Florida - apologies in advance for the fairly obvious first post content
 

Firstly where's better Gulf of Mexico side or Atlantic? Secondly house price crash, myth or reality? Searching craigslist etc can't believe some of the value available for approx. $400K. Would anyone recommend leasing for a year to see if you settle in OK? Moving from the UK.
Any other; tips, links, advice etc. on moving to the area gratefully received.

Re: Florida - apologies in advance for the fairly obvious first post content
 

RAAAAYYYY!!!!!!

Re: Florida - apologies in advance for the fairly obvious first post content
 

As a general rule, I recommend renting for at least a few months whenever you move, even if it is from one city to another city within the US. There are simply so many variables you cannot know until you live in an area for a few days, weeks, etc. The real estate websites simply don't tell you enough information (also recommend http://www.realtor.com/)

Things like:

Is it next to a firestation where the sirens go off every night?
How far to the grocery: liqour: pub: school: doctor: mall: movies, etc?
How bad is the traffic nearby?
Who lives in the neighborhood (habla espanol?)
Is it downwind of a sewage plant (yea, that happens)

etc etc etc.

And then there the whole "WTF was I thinking moving to this country" event that will happen in a few months.

Re: Florida - apologies in advance for the fairly obvious first post content
 

You rang .....

which side ??? north or south ??...
So much would depend on you own likes/dislikes
impossile to say ...I'm central west ...but there are people
that would like to live in Orlando .. (yes really)

and of course housing costs .... taking say Tampa on the gulf coast
as a central point the further south you go ..it get more expensive

go north from Tampa and the price go down..

house price crash, myth or reality....reality ...... property taxes and Insurance has rocketed..

look through www.realtor.com

Renting for a year may be good if you have no idea
where you want to be ... but for most people
their job would give them an area ..then I would say just get
a monthly vacation rental...to look around ..

You say you are moving from the UK ...
what visa would you be using !!!

Re: Florida - apologies in advance for the fairly obvious first post content
 

careful OP - his bark is worst than his bite... but from what I've heard he gives a NASTY suck.

Re: Florida - apologies in advance for the fairly obvious first post content
 

LOL..actually my bite is worse than my bark ....

Re: Florida - apologies in advance for the fairly obvious first post content
 

Another factor to take into consideration is which side is more prone to extreme weather, e.g. hurricanes, flooding. This will impact on the cost of home insurance.

Re: Florida - apologies in advance for the fairly obvious first post content
 

Hey, no chatting about hurricanes! I am coming to Florida for a cruise first week in October:p

Re: Florida - apologies in advance for the fairly obvious first post content
 

And which would you say is the more prone side ...

Actually the Insurance is more interested in where the sink holes appear nowadays ..

Re: Florida - apologies in advance for the fairly obvious first post content
 

Ray, that little dog must be worn out, let him nap!:zzz:

Re: Florida - apologies in advance for the fairly obvious first post content
 

He is on duracell ...

Re: Florida - apologies in advance for the fairly obvious first post content
 

More like Viagra!:blink:

Re: Florida - apologies in advance for the fairly obvious first post content
 

Thanks for the replies guys, I'm convinced (as are others) that I can set up a US version of my UK internet based business which has a good USP and is now well established - well as much as trading since 2002 (cash positive since 2004) gets you. Whilst a lot can be done virtually, and yes Delaware looks attractive etc.;) it sitll requires representation IMHO.

Been scouring the web and wondered if I'm being seduced by what looks like incredible value for money, compared to what's on offer in the UK for the same money it doesn't compare.

Perhaps leasing a place for a year on a tourist visa, whilst exploring the state and perhaps venturing further afield, whilst we decide if we prefer living there might be the best strategy. Monthly rentals look expensive to me. Plenty of deals about where the developer will reduce the price by the lease payments at the end of the term, if you then want to buy.

Fortunate in a sense that we could buy something modest without having to sell the UK house so have the opportunity to hedge my bets. I'm 42 with two teenagers and one 6 year old so the gamble needs to be limited in some ways.

Re: Florida - apologies in advance for the fairly obvious first post content
 

You want to sort your visa out, that's what will kill off post peoples dreams.

You also need to be aware how crap the education can be in FL depending on the area, it's not a retirement state for a reason...also house insurance, can you even get it in the areas your interested in? and how much? because it's bloomin' expensive, same with car insurance etc, etc.

Welcome to BE though :)

Re: Florida - apologies in advance for the fairly obvious first post content
 

No, it is crap in FL fullstop!

You cannot get a tourist visa for a year, only six months if not on Visa Waiver and even then it is tough and not many VWP countries get it unless they're wrinklies.

Re: Florida - apologies in advance for the fairly obvious first post content
 

But don't you think that if he explains that he and his family are looking to emigrate to FL, the nice chaps in Grosvenor Square will be happy to accommodate him? :blink:

Re: Florida - apologies in advance for the fairly obvious first post content
 

Hasn't even got a Nandos:ohmy:

Re: Florida - apologies in advance for the fairly obvious first post content
 

Like Bob says...have you have any idea what visa you will be applying for? This could be very important...especialy with teenage children.

Re: Florida - apologies in advance for the fairly obvious first post content
 

Did the US join the EU?

Did I miss it?

Re: Florida - apologies in advance for the fairly obvious first post content
 

I meant the education but yeah, no Nandos means it is crap! Hopefully, not for long though! With the amount of South Africans and Brits here, I think they won't lose any money :rofl:

Re: Florida - apologies in advance for the fairly obvious first post content
 

My step daughter just leaned over my shoulder and said - what's that little doggy doing? Granma's dog does that. Oh dear. Bedtime kiddo. :rofl:

Re: Florida - apologies in advance for the fairly obvious first post content
 

Under what you describe ..you have little chance ...
perhaps an E-2 visa ..if you invest in a business
But read thru this ..

There are basically NINE ways that you can get a visa to live and work in the US:
(1) Marriage (or engagement in anticipation of marriage) to a US citizen.

(2) You have skills that are in short supply in the US e.g. scientific or medical training. A degree is normally a must. Or you have superior specialist skills with at least 12 years experience.

(3) You have an Employer who is willing to transfer you - but even the employer has to make a good case for you - so you have to be a manager unless you fall under category (2) above.

(4) You may get a Green card in the diversity lottery (UK citizens, except N.Ireland, are not generally eligible unless you, your spouse or parents were born abroad or held a different citizenship.

(5)You own or buy business (does not get you permanent resident status i.e. no green card)You must be a national of a qualifying Treaty countries
The business must have a minimum value of around $150k (more the better) bearing in mind you will need somewhere to live and with any startup business you will need at least 2 years living money as back up. So a figure of $400k would be a nearer minimum

(6)You are an "investor" i.e. you have at least US $1m in assets to bring with you. half of that in a few areas. And your background will be investigated to the hilt.

(7)You have a close relative (mother, father, brother, sister and no further) who is an US citizen who would sponsor you, approx time this take 2-12 years…

(8.The R1 visa is available to foreign members of religious denominations, having bona fide non-profit religious organizations in the U.S., for entering the U.S. to carry on the activities of a minister or religious worker as a profession, occupation or vocation

(9)THE UNUSUAL You are in a position to claim refugee status/political asylum. or You get a member of Congress to sponsor a private bill with legislation that applies just to you.
The S visa issued to persons who assist US law enforcement to investigate and prosecute crimes and terrorist activities such as money laundering and organized crime


Recruitment agent will not take you seriously if you are not already in the US. Writing for jobs is really a waste of time; likewise US employers have no idea what foreign qualification are or mean (except Degrees) it may pay you to get your qualification translated into a US equivalent, there are Companies that do this ..
But if you are getting a visa under (2) above then you need a job offer before you can get the visa. Your Employer will be your sponsor this will cost them upward of $5k. So you can see you have to be offering something really special to get considered They may also have to prove to the Dept of labor that there is no American who can do the job if the position is to be permanent
© Originator.. Pulaski
Updater.. Ray 7/23/05

Re: Florida - apologies in advance for the fairly obvious first post content
 

route 5 is a doddle, also could alway buy a place for $400K cash, but as per the original post I want to avoid immersing ourselves in the country until w'ere happy it works. thanks anyway;)

Re: Florida - apologies in advance for the fairly obvious first post content
 

Route 5 doesn't get you permanent resident status, neither does paying 400k for a house, cash or otherwise.
After having lived here for 3 years I'd seriousley counsel against Florida, its by no means a great place to live. I'd also seriousley look at the healthcare issue before coming out here, it can get seriousley expensive.

Re: Florida - apologies in advance for the fairly obvious first post content
 

Well I like it .....

Re: Florida - apologies in advance for the fairly obvious first post content
 

Fair play to you Ray, its just never really been right for me.

Re: Florida - apologies in advance for the fairly obvious first post content
 

One more thing about no 5...once children reach 21 they have to leave the US.

Re: Florida - apologies in advance for the fairly obvious first post content
 

Of course we all have different outlooks
I could be happy virtually anywhere I think

All I need is good weather a coffee pot and my ciggies ...

Re: Florida - apologies in advance for the fairly obvious first post content
 

Not neccesarily....

Re: Florida - apologies in advance for the fairly obvious first post content
 

Accepting that its all subjective .. would you mind expanding on that statement?

Re: Florida - apologies in advance for the fairly obvious first post content
 

Do you have a spouse? If not, marry in! :p

Re: Florida - apologies in advance for the fairly obvious first post content
 

:ohmy: lol

I do find it odd how people get this far down the line of these thought processes without having looked at the VISA issue.

Family and friends included. My brother is most of the way through moving a venture to the US and 3 of the 5 Brits involved who are still in Britain (one married into Denver) are all talking about moving over, with kids in tow, with no knowledge of US immigration whatsoever. Yet they are all successful, intelligent businessmen.

:confused:

Re: Florida - apologies in advance for the fairly obvious first post content
 

On the British TV programs folk just decide they want to live in the US...buy an air ticket and Bob's your uncle...if they can do it everyone can. :D

Re: Florida - apologies in advance for the fairly obvious first post content
 

Because intelligent and successful businessmen didn't design our lousy immigration system? :p

Re: Florida - apologies in advance for the fairly obvious first post content
 

(Meeeeeeeeee...............) Shelllllllllllll !!!

Why doesn't she come on here and explain how she did it... :lol:

Re: Florida - apologies in advance for the fairly obvious first post content
 

Ton of truth in that ... spose they look at it logically, expecting it to make good business sense and find it to be ****ed.

Re: Florida - apologies in advance for the fairly obvious first post content
 

Erm guys, love the way this thread has meandered and some of the 'help' on offer is fascinating. If I came over on a temporary basis, rented/leased for a while, then the family tried it out and liked it, assuming also that the business was a success, we'd then think of perhaps making the move permanent. This isn't if the 'country' likes us and is somehow 'doing us a favour', it's the other way around surely? Could always buy and keep the place as a holiday home (after the price crash has settled), lots of options...

Re: Florida - apologies in advance for the fairly obvious first post content
 

We can come over on a 90 day visa waiver for a vacation ..thats it ...
you cannot work while you are here...
You can buy property anytime ..but it give you no right to use it ..
With young children its unlikely you will be given a 180 day B-2 visa ..but it worth a try ..

Why would you be doing the US A favor !!

Re: Florida - apologies in advance for the fairly obvious first post content
 

So you can set up a business but not work for that business? How strange

Re: Florida - apologies in advance for the fairly obvious first post content
 

The trouble is that you can only stay in the US for three months at a time and must leave for at least that amount of time before you can re-enter and you cannot work here, not even if you are paid in the UK and the money stays there.

The reality is that the US has more potential immigrants than it can accept and by not enforcing laws to prevent illegal immigration, already has a crisis on its hands with what to do about at least 12 million workers. The businesses that are already here have cheap labour through illegal and legal (temporary) immigration from countries like Mexico (former) and India and China (latter). Don't take this personally -- a lot of people like you used to come over and set up small businesses but so many did so that the government strongly tightened the rules for doing so, to the point that it's not worth it for most people.