Really? How is your living down there compared to up here if you don't mind
After dealing with cold, snowy winters for 18 years, I sure have been enjoying the past two versions of "winter" that Florida offers. I'm down here for college, and while although it may be different than owning a house, I guess most of the same rules apply. Cost of living, as I mentioned before, seems to stand out the most. Everything from the price of food, to gas, to houses (I did not know that houses under 500k existed, seriously. Now I see sub 200k daily.), entertainment, is significantly cheaper. It is nice to take my girlfriend out to the movies and dinner for about half the price than it would cost back home.
Traffic on major roads seems less, unless its rush hour, but that may just be because they are pathetic drivers...onto that! Florida drivers are
the worst I have ever seen in my life. I've only been driving for about five years, but in the two I've spent in Florida, I have been in so many near-accidents. People here just do not pay attention and do not follow the law-- be it from right of way laws to running red lights. In Jersey, this was seldom. The police are very strict where I am. I have had friends pulled over for doing 48 in a 45 and ticketed.
People here are incredibly disrespectful towards property. My car was brand new and flawless until I came down here. I took the same care of it here as I did 1000 miles north. It now has dings, scratches, and I even was backed into and the driver just left. I go out of my way to keep my car in good condition, such as parking in the back of a lot. I come out to find a 1980 barely-running Civic (or other POS) parked 6 inches from my door. Is that supposed to be funny? I am from Middletown, NJ-- a much safer place than any part of Florida could hope to be. So the lifestyle change in regards to personal security was new to me.
The weather is phenomenal though, especially in the winter. I'd say it's usually 70s in the day, and 50s at night. Some odd days are in the 50s and low 30s at night, but not too many of those. Summer was way too hot until I got used to it. The daily thunderstorms can be a hassle sometimes, but not that big of a deal...
Flying is nice, but even more terrainless than NJ. The controllers are a lot more accommodating down here than the EWR, JFK, LGA, PHL group. No problems with them. Watch out for the foreign student pilots though, as said before, they are here to get you killed.
I do enjoy living here, especially for the weather. Otherwise, if you have any specific questions, let me know.
