Hey Florida People Look HERE!!!!

[PythonChick]

My fiance and I are SERIOUSLY considering moving down to Florida. I just wanted to know a few things as we continue our research on moving down there from New York...

1) How much $$ do ya thing we should save up before we come down? Do you thing $5,000 is a good start? [img]modules/Forum/images/smiles/icon_eek.gif[/img]

2) I would assume the jobs in biology would be easier to find down there...is this correct?

3) Where is a good apartment community that itsn't going to break the bank around the Ft. Lauderdale area? I'd like it to include some utilities. [img]modules/Forum/images/smiles/icon_biggrin.gif[/img]

4) How do you feel about the economy down there? In NY, it SUX. [img]modules/Forum/images/smiles/icon_evil.gif[/img] We can't find jobs for crud. But I figure it might be better there for my field. My fiance is in Graphic/Web Design.

Any other info you all could contribute would be VERY helpful!!! I know there are a lot of Floridians on this site...so, PLEASE lend a hand!! [img]modules/Forum/images/smiles/icon_smile.gif[/img]

Thanks a lot!!

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I used to live in Florida, does that count?

I definitely wouldn't come down with less that $2500. That's what I had in the mid 90's when I lived in Orlando. That covered damage deposits, first month's rent and all these other "fees" you never think of.

www.rent.net (old link, but should forward your to the current one) lists a ton of apartments for every city in the US and Canada, you can compare online, narrow it down and check out the finalists when you get to Florida.

The Economy sucks period. I wouldn't plan to move somewhere with out scouting the job market FIRST. www.monster.com and all those good sites.

Florida is hot, all the time. If your car doesn't have a/c, better trade it in now for one that does.

Florida has no state income tax [img]modules/Forum/images/smiles/icon_biggrin.gif[/img]

Florida has a lot of uninsured drivers, so make sure your policy includes coverage for being in a wreck with an uninsured driver.

Florida is hot, all the time, did I mention that? even in January it gets in the 60's, at least it did in Orlando and if I remember correctly, Ft. L is at least as far south as the Big O, and actually further.

If you can hack the heat, it's a great state for herps!
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[slaponte]

Well, here is some info.

I just got an apartment a few months ago. I pay $1K for a 2 bedroom/2bath with a balcony. On the month I moved in they had a special NO deposit, NO month ahead, so I just payed 1 month and I got the keys. Most people here are buying. Prices are still low and you can get a nice (3BR/2Bath) for $100K. The payments would be under $1K/mo...

Utilities : water is included on most apartments, and garbage. Power? I run $120/mo with all the lamps for the snakes, etc. A/C uses a lot, so it depends on how much you run the A/C. I pay Cable+DSL at $99/mo.

Jobs. I am in the computer field, jobs are ok. On the Biology field, not so sure. You will find salaries are lower than in NY, but consider cost of living is way lower here.

Gasoline is going for about $1.45/gal. (some more, some less)

BTW, I am in Miami. Florida is big, and there are lots of places much more economical. You mentioned Ft. Lauderdale, which is not bad either. Up in Boca Raton and West Palm expect to pay way more.

Consider also your point of reference. I came from California, so I find everything in Miami is cheap. Coming from NY you will also find everything affordable here.

If you have particular questions feel free to email me or post.
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[Bry]

<TABLE BORDER=0 ALIGN=CENTER WIDTH=85%><TR><TD><font class="pn-sub">Quote:</font><HR></TD></TR><TR><TD><FONT class="pn-sub"><BLOCKQUOTE> Florida is hot, all the time, did I mention that? </BLOCKQUOTE></FONT></TD></TR><TR><TD><HR></TD></TR></TABLE>

Gee, I never thought I'd hear this coming from a Canuck who moved to Florida. [img]modules/Forum/images/smiles/icon_razz.gif[/img]

June, I've been looking for apartments myself (lately in the Raleigh, NC area). I used to go to www.apartments.com but they kind of sucked for finding cheaper apartments and apts. in small areas, but you might have better luck. I've had much better luck with www.homestore.com. Also if you go to www.petfinder.org and go to the library link on the right column on the home page, you'll find some links in there to sites that point you to a bunch of pet-friendly apartments. Best of luck. [img]modules/Forum/images/smiles/icon_smile.gif[/img]

Bry

_________________
&quot;Silly kids, rabbits are for snakes!&quot;

&quot;I got a pet cactus in the bathroom. But we don't got nothing to say to each other.&quot; - Walter Matthau

[PythonChick]

Thanks for all the great info guys!

I can handle the heat. Both of our cars have great a/c! [img]modules/Forum/images/smiles/icon_smile.gif[/img]

We've been scouting around for jobs. I've already applied to a few places, and now that we're more serious about it, I'll start getting contacts for more places.

I've already checked out sun-sentenital.com for some apartments. Since a friend of mine lives in Ft. Lau. She reccomended it. They see to include gas and garbage.

What would water cost?

Are there any other &quot;things&quot; that we should be looking out for? Are there some chains of apartments that should not be considered? I know there are some here in NY that are definetly not kosher. [img]modules/Forum/images/smiles/icon_biggrin.gif[/img]


I know that once we get down there life will be totally different! I REALLY need a change in life NOW, but funds do not permit the move just yet. We are now figuring that if we save up until January that would be better. More money for us to have &quot;just in case&quot;. If ya know what I mean. I hear that those &quot;extra fees&quot; can build up quite fast.

Also, slaponte, you mentioned that you didn't have to pay the deposit, month ahead, etc. Is there a time of year that they do that? I've seen the &quot;special&quot; deals on-line before. I guess they really are OK and not a hoax. [img]modules/Forum/images/smiles/icon_smile.gif[/img]

Let me know all you can!! Thanks for everything. I'll be keeping everyone updated as things progress! Hopefully I can meet some of you southern herpers soon!!

Thanks again!!
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[slaponte]

Water could be $8 or $10 a month, unless you have a running toilet and you get a $2,000 bill... [img]modules/Forum/images/smiles/icon_rolleyes.gif[/img]

No, the no dept/no sec are not a hoax. I am living in one. A wonderfull place, with pool, great apartment, at 1,000 sq feet, 2 bedroom with individual baths. Swimming pool, sauna, exercise room, gated comunity and they allow pets (deposit IS required for pets like dogs and cats). The snake and fish do NOT count as pets. Extremely cool place. Also, they can sign a 7 month lease so you don't feel trapped for a year. Of course, you get a discount if you sign for a year.

ANd this is a medium expense unit. They have cheaper. But I moved here from a house and I am used to more space.

This is down in the Kendall area, SW of Miami. FT Lauderdale is north of Miami.

I don't know of any particular &quot;chain&quot; to avoid. When I moved here from California I rented the apartment long distance, didn't have a problem either.

Hey, listen, if you want I can grab some of those local apartment listing booklets and send them US Mail to you...
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[Dr.Oviparous]

Well, they pretty much got it covered before I could get here, but I'm in FL. also [img]modules/Forum/images/smiles/icon_smile.gif[/img] . they're right about the heat! being from Colorado originally I'll tell ya, it IS hot! it's not like a dry Arizona heat, it's a wet, swampy heat. but hey, 110 degrees is 110 degrees humidity or not [img]modules/Forum/images/smiles/icon_eek.gif[/img] . I'm a lot more north than FT. L, and in a much smaller town, but FL is nice, it's the EXACT opposite of CO, but it's still nice. for $$$ comparison, I pay $500 a month for 1 B/B. the complex pays everything but utilities, so thats nice. reptiles require no deposite either, and they even let me use the maintenance &quot;shop&quot; to build cages! [img]modules/Forum/images/smiles/icon_eek.gif[/img] . have fun when ya get here! feel free to look me up on your way through, I'm probably on the way [img]modules/Forum/images/smiles/icon_biggrin.gif[/img] . -Juggalo
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[PythonChick]

Hey Slaponte:

Could you send me some of the booklets!? That would be really awesome!! I'd really appreciate it!!

I'll send you an e-mail with my address. Let me know if you want me to pay the shipping. I don't know how big they get, but I'm sure with all the papers it can get a bit expensive, and also with the new postage rate. [img]modules/Forum/images/smiles/icon_rolleyes.gif[/img] I can't believe that it keeps going up. And WHY do they go from .34 to .37 cents!? [img]modules/Forum/images/smiles/icon_confused.gif[/img]

I'll definetly be looking all you guys up! I need someone to show me to all the shows and good herp stores! Also, a shopping mall or two, along with a nice bar wouldn't hurt either! [img]modules/Forum/images/smiles/icon_wink.gif[/img]

Do they have a John Harvards down there? It's a pub/resturant. We've got one up here, and go to it every Friday night. Kinda a tradition. [img]modules/Forum/images/smiles/icon_biggrin.gif[/img] If there isn't one down there, then I guess I need find a new place to have a good quality home made beer at. [img]modules/Forum/images/smiles/icon_biggrin.gif[/img]

Thanks all! And Slaponte, I'm gonna e-mail you now! [img]modules/Forum/images/smiles/icon_smile.gif[/img]
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[PythonChick]

uh...Slaponte...you don't have an e-mail listed. [img]modules/Forum/images/smiles/icon_confused.gif[/img] Just send me one when you find this post.

Batchick97@aol.com


Thanks!!
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[PythonChick]

One more thing...

Did you guys have jobs lined up before you moved? The only thing that I'm concerened about is (for example), moving to Ft. L, and then having to work in Jacksonville! [img]modules/Forum/images/smiles/icon_eek.gif[/img]

I would think my fiance would have to live near a semi big city, since he's a web/graphic designer. I would think all the office buildings for that kind of work would be in say Miami, Jacksonville, etc. But since I'm a marine bio person, I think I could get something any where.

Any ideas?!
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[bewSi]

Ironic. New York is one of the best states in the nation for Graphic Designers considering they have some of the most acredtied design firms of all. I'm in college right now going for a BFA in Graphic Design. The starting wage in Nashville for this line of work &quot;averages&quot; around $50k-$55k/yr if you're portfolio is good and you talk a good game in the interview. If not, you're looking around $35k/yr+, which is still #$%^&#$%^&#$%^&#$%^& good considering our cost of living is one of the lowest in the nation.

As far as Biology, I have no idea. But paying $1000/mo for a 2br isnt that bad I guess, considering I pay $750/mo for a 2br apartment in Nashville.. but it is 1300 sq. ft, which is bigger than most 2br houses. I also have vaulted ceilings, fireplace, huge balcony and a garage.

Moving on $5,000 would normaly be a safe figure, but remember you're making a huge move. I moved to Nashville on $2,300 but I only moved 1 hour away, so I didn't have to pay moving expenses, gas, food, hotels on the way. Also keep in mind that your money wont last long once you find a place. Alot of places (unless they have a special) will want a deposit, some even want first months rent up front. Then consider utility deposits as well.. and electricity deposits are usually high unless you have good credit.

You can also consider www.monster.com, www.dice.com and others. You can go on there, setup a nice resume and start applying for jobs in the Ft. Lauderdale area before you move. Try and line up some jobs, atleast interviews to get you started.
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[PythonChick]

Actually, he can't find a job anywhere. He really wants game design. He doesn't like layout or just sitting infront of a computer all day doing boring crap. He's got a low attention span when it comes to that stuff. He's VERY talented. An excellent artist and programmer. He shouldn't have a problem finding a job. But, b/c of Sept 11th, all the design firms don't want to hire. Even the ones looking for people don't want to pay much. He also have a BFA in graphic design. If I were you I'd stay in Nashville. You've got a better chance of making more money...and #$%^&#$%^&#$%^&#$%^&...just finding a job!

I've tried monster.com before.. and there's nothing there for me. They want chemists. I HATE chem! [img]modules/Forum/images/smiles/icon_rolleyes.gif[/img] Bores me to death.

I'm more of an animal person. Who would have thought that an animal person would be on THIS website! [img]modules/Forum/images/smiles/icon_razz.gif[/img]




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[Boacephus]

No where near Florida here, but maybe can give you some words. I'm getting out of the military in a couple months and they make us go through a week long class, to &quot;teach&quot; us to return to the private(civilian) sector. They suggested moving on two months salary, basically save up two months of what you live off of now. So if you bring in $2500 a month, then the 5K would be a good amount to move on. That will ensure that you still have enough to pay normal bills(credit cards, if you have any) and be enough to move into a new place on. I'll see if I can dig up some websites, there is one that will calculate the cost of living for you. you put in what you make and where and it will tell you what you need to make in a new place in order to live the same. I'll see if I can find it during my lunch. Man cost of living really sucs in Cali, in this area in the cheap areas a 1bdrm apartment(small at that) will run you 900-1K. Gas is around $1.55, not that far off from Florida.
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[PythonChick]

Thanks Boacephus!

I really appreciate it!!
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