wanting to Move to Florida About This Page:

[graygables]

I moved here a bit by accident, a bit by design.

I came down for an internship at WDW which became a job which became a career, so I stayed. I have to be honest, FL is NOT on my list of places where I ever wanted to live. The ONLY reason I live here is to work at WDW. I don't have to worry about schools so that isn't part of my equation.

I heartily agree that it is vital to have a plan/job in place before moving. It is EXPENSIVE for housing, particularly rentals.

I MISS the snow. A lot. I miss seasons and leaves changing and cooler temperatures and sweaters and slipper socks. There are times we turn down the A/C just to be able to wear flannel jammie pants for an evening.

It is also VERY multicultural/diverse, so depending on what you are accustomed to, can be a bit of a shock. Add in the "tourist" factor and you don't even want to leave the house during Spring Break or Summer or Holiday Weeks when I4 becomes a parking lot and it can take hours to get to a doctor's visit.

Obviously, you can make it work, but I think it's good to come with realistic expectations and a plan. Some pixie dust helps, too.

[mamasann]

Ok.... I'm a transplanted Pittsburgher. I wouldn't move back! Now, I don't live near WDW, I'm in the panhandle. We have a lot of military in our area and are handy to Eglin AFB which is the largest freestanding military base in the US. I Love it here!! Even DH has adjusted to the heat as best he can. We go back every now and again to visit family and are relieved to get back to Florida. We've only evacuated once for a hurricane since 1983. The schools are Good!! Now, we're a good 6-7 hr drive from WDW. But if you want to move south, remember that Florida is a large state and Orlando isn't the only city. Look into the Jacksonville area, our northwest Florida area, perhaps Ocala., some of the places that would offer better employment opportunities. Do we got hot hot weather...oh yes we do. Have I had to shovel snow in the past several years???....Nope!! Oh, and I still watch my Steelers during football season. So it's a win win for me.