Go Back  British Expats > Living & Moving Abroad > USA
Reload this Page >

Looking to move to Florida

Looking to move to Florida

Old Aug 12th 2019, 3:41 pm
  #1  
Just Joined
Thread Starter
 
Joined: Aug 2019
Posts: 9
ajh_92 is an unknown quantity at this point
Post Looking to move to Florida

Hello,

My wife and I are looking at the possibility to move to Florida, we are most interested in Orlando but not adverse to Tampa. We’ve started to do some intensive research over the last few weeks and am wondering if anyone have any comments on the research but also any advice to consider.

Firstly, it’s probably best if I provide some background information to us both. Myself (Andy), 27, work wise 2 years as a junior BDM and 5 years as a senior BDM as a second tier supplier into the Automotive industry. Qualifications, GSCE’s & College all passed however I did not go onto University and therefore I don’t have a degree. I am considering a degree in business management but haven’t started this yet. Company I work for have a US based office and are interested in transferring my company knowledge in the next few years with what suits there’s and my schedule (Conveniently 6 to 7 years)

My wife (Amanraj – Indian heritage but 3rd generation English), 30, currently working as a private nanny as well as support for children with troubled background (ie parental issues and support needed for the child’s well-being). Like me GCSE’s and College all passed however she also didn’t go onto university. She is enrolling in April 2020 to open university and is planning to complete her course within 4 to 5 years. Originally the she planned to have a degree in child care specialising in children with troubled backgrounds but since these movement plans have gathered more and more momentum she is open to other degrees which will improve her chances of work within the US. She is now considering a junior school (Elementary School) position once qualifications are completed.

We are thinking about this long term so we are looking at potentially moving within the next 6 to 7 years, various reasons why we are attracted to Florida. I do appreciate this is a long time away and whilst a lot can happen in that time, we do not believe it is a decision we can make overnight and some serious thought is needed. Location wise we are mainly interested in Orlando and we have provisionally looked towards Kissimmee, Davenport, Celebration areas, basically anywhere south of downtown Orlando. One of the many pulls we have is the value for money in the housing market, we currently live in Solihull which isn’t the cheapest area but it is where we both grew up and is a nice area. Our current property is a 3 bed semi (101 m² / 1087ft²) for £335k, looking in these areas above you can get 5 bed detached houses (330m² / 3684ft²) with a pool anything from $330k+, we could either go bigger or be mortgage free within 8 to 12 years. If anyone recommends to avoid or look at certain areas then we are open to areas.

Running some rough living budgets estimates from a few weeks wading through google and different searches we have come up with an estimated living budget, based on me, my wife and three kids (This is worst case as we won’t have more than 3 kids). A budget will always vary from person to person or family to family. I’m interested to see if I have missed anything blazingly obvious or a figure is miles of the mark either up or down.

Essentials (Monthly)
  1. Mortgage (Depending on final home) – $1200.00
  2. Home Insurance - $150.00
  3. Health Insurance - $900.00
  4. Life Insurance - $58.33
  5. Utilities (Gas, Electric, Water, Rubbish Collections, Pool) - $300.00
  6. Groceries - $700.00
  7. Sky/Satellite - $80.00
  8. Internet - $70.00
  9. Mobile Phones - $120.00
  10. 2 x Cars (1 Saloon/Sedan, 1 SUV + Insurance) - $1100.00

Non-Essential (Monthly)
  • Annual Passes to Theme Parks (On that, do you find you visit the parks often? Coming out for a holiday it is fairly intense but living it would be far more a novelty, I’d guess maybe once a month visit but interested in first-hand experience) - $475.00
  • 1 Ice Hockey Game per Month (Tampa or Panthers) - $160.00
  • Season Tickets to Orlando SC - $140.00
  • Family Golf Membership (Not at an exclusive course like Bay-Hill (not paying $30k joining fee! I am used to £1200.00 per year for a quality course in the UK!)) - $300.00
  • 1 day out per month (We will do more but for example a trip to the beach is free) - $120.00
  • 1 meal out per month (We generally cook fresh food at home) - $100.00
I appreciate it is quite a detailed post but I thought better than a unenthusiastic post missing most the information.
Any help/comments is appreciated.

Andy
ajh_92 is offline  
Old Aug 12th 2019, 4:03 pm
  #2  
Account Closed
 
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 2
scrubbedexpat099 is an unknown quantity at this point
Default Re: Looking to move to Florida

I have not clue how much things will cost in 7 years time, how could you even know that in the UK?
scrubbedexpat099 is offline  
Old Aug 12th 2019, 4:44 pm
  #3  
Forum Regular
 
sarasota chic's Avatar
 
Joined: Oct 2014
Location: The Florida Panhandle
Posts: 204
sarasota chic has a reputation beyond reputesarasota chic has a reputation beyond reputesarasota chic has a reputation beyond reputesarasota chic has a reputation beyond reputesarasota chic has a reputation beyond reputesarasota chic has a reputation beyond reputesarasota chic has a reputation beyond reputesarasota chic has a reputation beyond reputesarasota chic has a reputation beyond reputesarasota chic has a reputation beyond reputesarasota chic has a reputation beyond repute
Default Re: Looking to move to Florida

Hi AJh 92 before any thoughts of relocation to the USA your company will have to sponsor you for a visa they will have to prove that there is no local person or persons that can do your job. The USA is getting harde and harder to get into especially visa wise.
You mention in your post looking at property if you’re lucky enough to get a visa company transfer you will have zero credit it will take a while to establish your credit.
If you get a transfer with your company what will their relocation package include, will they provide benefits ie health insurance, relocation expenses etc.
Good luck to you.
sarasota chic is offline  
Old Aug 12th 2019, 5:06 pm
  #4  
BE Enthusiast
 
Joined: Feb 2017
Location: Newnan, GA
Posts: 802
robtuck has a reputation beyond reputerobtuck has a reputation beyond reputerobtuck has a reputation beyond reputerobtuck has a reputation beyond reputerobtuck has a reputation beyond reputerobtuck has a reputation beyond reputerobtuck has a reputation beyond reputerobtuck has a reputation beyond reputerobtuck has a reputation beyond reputerobtuck has a reputation beyond reputerobtuck has a reputation beyond repute
Default Re: Looking to move to Florida

On the route in, it seems you have the best prospect given your company is already amenable to the idea and has a USA presence. In the time frame as noted, you could develop a career path towards Management and qualify for the L1A, or with 10+ years of experience the L1B for non-management, or, if they have sufficient interest go straight to the Employment Based Permanent Residency (Green Card).

On the budget side, most of it seems pretty close - you may want to add a bit more on the Utilities given location - the summer months will kill you on the AC front.

You have missed Property Tax. Can't talk about the mortgage assessment without knowing how much you would be financing. If you put down less than 20% you'd have to add in Insurance Premiums for the mortgage.
robtuck is offline  
Old Aug 12th 2019, 6:19 pm
  #5  
Just Joined
Thread Starter
 
Joined: Aug 2019
Posts: 9
ajh_92 is an unknown quantity at this point
Default Re: Looking to move to Florida

Originally Posted by Boiler
I have not clue how much things will cost in 7 years time, how could you even know that in the UK?
We are just looking at estimates and to make sure we haven't missed anything blaringly obvious, off course in 7 years things will change but there will be a level of consistency with inflation/deflation, cost of living may increase (or decrease) but salaries will have a similar pattern, albeit not linear.
ajh_92 is offline  
Old Aug 12th 2019, 6:30 pm
  #6  
Just Joined
Thread Starter
 
Joined: Aug 2019
Posts: 9
ajh_92 is an unknown quantity at this point
Default Re: Looking to move to Florida

Originally Posted by sarasota chic
Hi AJh 92 before any thoughts of relocation to the USA your company will have to sponsor you for a visa they will have to prove that there is no local person or persons that can do your job. The USA is getting harde and harder to get into especially visa wise.
You mention in your post looking at property if you’re lucky enough to get a visa company transfer you will have zero credit it will take a while to establish your credit.
If you get a transfer with your company what will their relocation package include, will they provide benefits ie health insurance, relocation expenses etc.
Good luck to you.
Hi Sarasota_chic, understood and that is something that needs to be considered. Without sounding complacent, because we really aren't been, we would expect the visa to be accepted as with the plans it will create local job opportunities, the product is also specialist which will aid in my favour. Off course this still a hurdle we need to get over. The bigger issue we believe may be with my wife and her visa that's something we need to also interrogate further.

The company have a relocation package which covers moving expenses (ie flights, transport of belongings), assistance in locating a property, temporary accommodation (period is subjective and varies) car rental (again period varies). So within reason all the usual expectations.

Regards mortgages and zero credit, when researching we came across some information regards international credit checks and also using global banking corps such as HSBC. So we believe this could help overcome this hurdle.

Thanks for your response, some additional things for us to consider,

Andy
ajh_92 is offline  
Old Aug 12th 2019, 6:40 pm
  #7  
Just Joined
Thread Starter
 
Joined: Aug 2019
Posts: 9
ajh_92 is an unknown quantity at this point
Default Re: Looking to move to Florida

Originally Posted by robtuck
On the route in, it seems you have the best prospect given your company is already amenable to the idea and has a USA presence. In the time frame as noted, you could develop a career path towards Management and qualify for the L1A, or with 10+ years of experience the L1B for non-management, or, if they have sufficient interest go straight to the Employment Based Permanent Residency (Green Card).

On the budget side, most of it seems pretty close - you may want to add a bit more on the Utilities given location - the summer months will kill you on the AC front.

You have missed Property Tax. Can't talk about the mortgage assessment without knowing how much you would be financing. If you put down less than 20% you'd have to add in Insurance Premiums for the mortgage.
Hi robtuck,

Thanks for the response, I'll look more into the Visa's you've mentioned as from the outside/uneducated view it seems like a real minefield. I'm aware of the Green Card which my understanding is its the ideal route if possible. I also understand a Green Card will allow my wife to work but need to do some further reading on that.

Cheers for the heads up on the other topics will do some further reading. The good thing is unless we've missed something blazingly obvious it all seems well with our budget and we have also put a 10% buffer on the final figure.

Property tax, I assume this is like stamp duty but will look further into it. Mortgage wise we should be looking between 40% to 50% deposit (Obviously depending on the property, market fluctuations both in the UK and US) but if things stayed proportionate as they are now then that's the figures,

Cheers for your comments,

Andy
ajh_92 is offline  
Old Aug 12th 2019, 6:57 pm
  #8  
Account Closed
 
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 2
scrubbedexpat099 is an unknown quantity at this point
Default Re: Looking to move to Florida

These numbers are only relevant in comparison to your income, has your Employer told you what your pay will be. Wonder why they are not providing Health Insurance. Are they expecting Medicare 4 All to be operating then?
scrubbedexpat099 is offline  
Old Aug 12th 2019, 7:17 pm
  #9  
BE Irregular
 
RICH's Avatar
 
Joined: Jan 2004
Location: Tampa Bay Florida
Posts: 4,849
RICH has a reputation beyond reputeRICH has a reputation beyond reputeRICH has a reputation beyond reputeRICH has a reputation beyond reputeRICH has a reputation beyond reputeRICH has a reputation beyond reputeRICH has a reputation beyond reputeRICH has a reputation beyond reputeRICH has a reputation beyond reputeRICH has a reputation beyond reputeRICH has a reputation beyond repute
Default Re: Looking to move to Florida

Originally Posted by ajh_92
Hi robtuck,

Thanks for the response, I'll look more into the Visa's you've mentioned as from the outside/uneducated view it seems like a real minefield. I'm aware of the Green Card which my understanding is its the ideal route if possible. I also understand a Green Card will allow my wife to work but need to do some further reading on that.

Cheers for the heads up on the other topics will do some further reading. The good thing is unless we've missed something blazingly obvious it all seems well with our budget and we have also put a 10% buffer on the final figure.

Property tax, I assume this is like stamp duty but will look further into it. Mortgage wise we should be looking between 40% to 50% deposit (Obviously depending on the property, market fluctuations both in the UK and US) but if things stayed proportionate as they are now then that's the figures,

Cheers for your comments,

Andy
Property tax rate is county specific and is a percentage of property value. Budget around 2% pa ie my $50k house is taxed about a$1000 a year. It will be more in the early years till discounts kick in.
RICH is offline  
Old Aug 12th 2019, 7:35 pm
  #10  
Just Joined
Thread Starter
 
Joined: Aug 2019
Posts: 9
ajh_92 is an unknown quantity at this point
Default Re: Looking to move to Florida

Originally Posted by Boiler
These numbers are only relevant in comparison to your income, has your Employer told you what your pay will be. Wonder why they are not providing Health Insurance. Are they expecting Medicare 4 All to be operating then?
Agreed, the salary for todays market has been discussed and it has been discussed as proportionate to that depending on market trends. Nothing is final yet it will be a few years till all plans are laid out but we still want to get ahead of the game to look at typical living costs, how it differs from the UK and understand more about the decision we could be making.

Health care was discussed as part of the package but we have taken the worst case scenario, so if it wasn't we would fund it ourselves so we have added it to the forecasted budget. If it is part of the package then great.

Andy
ajh_92 is offline  
Old Aug 12th 2019, 7:38 pm
  #11  
Just Joined
Thread Starter
 
Joined: Aug 2019
Posts: 9
ajh_92 is an unknown quantity at this point
Default Re: Looking to move to Florida

Originally Posted by RICH
Property tax rate is county specific and is a percentage of property value. Budget around 2% pa ie my $50k house is taxed about a$1000 a year. It will be more in the early years till discounts kick in.
Cheers Rich, I will see if my wife put it under the mortgage payment as one. If not we can add it in,

Andy
ajh_92 is offline  
Old Aug 12th 2019, 9:13 pm
  #12  
Forum Regular
 
Joined: Jan 2017
Location: Nottingham UK to Boston MA to Orlando FL
Posts: 185
jammiie has a reputation beyond reputejammiie has a reputation beyond reputejammiie has a reputation beyond reputejammiie has a reputation beyond reputejammiie has a reputation beyond reputejammiie has a reputation beyond reputejammiie has a reputation beyond reputejammiie has a reputation beyond reputejammiie has a reputation beyond reputejammiie has a reputation beyond reputejammiie has a reputation beyond repute
Default Re: Looking to move to Florida

I (29M) and my wife (29F) did basically the same move two years ago (albeit via a short stay in Boston at first) on the L1 visa. We initially rented in Celebration but then purchased a house in Winter Garden last year.

In my opinion, there is very little point in me going through your budgetary figures with a fine-tooth comb at this time as things will fluctuate so much in 6-7 years. You need to ask the same questions here again nearer the time. The only comment I would make is that there is no way I would move here without comprehensive health insurance. To say that you'll just cover those costs yourself is nieve and isn't remotely the same thing as paying for private coverage in the UK. Without employer-based coverage, you'll be paying thousands of dollars per month, plus whatever it costs when you actually need to use any service.
jammiie is offline  
Old Aug 12th 2019, 10:17 pm
  #13  
Deep in the woods of CT
 
Nutmegger's Avatar
 
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 6,999
Nutmegger has a reputation beyond reputeNutmegger has a reputation beyond reputeNutmegger has a reputation beyond reputeNutmegger has a reputation beyond reputeNutmegger has a reputation beyond reputeNutmegger has a reputation beyond reputeNutmegger has a reputation beyond reputeNutmegger has a reputation beyond reputeNutmegger has a reputation beyond reputeNutmegger has a reputation beyond reputeNutmegger has a reputation beyond repute
Default Re: Looking to move to Florida

Originally Posted by ajh_92
Health care was discussed as part of the package but we have taken the worst case scenario, so if it wasn't we would fund it ourselves so we have added it to the forecasted budget. If it is part of the package then great.

Andy
$900 is far from a worst case scenario for two adults and the three children you are contemplating. Is FL where the business is located? If not, and you are able to choose, there are many states with better-rated school systems than FL.
Nutmegger is offline  
Old Aug 13th 2019, 12:27 am
  #14  
Account Closed
 
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 0
scrubbedexpat097 has a reputation beyond reputescrubbedexpat097 has a reputation beyond reputescrubbedexpat097 has a reputation beyond reputescrubbedexpat097 has a reputation beyond reputescrubbedexpat097 has a reputation beyond reputescrubbedexpat097 has a reputation beyond reputescrubbedexpat097 has a reputation beyond reputescrubbedexpat097 has a reputation beyond reputescrubbedexpat097 has a reputation beyond reputescrubbedexpat097 has a reputation beyond reputescrubbedexpat097 has a reputation beyond repute
Default Re: Looking to move to Florida

If there is a way to get by with $300 a month for all utilities I want to know how. Electricity usage in the summer months can be horrendous when temps hit triple digits and the A/C never shuts down! Water, sewer and trash are not cheap either. And if you have a pool... Yep, I think you have definitely underestimated that one.
scrubbedexpat097 is offline  
Old Aug 13th 2019, 12:42 am
  #15  
BE Irregular
 
RICH's Avatar
 
Joined: Jan 2004
Location: Tampa Bay Florida
Posts: 4,849
RICH has a reputation beyond reputeRICH has a reputation beyond reputeRICH has a reputation beyond reputeRICH has a reputation beyond reputeRICH has a reputation beyond reputeRICH has a reputation beyond reputeRICH has a reputation beyond reputeRICH has a reputation beyond reputeRICH has a reputation beyond reputeRICH has a reputation beyond reputeRICH has a reputation beyond repute
Default Re: Looking to move to Florida

Originally Posted by Sugarmooma
If there is a way to get by with $300 a month for all utilities I want to know how. Electricity usage in the summer months can be horrendous when temps hit triple digits and the A/C never shuts down! Water, sewer and trash are not cheap either. And if you have a pool... Yep, I think you have definitely underestimated that one.
S'pose it varies but I have $35/month for water/sewer/trash and not much more than $150 electric, in summer most of which is A/C. I have no pool.
RICH is offline  

Contact Us - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Terms of Service -

Copyright © 2024 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. All rights reserved. Use of this site indicates your consent to the Terms of Use.