Wifey B: Things to love about South Florida, my paradise.
-People wear a lot less clothes. Comfy and good for the view.
-Don't have to drive to the coast. You're there already.
Beaches year round. Sun and fun.
-360 out of 365 days a year are nice. Even if it rains, it's not a freaking cold rain. You don't worry every morning, what is the temp outside, do I need a jacket, coat, what? You have 12 months of spring and summer, not 3 or 6.
-Diversity. People of all races, ethnicity, sexual orientation, national origin. Less prejudice. To an outsider, even the Hispanic population is seen differently as it's seen as one group. Not from the inside. It's from so many different countries. I know people from (or parents from) at least 30 different countries now.
-Boats, boats and boats. Boating capital of the world. Means also any service you want is here.
-Healthy air. Salt water breeze off the ocean good for breathing and refreshing. Hubby's allergies virtually non-existent. Moisture great for your skin.
-Young attitudes even in the old. And Florida is set for the elderly. They're not housebound in the freezing cold somewhere. They play golf year round. They tend their flowers year round. They go for walks year round.
-Tourists. All those things provided for tourists are here for us. Vacation land year round. Nice restaurants. Recreation.
-Special rates at Disney. Lord knows the way their prices have gone up, they are needed.
-Gateway to the seas of the world. We don't have one island off shore. Hundreds, some as close as 50 miles. Each beautiful and different. Wonderful Bahamian people.
-Shortcut to the west coast of FL and the Gulf or long way around. Either way can get there quickly. Easy trip up the coast. We can enjoy the eastern seaboard in the summer and then enjoy home in the continuation of the summer.
-Great community college system. FL, TX, CA, and NC have the best. I see so many kids get a chance for an education here that might struggle to do so elsewhere. They have the schools and the good "summer jobs" but year round jobs for school kids.
-You can move in and be right at home. Not like some areas where the newcomers stand out. You're just one of millions.
Now as to the negatives, there is crime. Every big city has it and we're no exception. The language. We've never had an issue. Never had problems communicating. I do think it's sad that some third generation families are still speaking other languages in the home, a disservice sometimes to their kids just as it is to live in Latin America and not learn English. Rudeness, I take a strong objection to. I've rarely seen it and less than most places. If you experience it then I'd really rethink how I came across that got me treated that way or to feel I was. I don't care if it's here or anywhere else, if you have a problem with an individual, then I understand, maybe they're a jerk. However, if you have a problem with all the people or a large group or community, whether it's here, NYC, France, Nicaragua, or anywhere else, then the first place I'd look is the mirror and how perhaps I was perceived. The roads, no more than any other large areas. Ever do rush hour in Charlotte, NC? The schools in the cities, like most big cities. FLL suffers as so many go to private school. Like most major areas if you have kids, choose where to live based on school systems. Now some areas have great schools. Jupiter, FL wonderful. I wish the public schools were better.
Now, I know the negatives but prefer to focus on the positives. I guess really I don't dislike anywhere. I try to enjoy every place I visit. We've gone to hundreds of places the last 5 years and not a single one I didn't like and didn't like the people.
Now only the OP can decide if it's right for them. Whatever you decide, be comfortable you did what was best for you and make it best by going in positive or staying where you are positive and focusing on all the positives, not the negatives. We said no to a lot of moves, hubby was always being recruited by head hunters but we remained happy and content where we were and we never thought further of the money passed up. We made one move to FLL and we've loved every minute of life here. Whichever decision you make can work and be good and it will work if you make it do so. You will be happy with it, but only you can control that part.
Reminds me of those who retire to the Caribbean. Fall in love with it as it's so calm and peaceful and "so laid back." Most appreciate that and just accept delays sometimes. However, others get upset when people don't hop to it and do things at the speed they want. What part of "laid back" did they not understand? :lol:
Good luck with your decision. Hope, whatever it is, you're as happy with it as we have been with ours. However, ultimately, remember, you control that part.