Moving to FLorida

Just an idea. Would you give up a decent salary ( DH & I both teachers) on Long Island to move to FLorida where teachers salaries are horrible? I wnat to move so badly but I am scared to give up my salary. I am also scared for DS . He would be 6 when we leave NY ( next summer) . He already made friends here. I know little ones make friends easily but he is shy at first

Message edited 7/4/2007 10:34:35 PM.

Re: Movinng to FLorida

It is a very personal decision but in a case like yours, I'm not sure that financially, you would be better off in FL. However, if you are moving to be closer to family, that's different. DH & I had contemplated a move about a year ago but decided against it and things have worked out for us here. Good luck

Re: Moving to FLorida

IMO, unless you have a salary that will transfer over, I really don't see the huge benefit of moving. From what I have been reading and from talking to my relatives down there - the cost of living down there is quickly catching up to LI.

Re: Moving to FLorida

I did! But we have family down there. DH's salary will potentially be better than it is up here - will it make up for my HUGE pay cut - no - but it is a whole different like that I think will be beneficial for us for many reasons. If we give it a good honest try, and it's not for us, we can always come back.

Re: Moving to FLorida

I think it would depend on the part of FL- Palm Beach County were my family lives can cost more then LI- until they get rid of the property tax law- which they are working on - but there are many parts of FL that are still up and coming- like where my inlaws live in pennescola- you can get a great house for $200K or less still

Re: Moving to FLorida

I think also, in my case, you make certain sacrifices if you feel that alround you will be happier, although the money difference is definitely a concern.

Re: Moving to FLorida

I agree with Beth, it really depends on WHERE in FL you are going to move to.

Re: Moving to FLorida

If you area both teachers on LI you could *possibly* be bringing in over 200k a year! I don't think you would break 100k in FL. Not to mention the pention that you will receive in NY when you retire.
From what I have heard from family that has relocated is that the prices have gone up A LOT in the past few years. I think it depends on what quality of life you are looking for.

As far as DS...since he is so young I don't think it will be a problem. If you move into an area w/ a lot of new constrution there will probably be many other new kids too.

Re: Moving to FLorida

Re: Moving to FLorida

I moved down to FL around middle school age. I love FL. It was a great place to be.

Re: Moving to FLorida

I would move there because my parents moved there and i am missing them alot lately . My closeste friends left Long Island and I have yet to meet anyone else that is a close friend,

Re: Moving to FLorida

Posted by Samlove

I would move there because my parents moved there and i am missing them alot lately . My closeste friends left Long Island and I have yet to meet anyone else that is a close friend,

Re: Moving to FLorida

Posted by mrswask

Posted by Samlove

I would move there because my parents moved there and i am missing them alot lately . My closeste friends left Long Island and I have yet to meet anyone else that is a close friend,

Did your friend move to Florida or someone else?

Re: Moving to FLorida

I would not leave a teaching job on LI to take one in FL especialy since you both are teachers. You'll be lucky to make $80K combined. and like others have said, it matters where in FL you are looking.

Re: Moving to FLorida

I moved to fl 4 yrs ago and i currently teach Kindergarten here. what everyone said rings true - it depends where u are planning on going and if u have family here.

we moved here to be closer to my stepson and though the pay is NOT great, we were able to purchase our firrst home 2 yrs ago - something that wouldn't be possible in NY at this point. Since my stepson is the only family we have down here, it does get tough, but i think it will be worth it for both him and his father if we stay here for a few more years. i miss our family terribly, but i know that the lifestyle i've made for myself down here, couldn't be duplicated in ny without financial assistance from family.

the positives that i've experienced thus far:
-affordable houses in newer neighborhoods
-sunny days galore - always make me happy
-once ur accustomed to the heat, its not as bad as everyone thinks
-everything (including schools) has central air/heat
-there are a lot of nyers down here now
-taxes are low
-jetblue flies direct from 3 diff airports in fl to nyc


cons for us:
-away from family
-there aren't very many GREAT restaurants here, lots of chians but few mom and pop restaurants that have great flavor
-pay isn't great
-away from family