UK to FL, USA…Should I be nervous?
Posted by One_Definition_6835@reddit | expats | View on Reddit | 159 comments
I’ll keep it as short as possible. Born and raised in South Africa, still very patriotic. Moved to the UK for a gap year, never went home (that was 25 years ago). Met my wife who is from Florida, USA, have been married 15 years, 2 teenage kids. We are well established in England with stable jobs, savings, multiple properties etc. however, I have never been happy/settled in the UK and despise the weather, ever increasing socialism and (perceived) live to work culture. I’m also rather fed up with my lack of wage growth in line with minimum wage increases and inflation (post Brexit, I voted remain by the way). I have no family left in South Africa, and am content with not going back. She has an extensive family network in the UK and USA, we never see the UK lot but we both adore the family in the USA. We now have the opportunity/desire to immigrate to Florida. I love the lifestyle I see over there but have only ever visited on holiday. On the surface, I’m all for it, but I am concerned that we will fall flat on our backside due to (amongst other things) the high cost of living, healthcare and education scenarios and my lack of formal education/job prospects. I don’t mean to offend anyone, the UK has been good to me but I have never liked living here and at times have struggled with physical and mental health as a result of being so down about it. Has anyone had a similar experience? Is the sun on your back enough to wipe away some of life’s everyday stresses?
fuzzycholo@reddit
From my experience being born and raised in South Florida, I hated it. It's hot all year round except for 2 weeks in January or February where you get what is considered Spring temperatures up north. Public transportation is laughable. Housing costs are really high and so is housing insurance since hurricanes are a threat every summer. Car insurance is also really high.
If you have money, like the heat, like driving everywhere, like to be out in the water/beach, plan to own a boat, you'll probably love it.
One_Definition_6835@reddit (OP)
Great insight! Thank you. All the positives you’ve listed are the things dragging me there, I needed to understand the downside!
wagdog1970@reddit
I concur that you can probably make a go of it. Having lived in both the US and UK, I think the job market and wages vs cost of living favors the US. You will have to scrimp and save for a while, but if you have a good work ethic, you should be fine. I say this with the warning that the job market in the US has cooled off recently.
One_Definition_6835@reddit (OP)
Would you say it’s possible to get a good job without a formal qualification? Or is it better to try and do something on your own?
ricchaz@reddit
Do you have skills. If you're in construction or labor, you will have a job.
Qualifications are for certain jobs and for some government jobs. You get paid more for it.
wagdog1970@reddit
Yes it is but there are a lot of factors. Location, work ethic, skills and luck all play a part. You mentioned elsewhere knowing others who work for themselves. Try doing what they do. If you have drive and aren’t afraid of work that isn’t glamorous you can get paid well. Garbage collection pays decent and no certification required. In Florida they are always looking for nursing assistants/ home care providers which are easy to get into. Pay isn’t great but it’s available everywhere.
skittlesonsunday@reddit
As a Florida native this is spot on. Florida is a pay to play state, if you have the funds to afford a home in a great neighborhood, boat, and fun stuff it’s great. Car/home insurance, property taxes, food, rent/home costs are also incredibly high compared to the average salary. Schools are also not the best and can vary greatly depending on where you live.
One_Definition_6835@reddit (OP)
I was there recently and the price of food blew my mind. I assumed people were earning well but 15 years ago, a visit to the family in Florida was a cheaper holiday. Now it’s a minimum of £5k for 2 weeks!!
CuriosTiger@reddit
Florida has gone from a relatively low-cost-of-living state to a high-cost-of-living state. Much of that change has happened in the past five years.
One_Definition_6835@reddit (OP)
Thanks for the feedback!!
Hitsuzenmujun@reddit
Another FL native here who left long ago (but go back yearly to visit the parents).
The parts I love that you may too:
-Highly unique (for the US) natural environment. The Everglades were once seen as a wasteland swamp but now it’s better understood how important they are to the whole ecosystem. If you like exploring wetland style nature, this may appeal to you. -Surrounded by the ocean and beaches on all sides. Ocean/beach culture is everywhere. Boating is widespread. The fishing is excellent. If you are a scuba diver, the Florida Keys are weekend paradise. -Miami specifically is a mix of Latin American cultures. If you ever wanted to learn Spanish, here’s your chance.
The reasons I left: - Utterly incurious population who honestly believe FL is God’s paradise and are completely uninterested in / ignorant of anywhere else in the world. (Despite what I said about Miami) - Widespread “Party” culture which seems to believe that the sole purpose of life is to get drunk / high and stay that way all day, every day. - Southern “honor culture” is still widespread which leads to stupid, unnecessary aggression, road rage, violence, and a high percent of the population who have a criminal record. - As someone else said, unbearably high humidity and heat. All effing year. Which leads to most people staying indoors nearly all the time, aside from trips to the beach. - Completely flat terrain. I think the highest point in the entire state - which is huge - is a couple hundred meters above sea level.
With that said, on the work side of things you can probably make a decent living even without a formal education if you are handy at all (ie good with your hands) and have a work visa. There always seems to be demand for people to do some form of landscaping, home renovation, construction etc. Florida’s economy is constantly growing, especially for people with any kind of hustle. There are loads of small business like this all over FL and you could pick a smaller, less expensive place to live. As long as you are willing to make the long drives each day to & from the work sites, and do decent work, you should do alright.
chemosabe@reddit
Ever increasing socialism? What? Which party has been in power for the last 14 years again?
One_Definition_6835@reddit (OP)
As stated, don’t mean to offend, but I guess the way I was raised/the way I think prevents me from appreciating what many consider the fabric of UK society. I view social housing, the NHS, benefits/universal credit, rapidly increasing “living wage” etc. as the soft underbelly of the UK that all squeezes the middle class and provides a sub-par service/standard of living. I tend to prefer the American (at least in the South) way of operating, pull yourself up by your bootstraps, make your own luck, the American dream, pay for what you get etc. But that’s why I’m asking, am I being foolish?
ricchaz@reddit
As long as you have the funds to cover your standard of living, you should be fine. Health care is about $1200 per month for a couple(you will be paying for doctors apointments, hospital visits, tests). You would have had obamacare thay would have covered part of your bill. But trump is probably going to want to get rid of the subsidies of gut it.
TheBiscuitMen@reddit
Have you seen the insane homeless crisis in the US? Coupled with the murder rate of a 3rd world country (not quite SA tbf) and crime to match. This is the flip side of having no welfare net and impacts even the wealthy in society. We've also seen this increasing in the UK as a result of the right wing party ruling for the last 14 years and decreasing investment in public services.
One_Definition_6835@reddit (OP)
You’ve highlighted one of the key issues for me in the UK. I was willing to tolerate the weather and general gloom in exchange for living well within my means and having access to services and decent interest rates on loans etc. now that all of that has been wiped out post Brexit/Covid/russia Ukraine…I just can’t find any appeal.
TheBiscuitMen@reddit
That's an argument but goes completely against your statement of increasing socialism - it's a sign of decreasing socialism but is likely to change with a more socialist leaning government in charge for the first time in 14 years.
One_Definition_6835@reddit (OP)
I guess I’m alluding to the increasing demand to keep things alive. I haven’t seen my contributions to those socialist structures reduce, i keep having to pay more and seem to get less. Can’t get a doctors appointment, kids school has cancelled extra curriculum classes etc.
At this point, I’d rather they give me back my NI and I’ll go get a private medical policy!
TheBiscuitMen@reddit
Agreed - that is the modern Conservative party for you - record taxes yet diminished public services. At least traditionally taxes would have been reduced but luckily they've been booted out and I would expect public services to improve in the next 4 years under these Socialists.
One_Definition_6835@reddit (OP)
We can only hope…or move ;-)
Mercatterson@reddit
Live to work culture in the US is very bad, but it does depend on your employer. FYI, there aren't enough "good jobs" for everyone to get one, no matter how hard they pull the bootstraps. This is true in the US and abroad.
One_Definition_6835@reddit (OP)
I view Florida and South Africa as very similar, I don’t think I would survive on a salaried job, I would need to start something of my own. I believe The UK is actively stifling entrepreneurship as evidenced in their latest budget announcement!!!
Hitsuzenmujun@reddit
See my other post but yes, this is probably your best bet if you are set on moving there. Especially if you are handy and have some hustle, you can probably make a nice little life in FL.
Mercatterson@reddit
I would not compare Florida to South Africa. Florida has a significantly higher standard of living and much bigger social programs than SA, many federal and state. SA has poverty rates much, much higher than Florida.
One_Definition_6835@reddit (OP)
I guess it depends when and which side of the tracks you grew up on in SA. I was rather fortunate and also left before I started paying tax.
Mercatterson@reddit
>I was rather fortunate and also left before I started paying tax.
Yes I believe that is obvious.
LazyBoyD@reddit
Florida is another natural disaster away from being extremely expensive to live because of home insurance. While the beaches are nice, it’s extremely hot and humid several months out of the year.
Thor-Marvel@reddit
I agree with you, OP. But I expect most people on this sub won’t be able to handle it.
Thor-Marvel@reddit
The Tories are to the left of the Democrats in the US. The UK’s instinct is socialism.
One_Definition_6835@reddit (OP)
This is the way I see it but I understand it goes against the grain for most people operating in big companies/cities in the UK. I work for a big London based company but I am fortunate enough at the moment to be living in the countryside and was surrounded by UKIP voters during the whole Brexit thing. Whilst I don’t side with them completely, it was very interesting and at times refreshing to see how different their perspective was at grassroots level vs the know it alls in the ivory towers of London. I would imagine that the average Floridian would be far more enamoured by Nigel Farage than they are by Mr Starmer ;-) I completely understand that my opinions will differ from most in this country (at least on the surface), but I would assume the other way round for many/most South African expats. Perhaps Floridians are our kind of people??
polar8@reddit
In my experience, moving typically doesn't change your mental state much. Better to find and address the root cause.
Anywhere you go, there you are.
One_Definition_6835@reddit (OP)
But does anywhere have sun, fishing and cold beer?
Rare_Plum_@reddit
I mean. Kinda? If I were moving from UK to US, Fla is the last state I’d pick.
polar8@reddit
It may very well solve those problems but it will likely come with a host of new, unforseen ones.
Hitsuzenmujun@reddit
This is so true. As a kid who grew up in FL I have seen endless numbers of people move there from elsewhere (often Northern US states), expecting life to be Margaritaville all day long. And once the honeymoon period wore off they were the same person they were before, with the same issues. And would then complain endlessly about XYZ so much better up North.
Mabbernathy@reddit
People up north romanticize Florida. I know of several folks who moved down here during the Covid-era rush and who are now thinking about leaving because of the cost of living.
Thor-Marvel@reddit
Agree with you on the part of never enjoying the UK.
But if you think the UK has a live to work cultural, you will be shocked in the US. To me, the UK has a lazy work shy culture.
One_Definition_6835@reddit (OP)
I see people over there go to work, pay their bills, grab a beer and go fishing with the sun in their back.
antizana@reddit
I mean… social media will claim those people exist, and it certainly depends on your field and financial situation, but the US is well known for having well paid jobs that require 60 hr plus weeks, and much of your salary is actually eaten up by your health insurance costs… so I guess, sometimes on the weekend you have a moment to enjoy a beer?
One_Definition_6835@reddit (OP)
To be fair, most of my friends over there could just be lazy and in debt!!
Rare_Plum_@reddit
In debt very likely.
antizana@reddit
I suppose that’s also a valid lifestyle option! And successfully self employed people (the ones not working incessantly, which are almost all the ones I know) earning enough to furnish a good life in a place like Florida I am sure is an attractive example. Whether that particular future is possible or likely for you depends on your resources & experience that I don’t imagine we are in the position of assessing.
I’m not remotely from there and recently spent several months- you could not pay me to live there, mostly because I can’t stand the climate (brutally hot & humid with bugs = live indoors in the AC), the mixture of swamp & concrete jungle, and a lot of weird assholes (especially south Florida). I liked north Florida a lot more but it’s still not for me. As you have kids, you should also closely research the education system, they are trying quite hard to be as regressive as possible in a way that stops being a funny meme when it’s your kids.
One_Definition_6835@reddit (OP)
But most of them are also self-employed
icedespressoo@reddit
I mean… if you live in the middle of the country side or in a swamp then yeah. Realistically though, you’re gonna be stuck in traffic, overpaying for gas, groceries, etc, then praying to god you never have to go to the dentist or have any kind of doctors appt. There’s also not much to do here unless you enjoy the beach and live near it. Otherwise, you’ll have to commute to it too and back to being stuck in traffic you go.
vvasilisa@reddit
From someone who is trying to leave the USA. You are very mistaken on how life is here. The quality of life is not amazing at all. What you see on social media isn't reality
One_Definition_6835@reddit (OP)
Lazy/work shy…yes. I was alluding more to the lack of ability to enjoy life outside of work. The system expects you to get a job, pay your taxes, work more, then pay more tax…SAVE THE NHS, CLAP FOR CARERS…work more, pay council tax…BUILD MORE SOCIAL HOUSING…work, pay more tax…die. Pay inheritance tax.
sailboat_magoo@reddit
I mean, the Conservatives stole all that from the Republicans in the US. The US is death by a thousand taxes, and we invented the idea of paying lip service instead of money to women who work in essential jobs...
whenilookinthemirror@reddit
America is the same way and then there is the cost of health and home insurance. I don't know about raising kids in Florida either which has some terrible schools and is run by a book burning guy in cowboy boots with lifts.
One_Definition_6835@reddit (OP)
😂
Fun-Reporter8905@reddit
The US will not be a good option. You should be nervous.
One_Definition_6835@reddit (OP)
What it is the main reason for your statement?
Fun-Reporter8905@reddit
Florida is doing poorly as a state. There are many k places to go that are safe for immigrants, women, queer folks
Babysfirstbazooka@reddit
Personally after living in the UK and all the protections that you have FL will be .. interesting?
Zero protection as an employee. and the live to work culture is crazy. At will employment? Could you go self employed??
hurricanes and the ability to insure ANYTHING you own
guns, its a concealed, permit less carry state. I mean if you are from SA I doubt this will bother YOU, but what about your kids?
Are they female? Are you willing to move them back in time in regards to their reproductive rights?
Me and my now husband moved back to Canada this year from the UK (I was there 20 years, he lived in NH, US from 2002-2016 he is english and an irish passport holder) but his daughter is still there and we have had this conversation weekly - do we get her to sponsor us for a green card... on paper finances make sense, if we went to say NM or south Oregon or even Utah - but I just, cannot, for the life of me, reconcile the healthcare, guns and the overturn of R v W. I just dont think I could do it.
but... the sun, the glorious sun.. I get it.
I have no opinion for you really, I hated the UK more than anyone and cannot believe i made it 20 years, and we are in Canada now due to family reasons, but if we TRULY had our way we would be in the EU somewhere.
...life of an expat. we create our own problems and can never be satisfied in one place. I wish I never got on that plane 20 years ago. life would be simpler!
One_Definition_6835@reddit (OP)
Thanks for sharing. I have really struggled in the UK, have never felt settled. if my home country wasn’t so broken and distant from the rest of the world I would never have stayed in the UK. Where in the EU was your favourite?
Babysfirstbazooka@reddit
I would love to live in Portugal, or somewhere in the Basque region, but we also both really love Berlin.
We are both working towards nomadic self employement - hopefully one day our dreams will come to life!
One_Definition_6835@reddit (OP)
A poem for us expats:
Forever Homesick: It’s hard to find a home, in two distant lands, To cherish both, while one slips through your hands, To pledge your life to one, yet still feel torn, And never quite belong in either, regardless of where you were born.
AndyP79@reddit
I'm leaving Florida because of the conservative government, the heat, the people, the cost of living, insurance is becoming increasingly harder to get in your house, the cost of housing, the cost of food, the lack of wages, the lack of social care and programs be m by people and government. I am from the UK originally, and he up from 10 to 45 in Florida, with style asking the way for work and military. I absolutely hate Florida these days. It used to be great growing up, it was kind, politically centrist, North Florida had cooler winters, it was cheap to live here. It's so crowded with racist assholes now from all over the country because our governor refusing to abide by and COVID restrictions of with thousands of people died here because they were old yet refused to wear masks. I'm fucking over this shit hole and leaving. Good luck.
One_Definition_6835@reddit (OP)
I’m sorry to hear that it’s not going well for you. Do you remember the Uk?
AndyP79@reddit
I was just there this summer, loved it. I know it's not all rosy everywhere, but the pros outweigh the cons over there for me. The weather, the people, the food, the access to things that we don't do here like public transport.
One_Definition_6835@reddit (OP)
I’m glad you enjoyed it so much. The food thing has had a real transformation in the last 15 years. It all used to be so bland and grey over here…thank god for hipsters and their sriricha sauce 😂
Summer weather is great while it lasts and the beer gardens come alive! The best 6 days of the year!!
AndyP79@reddit
Glad the food has taken off. The city I live in is a college town, so more of crappy fast food, burgers and fries, no good Indian or Thai, a couple nice sit downs, but they are easily over $100 a meal for a date night, $200 if you actually bring a date! Haha!
I'm tired of almost 45° summers with 100% humidity here, worse if you're in SoFlo.
One_Definition_6835@reddit (OP)
Where in the UK do you like?
AndyP79@reddit
My family is from Newcastle, so I would like to be up there. Possibly the Lake District area also. Beautiful country that.
lessdothisshit@reddit
Perfect, I'm in Florida, originally born in England, and I'm looking to get the fuck out. Swap places?
One_Definition_6835@reddit (OP)
Username checks out 😂 What’s your main reason for wanting out?? I’m in the West Country if you fancy a house swap for a few weeks ;-)
lessdothisshit@reddit
Politics. I've never really been affected by it, but last night was too far. The unbelievably hateful things said by regular people out of nowhere, around town, that's been normal for a while, but now we have proof that's how a majority of the state feels.
The insurance prices. Good god. I pay double in homeowners than what my parents pay in NC for a house half the size.
The heat. I do enjoy the heat a lot of the year, but 30C in November is some bullshit.
ctzn2000@reddit
Google "Florida Man" and read each article carefully. Then decide.
One_Definition_6835@reddit (OP)
I’m in 😂
Aika92@reddit
From reading the comments the conclusion is that Americans are done with living in US and Europeans are done with living in Europe... World is in a shitty state right now.
One_Definition_6835@reddit (OP)
Not wrong mate!
sunjana1@reddit
I lived there 20 years. Look at the election results. Don’t do it. The shine wears off quick.
One_Definition_6835@reddit (OP)
Can you elaborate on what the election results mean for Floridas “shine”? I would assume they would be quite happy/prosperous under a Trump government no??
sunjana1@reddit
It has been a miserable place to live for a long time now.
The summer heat can be unbearable and it makes everyone angrier than they already are.
It’s full of and the state government is run by bigoted, hateful people.
Healthcare there can be a challenge because there are a LOT of elderly people putting strain on the system.
When you go there for two weeks on vacation, you’re not going to see the dark side. You’ll just see the sunny blue skies and sandy beaches and enjoy it because it’s quite different from where you are from. You’ll think wow wouldn’t it be great to be here all the time! It’s not. That vibe won’t stick long once you live there and see the true nature.
If you’re at all socially liberal and care about fundamental human rights, don’t give that place your time, money and wellbeing.
One_Definition_6835@reddit (OP)
No more babies happening for us ✂️
zyine@reddit
There is no US federal law requiring an employer to offer any vacation days to an employee. Lucky to get 1 or 2 weeks per year.
novacgal@reddit
It’s also an at-will state, meaning your employer can fire you without cause or notice. (You can also quit with the same rules)
zyine@reddit
Yes, 49 out of 50 States are, only Montana isn't
One_Definition_6835@reddit (OP)
I need to look into this more. People in my home country (South Africa) and Florida both seem to have it figured out from my perspective. They don’t seem to carry anywhere near as much stress with them as my circle of friends in the UK who have way more money and time off. I always assume it a weather related/outdoor living thing. My dad once said to me “you have bad days and take it home with you on the tube, I have bad days and go to the beach bar and talk to the dolphins about it…the stress melts away very quickly!”
sailboat_magoo@reddit
People who aren't very smart are some of the least stressed people I know. Anyone who lives in Florida and isn't worried about insurance, infrastructure, inflation, and cost of living is either a multi millionaire, or not the sharpest knife in the drawer.
Koenigss15@reddit
For me the work life balance was much much worse in the US.
NonSumQualisEram-@reddit
For everyone. For some people other aspects make up for it, but there's many more working hours in the US, all else remaining equal.
Zealousideal-Fold-64@reddit
don’t generalise on line, i had a great work life balance as did many who worked with me…
NonSumQualisEram-@reddit
Sure - although on average Americans work longer hours. Nothing is universal
Otherwise-Growth1920@reddit
Pretty much ideal work life balance between the UK and the U.S.
Straight_Expert829@reddit
Look up "florida man" and then scroll and scroll...
Mabbernathy@reddit
Honestly every state has these kind of stories I think. The Florida Man ones are just more well-known because the public records laws make it easy to get the details.
Straight_Expert829@reddit
I am a born and raised florida man. My comment was about idiosynchrocities like frozen turkey bowling and gator hunting florida man not the freak show face eating meth heads.
One_Definition_6835@reddit (OP)
“Florida Man” stupidity is part of the appeal. I’ve been the village idiot here in the UK for over a decade 😂
rmadsen93@reddit
You won’t think it’s so cute when you realize that “Florida man” includes people who get high on “bath salts” and chew people’s faces off.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Miami_cannibal_attack
You couldn’t pay me enough to live in Florida but given your politics and understandable desire to live in a warm sunny place you’d probably like it.
I just wish my tax dollars wouldn’t go to bail you out when your house is destroyed by a hurricane. I’m sick of all these red states expecting the federal government to bail them out after a natural disaster. They should be self-reliant and pull themselves up by their bootstraps.
One_Definition_6835@reddit (OP)
I remember that story!! Mental
TheGoldenGooch@reddit
nonono, it is legitimately awful. No appeal. Stop romanticizing it.
wornoutboots@reddit
I have a brother that moved there and he regrets it. Employee protections are minimal. Cost of living is not what it used to be (much higher now) and there's a lot of crazy stuff that happens down there... Just google florida man.
It's a beautiful state which I personally love to visit but I don't think I could live there. The heat and humidity are rough and the hurricanes (and insurance costs) terrible.
If you can stay for a summer and see how it feels before jumping all in.
One_Definition_6835@reddit (OP)
You have ticked almost all of my “worry boxes” 🤣
Icy_Respect_9077@reddit
He hasn't even mentioned health care...
wornoutboots@reddit
That's because healthcare just sucks in the US. It's not Florida specific.
SeanBourne@reddit
UK is only the semblance of ‘live to work’. The US is it’s avatar on Earth.
That said you get compensated in line with that, and get to keep much more due to far lower taxes. (And in most cases lower cost of living than the UK.)
The issue with Florida in recent years is house insurance has absolutely ballooned, so if you aren’t very financially secure, this will be a significant headwind/ongoing issue.
One_Definition_6835@reddit (OP)
Thanks for the feedback
Aika92@reddit
To be honest I would be more nervous to stay in Europe more than anywhere else ATM. Racism has spiked crazy. Ethnicism and discrimination is not even comparable. Economic data also shows that majority of European countries including UK is lagging behind US. Let alone the shitty weather which can drive every normal person crazy. I prefer to have sun, normal wage and nice people around me... You'll be fine.
One_Definition_6835@reddit (OP)
I shall ignore all other comments 😂 Thank you.
Gilgamesh-Enkidu@reddit
If you don’t like the work/life balance in the UK, Florida is one of the last places you should move to bud.
The weather is great but many A. Can’t handle the summer heat and B. Hurricanes are a thing. C. Both are going to get worse (or maybe even A LOT worse) in the future.
I mean this in the nicest way possible but it sounds like you idealizing your potential life in Florida due to your visits. You should realize that visiting a tropical paradise is very different from working in a place that, comparatively speaking, is going to bend you over and aim for penetration on things like work hours, holidays, and healthcare; lube won’t be used, it costs the company money. Are you ready to deal with hurricane season everywhere?
Granted you CAN find a great company with great benefits, but even the best will likely be less than what you have for holidays now.
Source: grew up and lived in the south most of my life. I am from Georgia, but the work culture is very similar in Florida and we get their leftover hurricanes all the time; they are mild by the time they reach us but, as a result, I always know when Florida is hit with one. I wouldn’t move down there for that reason alone.
One_Definition_6835@reddit (OP)
Thanks for the insight. I feel like I’m getting bent over here as it is (55 hours a week for not great money and 28 days leave). But everyone seems to say the same about FL, maybe I should reach out to Diddys lune supplier before I prepare for the move.
sailboat_magoo@reddit
Florida has some of the worst schools in the country. Even the private schools aren't good. I would never move there with children.
One_Definition_6835@reddit (OP)
Thanks for the feedback. All my family there are homeschooled so this makes sense
rpnye523@reddit
Wait until you see the ever-increasing socialism in Florida when a hurricane wipes out half the uninsurable houses!
I’m not a therapist but you sound unhappy with something unrelated to the UK and just blaming it on that, and the reasons you label won’t really get better in Florida (US WLB is a joke).
One_Definition_6835@reddit (OP)
This insurance thing is coming up a lot!!! Thanks for the advice. You’re probably right. I’m blaming the UK because it’s where I am right now and I am not happy. The thing I miss the most from my younger years is sunshine and the outdoors, so maybe I’m equating the 2.
Runaway2332@reddit
I suggest joining r/florida and also the Reddit sites in any city you are contemplating. Then search the word "insurance"...it has gotten a bit alarming here...but NOT on every property. (My insurance so far is very reasonable...but I bought in a non-flood zone and I'm 5 miles from the coast and 3 from the river.) Also, the price of housing is off the charts. I bought when it was a low interest rate. Could never have afforded where I am now. And then there are hurricanes and flooding. Those are the only downfalls for someone like you who sounds like you'd fit in politically in Florida. If you do come, search areas that are not in a flood zone. They DO exist...there's one available right now in my neighborhood. Look for homes that are sturdy with a new roof and hurricane clips and preferably hurricane windows. I don't have Hurricane windows and just had Milton go over top of me and my old 1989 sliders that I swore I would replace when I moved here did fabulously! 😃
One_Definition_6835@reddit (OP)
Thanks for the feedback! Gutted I didn’t buy when I first looked in 2008!!
wagdog1970@reddit
I suggest not relying solely on Reddit as Redditors are only a subset of the population so you will get a skewed and often overly cynical perspective.
marinababy42069@reddit
hey y’all as a native floridian…maybe you should know some things and if this seems like your vibe then c’mon down!! i mean ive been trying to leave since birth but sure why not!!!! i did last summer see a couple of guys drive down the road with a machine gun in the back of their pickup most people don’t know that it’s totally legal to own a machine gun as long as it was made before 1986… the year prior in clearwater a tank drove down my street and the local gang was using fireworks in the middle of the street as like area denial?? idk i was just trying to go home with my groceries oh also someone got stabbed outside of my apartment human trafficking is like a huggeeee deal here also we also just made a law where adults can constitutionally carry guns including hand guns which means anyone can conceal carry guns switchblades hell you have a sword it’s also legal to open carry knives-see sword example we have a very vibrant street racing culture though so i would be wary with teenagers…i was one in florida and spring break WAS INDEED WILD and yeah the people and the animals will kill ya if the low wages and horrendous job market doesn’t do it first make sure to always check the beaches for flesh eating bacteria too 😉
One_Definition_6835@reddit (OP)
🤣😂
ZookeepergameFit5787@reddit
It helps.
There will be major adjustments to make and you will have to go out of your way to build a new life - everything - including social life. America is the best country in the world though bro I moved here from UK 10 years ago never looked back. It truly is last bastion of freedom (I still miss UK, but US is better place to live now).
One_Definition_6835@reddit (OP)
A very uplifting comment. Thank you
Delicious-Sale6122@reddit
Totally wrong sub to ask. You will enjoy Florida. It’s nice.
One_Definition_6835@reddit (OP)
Why do you think this would be the wrong sub? Do you have any recommendations for another sub?
brinkcitykilla@reddit
How much time have you really spent in Florida, and where specifically?
One_Definition_6835@reddit (OP)
Longest time I’ve spent in one stretch was 3 months, that was back in 2006, before babies and when I was young and dumb with disposable income. Since then, been on holidays every 18 months for 2-3 weeks at a time. All North Florida, between Jacksonville and Daytona.
Otherwise-Growth1920@reddit
In my opinion you are jumping off one sinking ship and landing on another sinking ship. The UK is definitely becoming unlivable but so is Florida.
One_Definition_6835@reddit (OP)
Why do you think that? Aren’t they about to Make America Great Again ;-)
Harikts@reddit
I’m an American married to a Brit, and we live in the UK. The UK has an amazing work/life culture compared to the US!!
I’m 60, and working in the US the majority of my life. I never had more than 2 weeks vacation time, and either no sick time, or 5 days tops.
I also have needed an orthopedic surgery since 2016. I had the insurance to get said surgery, but I didn’t have enough time to recover. I’m now able to get the surgery in the UK.
One_Definition_6835@reddit (OP)
Thanks for the feedback :-)
Bathsz@reddit
Native Floridian here. I have been to Spain, NY, Colombia, Puerto Rico. I would choose Florida over snd over again. South Florida is good for visiting. Central Florida is good to live. However prices are increasing and it is getting more crowded.
One_Definition_6835@reddit (OP)
Nice to hear something positive 😅
orlandoaustin@reddit
I think you are looking through rose-tinted glasses.
Let me put it this way...
Say you sell up and buy a property in Florida. I hope you are prepared to replace a roof every 5 years just to get house insurance. Oh and the lovely property taxes.
Sure it is nice living in the sun, but let's face it if you were earning 5x more in the UK than US you would not move. The reality is Florida appeals because of the perceived money and that is about it.
See if it was about actual standard of living you would of said a state in the NE but you didn't.
One_Definition_6835@reddit (OP)
Hey, It’s purely standard of living for me at this point. I was actually assuming that I would struggle to get by over there, but that the stress would be more manageable due to the improved. I hadn’t considered another state because I’m motivated mainly by moving closer to family and better weather. Doesn’t NE have a ton of snow and ice in winter??
orlandoaustin@reddit
The standard of living metrics has not had Florida in the top 5.
If you are moving based on the premise to be closer to family then that is your reason, not because of the standard of living.
Yes, the NE has snow and ice, but you are moving for family right? Not the standard of living as per the metric.
Your first response was "it snows in the NE" literally very little resemblance of standard of living. More that you want Malibu, GTA, Sunshine and a Beach.
One_Definition_6835@reddit (OP)
You are correct, the defined metrics for standard of living relate more to wealth and ability to afford necessities and luxuries, so I’ve probably used it wrong. I suppose I’m looking for an overall improvement in my “way of living” and a simultaneous, albeit smaller improvement to my “standard of living” if it was available. Some of my main issues with the UK are lack of family and cold weather, both things I would face moving to NE, so I wouldn’t consider it.
JesusWasALibertarian@reddit
You’re asking a left wing website full of far left people about a fairly conservative state. The answers will be biased. What is your profession? Thats probably going to be the deciding factor. Healthcare insurance basically always comes with employment, unless you’re self employed.
One_Definition_6835@reddit (OP)
Currently in Construction Management but don’t have any official qualifications, only a few years experience. Previously spent 20 years in restaurant management.
_Cromwell_@reddit
Do you have to do Florida? Florida has a reputation for a good reason. And quite frankly it's going to get smashed with hurricanes constantly moving forward. What about Georgia or one of the two Carolinas? Still pretty much socialism free if that's your main concern, but without the floridaness of Florida.
Hitsuzenmujun@reddit
Good advice. Tennessee as well may be a good option. If you want to be near the Gulf, check out Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana or East Texas. Note that all are going to be serious culture shocks for you, but just laying out options.
One_Definition_6835@reddit (OP)
I’ve been to all the locations you’ve mentioned to visit. Culture seemed very similar to “old time” South Africa…which is controversial I know, but trust that I am not viewing it through that lens.
One_Definition_6835@reddit (OP)
To elaborate, by “old time” South Africa I am referring to a time/country where traditional family values and freedoms were abundant. Corruption and politics in SA have ripped families apart which is why I haven’t seen my siblings in decades.
One_Definition_6835@reddit (OP)
That’s some great insight, I could t believe what my brother told me he was paying for insurance, I thought he was lying. I will dig deeper. Thanks for the advice.
One_Definition_6835@reddit (OP)
Georgia may be nice actually!!
jcbmllgn@reddit
I’m from south Florida, Atlantic coast and I now live in Paris with my wife and kid. I have family in Kent who I visit often. Sharing just to say I’m familiar with the Florida and European lifestyles..
Florida is a really different vibe than western Europe and the UK. If you’re up for the heat, Florida has year round sun and you can do a lot of activities outside if that’s your thing.
In terms of cost of living, it depends on your work. Wages in UK and France are much lower than in the US, many jobs pay 2-3x in the US compared to the UK. So you might pay more for healthcare, but your net income could still be higher.
Depending on where you live in Florida, you could really feel like an outsider and be one of the only non-Floridians in your town. You may or may not like that. I remember at my middle school there was 1 German kid who everyone knew, he was the only kid not from Florida or Latin America. Last thing I’ll say is that the beach will get old fast. You’ll eventually realize 6 months have gone by and you haven’t visited or even seen the beach if you don’t leave close to the ocean which is much more expensive.
Runaway2332@reddit
I used to swear I'd never be that person that moves to the beach and then doesn't go. 😬 But I need to start going again!
One_Definition_6835@reddit (OP)
I can do without the beach, but not without boats and sun ;-)
One_Definition_6835@reddit (OP)
Thanks for the advice
Neat-Entrance-4991@reddit
Women should not live in Florida. They will not have access to healthcare. This is a terrible time to be moving to the United States. Go pretty much anywhere else.
1Angel17@reddit
I would see if you could take a month to go and telework there, stay in an Airbnb with your family in an area you think you could live and see how it is? I’m not sure the duration of time from the times you’ve visited.
My husband is EU (Dutch) and I am US (from FL) but I grew up traveling everywhere. We currently live in Luxembourg and also have stable jobs with good pay, and own a few properties in the US. We actually just got back from visiting Florida for a month where we teleworked 3x a week and were off the other two. We traveled a bit and stayed in Air BnB’s, for me personally it made me realize how much I miss the US! I miss the people, the beaches, having a pool in the backyard and hanging out with my kid (who loved the pool), the ease of access to literally everything. My husband broke 2 of his toes the day we flew out to the US so when we got there we were able to go straight to an urgent care and he was able to get seen and taken care of. I also pay for private worldwide insurance through my job. Is there a possibility that either of your companies could transfer you to US locations so maybe you could keep some of your benefits, and not pay out of pocket for a move? My husband said he wouldn’t live in FL because of the hurricanes (I showed him the damage in Tampa because he wasn’t understanding how devastating it could be) and for him he said it was too humid (in October L0L). I liked the heat though.
Anyway, I don’t think you’re a fool BUT talk to people who live there and ask them questions like: - what do you pay in health insurance and what is your coverage, what’s the size of your family? - what is your mortgage payment, interest rate, property taxes (I read somewhere that UK doesn’t have property tax, I don’t know if that’s accurate?), AND home owners insurance? - what do you spend on groceries and where do you shop?
I’ll be honest, we just spent about $10K in the month that we visited BUT half of that was hopping between Airbnb and a rental car (expenses we weren’t supposed to have, long story). I found that everything except groceries and eating out (only the same price because I tip pretty well) was cheaper than Luxembourg. The price of produce really blew my mind, it was like $2 for one bell pepper?!
I just think you need to get down to the nitty gritty numbers and if your wife has family that live there they would likely be more than happy to share the information you really need to know (financially).
Also, I agree with the socialism stuff and that’s why we live in Luxembourg.
Hitsuzenmujun@reddit
Good advice
One_Definition_6835@reddit (OP)
Wow! Thanks for the detailed feedback. I will do some research and DM you if that’s ok? Would love some more insight!!
1Angel17@reddit
Yeah no problem!
1Angel17@reddit
Edit to add: I don’t have experience working in corporate America, if you need to find a new company make sure you look at their benefits packages like vacation days, sick days, 401k, what healthcare and dental coverage they offer. My sister just started her first big girl job working in compliance and this poor girl has 10 paid days off a year. She’s also salaried so works really late some days and almost 0 time other days, I am learning about corporate from her and it’s not very pretty but I know there are some great companies out there!
carnivorousdrew@reddit
I lived briefly in Florida, Coral Gables, and really liked it. Some parts of Miami were def sketchy and sometimes there were unhinged people on the metro, but overall a great place, the museums were all really nice, lots of volunteering work for animals that you can do and that can help you have some social connections started.
Heel_Worker982@reddit
The hard thing for you would likely be disarranging all that you have earned after a quarter century in the UK (multiple properties, savings, stable incomes) to jump into one of the highest cost of living and unstable parts of the US.
Some questions:
1) What would you do for work? Florida tends to have mediocre job prospects both in terms of pay and availability.
2) How close are you to UK retirement? Would Spain or Portugal in \~10 years make more sense than Florida?
3) What is the opportunity of which you speak? Housing help, a job? That helps a little but I suspect not enough.
4) Can you vacation more to sunny spots while still keeping your successful lives in the UK? Was it Princess Margaret who said that she loved her country but she needed to visit Moustique every so often to remain "in love" with her country?!
5) Have you considered costs of two teenagers in the USA in addition to basic costs? Housing is expensive and multi-bedroom housing even more so.
Horror-Cicada687@reddit
If you think the WLB in the UK is bad you are in for a very rude shock in Florida. It’s ironic because taxes and socialism (when it works well) is actually meant to increase WLB and reduce overall financial stress, but the UK is a mess right now.
You should also consider that the weather, while sunnier, will be more extreme and dangerous in Florida, so you need to choose your home very carefully and consider flooding potential etc (though if your wife is from there she is probably super familiar with this).
Apologies if this is too personal, but if you and your wife are done having kids make sure you get the necessary procedures done before you leave (it is free in the UK). It’s a scary time for women’s healthcare in the US.
Lastly,
Rustykilo@reddit
If I were you I'll move. Florida Sunshine is what you need haha. Don't worry about work and balance. I'm in the UK right now and I don't feel much difference. Maybe because I'm with my own firm from the US and still getting us wages so I don't have that feeling of not getting paid enough like most of the Brits with ambition. I disagree with others when they say Brits are lazy. They aren't lazy they just don't have the ambition. Can't really blame them when the system is punishing you the more you make.
One_Definition_6835@reddit (OP)
I have felt this way for 25 years.
Adahla987@reddit
I live in Florida. It works for me because my kids are in college (not in Florida) and I get a car as a work perk (employer pays insurance)
No state income tax! Yay!
Except:
Education: shit (no investment because no state tax). Infrastructure: REALLY shit (see above, no investment). No public transit. No public culture (museums, playhouses, cultural activities) Drivers: shit; this drives the insurance cost way up. And you will need at least one car because (see above) no public transit.
They are also REALLY racist here. You didn’t say which “side” of South Africa you are from so that may or may not be a problem for you.
One_Definition_6835@reddit (OP)
Some interesting feedback!! I’m gonna do some research. Would it be ok to DM you later in the week for some more insight?
freebiscuit2002@reddit
Curious about the “ever increasing socialism”? What do you mean?
One_Definition_6835@reddit (OP)
Hey, Copied from a reply above:
As stated, don’t mean to offend, but I guess the way I was raised/the way I think prevents me from appreciating what many consider the fabric of UK society. I view social housing, the NHS, benefits/universal credit, rapidly increasing “living wage” etc. as the soft underbelly of the UK that all squeezes the middle class and provides a sub-par service/standard of living. I tend to prefer the American (at least in the South) way of operating, pull yourself up by your bootstraps, make your own luck, the American dream, pay for what you get etc. But that’s why I’m asking, am I being foolish?
freebiscuit2002@reddit
I’ll share my experience, moving to the US from the UK. The US certainly has a “bootstraps” kind of reputation from the outside - but after moving here I realized all is not what it seems from the outside. There is a whole plethora of social support mechanisms and a rising minimum wage, in some ways I would say more pronounced than in the UK, just because there are bigger budgets available. I say all this not to put you off (because I quite like it). I say it because if you are expecting to find a fully meritocratic, cutthroat, sink-or-swim, success-for-hard-work system in the States, you might be surprised.
One_Definition_6835@reddit (OP)
Thanks for your feedback. Will do some reading and DM you if that ok?? I would really appreciate your insight.
katnip_fl@reddit
Maybe think about somewhere other than Florida?
samizdatass@reddit
Depends a lot on where in FL. S. FL is also way, way, way hotter for most of the year than most people realize.
One_Definition_6835@reddit (OP)
I’m hearing this a lot. I’ve visited probably 10 times in the last 25 years, and I’m sure I’ve seen the worst it’s had to offer. Never seemed unmanageable, but that’s probably because I was going to the beach and not working!!!
lotsofmanatees@reddit
i’ve lived in florida for ten years now and it has become increasingly hotter each year. the winters had a couple of really cold days when i first got here but now they are completely nonexistent.