Moving to Ft. Myers from New York

bebal0ve · Jun 14, 2009

As a NJ to Ft Myers recent transplant I feel that some of the low living expenses out ways the lower pay in the area. If you have more then 5 yrs experiance in Nursing the pay isn't too bad. I bought a foreclosure home with my savings and my mortgage is cheaper then rent and or a mortgage even after yearly taxes. Car insurance is extremely lower, so is health insurance, and of course no state tax from your pay. I think if you dont have extreme debt and can budget your money well then you can manage to move out here without a problem. I say dont go crazy trying to move all your furniture out here because its not worth the expense just come light (plenty of good furniture being given away and good sales at the stores) and enjoy what the area has to offer. If you dwell on moving it will never happen. Good luck on your decision.

rholman · Jun 14, 2009

Go for it.

Although I don't live in Ft Meyers, I moved from Bronx, New York to Kissimmee 8 years ago. One day I decided I had enough of the New York rat race. I told my parents and friends I was moving to Florida, quit my job, packed my car with my clothes, computer and me and my daughter and arrived in Florida New Years day, 2001. I had 2 friends in the state, no job prospectives, a little savings but a lot of faith. In eight years I have accomplished a lot and made a comfortable living for me and my daughter.

I moved in with a friend and within 3 weeks I found a job, 5 months I brought a home with my savings and I haven't looked back since. If you can accept the pay is cheaper than New York and you have little to no dept you will be okay. As the other poster mentioned, there is no state taxes, and there are plenty of florecosed homes for the pickin. The best part is the sunshine and the beautiful beaches.

When I gratuate NS, my plan is to move further south of florida near the beaches. Don't think about it too much, just do it. Good Luck

SmilesNoir · Jun 14, 2009

try one of the travel nurses gigs.. at least some one else can pay for u to try out a new area.. my 2cents

rholman · Jun 14, 2009

try one of the travel nurses gigs.. at least some one else can pay for u to try out a new area.. my 2cents

That's a great idea. It will give you some time to explore the area, different hospitals and you have a better chance of getting a permanent position.

One bit of advice, when you move it will be better to rent at first so you have some time to explore the different neighborhoods. I know a lot of people who move from other states and buy a house right away and then later find a neighborhood or area that blows them away. Not to say where they are is bad, however, some realtors will lead you in an area that may be advantageous for them. Ft Myers tend to be a bit more expensive than central florida, simple because it's the coastal area. Florida has a lot of hidden gems, you'll be surprised at what you can find, especially in this housing market. Lots of "SALE BY OWNERS" and they will be more flexible with their pricing because they don't have to pay a realtors fee.

SmilesNoir · Jun 15, 2009

That's a great idea. It will give you some time to explore the area, different hospitals and you have a better chance of getting a permanent position.
One bit of advice, when you move it will be better to rent at first so you have some time to explore the different neighborhoods. I know a lot of people who move from other states and buy a house right away and then later find a neighborhood or area that blows them away. Not to say where they are is bad, however, some realtors will lead you in an area that may be advantageous for them. Ft Myers tend to be a bit more expensive than central florida, simple because it's the coastal area. Florida has a lot of hidden gems, you'll be surprised at what you can find, especially in this housing market. Lots of "SALE BY OWNERS" and they will be more flexible with their pricing because they don't have to pay a realtors fee.

Lehigh Acres (FTM) area had some nice homes to rent.