Pulaski

You clearly have more in common with those of us who came to the US on an L-1, where you typically have no, or very little, choice as to where in the US you live, than those who obsess about living in Florida.

In your shoes I would jump at the chance of the transfer, if it was a good career move, or for the experience of living in the US, but not worry too much about what Florida is like compared to other states. Then arrive with an open mind.

You may love it, or you may find all manner of frustrations and irritations, which might be specific to Florida (e.g. you have to leave the AC running frequently, even when you're away, to control the indoor humidity and stop mold growing on the walls and furniture) or ubiquitous to the US (e.g. the quality of house construction and related infrastructure, AC, wiring, plumbing, etc., is utter crap, and maintaining your home is a relentless and expensive process), that you would never even dream of as a visitor, but you won't know until you try it.

MrsT3030

Thank you for this, this is very true. I don't have an option of where to go, this is my only option. My real life long dream has been to experience life abroad and this does look like it may be my chance.

I have to confess, while i understand the humidity is hard, I am someone for whom the English winters are just awful. I am cold ALL the time and I find it very miserable. There is something appealing about leaving that behind for a while. I am making sure I don't let that cloud my judgment for the bigger picture though. Lots to think about and it's still only a 'maybe' at the moment anyway. I will know more by the end of the week but wanted to start learning a little more in the meantime.

Pulaski

I have added a little to my post above.

RICH

I agree, grab this opportunity with both hands. With an L visa - you can potentially get a Green card & then citizenship, then the US whole is your oyster.

I ended up here through marriage to a local - never had any interest in USA before, but making the move was perhaps best thing I ever did, even though the marriage did not last.

scrubbedexpat099

That depends, I am sure there are Houses like that but not all are.

scrubbedexpat099

I do not live there and have not been there, but lets say you were moving to my State if you could, then my experience would be very different to you moving with children and work.

Pulaski

True, but a lot of houses in Florida get thrown up very quickly. The iffy Chinese drywall (plasterboard) a few years ago was primarily an issue in Florida.

chawkins99

Humidity can be a problem dependent on location. We are a mile from the Gulf. We previously lived in central Alabama and I think it's less humid here.

True but pretty low risk. Plus, there's risk everywhere. If not hurricanes, tornadoes (most of the mid-states), earthquakes, forest fires, drought. Most of the east coast is also subject to hurricanes.
Choose your location wisely. We were careful to avoid flood zones. Although a mile from the water, it would take a 40ft storm surge to reach us.

We've not experienced the school system here. Our daughter schooled in Alabama and emerged with a Bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice.

Again, depends on location. We're on a half-acre lot and viewed numerous houses with land (up to 10 acres). We compromised on half an acre to be closer to the water.

...and water. My daily commute takes me over several miles of bridges with some awesome views. This last week, I've been watching the sun rise across the water as I drove to work.

This...
We have a pool. If I'm doing yard work, it usually consists of 30 minutes work followed by 30 minutes in the pool.

Due diligence. Do your research and get a FULL home inspection.

Yes, we have mosquitoes but the local utilities spray weekly during peak season which does a good job of keeping them in check even though our property backs onto woodland. It doesn't stop us enjoying the outdoors.

Never seen an alligator but we do have bears (have seen a couple). Also, snakes, squirrels, opossum and I think this morning I saw a fox.

I hate the cold. I would rather take the Florida summers than the Colorado winters.

scrubbedexpat099

What about North Carolina winters? Mr P's location.

Geordie George

Just jmping in from the Aus forum to throw something in about moving to a warmer climate. My part of Aus (Sydney) doesn't get horribly cold in winter - average of about 16c, min temps of about 9c. But, by far, it feels like the coldest place I've ever lived. I hate, hate, hate Sydney winters. You get used to warm weather (like today, where it's a perfect 27c); winters feel cold. And, like US houses by the sound of it, construction aint what it is in Blighty. Houses feel cold - typically minimnal heating and bugger all insulation. Just aware that you may feel colder in Florida than you do in the UK.

Pulaski

Are you on some sort of frickin' commission from the NC Realtors Association?

scrubbedexpat099

Just trying to push up your property investment.

chawkins99

I daresay I would enjoy NC if I lived there but they're still 30 degrees colder than where I am right now. Only time I've been there was on a working trip. No time for sight-seeing.

Like the OP, I see all of the negative threads about Florida and just don't get it.

Colorado scenery is breath-taking. I just couldn't cope with the winters. Actually, I would cope with it if I had to (but wouldn't enjoy it).

scrubbedexpat099

Nearly made freezing today!

Overcast, very windy and snow in the air. Walking the Pooch on sheet ice was no fun.

Pulaski

As I see it on BE, it's all about providing balance to people's information for decision making. I am one of many people who love living in America, and have zero intention of leaving, but when people come here with some rosy-eyed view of what living in NY, California, Texas, Arizona, Florida, or any other state, I think the value we can add is to say "yes, but, have you thought of .....?, You should be aware of ..... etc.

And in my opinion there are more negatives than positives about Florida, but that's just me. That's not to say there are no positives as I am sure there are many, but honestly, most people who come here blathering on about moving to Florida already know all the actual positives, and sometimes have a few bogus ones too!

And BTW it doesn't matter to me how much you protest about the low Hurricane risk, it is immeasurably higher than where I live. The last one here was in 1988, and that was talked about so much because that was the only one in decades. I couldn't even tell you when the one before that was. Unless you live next to a creek or river there is also pretty much zero risk of flooding, and despite what Rete said today, and IIRC Nutmegger, or was it WEBlue said previously, the risk of tornadoes where I live is also effectively zero ..... "tornadoes" here pull a limb off a tree, remove the guttering or remove a few shingles from the roof, they don't flip cars or demolish houses. Yes, down in SC, or further east in NC, or to the west of the Appalachians there can be dangerous tornadoes, but not here at Pulaski Manor.