I was born and raised in Chicago. Spent 55 winters in the Windy City. When I retired I said: NO MORE SNOW! And my kinfolk said: Jeb move away from there!
Since I lived east of the Mississippi River that means Florida. It's a law (If you live west of the Mississippi River you retire to Arizona. Both states have great tax laws, which is important for retirees, no matter how much money you have). Ok, so it's not a law, more like a rule of thumb. But I've only found a few exceptions and that proves the rule. Except for the fact that this night owl had to get used to most of Florida rolling up the sidewalks at 9pm, I've found it's a great place to live because I LOVE seafood. Not a lot of sea in Arizona!
Unfortunately, I also have allergies. Especially pollen. Now in Chicago I just suffered in the Spring for a little while. Here in Florida it's Spring all year. But I'd rather take allergy medicine than deal with snow. And I'd rather have humidity than no moisture at all. So Florida still scores over Arizona.
I come from a large Italian family. So I have a whole passel of relatives scattered all over the state. Including my 90 year old mother who is now head of the clan by simply out living every one else. AND since we are determined to let her die in her own bed, that means we need as many relatives in her support team as possible (No one person can do it by themselves, you need a CROWD!).
So...why only 3 stars? My kids, grandkids, and Lady friend are all back in Chicago! Now my kids and grandkids all visit regularly, but my Lady has 6 kids, 14 grandkids, and 2 great grandchildren of her own in the Chicagoland area. AND since her family is just as important to her as mine is to me (and rightfully so) that means a long distance relationship. At first, I thought this long distance thing would end our connection, but I've been down here 7 years and we're still together, but we both wish we could see each other more often.
No Florida review could be complete without mentioning the drivers. IMO Florida has the worst drivers of any state. Since Florida is #3 in Traffic accidents and Traffic deaths (California & Texas are #1 & #2, and both are larger states with 20 million & 10 million more residents) Florida is #1 in Motorcycle fatalities. I think the numbers back me up. Florida also has some of the LONGEST red lights I've ever seen. Now I'm retired, so it's not like I'm in a hurry. But still.
I'm not going to say anything here about extreme weather like hurricanes, because you get extreme weather no matter where you live. Besides, you don't need me to tell you. If you're conscious, you know.
So if you're thinking of retiring to Florida, and if you've gotten this far, you now know the good, the bad, and the ugly. Stop by and say hi. I'm the one in the beach chair holding a drink. read more