moving to Florida
Sep 2nd, 2016, 06:22 AM
#22
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Dukey1, thank you for your response and understanding. We realize our ages are 'advanced age' as Vincenzo says, but age is relative and abilities don't always become decrepit at this age. As I say, we are pretty active as far as sailing and kayaking and such. Our beloved neighbors have and are moving to senior communities to make things a little easier for themselves and we thought a move to warmer climate would be easier for us. We experience high temperatures and humidity here in Minnesota...90 and above with 70 to 80% temperatures but that is usually only for a month or so. That's when we spend our time in the pool. We have an 18' diameter above ground pool that I love...we spend hours there...swimming and floating and reading. Because of how we planted our trees (Fat Albert Pine), we have lots of privacy. We have already begun clearing out things we no longer need that we have accumulated through the years and plan to continue this throughout the winter. My parents moved from Alexandria, MN where they lived on a Lake to Spocane, Washington a couple years ago while in their 90's. They moved to an apartment there to be near my brother. I do not want to move to an apartment. When single...many years ago, I owned a townhome, so am a little familiar with association fees though that was long ago. I would prefer not another townhome. Up here there are also some twin homes where owners can have gardens and such. The people in this community have been here for generations...many generations...good and loving people who have been very welcoming to us. We have been here on Big Swan Lake for about sixteen years and just don't feel we have the deep roots. Our children and grandchildren are about 50 and 60 miles away and we only get to see them about twice a year. They are all so busy and seem to have great difficulty finding time to come out to see us. I remember what it was like working and balancing activities and the kids activities. Now the grandchildren are heading for college. Pulling up roots does cause me concern, but I would rather stay in control of my life style and how easy or hard it would be to manage a home in my 90s. Most of the women I know out here are in their 90s...good, sturdy women living in their own homes. There was a time I thought all 80 and 90 year olds were feeble and decrepit...but that is not always the case. It does get a little harder for us to do some things like shoveling snow and dealing with icy conditions. In the summer, we manage quite well. Well,... enough of our capabilities, I think we can manage it, though it will not be easy. I just think warmer climate would be easier for us to deal with and a community where some things like yard maintenance is taken care of would be better for us. Some fees are way to high...where 80% retired military live...$900! Golf Club amenities run high so we shy away from that. My dream would be to be able to put an 18' diameter ring pool back in my back yard would make me very, very happy. I swim 2 to 3 times a day in the summer. When I can't get outside, I design bags, clothing, church linens and such and have sold them around the world...not a lot, and not enough to make a living...just enough to make me happy because I enjoy doing it. I have a second degree in studio art so enjoy the arts...not talented...just enjoy it. I appreciate the warnings about fees originally paid and fees going forward. I really appreciate and welcome any and all suggestions you can offer...and even our 'advanced age' though...I do not think we are decrepit yet but realize we may have difficulties and some of them maybe even be with the banks.
Sep 2nd, 2016, 07:00 AM
#24
Family is so important and being close to someone that will help you in a jam. I work with many hospice clients and when family are far away it is an added burden on both sides. I have been looking at condos and townhomes up north. I hate taking care of a huge house and two acres. My husband has arthritis and it is getting harder for him to help. I understand your husband's concerns. Maybe a smaller place in Minnesota.
Sep 2nd, 2016, 08:59 AM
#25
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My parents moved from New York to San Diego when they were in their mid-60s. They too were tired of the New York climate, and we live in San Francisco. They MADE new roots in San Diego and loved it the entire time they lived there (which was about 13 years for my mom, but 28 years for my dad). Frankly, it was difficult ME when my dad got into his 90s. It wasn't as difficult for him because he had a tremendous support group.
Sep 2nd, 2016, 10:07 AM
#27
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"90 degrees and humid in Florida is pretty much like 90 degrees and humid elsewhere."
True. I recently returned from Florida to NJ where it was just as hot and humid as it was when I left Florida. But there is a huge difference. In NJ, you know it will only last three or four days. In Florida, you know it will last for three or four (or more) months!
I'm not complaining -- just stating a fact.
"Hurricanes ARE a big deal WHEN they are headed toward your front door."
That's true too, but I lived in Florida full time non-stop for 37 years just a couple blocks from the beach and the worst inconvenience I ever had was the power went off for the better part of a day a couple of times. I moved to NJ 5 years ago and we were without power 9 days from one hurricane and 10 days from another (and we're a LONG way from the ocean!)
Meanwhile in the past 11 years not ONE hurricane has hit Florida (well, until yesterday).
True. I recently returned from Florida to NJ where it was just as hot and humid as it was when I left Florida. But there is a huge difference. In NJ, you know it will only last three or four days. In Florida, you know it will last for three or four (or more) months!
I'm not complaining -- just stating a fact.
"Hurricanes ARE a big deal WHEN they are headed toward your front door."
That's true too, but I lived in Florida full time non-stop for 37 years just a couple blocks from the beach and the worst inconvenience I ever had was the power went off for the better part of a day a couple of times. I moved to NJ 5 years ago and we were without power 9 days from one hurricane and 10 days from another (and we're a LONG way from the ocean!)
Meanwhile in the past 11 years not ONE hurricane has hit Florida (well, until yesterday).
Sep 2nd, 2016, 10:41 AM
#28
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Dukey1, not sure what you meant about family, but to be honest...though I love my family dearly...I don't think they would want to rush to our assistance if we ever needed it...and I hesitate to think what kind of assistance they would offer. It is one of the reasons I think moving would be advisable. I don't think they want to be bothered with our problems...much as they are good people. I could see them trying to push us into nursing homes which is not where I could ever see me or Wally. We are too independent...just would never fit unless we became brain dead which I hope will never happen. I just explored retirement places in Minnesota. Not so impressive. Still think Florida looks the best. I would like to act on this while we still have control over the matter. Our place here is paradise...but...winters can be harsh and last way too long.
Sep 2nd, 2016, 10:50 AM
#29
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Take a look at the 3 or 4 communities built by Oriole Homes in the Delray area. These are independent living, low in price and known locally for their amenities. They are not on the ocean and renovation may be needed for aesthetic reasons....they are west of I95. They are not for the Sub Zero crowd although I did put in a new kitchen with high end appliances..lots of book clubs, science clubs, tennis, good pool for laps, good gyms and all is included. Lots of art clubs and card games. On site cafe for breakfast and lunch but not gourmet dining. As I mentioned, large proportion of residents were teachers.
Must have a car to live there unless one has an aide. Not continum of care..not assisted living.
We bought to be close to a relative, price seemed very fair and they have various models on offer..all on one level. Apts, single family, etc etc. Low taxes.
Must have a car to live there unless one has an aide. Not continum of care..not assisted living.
We bought to be close to a relative, price seemed very fair and they have various models on offer..all on one level. Apts, single family, etc etc. Low taxes.
Sep 2nd, 2016, 11:21 AM
#32
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< I could see them trying to push us into nursing homes which is not where I could ever see me or Wally. We are too independent...just would never fit unless we became brain dead which I hope will never happen. I just explored retirement places in Minnesota. Not so impressive. Still think Florida looks the best. I would like to act on this while we still have control over the matter. <
That is a sad commentary. But I also think you need to explore the wider world of "nursing homes" which are quite passe now. The retirement communities available can be affordable and rewarding. As for control, I would suggest you look further into the future for "continuing care communities" for your own well being and comfort. It may be time not to be short sighted.
I also agree with going to wherever you choose and stay for a number of months--maybe particularly in the summer if it is in the South.
Again, Florida might not be the only place to find what you want.
That is a sad commentary. But I also think you need to explore the wider world of "nursing homes" which are quite passe now. The retirement communities available can be affordable and rewarding. As for control, I would suggest you look further into the future for "continuing care communities" for your own well being and comfort. It may be time not to be short sighted.
I also agree with going to wherever you choose and stay for a number of months--maybe particularly in the summer if it is in the South.
Again, Florida might not be the only place to find what you want.
Sep 2nd, 2016, 12:29 PM
#33
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"Why not rent a place somewhere in Florida for 3 months over the winter. Get yourself down to look around for what might suit you?"
Totally agree with this except for one thing...it needs to be summer, not winter.
Totally agree with this except for one thing...it needs to be summer, not winter.
Sep 2nd, 2016, 02:08 PM
#34
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I'm laughing at Austin's comment. He/she is trying to tell you that you'll want to get a clear picture of what summer is like in your chosen area of FL before making a decision about deciding to live there year round.
Sep 2nd, 2016, 02:37 PM
#35
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I admire your spunk, but I agree that you ought to rent for a year before you even consider buying. In fact, the days of buying in most markets may be over.
My mother in law moved to assisted living (very, very different from a "nursing home", "rest home" or "retirement home") last March at age 94.
It was her own decision (she didn't tell us until it was a done deal) based on falling several timed. She put her house on the market, it sold at the open house, and she wishes she had done it long before. You are young enough to do what you want to do, but that doesn't include in my mind, living cheaply so you can leave a big pile of dough to your heirs. If there is money left over, fine, but if it is you having that pool or going to the Y because it is cheaper, go for the pool every time.
But don't limit yourself to Florida. Rent there, in fact rent in three or four parts of the state, and visit as many states as you can before you decide where you will settle when you get old.
My mother in law moved to assisted living (very, very different from a "nursing home", "rest home" or "retirement home") last March at age 94.
It was her own decision (she didn't tell us until it was a done deal) based on falling several timed. She put her house on the market, it sold at the open house, and she wishes she had done it long before. You are young enough to do what you want to do, but that doesn't include in my mind, living cheaply so you can leave a big pile of dough to your heirs. If there is money left over, fine, but if it is you having that pool or going to the Y because it is cheaper, go for the pool every time.
But don't limit yourself to Florida. Rent there, in fact rent in three or four parts of the state, and visit as many states as you can before you decide where you will settle when you get old.
Sep 2nd, 2016, 03:03 PM
#36
I agree about "shopping around" for your retirement place. By renting for periods of time in different settings to see what you like.
I've got a scheme for moving to Mexico (but only for part of the year) but I've been to my favorite city at least 30 times on vacation over the past few decades. So I'm not going in blind.
I've got a scheme for moving to Mexico (but only for part of the year) but I've been to my favorite city at least 30 times on vacation over the past few decades. So I'm not going in blind.
Sep 2nd, 2016, 03:21 PM
#37
ok, get the picture now. Family not so important. I will probably be like that. I have no kids.
http://www.privatecommunities.com/florida/viera/
http://www.privatecommunities.com/florida/viera/
Sep 2nd, 2016, 04:39 PM
#38
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I can hardly believe the helpful info coming from just my lil ole enquiry...thank you, thank you thank you. Still looking. Don't know if we can rent for three months but maybe a month. We have a cat and dog. We also have a renter who now is just going month by month but has been here 9 months and seems pretty happy here...may stay as long as we do! He has like apartment downstairs...is a business man gone most of the time...quiet and neat. A good arrangement for all of us so far. I am saving his rent money for a new car for us. We could probably make some sort of arrangements but renting for three months might also be a bit out of our budget.
Sep 2nd, 2016, 05:07 PM
#39
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Yes, but FL is 90s and humid a lot - like for at least 34 months a year - not a few days at a time as much further north. It's one thing to stay indoors for a few days - but not to being stuck indoors for months at a time.
Perhaps the OPs love hot weather and this may be fine for them.
I just think it's a mistake for anyone to spend the money and effort to move to FL without spending at least one summer there to see what it's like.
My dad's B and Sil retired early, around 60, and bought a place near Tampa and kept it until they moved to an assisted living facility. But they came north every summer to stay with their daughter for May through September to avoid the heat in FL.
Perhaps the OPs love hot weather and this may be fine for them.
I just think it's a mistake for anyone to spend the money and effort to move to FL without spending at least one summer there to see what it's like.
My dad's B and Sil retired early, around 60, and bought a place near Tampa and kept it until they moved to an assisted living facility. But they came north every summer to stay with their daughter for May through September to avoid the heat in FL.
