I was watching the news this morning about hurricane Frances and I was struck by the question, Why do people still live in Florida?

You run the risk of losing your house, your possessions or even your life. It seems to be a less than hospitable place to live considering Bigger, nastier hurricanes on the rise (http://www.news-leader.com/today/0903-Bigger,nas-170751.html).

And I have been to FL on vacation. I was not impressed and was glad to return home.

I'm just curious why people choose to live there, and choose to stay?

Boca and Orlando are pretty cool, but I'm afraid they're about to get slammed. :(

Good luck to all.

No state taxs.

Awesome beaches.

Great weather.

Great roads.

Lots of things to do.

The hurricanes are over hyped. I've only lived here 6 years, but I've yet to have any problems from them. There are people who've been here 30+ years without issue.

The hurricanes are big, and are bad, but we see them coming almost weeks away. We know about where it'll hit and as long as people get out of the way, almost no one gets hurt.

The real damage is when people return. People get into accidents with chain saws and whatnot.

Look at how many people die in the most severe of hurricanes. It's almost not worth mentioning.

As long as you have insurance, there isn't a big problem.

PS: I've spent time in almost every state (At last count I think I've visited 46 of them). From several weeks in Malibu, to two months in south dakota... I know it's different than staying in a state for years, but I have a pretty good idea about most things.

I like FL. But I'm a southern boy.

from a hurricane in 40 years here in N.E. Florida......when was the last time you had a tornado? :confused:

Maybe it's better to ask your question between November and February when we're at the beach or out on the golf course and you guys are huddled up 'round the fireplace watching the snow drifts pile up around the silo :D

from a hurricane in 40 years here in N.E. Florida......when was the last time you had a tornado? :confused:

Maybe it's better to ask your question between November and February when we're at the beach or out on the golf course and you guys are huddled up 'round the fireplace watching the snow drifts pile up around the silo :D


My town has never been hit by a tornado. They say it's because we're on a hill and the storms pass on either side :confused: but I don't look a gift horse in the mouth.

I don't like golf or the beach. :( We don't have silos around here ;) with our soil we're limited to rock farming :D dairy and beef cattle.


JasonHamilton, I am curious about this no state tax thing you mentioned.

Generally no cold weather, and no snow tires. I've been in Chicago for two years, which I like very much, but if it was the right opportunity I would be back down there in a second.

I'm from northeast Florida like goforwand is, and the only thing hurricanes ever were for me growing up was a free day off from school to go surfing.

My house can take it.

I like it here just fine. When people "aren't impressed" with our state, I suppose the only recourse is to politely invite them to stay where they are. Simply a matter of preference.

Florida is nice.. it's like Louisiana without the smell

Florida is nice.. it's like Louisiana without the smelllol.

or the swamps.

I lived in Louisiana for many years too. No one expects suger cane to smell that bad.

JasonHamilton, I am curious about this no state tax thing you mentioned.No state income taxes.

FL also has a homestead exemption, which is why OJ Simpson bought a multi-million dollar house in Miami...

Homestead exemption is only 25k here..

It was 75k In Louisiana..


You forget the other smells...

Sugarcane, mentioned..
Sulfer
Urine
Swamp gasses
Vomit

There are swamps here in fl..

lol.

or the swamps.

I lived in Louisiana for many years too. No one expects suger cane to smell that bad.

No state income taxes.

FL also has a homestead exemption, which is why OJ Simpson bought a multi-million dollar house in Miami...

Homestead exemption is only 25k here..I was talking more about the house being a safe shelter, even if you're filing for bankruptcy, or if someone sues you. Your home is safe.

I was watching the news this morning about hurricane Frances and I was struck by the question, Why do people still live in Florida?

You run the risk of losing your house, your possessions or even your life. It seems to be a less than hospitable place to live considering Bigger, nastier hurricanes on the rise (http://www.news-leader.com/today/0903-Bigger,nas-170751.html).

And I have been to FL on vacation. I was not impressed and was glad to return home.

I'm just curious why people choose to live there, and choose to stay?

I don't understand it either, but everyone has their own opinion. I am a not a fan of FL in the least. I have had opportunities to live in FL three different occasions and have always found other routes to go. I have visited FL many times. The longest was 1 1/2 months. I just don't like it. I don't think the Hurricanes would bother me too much. I have lived in two different Tornado belts (TX and IN/MI border), Blizzard country (Chicago and IN/MI border), and Earthquake country (Right along the San Andreas fault in the Bay Area CA).

I like it! I too have travelled and I can't handle the snow, at all! And when you live 3/4 of a mile from the beach it almost never rains. There is a lot of sand that gets in your house from out of nowhere but that's OK by me. I grew up in Louisiana and hurricanes are just another storm, that is , unless they are headed straight for you. I like some parts of Texas, but as a whole I wouldn't live there. I'm thinking about Fayatteville AR for my next move but I'll see how much snow they get this year. It is a beautiful place and there is plenty to do, and I've always wanted to live on a hilltop!

FLA is all I've ever known...I figure, if i made it through hurricane andrew, i can make it through anything...lol. It's really not that bad...there is a ton to do here as long as you know where to go. THe only think i dont like is how hot it gets here and how humid it is....and i dont mind not having snow becasue i usually go up north to go snowboarding anyways....plus i always have my vacation home in south carolina, so it's a nice break...but i <3 fla...but then again..i'm deffinatly a southern girl...

People stay primarily for the climate. We have about 9 months of "good" outdoor weather and 3 months of hot/super humid/rainy weather usually in mid-July - mid October. Contrast that to most other areas having fall and winter season with cold weather. The climate is the least restrictive for outdoor activities and the coastline is nearly all beach. Boaters, fishermen love it. The cost of living is average U.S. and there are no state income taxes. We don't have surprise catastrophe things like earthquakes - really and well, it is not that bad. I've been here 25 years now and this is the first bad storm we had (Charlie). Nearly every place has its negatives. People need to think about one thing before they move here - Do you prefer bundling up and the COLD or wearing an hawaiian shirt and sweating for three months?

It's more than just cold.

With the cold comes damage to roads, damage to your houses. You have heating bills that can be enormous. Snow storms on the way to work can be major hassles. You also need a second set of clothing for the winter months, the list goes on.

Also, the sun isn't as bright up north. I got really depressed living in NJ because of it.

Great roads.

:confused: Really? That's the first time I've heard that. So where are all the twisty, turny, hilly, Gap-type roads in Florida?

Or are you using a different definition of "great" than most sports car aficianados? ;)

Regards,
Gordon

My grandmother used to always say "You can put on enough clothes to be warm in the winter, but you can't take off enough clothes to be cool in the summer."

I've been in my house less than 2 years, but I seem to recall that summer A/C results in higher utility bills than winter heat.

Of course I live about as far north as the NC/VA border. I'm not talking about Bismark, ND!

:confused: Really? That's the first time I've heard that. So where are all the twisty, turny, hilly, Gap-type roads in Florida?

Or are you using a different definition of "great" than most sports car aficianados? ;)

Regards,
Gordon


The only place in FL i've been to yet with "good" roads of that type is Tallahassee. However, most of the roads up hear are falling apart. After 23 years in this state I'm ready to leave. i don't plan on goin far but after grad school I'm outta here! Take hurricanes VERY seriously, especially this one. Its more than wind and rain. Most hurricanes CAT3 and higher form continuous spiral bands that spawn microbursts and tornadoes. Just because you aren't in the eye doens't mean your house cant get plowed.

It really doesn't matter where you are in the country, you have to deal with natural disasters. Large brush fires, tonadoes, hurricanes, earthquakes, bitter cold, blizzards, Extreme heat, droughts.....the list goes on. Don't tell me that you live in a place free of any disaster. Let's face it, where nature leaves off, mankind has a knack for filling in the disaster gap.

There have been plenty of hurricanes in FL over the past 100 years, 58 after tomarrow, including the 2 costliest natural disasters or any kind in US history (Andrew 1992 and Charli 2004). Now that this one has disapated alot it won't be as bad as if it hit 3 days ago but don't jugde hurricanes untill you have been through an Andrew.

There are a TON of awsome roads in FLA...esp. near me and a lot of them are back roads so you can do high speed pulls if you feel the need...

also, if anyone in fla cares....there will be NO law enforcement on the roads if winds reach 40mph..so do whatever you want to, but know that if you fuck up...you better pray that you can live until somebody pass's you

The only place in FL i've been to yet with "good" roads of that type is Tallahassee.Almost all the roads are just fine here. There isn't any ice freezing and breaking up the pavement. Most of the bumps you'll find are in the big cities where it's harder to stop traffic and fix things.

It really doesn't matter where you are in the country, you have to deal with natural disasters. Large brush fires, tonadoes, hurricanes, earthquakes, bitter cold, blizzards, Extreme heat, droughts.....the list goes on.
Don't tell me that you live in a place free of any disaster. Let's face it, where nature leaves off, mankind has a knack for filling in the disaster gap.
I lived in Singapore for 6 years. Far as I know, not only is it always in the 80 degree temperature year round, but there are no natural diasters there.

If you want bad roads, head up north, or visit Louisiana.

Hurricanes are overhyped!

No state income tax.

It's 80 in the winter!

Summers are a little hot, but cold is much worse!

I was watching the news this morning about hurricane Frances and I was struck by the question, Why do people still live in Florida? Why do some of us still live in California? No humidity or locusts. If a quake happens, it's usually over before the adrenaline stress peaks. We've been major "quake-less" for a few years now and I just jinxed us. :)

haha, yes you did...earlier in the month i was going, "goodness..why dont we have any hurricanes yet?! I doubt we'll have any" and now look at what is going on....oops!

I've lived in FL now for 6 years. We had Irene in 99 and charlie a few weeks ago and now francis. Thats 3. I wonder what people are doing out in the midwest where they get tornadoes every single season.

Same question can be asked about any place. Any state has some sort of seasonal issue. Just take your pick. Your only wondering about FL right now cause the news is getting blasted with it.

I understand the comparison between hurricanes and tornadoes, although it seems disproportionate.

Charlie-23 killed
Frances-2 million displaced persons

MO tornado fatalities 1961-1990 Avg 2/yr



Good Luck All and keep your heads down (but above the storm surge ;) ).

heh. Frances hasn't displaced a soul. People are moving to avoid the initial landfall, but because it's moving so slowly and wobbling around, they couldn't accurately estimate where it would hit. So they told everyone in the possible strike zone to get out of dodge.

As I type this, the last two days have been some of the clearest and brightest in months.


Also, I heard that one person has died already from Frances.

Hail is overall worse than tornadoes, for most of us midwesterners.

Why do people live in Florida? So they can be 'rite neah da beech.....boyyyyyyiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiieee!'
The moderate temperatures in the south seem flattering, but I think I'd rather be a tad further inland myself.


Why do some of us still live in California?


Yeah, you people are the ones that are REALLY crazy. :)

Almost all the roads are just fine here. There isn't any ice freezing and breaking up the pavement. Most of the bumps you'll find are in the big cities where it's harder to stop traffic and fix things.

I lived in Singapore for 6 years. Far as I know, not only is it always in the 80 degree temperature year round, but there are no natural diasters there.

The "good" roads I was talking about were the twisty ones gord96brg is looking for. FL has great flat roads but not so many hilly, twisty, fun ones.

You've got me on singapore. They are relatively free of weather related natural disasters. But disease and oddly enough a huge rat epidemic have swept the nation before.


Hurricanes are overhyped!


Have you been through a major hurricane?? Nothing about Andrew 12 years was over hyped, neither was Charli. The combined damage likely to be in the 45-55 BILLION dollar range is friggin serious. Captiva Island was cut in half by the storm surge!! There are fates worse than death, and one would be looking at a destructive path 100 times larger than a tornado, but with the same damage. Instantly making 250,000 - 300,000 homeless overnight, and killing dozens of people is not over hyped. Just because you haven't had to experience the unbeleivable power of a 200 year storm, doesn't give you the right to play down the devestation. I would never tell Californians that their fires, mudslides and earthquakes were unimportant and to stop whining about all the death and destruction. Develope some compassion.

The "good" roads I was talking about were the twisty ones gord96brg is looking for. FL has great flat roads but not so many hilly, twisty, fun ones.Yeah, I meant good as in lack of pot holes and other crap. If you want hills, FL is definately the wrong place.

You've got me on singapore. They are relatively free of weather related natural disasters. But disease and oddly enough a huge rat epidemic have swept the nation before.They may have called it an outbreak, but 14 people being infected by some rats doesn't mean much to me. I can safely say I never got the cold even once while living in Singapore. Something I deal with in America every year. I'm not saying it's free from germs though :)

Look up how much drugs/guns/violence/etc are in Singapore. Many dislike Singapore for having no guns, or for what they think is the lack of personal freedom, but you have to keep in mind officials are elected, and asian society is a bit different - it focuses on "us", rather than "me"

http://www.elections.gov.sg/

I've been all over the place, and I always miss Florida, no matter what other will say. Not to say I wouldn't move anywhere else, but Miami always makes me feel warm & fuzzy inside.