Living in Florida: What's it REALLY Like? 🌴 Cost of Living, Traffic, Weather | MELANIE ❤️ TAMPA BAY
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- čas přidán 2. 07. 2024
- What is it really like to live in the state of Florida? This episode is focused on the perks and reality of the Sunshine State.
If you don't live here or have never visited, it's easy to create your own version of Florida and I get all sorts of questions.
Living in Tampa / St. Petersburg 🌴 Things To Do, Job Opportunities, Where to Live
• Living in Tampa / St. ...
If you have any additional questions that I haven't answered here, comment below with your Florida question and I can do another FAQ episode.
WHAT'S THE DEAL WITH ALLIGATORS?
Alligators are a big part of our world here in Florida, and they've been here for a lot longer than us people have. For the most part, they stay away from humans. Alligators migrate, so a pond or lake without any could get a gator a few months down the line. Alligators only become a problem when they lose their fear of humans, which can happen if they are being fed.
myfwc.com/wildlifehabitats/wi...
WHAT'S IT LIKE LIVING SO CLOSE TO BEACHES?
Sandy... It's really sandy.
I fully understand that beaches are a big reason people move here. They are so beautiful and there's nothing better than watching a sunset while sitting in the sand. The West Coast of Florida has some of the best!
HOW'S THE TRAFFIC?
Just like all major cities, we have traffic headaches, mostly during rush hours.
If there's a wreck on a major highway like I-75 or I-275, it can cause significant delays. We see a spike in vehicles on the road during peak tourist season: January through March. Beaches get very crowded and I-4 to Walt Disney World can see a lot of activity.
www.fdot.gov/statistics/traff...
DISCOUNTS ON AMUSEMENT PARKS?
Yes! Florida residents can purchase discounted tickets and annual passes to your favorite amusement parks.
disneyworld.disney.go.com/spe...
www.universalorlando.com/web/...
www.legoland.com/florida/buy-...
FLORIDA'S COST OF LIVING
That really depends on what you're used to. If you're coming from the northeast or California, then no, it isn't expensive to live in Florida.
But compared to other southern states, Florida can be more expensive.
One of the best things about being a Florida resident is that we don't pay state income taxes. That is a huge savings for most households, and makes the state a really popular place for people with higher incomes.
We also have a fairly low median price for homes. However, the hot neighborhoods do come with a higher price tag. Property taxes are on the lower end of the spectrum, but homeowners insurance can be expensive due to Florida's reputation for more extreme weather.
WHAT ABOUT THE WEATHER???
Weather is a major concern for new residents and it should be. Hurricanes are a possibility and we do have days with intense storms and flooding.
Personally, I worry more about strong summer storms that come through during afternoon hours more than I do hurricanes. Lightning is very prevalent during these storms and they can dump a ton of water very quickly.
Yes, it's hot and humid lasting well into the fall months, but this is a tropical climate and that's normal. Makes for some bad hair days, but also keeps your skin and eyes from drying out.
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Melanie is a Tampa Bay area Realtor with Smith & Associates. She loves Tampa Bay area area, houses, and helping clients buy and sell real estate.
Email: matkinson@smithandassociates.com
Call/text me if you are looking to buy / sell a home in the Tampa Bay area! 813.368.6084
DISCLAIMER: All content provided on melanielovestampabay.com and the Melanie Loves Tampa Bay CZcams channel/social media platforms is for informational/entertainment purposes only. The owner of Melanie Loves Tampa Bay makes no representations as to the accuracy or completeness of any information on this site or found by following any link on this site. Information provided is subject to change, please consult Melanie directly or a licensed real estate agent to receive the best expertise for your specific situation.
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If you have any additional questions that I haven't answered here, comment below with your Florida question and I can do another FAQ episode.
Melanie Loves Tampa Bay What gas prices do you consider low ?
Very high humidity and The most Lightening sticks in all the U.S.A.Yes Florida is a Beautiful state.
Melanie Loves Tampa Bay do you deal with section 8 for a 3 family home
THE MEDICAL CARE IS THE LOWEST ASSWIPES FROM HELL ! FLORIDA I S GODS WAITING ROOM !
Melanie Loves Tampa Bay how is the port Richie to live? Or Holiday?
I was looking for an investment property in Tampa Fl and watching some videos on CZcams I saw the Melanie Love Tampa Bay. I sent her a text explaining what I was looking for and my price range. Melanie was so efficient and at the end of the day she emailed me around 80 properties available in the area that I was interested in. The next day she sent me a video of the house I was interested in. In four days I signed the contract and in three weeks I did the closing of the property. Melanie is very nice and friendly, she went out of her way to help me with the paperwork and finding a manager for the new property. If anybody is interested to buy or rent in Tampa Fl, I highly recommend Melanie.
Thank you,
Julia,
How’s Florida so far
I’ve lived in the Tampa Bay Area since 1972 and I still love it. Florida is what you make of it. Just like any place. If you like beaches, warm weather, and lots of sunshine than this is the place for you.
I've lived here for 39yrs my whole life never vacated for a hurricane or anything else
As a Native New Yorker living in South Florida- I have to say, each region is totally different! West Coast, East Coast, South Florida, the Keys, the Panhandle...doesn’t actually feel connected to me. Each has it’s own identity.
West central Florida feels very nice
Thanks for the video. Nice job! I was born and raised in Minnesota and summer was always my favorite season when I was growing up. Now that I live in the beautiful state of Florida I get to experience summer year round and I'm loving it! I have lived here in the Tampa Bay area for 30 years and I honestly could not imagine living anywhere else...
Wow, very informative. Thx for sharing and answering all my questions and concerns.
Lived in Tampa for 5 years. I recently purchased a townhome and going back soon. Everything you stated about Florida is totally on point.
Very well put! You're amazing! Woman to woman you rock this session💖💖
Nice job explaining some of the issues. Here’s another one for people considering a move here.
I moved to Coral Springs when my older son was two. He’s 27 now. At the time, New York had two of the worst winters ever. We were trapped in the house most weekends, and he was bouncing off the walls.
I said that’s it, we’re moving to Florida, and the next thing you know, I’m taking him fishing, camping and swimming every other day. So Florida is NOT just for retirees.
Next, best roads in the country and hardly any homeless.
Best move I ever made.
I have a 4 year old boy and expecting a second son. One of my main reasons for relocating!
I am a new subscriber to your channel. You have very good content with quality info and an upbeat flair. We plan to relocate to FL this summer...thank you for your helpful guides
Alex G Thanks Alex and thanks for subscribing! Let me know if you have any other Florida/real estate questions! Happy to help!
This was very informative! Good to know they are building everything durable for big storms
Your videos are so easy to watch. Informative, professional and to the point. Thanks !
Anyone planning on moving here....just make sure you’re a big rain-lover! It rains here.....A LOT !!!
William Kilgore Very True! 🌂🌂🌂🌧🌦⛈
Derrick Bridges, I actually lived in Seattle for 2 years and while it may be cloudier there it rains way more in the Tampa area and Florida in genetal. Believe me........Seattle has ‘nothin’ on Tampa in the rain department !!
William Kilgore Tampa-St Pete average more rain annually but it is concentrated within a shorter period of the year. We average 56 days with rain per year but 309 days of sunshine. Seattle averages 150 days per year of rain. Sure we get more rain but we also have quite a bit more sunshine as well.
Florida rain is unlike rain anywhere else. You can be drenched in five seconds
I enjoyed watching this video. it totally puts things in perspective and makes sense. very informative with a lot of knowledge I did not previously know. thanks and I was wondering if you can do a video on how to find jobs on cruise lines??
Moved to Florida with my husband in April 2016, and absolutely love it! And while living here within in the first year, I heard a alligator or crocodile got in to fight with a horse in Gainesville which was a half hour away from where I lived. Plus a alligator was found in a sun porch of a resident living in Florida.
People tail gate and cut me off and refuse to use their signal. It's nice because You have so many schools to choose from and kids may still live at home, attend a nice college near by, go to games and concerts. I miss the pacific northwest at times, the fresh evergreen tree scent and beautiful valley hills and mountains
Lived here 15+ years in Clearwater and now Palm Harbor. The only issue is that most homes here do not have a lot of land. The nicer homes are typically 400k +, and still don't have a lot of land. But other than that, it's perfect.
I came from Ohio when I was 32 and have been living in Sarasota Fl for 3 years. 5 min from the beach. It does cost more to live here and can be rough at times being single but so worth it. Love living in Fl
My wife and I are planning to move Friday m Wisconsin to the Tampa area later this spring/summer (kids/grandkids). Your videos are so on the mark with pertinent information; we’re going to call your office and want you/your staff to get us relocated!
Best advice as a Florida resident that I can give to others: "Make sure you have plywood that fits your windows and doors, with bolt screws a power drill." You will be using these more than you think.
Why?
@@lenchenes Hurricanes! Where I live in Florida, there is a good chance you will board up your home and evacuate 2 times or more each summer.
Hurricanes when you get a warning dont be scared thoguh because a lot of houses down here are made of concrete and can withstand strong wind rain and flying objects. But still board up your windows. Also if your like me hurricanes aren't scary as long as theres nothing flying in the air like ... your neighbors trashcans from Thursday... and its Sunday
@@magiccheeseball Um, Hurricane Irma was almost 300 miles wide, and it is not just the "eye" you worry about. My home had considerable damage and it was nearly 150 miles away from the center. Depending on which side of the wind/storm surge you are on, that is not true. I have lived in FL nearly 60 years as well.
I have lived in Tampa for 30 years and never had to do any of that.
As a Floridian I can tell you that Tampa Bay is not an accurate sample of Florida life.....
Nick The Man it’s nothing like the 954 that’s for sure
@@forgottoremembertofo exactly. You have 3 parts of Florida, the coast cities like Miami, FTL and Palm beach, they are all exactly the same all along the coasts. Then you have the weird parts like broward and pasco county. Then the wannabe californians like clearwater and tampa, they literally resemble nothing even close to what florida is like. Everything else is everglades
Nick The Man I’m actually from Broward, to say it’s weird is an understatement, and that weirdness leaks into Miami-Dade, it’s a freak show but the beach is beautiful around 6:30-7ish in the AM, there’s also the keys which are a massive tourist trap, but they were an independent country very briefly called The Conch Republic (a response to a dispute in taxes), you’ll see it’s purple flag every once in a while.
J. Smart most people don’t go there, and it’s only one part of Florida, do give an overview of JUST Tampa and the surrounding area is irresponsible and ignorant.
Excuse me (just a proud Tampan walking bye lol)
GOOD JOB MELANIE . YOU ARE THE GOODS. DOWN HERE 40 YRS. FROM OHIO OUT OF THE ARMY
Excellent review! Thank you.
Thanks for sharing! Really good information to consider...
I've lived in Florida since the early 1960's. Florida used to be quite
cheap compared to most metropolitan areas in the country. Over the last
20-30 years, real estate prices in the better coastal cities (and
Orlando) have increased dramatically. My mother bought us, our first
home in a hip area of Ft. Lauderdale, back in 1964, for $11,000. Today,
that same home (renovated) and 2 blocks away from extravagant Las Olas
Blvd. (if you know Ft. Lauderdale) is now worth over $850,000.
I purchased my first home in Sarasota back in 1988. It's was a Florida
Craftsman Bungalow style, and I paid $41,000. Today, that home is worth
about $340,000, but only because it is in a gentrifying area near
downtown Sarasota. Those are extreme examples, but I have seen real
estate prices triple here in Sarasota, for most homes since the 1980's.
As more people relocate to the more sought-after areas of Florida, it
has pushed the prices of real estate to almost un-affordable levels for
the working class folks. In Sarasota, just a basic home will cost $200k
minimum. If you go south to North Port or Port Charlotte, a basic home
will run about $160k and up. A 2 bedroom apartment in Sarasota for rent
is about $1400/month. It might be lower outside the Sarasota city area,
which tends to run about 20% higher than surrounding communities.
Florida has a lot of service-sector jobs, where $12/hour is about
average. So, unless you make a real professional wage, like $25/hour and
up, (and I mean mostly "up"), then Florida could seem quite expensive.
Probably one of the best industries I can think of to work in Florida,
would be healthcare, with the aging population here. If you are coming
from the major cities of the northeast (N.Y., Boston, Philadelphia),
then prices of homes in Florida will seem reasonable. If you're coming
from "flyover country" in the mid-west, or some small town somewhere,
then Florida will seem expensive. If you're coming from a major city in
California, then Florida will seem like an absolute bargain in
comparison.
If you're retired or nearing retirement, and have owned a home up north
that is now worth $800k to over a million dollars, you can sell that
home, move to Florida, and buy a beautiful home in a gated community for
$400,000+ and live the good life with the money left over, and of
course, never have to shovel snow again. Be prepared for population
growth. It is getting crowded down here now!
Very accurate description from what I have read. Thanks
I totally agreed. I have been living in the Tampa Bay area for 40 years, but have also been traveling and living in other cities in different states six months a year, as required by my job. House pricing / living in Florida can be expensive for some people.
Thanks for information on Florida living. Hopefully relocating to Florida with family this summer.
EDITH BANKS That’s fantastic Edith!! Florida is happy to have you. Let me know if you have any specific questions about Florida housing. My direct email is: matkinson@smithandassociates.com
Moving back to Florida this year, my children’s home state, after being gone for 18 years.
It’s been WAY too long!!!
I lived in Florida for 25 years and loved it.
Can’t wait to come back home.
I subscribed and will contact you when my kids, now adults, sadly lol, and I get there.
Thank you for sharing.
William
Not a good move. NO
Great video.I have friends that moved from New York to California,and then out to Florida.They live in E.Bradenton.I have only been there twice now.I loved it.The Tampa airport is beautiful.I grew up here in Southern California.And over the last few years,traffic has become horrendous.I have seen your day to day,and your so called rush hour traffic...lol.Its nothing compared to the 91 freeway here.I loved going over the Skyway bridge.Beautiful drive.Love St.Armands circle,great to walk around in and eat dinner.The people there are so much more friendly and relaxed.I plan to move there hopefully soon.Thanks for the informative video.
Keep in mind that Florida is large and long. There are several regions within the state with each having its own charm and feel. North Florida actually has mild seasonal changes and a much different pace of life than SE Florida. Same goes for the Panhandle, Central Florida/Orlando, Tampa Bay, SW Florida, the Treasure Coast, the Keys, etc. Realty prices also vary by region. I grew up in the TB area and Tampa is one of my favorite places to visit, but I wouldn't live there again. If you are considering moving here take the time to look around. There is much to see! By road it is 830 miles from Pensacola to Key West and just over 500 miles from Jacksonville to KW. There are many smaller cities that are friendly and just a short drive from larger cities, beaches, and arts & entertainment without the traffic.
I live in Tampa and you’re significantly downplaying how bad the drivers here are and the traffic
I guess that you've never been to Long Island.
@@andrewmanley9579 I grew up in and lived in St. Pete most of my life. I moved to Long Island (Lindenhurst) in 2014. The one thing my Florida friends asked is what's it like there? I said it's exactly the same as the bay area only there are no palm trees and the weather is cold in late fall, winter, and spring. The traffic on LI can be brutal at times but it is a pain in the bay area as well. I haven't been back to Florida since the day I left. I enjoyed Long Island and being close to the city. Both places have their good and bad points.
Keep in mind most people in the bay area are transplants and learned to drive in other places. Point being there are bad drivers everywhere.
Or Tennessee.
Brian Wilson if you think the drivers in Tampa are bad ( I have been to Tampa at least 200 times) you should see how bad the drivers are in Sarasota.
Great video...excellent content and information. Moved here 2002 and never looked back.....mostly so i can ride my motorcycle year round.
Great video Melanie... Best one I have seen about Florida!
Thanks Eric! Check out my new one coming out next week that is specifically about Tampa Bay!
@@MelanieLovesTampaBay looking forward to it! I'm thinking about relocating to the area.
Great job thanks for your honesty.
I love Florida! Summers are rough just like winter months up North but Fall, Winter, Spring fabulous! People are super friendly, southern hospitality.
I'm sorry your comparison is totally wrong it's like saying inside and outside is just like each other truth of matter Florida summer is same as summer in Michigan so hot you can't take off nothing else to cool down only Florida summer last a lot longer and so for Michigan winter you can put on warmer clothes to enjoy the winter and you can build a fire to warm also cold weather gives better reason to cuddle with someone to help warm each other verses weather so hot and sticky you don't want a fire or to cuddle with someone cause both are sweating like pigs already I have been going down to Florida Southwest of Tampa since 1972 my mom has place on a bay and only a stone throw from gulf coast but I don't stay long during warmer months and usually not more than 2 weeks at a time in winter months My opinion Florida summers nice if you spend most of time indoors with air conditioning
And for that southern hospitality you say I have a problem with people walking through a gate that has no trespassing sign and keep out so they can fish off dock the neighbor that used to be on one side and they're guest used to swing around end of fence to fish off docks and no one ever ask if they can people with boats anchor ten feet off end of dock to fish not giving me room to fish also when I ask if they could move some get mad and refuse so them folks I say well then you fish off my dock and let me use your boat so I can easily fish in other spots some have even tied they're boats to hand rails of dock which has caused wood to break loose or off costing me money and time to repair However I don't believe the people I've spoke about are true southern folks It's that so many rude people have moved to Florida that southern hospitality is only small amount now and I've got lots of compliments between Michigan and Florida on how my kids and grandkids are People saying they don't see or hear that Being polite and using Manors in today's kids and as I said mine better be that they know it's important to be nice and show consideration to others life isn't just about ourselfs
Friendly you kidding me go to Idaho if you want to see friendly. Too many New Yorkers move to Florida.
John Brown. You probably went to the popular beaches. I live remotely where the town is awesome. Or you're just not the friendly type!
Duane McFarlane you seem to be one of those grumpy people that come from the north into Florida, than turn around and say how rude everyone is in Florida. News flash, it’s all the northerners like yourself. True Florida natives are delightful. Northerners, not so much.
Great video!! Well done!
I think it beautiful I go fishing everyday The summertime tongue I take a vacation Then after summer I go fishing Everyday until the next summer I love Florida it's awesome place to live
I moved to Tampa in 2017. Love it here! Real estate is SUPER expensive compared to Youngstown Ohio. I never saw an alligator since I’ve been here but hoping to see one just for the experience of saying I saw one. I can’t stand snow and cold weather so this is a dream living here. I love the scenery, I love the restaurants (especially 4 Rivers BBQ on Dale Mabry). I also love my job better here than in Ohio. I just hate the traffic here but that’s what comes with a big city.
Ihateohioandmoving to florida Youngstown sucks I live up there for a year I feel u on that 😂
Nice video! Thanks for sharing
couldn't agree more- my family is personally from Florida and this is just-- PERFECT REPRESENTATION
I live in the Tampa Bay area more like Pinellas County so just across the bay. But all of this is true. I love Florida! I was born and raised
Can i come see you lol im from Canada its really cold ;)
Where my Southwest Florida residents at? Im From the Naples area. Love it there! But currently going to Ohio for school and let me tell u on some snow days u definitely miss the sunshine!
I’m English and I live in Florida for 6 months of the year, I love it.
I’m a Realtor in Sarasota and Manatee county. I completely agree with your video! Great job being objective and informative. The humidity is main complaint! Thank you for your content!
Alexis Smith-Frady Thanks Alexis!
3:22 you can find an okayish job living in Pompano, Deerfield, Laudy, or Dania. Get IT credentials or work a trade, HVAC is particularly profitable because of the salt water. Avoid the marketing jobs like the plague and you’ll be ok, negotiate your hours so that you can visit the beach, the sunrises are awesome.
Florida the first state I went in America. And the girl I love lives in Pembroke Pines,FL. I just love Florida.
Excellent video!! Thanks so much
I enjoyed this episode!
I’ve been in south Florida almost 25 years. Florida is different depending where you live. The north part of Florida is cheap and more like Georgia and Alabama. The west coast is Cheaper to live in, than the south east ( except for Naples) and in 25 years I’ve never seen an Alligator in a neighborhood. That’s more of a myth. They are some very nice area and some bad areas in Florida. And it goes down to the 40 in the winter specially in northern Florida.
Boy are you good at this. Just came back after a month in Ft Lauderdale and the traffic didn't bother me but the traffic lights are awful. You sit forever waiting for them to turn green. Thanks for the great tips and am I allowed to say you are beautiful? Not sure anymore ;)
geo cape That’s a great point that I forgot to mention!! The traffic lights can be brutally long! Thanks for the comment and the compliment. I appreciate both 😊
I had my sister and niece with me in Disney World in 1988; we had a good time and the people there really go out of their way to make you feel at home
Very nice video. Thank you for sharing this video.
I've lived in Florida, Georgia and in North Carolina. The humidity is Florida by far is worst than the other two. Summer days with a 95 and feels like 105 aren't fun times . Unless you like the heat..I mean really like the heat than Florida is your state.
LOL I am in Alabama and just yesterday the heat index here was 107, Florida is not the only place that has humidity and high temps...In fact, the temp in Alabama where I am located was actually higher then in the panhandle yesterday....go figure.
Melanie I love your videos thank you for your content
Thank you, Melanie. Af a Florida resident, I found your report rational and coherent. Just for you, personally, when you get tired of Tampa Bay (I did), there is a whole different Florida waiting for you. Much more sane. I currently live in Suwanee county, and I like it.
Thanks yu for watching James! I will definitely keep that in mind for myself and my clients!
I live in florida and have been living here for all of my life and will never leave
I been living in Florida for my whole life never seen one gator
@@Crave200 really one was in my backyard 3 weeks ago
Love the video. Agree with you 100%. Would love to move to Tampa or Sarasota area with my family. But I cant. 😭
I live in Sarasota. It is very expensive here and the jobs are low paying. Be prepared for hurricane season, bad drivers, and the red tide. You can smell the rotting fish from miles away 💕
Nice treatment of the subject. Good job...
Nice to visit for a bit, but can’t wait to get back up north. I love the four seasons, the culture and large old cities. But for those that aren’t particularly interested in any of that, I guess Florida makes a lot of sense, to each his own, we are just lucky that we can live where we want to.
Coming from RI, the cost is higher here in FL. auto insurance is 3x more expensive and the pay scale down here is very low. yes the weather is nice but nice weather doesn't pay the bills. other than that, nice video.
Manny Freitas more expensive than RI? I’m from RI and thinking about moving to Florida in a couple of years.
@@jennifer66912 I will say this, Florida is NOT for everyone, do your homework first, trust me. it has taken me 3 years of bouncing from job to job to make it. good luck!
Thanks good to know
Manny Freitas
What kind of work do you do? I’m in HVAC and do great.
@@lorilorena2777 also, keep in mind that Florida is a "right to work" state, which means they can fire you without reason or explanation.
I live in Seminole. My favorite TV show is the Weather Channel. When it snows up in yankee land we just laugh and smile.
Mister Berzins I lived in Chicago for ten years and then Tulsa for eight years after that. Let’s just say I won’t be going back to either anytime soon. 😁
frank phillips my house has been standing since 1955. I’ve been through earthquakes, tornadoes, blizzards, extreme heat waves, and two hurricanes. If karma was going to get anybody it would have been me. I poke fun at my friends up north in the winter as well and I’m still here.🤔
@@damnsnowflakes2403 More folks die from snow and ice every year. My trucks are not rusty.
@@freddyflintstoned913 your rite but I can jump cool spring fed waters of the AuSable river in northern Michigan and not get my ass chewed off by an alligator or my balls chomped on by a hundred poison filled snakes while watching big white tailed deer elk moose bear wolves in our beautiful full size Christmas tree forests and in winter we get to ski snowmobile ice fish and not get eatin by bird sized bugs and our houses don't get swallowed by sink holes
Yeah but nothing is nicer than to watch snowfall out the window. We have kids we pay to shovel the walks; and most people can Telework when it snows, the county is quick to de-ice the roads; so its is not bad in most places in MD and VA, therefore. I would miss the seasons. However, I also like the FL beaches to visit.
Whenever you move to a new great place there is the honeymoon phase which lasts for a few months. It seems great at first, but then everything begins to seem like life as normal. Florida isn't a non-stop vacation. The daily grind sets in. The ocean begins to seem like just an ordinary body of water that you don't care to see that much anymore. If you don't like traffic, beware of the seasonal residents that seem to double the traffic during the winter months. But it isn't just Florida. All of the desirable places to live in the country get crowded as the population increases.
Great video Melanie, you do a fantastic job explaining all the details and pros and cons!
I moved to Ormond Beach from Ohio last year and I love it, just got my
Real Estate License too, so looking forward to selling homes here in Florida! 😊
I wish to live in Tampa in 4 years. Just getting my eldest to finish HS from where I live.
Reasons to love Florida: endless summer green grass and 🌴 palm trees. No snow. I grew up in the northeast and I’ll tell you, in NJ , the pay rate is about the same for every job I look at on indeed. For a 3 br house in an ok neighborhood is about 1700 a month. I can get the same in or around Tampa for around 8- 950 a month and includes a pool. Oh yeah, no state taxes come out of your paycheck. And the peak season is may through September along the jersey shore. So the parkway is always a mess between those times. Not that it isn’t a mess throughout the rest of the state every damn day. It’s just worse in the summer. That’s why car insurance is really high. 7k a year for a new driver. Oh yea, Florida beaches are free access, Jersey beaches aren’t. None of them are free here.
Great video Melanie, thanks for sharing! My wife and I are looking to leave the horrible winters and high taxes of MN. We've narrowed our search to between Tampa and Venice. We'll be spending time there this fall doing more "research" on where we want to live.
Tom Barrett I live in Florida. I would go with Venice. If you tune into Tampa news, you would change your mind. There's parts where you don't want to be after dark, and schools are "decent". But prepare yourself for some bumper-to-bumper traffic as Tampa has a bunch of people moving every single day!!
Great information Melanie,My dream State
I relocated here 25 years, and i'll put up with the small bad, for the lots of great good !!🌴👍
@Derrick Bridges sure did...how did you know ?
At the airport right now going back home to Florida I hated New York 🤦🏾♂️
M Detlef I live in a house in Largo, Florida ten minutes from the coast. It was built in 1955. It’s still here. Lived in a double wide on the other coast and was hit by two hurricanes. It is still standing. Sooo....yeah. 🤔
Seems you need that attitude to do well in FL. Too many Northerns are perfectionists.
Do they spray for mosquitoes in all parts of Florida? By plane flying over residents houses or a truck driving around? I want to move there but I couldn't tolerate that as I am too sensitive to chemicals. I watched another video and where she lives they do this.
In FL since 2014, now living in "The Sunshine City". Melanie, for visitors and newcomers wanting to know the area,contact me and I'd be happy to show them around in the time they have available.🌴Casual Concierge 🌞
Donna Woodford been in Florida since I been here
Moving there keeps crossing my mind. It’s so hard to imagine Christmas without snow and just awesome blizzards but when it’s just freezing here in NJ, it’s hard not to want to pack up and leave. Freezing hands and feet, can’t do anything outside. Not being able to enjoy the boardwalk.. it all sucks but you can’t beat autumn here Hoodies and pumpkins, Best time of the year.
Florida is a beautiful and diverse state from the Panhandle to Miami. "South"east Florida is very flat and very urban. The panhandle and north Florida are hilly and "southern". All the other parts are a mix of southerners, notherners, retirees and Latinos. There are also some decent hills in Polk and Lake counties. The blend of people gives Florida a unique richness and sometimes crazy drivers. For newcomers the high humidity for 6 months is the hardest to get used to. Lightning is also something to be cautious of in the summer and early fall. Hurricanes can be a threat but take precautions and prepare your home and self. Basically stay indoors during the summer from late morning to afternoon. So if you're not afraid of sweat it's a great place.
I lived in Florida for a year and a half in 2012- 13 and I hated it. The cost of living was not that expensive, the summers sucked 🤯😱 so so happy we moved. Love to visit but not live there
many agree and would miss the seasons; Christmas feels like something is missing in FL and that makes people sad
The winters suck here so I'm going down there soon what sucked? Too hot for you?
Gany Meade absolutely right Christmas isn’t Christmas without snow.
The proper term for someone who lives in Florida isn't Floridian. It's Floridiot. From a former Floridiot who got the hell outa there.
Omg. That's hilarious.
New subbie here!😁
We're looking to purchase a summer home in the St. Pete area very soon. So watching all your videos are extremely helpful.
Thank you! Glad it helps. Happy to help you more if you need it!
Thank you 😊 very informative
Sweating to death as early as 8am. I hated Florida, lived there from age 12 until I was 24. Not a fan of the beach either. Couldn't wait to move out! Give me the mountains of Tennessee.
Roxanne Holt-Abernathy each person has their own preferences. I love the mountains as well, but I don’t think I could live there.
Tennessee native here and love it. Use to visit family in the north in summer and coming home to Tennessee was like a warm embrace. Florida would be too hot for me. Gets pretty here in Memphis too. But at least it gets cool in winter. Sometimes snows.
Mountains! Now you're talking.
Roxanne Holt-Abernathy do you live there now? I also want to move to Tennessee
Fran Webb how is Tennessee? I hate Florida!! It's a soul sucking place full of assholes who can't speak English down in Miami. I want to move to Johnson city area... any pointers? Thanks!
Hello!... Found your videos through Jen... We are moving to FL (Clearwater) in the next few months and we are just excited....
Thank you so much for stopping over here - let me know if you have any real estate questions or needs!
We moved to Florida 11 months ago. We currently live in Clearwater. We're loving it!
Harold Simmons we moved to Largo last year. We love it here. We found a great house in a nice peaceful neighborhood for under $200K. We definitely feel lucky.
As a Floridian myself i can tell you that if you live near a beach aka me and a hurricanr arives DO NOT GO NEAR A WINDOW (Stones break glass and sand is rocks)
Michigan gal here who visited florida for the first time 2 years ago. I'd love to live in a house on the beach. It's as beautiful as you say Melanie! The good definitely outweighs the bad!
Houses here for a small one is about $150k and and average home is $220k. Beach homes for 2 br are around $450k to start. Average wage is about $35k unless you find a great job...
Tampa, St Pete, and Clearwater are great cities.
Avoid New Port Richey just north of Clearwater. Its full of corruption and drugs. I know from experience. The good people are moving out of this town and Pasco county as they tire of all the bad. The Pasco County Sheriff office is pretty good, but the town police are sketchy. I know this from experience, i lived there.
AsriaDurden5558 st Pete is really bad as well....curruption is growing
All countries and cities have some form of drugs and corruption. The United States is not an exception.
What about schools I heard because of low budget it's not great ?!
@@2emptywords Tampa has decent schools, some better than others. As a parent you should be on top of even the best schools, making sure your child is getting the best offered. Another avenue is online through Connections Academy. They are excellent.
New Port Richey has issues but the cheap quality homes and close proximity to North Tampa and Pinellas make it worth while. Also that is Port Richey that had the crazy mayor shoot a cop not New Port Richey. I like New Port Richey for what is. It gets a bad overly bad rap. It is fine. Great place for blue collar people who want to cheaply own a home.
Here in the northeast, I have to figure $500 a month from October to April for heating oil. My electric bill ranges near $200 year round with the exception of a few months in the fall and spring. AC in the summer and heat mats for the snow in winter. I also have to figure about $200 a month in the winter months for plowing my driveway. Add on to that the wear and tear on the car from winter snow and salt from the roads and I think I would save a significant amount of money even if you figure extra for house and auto insurance.
Maine Catholic Guy I’m sure of it! Our electric bills can get pretty high during the summer months but they are really low in the winter! Plus, flip flops are cheaper than snow boots!
Maine Catholic Guy
I dealt with winter weather for 42 years. Once you’re here for one winter you will never go back. My cost of living is definitely lower than in the northern Ohio area. Also the sunshine and heat makes me feel healthier. I had arthritis before moving here and the last winter I was in Ohio it became almost crippling. I haven’t had pain that an Advil couldn’t knock out since living here.
Dont forget your a.c. is year round here and you have to mow every week in summer...so look at about $200 just on lawn care.
flamingpie herman winters get down into the 70s in Florida and lows in the 40s and 50s. No need for AC then. I mow my own lawn so it won’t cost too much.
flamingpie herman
Most people will cut their own grass and yes the air conditioning is going to be higher but when you factor in the cost of heating with natural gas or fuel oil it will be the same or possibly less.
Thank you Melanie, moving to the Tampa area soon! :)
Dr. Christian Cole Fantastic! I hope you love it as much as I do! Happy to help if you need a real estate professional!
Great video thanx
Planning to move with my hubz this summer. 😍 im excited and nervous at the same time.
Jennifer Levrouw Very exciting!! Totally normal to be excited and nervous at the same time! Good luck and let me know if I can help!
What part of FL? I’m in Naples. Let me know if I can help, my husband and I are licensed Realtors.
@@michellecunningham4759 Orlando/Kissimmee area.
How is Winter Springs? I’ll be moving from Chicago to Florida in a couple years, so I am looking now
Im from Illinois, moving maybe next year to florida, Illinois is becoming more fucked up. Lol
Renee Soria - I live in Oviedo, next door to Winter Springs. Lovely town! You’ll love it 😊
been here in paradise 25 years in the Tampa Bay area ! 🌴👍
I just moved to Lakewood Ranch from Kissimmee and love Sarasota area. It is paradise!
If you live in Florida you're considered a Floridian but if you specifically live in Tampa Florida I guess that makes you a Tampon.
@Blake Q The Crackers were mainly white Northern Florida farmers. I guess that's where the Cracker Barrel restaurant started.
Hahahaha😂
You must love The Villages; LOL.
Womp womp womm. LOL!
😂🤣😂🤣😂
I moved to Florida in 2006, and I'd never live anywhere else. I come from Ohio, and I really hated the snow and cold--now I can go to the beach in January if I want. The weather is the biggest thing that people that aren't from here get wrong. They assume that it's hot/humid all year round--the reality is that the humidity goes away for the year in mid October, and doesn't return until May. Tomorrow's forecast is sunny and 70
Thank you this was so helpful, we come every year or two on vacation. I went to college for a year. We are moving there in 2023/2024 once I retire but I will do a pt job 2-3 days hopefully from home. Take care
we love the west coast of FL! bought a condo in Indian shores just a 25 minute drive from the airport right on the sand. we love it! small town living, walk and bike just about anywhere you need to go.
mightyoneish1 Indian Shores is such a great beach town. Glad you love it!
I disagreed. There is a large number of people who live in Tampa and surrounding areas are reckless drivers. I repeat many drivers here are bad too. I am 62 years old and I have been living in the Tampa Bay area since 1979.
I’ve lived in Florida my whole life (south Tampa) and I haven’t been to the beach in like 2 years 😂 lmao
I live on the Jersey shore and with the exception of last year( step daughter beach bag checker), I never go on the beach. Maybe the boardwalk but rarely. They charge too much to get on the beach. Florida beaches are free. That’s a plus.
@@endofsociety the beaches are not always free. Some have parking meters, fees, i.e. Clearwater beach, honeymoon island, Howard Franklin, etc. Those are on the west coast, I'm not sure about the east coast.
Lol
Husband is being transferred to Tampa this spring, so I subbed. Glad I did! Excellent info.
Good video. Looking into Amelia Island in the next 2 years. Was crowded for me when I was in Tampa.
Amelia Island is a great choice! Loved to vacation there as a kid!
Moved to Naples from northern Ohio almost 5 years ago. Absolutely love it. No I didn’t retire here I’m in my late 40’s and wanted to move here and be young enough to enjoy it. It’s amazing how many people think giant mosquitoes and alligators are chasing people down the streets here. Yes there are dangers but just use common sense and you will be fine. I live 20 minutes from the beach and go multiple times a week. I will never live anywhere else!!!!!
Shout out to my Naples neighbor. I love Naples! Born there. Raised there. (Going to Ohio State for School!)
John Escobedo
I moved from Ohio to here so I’m sure by now you understand why I left Ohio lol
@@chrisj197438 Yes. I have learned much as a first year college student. Everyone says I'm crazy for coming up here.
Wages in Florida doesn't keep up with cost of living. If you have a bussiness that does really well, then you might be good.
It’s great if u move there from a different state and can work from home making your same salary though
Very true. Florida pays nothing in relation to what most places ask for rent.
I live alone in my own 🏠 in South Tampa and it costs me $259.32/month for housing and utilities. I save $1,500/month.
Coming from the Midwest. Wages are similar and cost of living is lower. Taxes are lower. Insurance is higher.
I'm looking to move here... how well if you know do cement and dump truck drivers make?
I love your videos! You seem very knowledgeable and fun! :D My boyfriend and I are coming from Minnesota to visit Tampa, in the first week of March. We are thinking of moving there sometime this year. I am in the process of applying for some jobs out there and we would love to meet up with you and have you help us out on our house search!
One thing I LOVE is you can find anywhere to dine out in warm or hot weather.... up north i can NEVER find decent places or decent weather to just dine outside.
OMG this video was right on time! I've already decided that the Tampa Bay Area is the place for me but this video really pointed out all the reasons why I chose this awesome area! Very informative with a slight comedic touch! I just got excited all over again! Thanks Melanie!!! #14daysandcounting
Charlie Jenkins Yay! So happy I could help! Hope you love Tampa! Call me if you have any real estate needs!
@@MelanieLovesTampaBay I definitely plan to purchase within the next 3 to 6 months after I move to Tampa which is going to be March 1. Should I reach out then or beforehand?
Yes, definitely! It can take a few months to find a home, then a month to 2 months to close on your house! Best to get started asap!
@@MelanieLovesTampaBay I definitely will Melanie! Look forward to meeting you!
@@MelanieLovesTampaBay Hey Melanie! I hope all is well! I've been here since March 1 and I must say that I am loving every minute of being in the Tampa Bay Area! I am in the process of getting a mortgage pre-approval. Once obtained, I may need a realtor!
I'm from the Caribbean, FLORIDA Weather is no big deal to us. Heat? We use fans man. One question is that I heard sink holes are more prevalent in the greater Tampa area. That is a big fear for me can you give me your opinion. Great video,
Quest Physics Very common question! There are definitely sinkholes in Florida but the major ones that you hear about on the news are pretty rare. Please remember, Sinkholes are a worldwide hazard, not just a Florida issue. Most are small and easy to reinforce 😊