Not Everything Is Flat In Florida – Think Twice Before Making The Decisive Move

I love Florida. And I love the beach. I love the sound of the crashing surfers against the rocks.” – Emo Philips once said. Indeed, in many people’s eyes, Florida is a paradise, with the highest point being 345 feet above sea level. It’s known as “Britton Hill”. In reality, not everything is flat in Florida, and here are the reasons. Like any other good state to retire (South Dakota, Idaho, Utah, Pennsylvania…), Florida presents its own pros and cons.

It’s a shortcoming to overlook this part-and-parcel career advice on Jobandedu!

Many People Would Like To Live In And Visit Florida. Why?

In the southeastern United States, Florida is one of the most popular tourist destinations. But what makes it so appealing?

Florida has a subtropical climate with over 200 sunshine days, which is a fascinating reality. As a result, it is never too cold here. Furthermore, almost every state is located near the sea. With parks, Disney World, Universal Studios, Miami restaurants, annual Art Basel festivals, golf courses, sandy beaches, and sunny weather, Florida is a real paradise.

Many retirees feel that Florida is the best place to spend the rest of their lives. Both the income tax and the cost of living are pretty reasonable there. Not to mention the vibrant culture and abundant job opportunities, many people long to work in Florida. Live in a giant hotel, take a stroll on the romantic beaches, and secure a dreamy job with over 70,000 a year…. wanna make your dream come true?

Many People Would Like To Live In And Visit Florida. Why?
Beautiful beaches in Florida. Source: imagesvc

On the other hand, it appears that some can’t handle the heat of the Sunshine States. If you are thinking about going on a long trip or relocating to Florida, read the next section for reasons you should think twice before moving.

16 Reasons For “Not Everything Is Flat In Florida” 

Not Everything Is Flat In FloridaCrowded Habitants

According to the US Census Bureau, this is the third most populous state in the US with heavy traffic, inadequate housing, and other related issues. Escaping from the crowds sounds even tricky than finishing 200 pages of a book!

Actually, this state has a large number of elderly residents. They are no longer active, and their eyes and ears are no longer as sharp as when they were younger. Thus, many residents drive slowly and cannot hear what you are talking about, yet you could not blame them. This is one annoyance you should consider before relocating here.

Florida’s Traffic Congestion, It’s Terrible!

Every year, nearly 100 million tourists visit Florida to chill out and enjoy themselves. Of course, an overcrowding situation would result in the constant airport and road congestion. This situation is close to Orlando’s, where theme park roads are congested all day.

You might be forced to travel at 5 mph, which possibly drives you mad. Looking at the bright side, you will have more time to breathe in the scenery and imagine the lovely shimmering eateries that line the roads at night.

I-4, the main highway in Central Florida, runs from Daytona Beach on the East Coast to Tampa on the West Bank, passing through Orlando. This route is also where you get into the theme parks. Nevertheless, traffic congestion on this road can last for hours at a time, and there are numerous accidents, too.

Traffic will worsen over six years from 2015 to 2021 as the I-4 undergoes a major refurbishment to add lanes. In addition, the I-95 route around Miami is equally terrible. You should have a second thought about owning the second home and register a car here.

Florida’s Traffic Congestion, It’s Terrible!
Traffic can be troublesome here. Source: orlandosentinel

Bad Gun Policies. Do You Regret Moving To Florida?

When Florida is the home of the National Rifle Association (NRA), the fact triggers a warning flag. The street shooting was not uncommon that the media could not report them all.

Even children and adolescents can use automatic firearms. There was a situation in which a 9-year-old girl shot and killed a man with a UZI submachine gun.

Curtis Reeves shot and killed an unarmed young father in a movie theater, and George Zimmerman, a man accused of murdering Trayvon Martin, an unarmed teenager, are two more in a string of disturbing events.

Not Everything Is Flat In FloridaThe Weather Is Too Hot?

Many people flock to Florida in search of a warm environment to escape the cold of other states. In fact, Florida is incredibly hot and humid sometimes.

According to currentresults.com, Florida is the warmest of all states, with an average temperature of 70.7 degrees. Miami (Florida) is one of the ten hottest cities in the United States, with an average temperature of 82.8 degrees Fahrenheit in July and 84 degrees Fahrenheit in August (according to acquyweather.com).

Not Everything Is Flat In Florida - The Weather Is Pretty Hot?
Florida is a hot sunshine state. Source: pbs.twimg

I understand that people come to Florida searching for a warm climate. Yet when the state is scorching and humid, you should rethink. However, if you enjoy this sort of weather, Florida is absolutely an excellent place to live. 

The Roaches Are Huge

Cockroaches are a genus that enjoys warm weather. Due to the hot climate, they are more likely to reproduce in large numbers. What’s more, they could grow to be very big. When I say very big, it means roughly the size of a child’s fist.

The first thing you can do when you arrive in Florida is to register with a pest control company. Your home will be free of cockroaches and other dangerous insects.

These pest control firms currently use “chemical barriers” outside of your house. In case the treatments are not effective enough, the pest control company can offer additional treatments free of charge.

Not Everything Is Flat In FloridaSharknado In Florida 

Because of the increase of shark attacks in recent years, the Volusia District in Florida is recognized as the “Shark Bite Capital of the World.” Many sharks focus on coastal areas, which is extremely dangerous for residents.

Not Everything Is Flat In Florida - Sharknado In Florida
Have you ever heard about Sharknado In Florida? Source: nypost

Each year, 20 to 30 shark attacks occur, but most are not fatal to humans. Indeed, it’s best to be far away from the Volusia beach area.

Oh My God! There’s A Bear In My Garage

According to the state’s government, Florida’s population growth has resulted in declining wildlife habitats. Many homes are situated close to the bears’ habitats. Hence, bears always go to nearby human communities searching for food when they are hungry and thirsty.

The trash cans tend to be a favorite location for bears to rummage through their “food overindulgence.” Things got messy after they looked for food in all the trash bins. Then, they can also break into or walk around your home.

Do you get frightened if you come face to face with a bear in your garage? Many people would be reluctant to touch them owing to their big black bodies and aggressive attitude. 

Once You Seek An Alligator In Your Pool

Sharks, crocodiles, and bears all seem to be nightmares in Florida. Florida is the home to more than one million wild crocodiles. They prefer freshwater areas such as swamps, ponds, lakes, and even your swimming pool or pond.

As a result, a crocodile soaking in your backyard tub may be unsurprising. If an alligator is not your favorite kind of pet, perhaps you wouldn’t want one chilling in your backyard.

A Python May Be Found In Your Backyard

Continue with “Python,” another nightmare. Like other animals, pythons can invade nearby communities in search of food. For the time being, animals’ natural habitats are being reduced gradually.

On the good side, a Great Python award is dedicated to hunters in this state annually, and you might receive a substantial cash reward if you win. Give it a shot if you are brave enough.

Have a wonderful time hunting!

Hurricanes In Florida May Become Catastrophic

The hurricane season in Florida usually runs from the beginning of June to the end of November.

Typhoon Charley caused unprecedented damage with winds of up to 150 miles per hour. It was terrible, as it swept through everything quickly, causing havoc: downed trees, power outages, destroyed houses, a lot of missing, dead people, so on.

As a result, residents must exercise caution and cope with the harsh weather conditions during the stormy season. If you’re considering relocating to Florida, think twice.

They call Florida the “sunshine state,” which is funny because in the twelve years I lived here, it was only sunny for like twenty minutes – when the eye of the hurricane passed over my house.” – Seth Lyon said.

What Is A Sinkhole? Is It A Popular Phenomenon In Florida?

The sinkhole is not a portal to another world? They are a common occurrence in Florida. It looks as if a hole (large or small) has opened up under the ground. Several pits are big enough to swallow a vehicle, a home, or even an entire neighborhood.

The Aquifer in Florida is to blame for the sinkhole’s appearance. In reality, most of Florida’s drinking water comes from Aquifer, made up of porous limestone and contains natural rainwater. When the water level drops too low, causing the ground crumbles and a vast hole turns up in front of your eyes.

Does Florida Have Tornadoes?

Florida has the most tornadoes compared to any county. To be fair, tornadoes in Florida are not nearly as severe as those in the Midwest, but tornado fatalities in Florida are five times higher than those in Kansas.

Does Florida Have Tornadoes?
Tornadoes in Florida can cause massive damage. Source: insurancejournal

Not Everything Is Flat In FloridaMany Heavy Thunderstorms Occur Annually

Sea breezes from the East and West Coasts touch and grow in intensity during the summer months, triggering intense thunderstorms. More than 100 thunderstorms occur each year, with lightning often accompanying them.

Florida Can’t Run An Effective National Election

During the Bush-Gore presidential election recount in 2000, Florida was dubbed “Flori-duh.” Florida’s political challenges have existed for years. Even some people waited in line for seven to eight hours only to vote in 2012.

Read More: The US Right-To-Work Law – Is Illinois A Right-To-Work State?

Not Everything Is Flat In FloridaPedestrian-Friendly Place Or Not?

The fact that Florida’s pedestrian mortality rate is substantially higher than the national average rate. Many roads here do not even have traffic lights. Even with signals, crossing 6 lanes of traffic to get to the other side of the road is exhausting.

While pedestrians in Florida have the right of way, the vehicle’s driver can refuse to do so. When you give way to a pedestrian, the next cars will honk continuously.

Many Florida Public Schools Are Not Very Good

The state of Florida’s public schools seems to have many troubles and shortcomings. Many public schools lack efficient management and a coherent education system. You could not blame governors. Instead, the primary reason is the lack of investment in these schools, which has had a significant effect on the state’s teaching and learning inefficiency. 

Several nonprofit organizations are working to handle this problem, but the result is still marginal.

Because Not Everything Is Flat In Florida. Let’s Compare Florida With Others States In The US

Florida isn’t the only place where people can retire. Instead of living in Florida, you can live in one of more than 50 states in the United States. Many people would undoubtedly compare living in Florida vs California, Utah, Alabama, or any other states knowing the above drawbacks. All in all, here are 6 best places for living instead of Florida:

South Dakota

Let's  Compare Florida With Others States In The US
Mount Rushmore. Source: worldtravelguide

The State of Mount Rushmore is ranked first on our list for various reasons, including affordability, low cost of living (including health care costs), and low tax fees. According to a new study from George Mason University’s Mercatus Center, the state ranks third in the financial health category of the nation. 

Moreover, the state has one of the lowest population densities in the nation, and the South Dakotans enjoy a high quality of life in general. 

Utah

Utah ranks second in the United States for the overall wellbeing of the 65-year-old population, making it an ideal place for active retirees (according to the United Health Foundation). The state has a wide range of outdoor recreational opportunities that will keep you happy every day.

There are up to five national parks in the state and seven national monuments, five national forests, and 43 state parks to fulfill all of the residents’ needs for hiking, trekking, canoeing, and skiing.

It also has low crime rates, a low cost of living, and minimal taxes. On the downside, it snows heavily and is very cold in the winter.

Idaho

Idaho may be a decent choice if you aren’t concerned about the amount of tax you would have to pay. It’s accessible, clean, and has a good degree of wellness. The bad news for Idaho is that the state lacks cultural diversity and ranks low in cultural rankings.

Pennsylvania

This state offers seniors a comfortable standard of living. Pennsylvania’s tax benefits are also among the top ten in the United States, which help to increase the habitants’ economic returns. 

However, according to a ranking from the Mercatus Center at George Mason University, this state’s financial health ranks 45th out of all 50 states. That is, the economy is insufficiently robust to provide complete social security to the residents.

Tennessee

Tennessee
Tennessee State. Source: duhocinec

Tennessee is potentially a good option for budget-conscious retirees and workers, as every major metro area provides below-average housing costs, one of the most important financial issues for senior citizens, according to data from the Economic and Community Research Council.

There is also no state income tax, allowing you to stretch your income much further. According to a new survey from the Mercatus Center, Tennessee ranks eighth among all states in terms of financial health.

Alabama

Living in or visiting Alabama, you can enjoy the warm weather, beautiful beaches, and numerous golf courses at an affordable price.

The average American couple spends 4.4 percent less on health insurance than seniors. The state’s income tax rates vary from 2% to 5%, and exempt Social Security benefits are considered significant determining factors for many people considering moving to the state.

Not Everything Is Flat In Florida - Worth Reading Before Making Terminal Decision
They call Florida “The Sunshine State.” Source: muanhamy

Not Everything Is Flat In Florida – Our Final Words

Florida is known as “The Sunshine State” owing to its beautiful sunny beaches. However, aside from the benefits that the state provides to its citizens, there are several compelling reasons for people to consider staying in other states, especially those who have retired. Bear in mind that “not everything is flat in Florida!”

Tennessee, Hawaii, and South Dakota are all viable alternatives to living in Florida. Certainly, the choice is yours, but careful thought and consideration do make sense!

Ellie

Ellie - a go-getter in the content creating industry.  Since 2016, she has been actively engaged in writing and career guidance. Simply put, Ellie realized that what truly drives her is advising and coaching people on the path to self-discovery. She currently works with JobandEdu as a researcher and writer. Ellie's articles serve as advice columns for people at a crossroads in their careers or who can't make up their minds. She guides them through determining a pathway, job hunting, overcoming hurdles at work, and the multiple tip-top tools on the go. She also regularly shares her perspectives on topics piquing her curiosity or providing her with actionable insights.