, but plenty of fires and floods here in Colorado. Just my luck!

Wish I could afford to be a snowbird... I do miss my early morning strolls along Bathtub Beach (see below).

[whathehell]

54. "Bathtub Beach"..Is that because the water is like bathwater?

sounds great, and the picture is beautiful, by the way.

[ChiciB1]

58. Actually, I Think It Was FIVE Hurricanes.

You're south of me, but we were expecting to get hit. Charlie was small, but packed a real punch and did more damage than the others. I remember cleaning up debris after each one, but the debris was minimal. Port Charlotte caught most of it and I remember going down there helping to clean up.

Weird year.

Still, I'm sticking with West Coast, but can't stand the politics! Beaches are MUCH nicer and since I live a little further south, off season traffic is NO problem.

[huskerjo]

48. Don't go

Forget about Florida. It is an awful place to live. Too many people, too hot, too much rain, too many bugs, and too many snow birds. Go to Albuquerque instead. Interesting cultures, great weather, four actual seasons, balloon fest, nice people, and much less expensive than Florida. I live in Omaha and have lived both in Florida and Albuquerque -- it's Albuquerque, hands down. I have also lived in the Chicago area -- again hands down over Florida.

[steve2470]

49. I'm assuming you have no idea this is a group and not a forum

This is the Florida GROUP. Why come in here to bash Florida, when you have the rest of this website to do that ? The OP is asking for information specifically about Florida, not Florida vs. Alburquerque and the rest of the country.

[whathehell]

50. I have considered the Albuquerque /Santa Fe area..

but there's just one thing -- I don't like the desert.

I've been there and appreciate the areas many positives,

I find desert landscapes intriguing, but not livable long term.

After awhile I miss the water and a lusher, greener environment.

[TheNutcracker]

51. West Coast! Beaches like Hawaii white sugar sand, while east cost beaches brown like Jersey shore

The east coast of the US is hot brown sand. Bigger waves if you're a surfer.

The west coast beaches are more calm, and has cool, white sugary sand. Very few beach communities are liberal, as that is where the money resides. In town it's different. ST. Petersburg is a very up and coming liberal, urban city...to live, walk, play, theater, museums, beaches, parks, and so much to do. All coastal cities are like that, but conservative. Miami is awful. It's like living in S. America. Ft. Lauderdale and Palm Beach are expensive. Sarasota is great...but conservative. New Port Richey on west coast is getting to be real nice too.
Where ever you buy, if it's a stand alone home, make sure it's on high ground that requires NO flood insurance.

The most progressive/liberal city on west coast in Fla is DUNEDIN.

Great little town on the water. Just above Clearwater.
I vote for ST. Petersburg or Dunedin, for a smaller town. These two cities are in Pinellas County, home of the Pinellas Trail for biking, etc through the entire county! Great place. Just buy on high ground.

[whathehell]

52. Thanks for your input, TheNutcracker..

I am veering toward the West coast, St. Pete/Gulfport area, in fact the huz and I are planning a little winter vacation there this year, so we'll be checking things out.

We'll remember about the high ground -- that is a good tip!

[woodsprite]

55. Don't know a lot about Florida, but my in-laws live in Rotonda West (near Englewood).

If you're looking at a map or Google earth, Rotonda West is the wagon wheel configuration near Little Gasparilla Island.

We love it down there. Don't think we'd commit to move due to politics, but that won't stop some really nice long vacations once we retire. The beaches are awesome! Absolutely love Gasparilla and Blind Pass. Housing prices there were really good in Mom and Dad's area (there are something like 8000 homes in the Rotonda "development&quot . I'm willing to put up with the politics for a few months on end when it means a 10 min. drive to the beach. We have seriously thought about buying 2 building lots down there as an investment for our kids. As for us, there is a really nice RV park about 15 min. away from Mom/Dad, so that's where we opt to stay when we travel down from Delaware.

[ChiciB1]

57. Very Nice Area, South Of Me...

But this side is really a nicer place to live IMO. But you have to choose nice versus politics!

[TheNutcracker]

65. Well FEMA messed with flood maps...and small homes getting hit with 9K-20k a year!

Just for flood insurance! Homeowners is enough....let alone needed that on top of it.

St Pete/Gulfport is great and liberal. While you're there, just make sure to check out Dunedin, FL for a day. Right downtown, have lunch, shop, then walk west to the marina. That town has so much going on, always. So do check it out!

[whathehell]

77. Thanks for the great input, Nutcracker

I'm already pretty well sold on the West Coast at this point.

Dunedin is new to me -- Is it more liberal than Gulfport?..In addition to

St Pete, that's the liberal utopia I'm hearing about -- Also, what do you think

of Tampa?

[Sancho]

60. Here's an analysis of Florida voters by party from 2012...

http://www.sayfiereview.com/page/Who%20and%20Where%20are%20Floridas%20Democrats%20and%20Republicans

Have fun! Some interesting data.

[whathehell]

66. A belated thanks, Sancho...I can definitely use this information! n/t

[Crewleader]

62. Best of everything on your move to Florida whatthehell

You got some good choices to make and everyone expressed the areas pretty well.

I have lived in Florida since 1978.
Two years in South Florida and now living on the Space Coast since 1980.

Keep us updated on your move and Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family.

[whathehell]

63. Thank you so much, Crewleader!

I will certainly keep you updated on my move, and I must say that, if the responses here

are any indication of Florida friendliness, I feel even more inclined to join you all than I

did initially!

Thanks to you all for taking the time to help me with your good information,

and have a wonderful Thanksgiving.

[Zorro]

67. Gulf Coast has nicer beaches than East Coast

and I think the Panhandle beaches are nicer than the ones further south; Panhandle beaches are more fine-grained, southern Gulf beaches are "shellier". Gulf sunsets can be stunningly -- as in stop and ponder life -- spectacular.

Thing about living close to the beach -- you might find yourself not really going there all that often, and one has to contend with ongoing house maintenance issues due to the salty breezes.

North Florida can get damn cold in the winter, although nothing approaching the Midwest temps. Even Sarasota/Venice can get pretty cold for a few nights during winter; it snowed there Christmas 1989. Winter is more moderate in the Miami area, but summers can be pretty extreme anywhere in the state.

Atlantic Coast and the Panhandle tend to be more susceptible to hurricanes and their effects, the Tampa-Naples corridor less so (although Charley did a number on the Cape Coral/Fort Myers area a decade ago). Most everyone in Florida tracks hurricanes during the season.

One gets close to nature living in Florida, because nature often visits you in your living room. Scorpions and giant flying cockroaches routinely make an appearance, and you'll be scratching your head wondering how in the hell they get in. And then there are the fire ants and mole crickets in the yard (and the occasional poisonous snake) that will also grab your attention.

Gulf Coast is pretty Republican red, except for the Tampa/St. Pete area as mentioned. Wouldn't let such tribal demographics strongly affect your decision, though.

I've kept a house south of St. Pete for 25 years, and have really liked being in that area -- although lately I have been thinking about relocating up the I-75 corridor to Pasco County to be closer to the grandkids. That's where one begins to encounter lush rolling hills as one travels north, and is quite an attractive inland area (if one stays away from the sinkhole-prone neighborhoods).

[whathehell]

68. "scorpions and giant flying cocroaches"?

Can you say "not in the winter so much", or would that be a lie?

[Zorro]

69. I can say that

but it wouldn't be very accurate.

To be fair I only found scorpions twice in the house (once inside a kitchen drawer -- how in the hell did it get in there)? But roaches aren't seasonal (to not alarm the tourists they're called "palmetto bugs" instead of "giant flying cockroaches&quot .

The best defense to keep the critters at bay is a monthly pest control service.

[whathehell]

70. Thanks...You've given me hope.

[whathehell]

72. Just one question, Zorro, and I invite all of you Floridians to weigh in..

I LOVE going into the ocean to swim, bounce around, whatever, but I'm a bit

worried about the toxicity of the oceans around Florida because of the BP Disaster,

especially since Corexit was used for the Cleanup. It's banned in Europe and, if

I'm not mistaken, is a known carcinogen.

My spouse made some points which alleviated my fears, somewhat,

but I'd like to hear your opinions and those of the other Floridians here.

Thanks.

[yeoman6987]

78. The Villages are awesome

Anything and everything you will EVER need is a golf cart away. It is especially great when the day comes and you give up driving. I highly recommend The Villages.

[whathehell]

81. But it's supposed to be SUPER Republican..

I've read most even look at you differently when they learn you are a Dem.

What Villages community do you live in?..A friend of mine, Eileen Shanen lives in

one.

[yeoman6987]

82. I actually live in The Plantation.

It is 10 miles from the villages. I guess some are Republican, but I would imagine they have a Democratic club that you could be part of. I will eventually move to the villages. I am a little younger then the population at the villages. I got a waiver for the plantation.

[whathehell]

83. I"m sorry, but what is the plantation?

[yeoman6987]

88. Another over 55 community not part of the Villages

Same idea just not as big.

[whathehell]

89. Why do you want to leave

for The Villages?...Just wondering.

[TheNutcracker]

79. Dunedin or Gulfport, both in Pinellas County.

most coastal cities are republican because it involves lots of money. But Dunedin is great, and progressive. Small, quaint town. So is Gulfport, in the southern part of the county, next to St. Petersburg. New Port Richey is becoming a trend as well. Further up, or further south, is very conservative. Naples is home of errr...gov. Scott.

[whathehell]

80. Thanks so much, Nutcracker, I'll be checking it out..

[DonCoquixote]

84. Tampa has a strong liberal Mayor

who has managed to increase public spendign despite the true ogres we have here.

On the other hand, Orlando does have a lot of transplants and LGBT. I do have tpo say the rest of the Orlando area is throwback GOP, the ones that make Rick Perry sound civilized.

Do not move north of Orlando if you can help it, as the central part of the state is run by strong right wing.

[whathehell]

85. Thanks..I'm glad to hear that.

I was kind of wondering about Tampa, if only because it is, if I'm not mistaken,

a rather large city, and I'm a city person at heart.

[DonCoquixote]

86. Tampa is trying to become a decent city

especially with the downtown iniative that started to fix the area known as Channelside. I will say that Tampa and St. Pete are good cities, with Democratic Mayors, where Miami is still very much a basketcase. Miami is the most cultural city, but the GOP is holding on for dear life after losing an Iron handed dominace. North part of the state can be lovely, but I do warn, Florida's GOP is was and always will be one of the worst, and the north is where you have a ton of self named "crackers" who think that Virginia and Texas are too damned liberal.

[whathehell]

87. Thanks, Don, but

I'm wondering if you mean the city is not really 'decent' now. What, traditionally, have been it's problems?

No worries as to the North part of the state..I've been warned a lot about it,
and had my own experience when I went to Tallahassee years ago...Beyond
traveling a bit outside of the city, where I saw a church about every ten yards,
I found the only Barnes & Noble I'd ever seen with what seemed like a huge wall bibles.

Thanks VERY much for your info -- I wouldn't know squat if not for you good

Florida DUers.

[DonCoquixote]

90. well

we had GOP mayors that frankly pandered to the worst elements. St Pete (sorry Pinellas county) has had it bad with a jeebus freek mayor that they recently kicked out. Tampa had Dick Greco, who was the old school republican type.

In any case, watch your money. We have a lot of good credit unions, take advantage. Yes, you CAN get a good house for about half of what you would pay somehwere like NYC. Hell, in this economy, you could probably get a steal on a house that you could not touch up north unless you were a doctor. The place I live is under half a million, yet when relatives come down, from their homes that could seel for three times ours, they have comments like "wow, it must be nice to have all these bathrooms!"

However, keep in mind that whiole the mortage may be a lot better, Florida's tax structure is such that regressive sales taxes are on a lot of groceries and other things that would normally be covered by a state income tax. Also, take care to look hoe the higways are where you are, because that little two lane street may easily become a six laner. I can remeber when people could ride horses to wal mart (no joke), now the dairy farm has become the nightclub district

[whathehell]

91. I hear ya..

It sounds like some other cities, politically speaking. At least they got rid of the repuke.

have you liived there all your life, or are you a transplant? -- You sound like you know your

way around the city and like it.

It sounds like a decent place, Don...Living in Chicago with a near 10% sales tax, I'm used

to it. In any case, I'll get to see it soon, as my husband and I will be in the area for a week's

vacation from January 31 to February 8th. Would love to meet up with you at some point there

if you're interested.

[Fla Dem]

95. I live in NE Florida on the Coast. Generally there are a lot of relocated "northerners"

but still many more native Floridians. I like where I am as there is a distinct change of seasons, right now we are definitely in winter. It gets a bit crazy here during the summers with all the vacationers and from now until the end of March we are inundated with "Snowbirds". I like Florida Ok, but miss the northeast. Been here 15 years and still get homesick. If I could afford to I would only live here in the winter, maybe Dec through March and then spend the rest of the time in Ma.

[whathehell]

96. Okay, what town are you in?

I would be a relocated northerner as well, and also a "snowbird", but it sounds like the

snowbirds aren't liked, is that the case?

I think I understand why you miss the northeast -- It's where I'm originally from (Philadelphia) and, well, it seems there are just a lot more cultural and educational things happening up there, same as in Chicago...Am I right on that?

Thanks for your response, by the way..I'm looking for all the feedback I can get.

[Fla Dem]

97. St Augustine and from just north of Boston.

Oh no, folks down here love the snowbirds. They are a big boost to the economy. But the traffic becomes very heavy and Publix on a Saturday is a bit*h! I volunteer at a food pantry and we have several snowbirds help us out in the winter.

Jacksonville/ St Augustine definitely aren't Boston, but they have their share of theathre, concerts etc. A lot of what goes on in St Augustine is geared to the tourist; I.e. Reenactments, fairs etc.

What I miss the most are the colors of New England, except for the winter. Each season has a distinct color pallet. Here it's just green all the time. I miss the crispness of the air. All sensual type things, the smells, the sounds, the rolling hills. Never realized how hilly Massachsetts was until we moved here where it's basically flat. And family, most are still up there.

If you're a beach person, the beaches are beautiful, long stretches of sand and 80to90 degree water in the summer.

Definitely in red county, for some reason older folks lean right. That's a little frustrating.

Good luck with your decision.

[distantearlywarning]

98. I just moved to Florida a little over a year ago, from Western PA

I am in Orlando, and really like it a lot. The climate is awesome - we only got about a week of cold weather last year, maybe a couple of days near freezing. There are no real seasons, at least not compared to what you would get in Chicago. I joke that the seasons here are Warm, Hot, and Really $%^&-ing Hot. The summer is VERY hot and humid in July and August, but pool homes are cheap and the Atlantic beaches are less than an hour away. It was 82 on Christmas Eve here, and all our friends back up north had ice and snow on the ground - can't beat that!

Another thing I like about Central FL (and FL in general) is the overabundance of stuff to do. Lots of tourist activities, wildlife viewing, and so forth. It's a fun place to live. As far as coastal living, if I were able to live on the coast (job gets in the way), I would definitely pick the Gulf (west) coast - beaches are much better, slow pace of life, very pretty and less developed. My dream is to retire to Sanibel Island, actually. If you want to live on the Atlantic, someone else up-thread recommended the Space Coast - we have spent a lot of time at the beaches there because it is only 45 minutes away, and it is nice, not too overdeveloped or touristy. I think you could get a decent but small house within walking distance to the beach on Cape Canaveral or Cocoa for less than $300K. If I could get my work to allow me to telecommute a few days a week, I would consider moving out there myself. I don't have that much experience with the Atlantic coast in general though - someone else might be able to recommend an East Coast community that might be better than Canaveral/Cocoa.

Politically, Orlando seems moderate to me. I have met some liberals, and there do seem to be conservatives as well, although I think the bulk of the conservatives live out in the rural counties. Also, Florida seems to get more liberal the further south you go. I would NOT live on the Panhandle - they call it the "redneck riviera" for a reason. Also the state and local politicians here are WAY more nut-jobby than the general population - total tea-bagger lunatics of the highest order. I can't figure out how they get elected, actually. Maybe all the people in the Panhandle vote, and nobody from Orlando southward votes or something. The legislators here are seriously wacked in the head, it's bad. I've never lived anywhere where the politicians were so horrendously awful, and I used to live in Colorado Springs, home of the neocon megachurches. We need more northern progressives to come down and vote in the state elections!

Overall, though, I give Florida two thumbs up - if you're looking for a change of climate, you'll probably be happy here!