I just got back from vacationing in Tampa...visiting the mother-in-law...
Anyways, I rented a car and I basically took a "cruise" around and I got to say...I LOVE Clearwater and St. Petersburg. I have never seen white sand before until I went to Clearwater beach. I am hooked with Florida and now my wife and I talking about moving out there.

1 - What are some of the "bad" things about Florida?
2 - What are some of the "good" things about FL.?
3 - What is the pay scale for auto technicians out there?

I need some advice before I make the move to "The Sunshine State"...

 

low pay....to many retired people willing to work for less...no unions...

 

1. Hurricanes and you never get to truly see the seasons change like you do up North.
2. The weather most of the year is pretty nice, lots of beaches and other activities to keep you busy.
3. Cant speak for an automotive technician.. but as an Certified car stereo installer I make almost $15 an hour..so if your certified mechanic you should make pretty good money.

I work with several people now who have moved from Chicago to FL and they say it was the best move/ choice they have ever made.

 

i am in texas now...lived in fl for 20 years....motorcoach tech...highest pay in fl 18 dollars...now in texas 25 a hour

 

yes the areas are very nice .......just make sure the pay is right to make the move....i'm only a few hours from daytona...living on the coast is very nice since i grew up in iowa

 

glad to hear
your vaction went well!

i live in Orlando but
just came back from the Tampa/St. Pete/Clearwater area.

i love it and it's worth the 1-1 1/2 drive.

 

1. There actually isn't much to do around here, but then again there are more opportunities here to just go outside and relax. I prefer that.
2. You can defend yourself with lethal force if a felony is in progress and threatens you or people near you! :D You have no "flee first" obligation!

 

[quote="Metro273"]
1 - What are some of the "bad" things about Florida?
2 - What are some of the "good" things about FL.?
3 - What is the pay scale for auto technicians out there?

quote]

1) old people that drive, hurricanes, Love Bugs, crazy humidity

2) there are some very beautiful women who live in Florida, it doesn't snow, great beaches, did I mention the women?

3) you will never get rich working in Florida. cost of living is too low.

 

I tried living down in Jax. this past winter. I now wish I tried to stick it out a little longer, but it just wasn't working out.

I'm in CT, and the pay for an electrician is half what it is here. Gas, car insurance, and apartments are the same or more in Jax. than in CT. Food and utilities are cheaper in Fl.

I would say do a lot research on-line before making your decision. Also, call some local businesses where you are thinking about living, to see what they actually pay. I saw a big difference from what I read on-line and what I was able to make.

There are some great things about Fl., great people in the Scion community, and great weather. I'm going to miss it a lot more when the snow starts flying around here.

 

FL is a nice place for a vacation. If you move here don't expect a perennial vacation that's for tourists.
FL pay is lower, but houses are cheaper to buy or rent and some other things are cheaper too. so if you're an earner it's bad, if you're a spender it's good.
weather is nice in the winter, the summers are long and hot, and then there is the threat of hurricanes. Beaches are nice.
one complaint I often here from new transpalants is "there's nothing to do." not true if you're in Orlando or Miami area, but most of FL is more quiet and laid back.

 

One thing i heard from other people is FLorida is for "people that retiring" which is not true..
FLorida got the best import car show scene, lots of theme park for you to hang out & nice beach.

 

If you decide to move to the Tampa area, be sure to check where the hurricane evacuation zones are. If a large hurricane hits Tampa Bay at the right angle it's possible for most of Clearwater, St. Pete and large parts of Tampa to get flooded Katrina style. We live in the lowest evac zone there is, so every time a storm heads our way we are the first be be told to get out. Here's a list of evac maps.
http://www.tampabays10.com/weather/h...ekit/evac.aspx

I also lived in Orlando for a long time, and would recommend that as well. The down side is that its an hour drive to the beach.
Also, as far as Florida goes, you really gotta like HEAT. Personally, I love it.

 

can't forget the HUMIDITY

 

and mosquitos

 

LOVEBUGS!!!!

 

the lizards crawling around everywhere too. Some of them are freaking HUGE.

 

I don't mind this at all. It's my wife who dreads it if we decide to move out there...

 

i will be moving down there soon!!!

 

Where in Tampa do you live near by? We stayed with my in-laws near Fowler and Nebraska, there is a McDonalds and a Burger King at those cross sections.

 

just move its a fukcnig dream come true- clearwater is awsome