Hi everyone,
It is possible that my wife and I could take an opportunity to relocate to South Florida. I have found myself "between jobs" and she has the ability to work remotely. In addition, I may have to ability to take a gig covering a south Florida area.
We would need to relocate the boat and find a place to keep her there. There wouldn't be an increase in annual income and that worries me some. We could start by living onboard, but I don't think I could do that for more than a few months.
Like many, we have always "dreamed" of pulling up stakes and going south, but now that it is a real possibility, it is kinda scary. I have lived in NC for my entire life and don't know what to expect in such a life-altering relocation.
Do y'all have any pointers or advice that can help us decide?
Thanks,
Tom-
Like any relocation, I'd suggest a trip down for at least a few days. Maybe even talk to a real estate agent, making it clear you're no where close to buying but would like to see what areas and what levels of houses you could get equivalent to what you have. We use to do this with potential new hires in NC.
How far South is your opportunity? A lot of difference between Jupiter and Miami and both are South Florida.
I show a 26% difference in cost of living between Cary, NC and Fort Lauderdale, FL. However, all those calculations take a broad range of items into effect, some of which may not impact you. For instance, they take average commute to work and you might have a short commute. In your specific case the biggest chunks came in house cost or apartment rent. Only way to check that is knowing what house you live in now and what you'd want there. One thing not on these standard calculations is marina slip. We know Fort Lauderdale is much higher. Move a bit up the coast not as bad.
Here's a tool, but use it with great caution.
Cost of Living Calculator - Cost of Living Comparison Index Tool
We used this and other tools occasionally on relocations.
After cost, look at enjoyment. Area. Well, I'd say honestly, Cary has as much big city feel as South Florida. Didn't 20 years ago. Then it was escaping from Raleigh. Last time I was there was about 10 years ago and I was shocked. Hobbies are important and outside interests. Then favored climates. Then recreation. Thoughts about potential retirement. There's a reason people retire to South Florida. Now I'll toss one negative. You live close to one of the top teaching hospitals in the country and to another very good one. We do not have equal in Fort Lauderdale. If I was diagnosed with a serious illness, I'd probably go from here to Duke for a second opinion. Depending on condition, then I might get treatment there or perhaps at Shands (U of FL).
Then look at the opportunity in front of you. Do you think you'd enjoy it as much or more than now? Is it secure. Worst thing in the world is relocating for a job that quickly disappears. In your profession, what would other opportunities be like? For instance, in many jobs they'd be great, but if you were a lawyer, I'd warn you that every lawyer in the NE has tried to get a job here. Kids graduate law school and here they come.
I'm just tossing the type considerations out, trying to get you to think. I'll be glad publicly or privately to answer any questions I can. I moved here from the Lake Norman area and love it here beyond anything I dreamed, but like comparing any two places there are pluses and minuses. I think NYC is wonderful but you need to make 235% of what you do in NC to break even.
