Hi,My wife and I had previously tossed around the idea of leaving the expensive cost of living and cold winters of New York.I'm an auto mechanic and I've been laid off.The tough economy has hit NY hard,and I'm having trouble finding work.We're thinking now might be the time to pack up and leave.I was reading the thread on the hurricane concerns,and I too, would prefer to be in a protected area and also need good schools for my two children.I know Georgia is still experiencing strong growth with unemployment at @4%.The other thread had suggestions of the Jacksonville or Pensacola Florida areas.Any natives of these states that can offer any advice would sincerely be appreciated.Thanks-

You need some response posts fron Gatorgirl,joan & OliveOyl.They have great input on Florida.

As an exNYer, I must say that the trade off for the cold winters in NY is the HOT summers in the South, where you can have days and days of 100 degree heat, and humidity in the 100% range as well. You did not mention where in NY you are, but you should visit the South in mid July before you move, I wish I had!!!

I'm aware that I'll have trade off with the weather.I'm not thrilled with high heat and humidity,but we get that here in NY too.I don't have a/c in my home here(which I'd definitely have if I moved south,and enjoy a better nights sleep),plus I don't have a/c here when I work.I live in a suburb about 20 miles from NYC,where we have it all;freezing cold,snow, and hot humid summers.

Rob: Well, if you are prepared for our humidity, then I'd say Pensacola.
Our cost of living is great.
We have great beaches.
There is also a wide variety of schools to choose from, from public to private.
I believe you would have no trouble finding work.
If you are a good mechanic, we could especially use you.
Good ones and honest ones are few and hard to find.

Hi Rob,I also live in NY and have played with the idea of moving to Fla also.The hot and humid summers cannot be worse than Aug in NY! and at least you can be near a beach in Fla,instead of sitting on the LIE trying to get to one.
One of my children lives in Jacksonville and we have heard nothing but rave reviews about living there.They have a sort of seasonal change there,where it does get cool in the winter.The cost of living is low,housing is affordable and there are jobs to be had.
Maybe you should take a drive down this summer,experience the worst of their weather and drive around,see what you think.
The schools are mixed,depending on the neighborhood, but they are not as bad as some up here.

Good luck.k

Rob,I'd investigate the areas outside of Atlanta.If you go to a place like Pensacola, where tourism is the primary revenue,you might find yourself laid off again during the non-peak travel seasons.

Rob, Also Florida whacks you with high homeowners insurance(hurricane problem),and flood insurance is separate.Auto insurance is very high too.

Hurricane Insurance is a flood insurance rider you must buy in addition to homeowners insurance. It is issued through FEMA. It is not covered under regular homeowners.

Rob, I was born and raised in Manhattan. Is there a specific reason why you're only looking in the South? There are many nice areas that don't have the grueling winters nor the humidity and bugs that Florida have. I lived in Florida for 3 loooong years and didn't care for the weather at all. The winters were usually nice but I couldn't stand the summers. I'm now living in the West and feel that I have the best of both worlds with a mild climate year around. Lori

I currently live in the Northeast (and I'm originally from the Northeast), but spent several years in the mid-1990's in Atlanta, GA. What a wonderful city! Culturally diverse, beautiful weather, friendly people, reasonable cost of living, jobs aplenty! I left (sadly!) for professional reasons, but would move back in a heartbeat if I could. Highly recommend it!

Um, Temp Zone, 100% humidity means RAIN.

Olive Oyl, Joan, Gatorgirl, where are you? Rob needs some help here. . .

I've heard this exact story from New Yorkers for the last 30 years! The south is tired of this "excuse" they have to use to move down here! How many times have your heard that someone from Georgia "had" to move to NY!? As a true Georgia local who was born and raised here we know it is a great part of the U.S. to live in and dont make excuses about living here! Yeah it gets hot here and it is humid in the summer but I been to the city and you know what, IT DOES THERE TOO!!, so that damn old cliche has got to go!! One things for sure we are alot smarter down her than you think, but with your post its obvious you New Yorkers think southern people are a bunch of backwards hillbillies (caught you!) but we are on to your game! I for one INVITE you to move down here because the people in the south love a good laugh and transplanted New Yorkers are a great source of this. Think about it, do you really think the majority of "us" are this ignorant? But you know what, you'll continue to go on and make fun of the south when truly your envious.

To Yeah Right~ No one was making fun of the south nor southerners at all. What ARE you rambling about? You're not being very hospitible,nor displaying any manners. If you think about it VERY carefully,our grandparents,parents,and ourselves all originated from somewhere else. BE NICE!!!!

Wow,yeahright,work on that anger! but somewhere else please.

HiRob, Please come on south. We will be glad to have you. I live in Georgia and I extend a warm welcome to you and your family. Middle Georgia, where I live does have long, hot, and very humid summers. North Georgia is not as hot. Atlanta is booming. Warner Robins located in middle Georgia is a booming community and the location of Robins Air Force Base. Each time I have visited New York, the people there have been very kind and gracious. Hope you find a good area in which to locate. I think you will love the south.

Hey Rob, read the thread about the Florida bugs before you make a decision.

In Fla. where we are you don't need hurricane insurance or floor insurance either if you're not near the beach. Auto insurance isn't too high, and we make up for it with no income tax by the state. You need to check out property taxes though because counties can increase them every year. Ours has annually in the last five years but we enjoy a homestead exemption of about $30k per year.

Weather girl, Obviously YOU have never been south, we have many many many bright sunny hot days with 100% humidity, last summer our July 4th was 105 degrees with 100% humidity, the air was so thick and sticky it was awful, it was sunny no clouds at all. The heat index was 125 or greater. As you should know being a weather girl and all that humidity means the amount of moisture in the air, which does not always constitute rain. Today we were treated, it was only 94 degrees with 84% humidity, that is comfortable to us. And by the way I hope Rob doesn't move wherever you do the forecasting!!!