Hey guys! I'm from Mid-A(DC area) working as an IT Consultant for a government contracting firm. I've been thinking about moving down south with my girlfriend for a change. We both love the heat, the beach and people that are in shape. So Florida sounds like the place to be! The only place I've visited was Orlando, FL. I actually got a job offer from Lockheed Martin down in Orlando 2 years ago, but I rejected it since I was with some girl up here in Baltimore, MD at the time. I have a couple questions. Please give me any insights since I'm a completely noob in this area.

1. Are there a lot of software development type of jobs down in Florida? If so, in which city are they mostly located?

2. Any good city would you recommend besides the famous Orlando and Miami?

3. How're house prices down there? Is home insurance really expensive due to the hurricane?

4. Is there a lot of import car activities down there? Are the cops strict?

5. Is it true that there's no state inspection and emission test in Florida?

6. How's life down in Florida in general? Is it true that it really is packed with retired people? Traffic is awesome?

7. Give me more insight!!!!!!

Thanks,
Ethan from Mid-A

 

First I'll say congrats on the idea!! I grew up in Mass and since moving down here when I was like 13 (23 now), I can say I will never leave the state. I'll try and answer some of your questions below.

I think more people will chyme in soon, just me 2 cents

 

I work in IT myself here in Jax. There are plenty of software developer positions in FL especially around the Tampa Bay area and South FL. Orlando too but if you love the beach, Tampa or South FL would be better. Might want to call up some of the IT consulting companies down here if you serious about this.

Home prices are dropping but home insurance is way high. Tons of car activities especially down south. Cops vary from place to place but I never had any problems with them as far as tint/exhaust loudness.

 

No. You're not allowed to leave. What are we going to do without our LEADER?!

 

No state inspection and emission test is enough reason for me to move down to Florida!

 

I won't allow it.

 

Hurricanes, old people comming out of the woodwork, traffic, English is a second language, the worst housing market in the country, more hot/humid weather for than any human can tollerate, stupid rednecks, total lack of culture except for the Cuban community.... That about sums it all up.

But we have no vehicle inspections yet so sure... come on down!

 

LOL.. that sounds so negative!

 

Sad but true, I actually want to get out of Florida! LOL.

 

There is a mass exodus out of FL now. FL used to be affordable. The wind premium on our home owners ins is out of hand. I was reading an article that said that if another hurricane hits you won't be able to get hurricane coverage in FL for any price.

The housing market is soooo bad. No one wants to live here anymore including me.

I'm going to be moving soon as well. Not sure where yet.

 

well, I think you need to let the OP know that all your opinions are based where you live. I have to say where I live is nothing like you described..except the humidity but northerns have to deal with snow so it's all what you prefer.

and I have been looking around in other areas, the housing market is down in many places.

 

Miami is a great city. I've lived in 4 other cities (DC, San Antonio, El Paso, and Atlanta) and Miami owns my heart. Every minute of everyday there is something to do, something to see, or something going on. The housing market is in bad shape and that might actually work out in your favor. If your single, the most beautiful women live here with culture from around the world. The food is incredible, there are foods from every corner of the world around every corner. The weather is hot 100% of the time and I love it. I can go to the beach and get a tan in July and December. It's paradise and I will never leave. Nothing better.

There are a bunch of IT jobs over here. Miami is the most metropolitan city and IT jobs pay well. There are also worldwide software companies run out of Miami.

If it's for you, move to Miami. You'll love it. It's like NYC with a beach.

 

I agree the housing market is bad all over, but no where has been hit as hard as FL and CA. Fradulant mortgage lenders loved stupid floridians.

I used to live in Lakeland, Miami, Ft. Lauderdale, and now Vero Beach. It sucked everywhere.

You guys over there in Tampa have so many people with blue hair it isn't funny.

FL north of Lake Okechobee has no culuture at all unless you like eating frog legs, listening to country music, or think Disney is culture.

Here's a good article that talks about alot of the issues FL has.

Storm Fallout... A FL Exodus?

 

And the traffic which happens to be some of the worst in the country? The traffic alone is enough to keep most people from loving MIA.

 

I live downtown. I'm opposite to traffic both ways. It's all in where you live. Be smart and live close to work. Then you won't have to cut your veins with the traffic.

 

I need a lawn and a garage. I don't particularly like living in a gay community either.

 

 

Check this out, I am from Seattle, moved to Florida for a job... stayed 2 years loved it but eventually did get tired of the heat/humidity... Came back to Seattle, been back here a few years now. Wish I could get some more heat and sun though

Its true the traffic is a breeze most of the time (tollways rock!)

Always sunny cept for Hurricane season boo!

Lots of smoking hot chicks that just fling panties at you, bout everyday

Lots of good beaches/shopping/clubs

There are a lot of rednecks but they know how to party!

Population consists of snow birds and carnies and teh gheys (Miami) but I love everyone so...

I hope if you move, you enjoy the many fine mountainbiking parks (there are no fukin mountains let alone hills in florida) there are quite a few. even though Florida is a sand bar...

The best Buffalo wings are in Pompano Beach (not Fat Tuesdays)

Try Woody's cheesesteaks on A1A in Miami

Damn I miss Florida!

P.S. Live around Orlando.. not in it, stay away from Tampa unless you have to go .. seriously..

Jacksonville smells funny

 

man, woody's ownership changed about a year ago or so, and it's just not the same anymore.

 

I'm pretty sure there are gay people right around the corner from where you live. Besides, come to the pool in my building at 6pm and you'll change your mind.

Besides, cutting grass sucks and I like the view.