I enjoyed the years of visiting my parents condo in Boca. Of course, visited in the fall/winter months. And, used it as home base for Spring Break in Lauderdale with three buddies. We generally enjoyed relaxing on the uncrowded Boca beach, then nightlife in Lauderdale. Even then, designated driver. Later years, driving up to Palm Beach for dinner, or simply enjoying Mizner park. My daughter's first swim experience was in the Tierra del Mar pool. I was so much older then...
My aunt still lives there, had a nice lunch with her and my cousin at Seasons 52 pre-cruise in September '19. When the world was still innocent....ish.
'21 Dark Blue/Black Audi A7 PHEV (mine); '22 White/Beige BMW X3 (hers); '20 Estoril Blue/Oyster BMW M240xi 'Vert (Ours, read: hers in 'vert weather; mine during Nor'easters...)
I think FL has a low cost of living in general - low taxes, lots of cheap housing, and for a long time known for low wages - so retirees or remote workers can come in and feel well off. Add in the weather, and you're a magnet.
In WA, we also have no income tax, relatively low property taxes, but some other cost of living inputs are expensive (housing especially), so it kind of evens out in terms of taxation. Some locals moan and whine about taxes, not understanding the taxes here aren't the issue.
Low taxes exist elsewhere, too. And in warm places.
Florida has good conditions as a place to go for the winter, and it is set up as a place where you can easily rent or own for several months. #1 as stated, best weather - year round golfing, fishing, tennis etc. There are special areas for snowbirds......even though you are a visitor you feel you are at home with other people who are living a similar lifestyle. Life is easy and simple, with glorious sun. Besides, it feels like you are at camp.....you are there for the fun of it. I like knowing I am going somewhere warm when it is freezing cold at home, but, I like being home for half the year too....I like the change and I like both.
Getting back to winter climate getaways, Southern California (especially the desert areas like Palm Springs, Palm Desert, Indian Wells, Rancho Mirage, La Quinta) has great winter climate - San Diego especially - but the cost of living and taxes are horrendous.
I-72 is a couple hundred miles from Chicago. That stretch from Springfield over almost to Quincy is pretty desolate. Super flat and super straight with very little traffic, but I'm still surprised at the number of tickets written for those speeds!
Well, central TX has no hurricanes, no personal income tax, it is certainly warm, and I’ve heard land is cheap. Like I sez, I’m just trying to understand. NM seems relatively popular, and I gotta say that makes a little more sense to me.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
Well, central TX has no hurricanes, no personal income tax, it is certainly warm, and I’ve heard land is cheap. Like I sez, I’m just trying to understand. NM seems relatively popular, and I gotta say that makes a little more sense to me.
Too far from the beach for me.
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
Getting back to winter climate getaways, Southern California (especially the desert areas like Palm Springs, Palm Desert, Indian Wells, Rancho Mirage, La Quinta) has great winter climate - San Diego especially - but the cost of living and taxes are horrendous.
Palm Springs is a good 10 degrees cooler for January highs than South Florida. Same goes for AZ. (my wife made me check).
For those who want warm winter weather, and a reasonable cost on rentals, CA really isn't an option.
Plus, most of our earlier commentary was from residents of the Eastern half of the US, who can easily drive to Florida. If you are staying for a month or longer, flights and car rentals leave us out of the Western U.S.
Well, central TX has no hurricanes, no personal income tax, it is certainly warm, and I’ve heard land is cheap. Like I sez, I’m just trying to understand. NM seems relatively popular, and I gotta say that makes a little more sense to me.
Shhhh! NM is still a bit of a secret. Don't go promoting it and jacking up real estate costs.
Today - 45 is the high where I live. 59 in Las Cruces. No, not warm, but certainly an improvement.
And, they may get a dusting or two of snow, each winter. I think our departed host stever posted pictures once or twice.
Thanks @explorerx4 for sharing this video. I hope NYC and other cities would provide incentives to cabbies for using EVs rather than ICE vehicles. That could take many forms such as no tolls, free charging and per mile tax credits.
Well, central TX has no hurricanes, no personal income tax, it is certainly warm, and I’ve heard land is cheap. Like I sez, I’m just trying to understand. NM seems relatively popular, and I gotta say that makes a little more sense to me.
Shhhh! NM is still a bit of a secret. Don't go promoting it and jacking up real estate costs.
Today - 45 is the high where I live. 59 in Las Cruces. No, not warm, but certainly an improvement.
And, they may get a dusting or two of snow, each winter. I think our departed host stever posted pictures once or twice.
I wouldn’t mind cold weather (it was zero here this morning) but the snow has become unbearable. I suppose two feet of snow gives you plenty of exercise removing it but I’d rather take a walk or ride a bike.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
I haven't filled up since November 5th and the low fuel light just came on. Makes it difficult to justify buying anything additional.
We've been filling the Outback every couple of weeks, around $40-45 per tank.
Since my wife still has to go into work 5 days a week we still doing a fill up ever other week for her car, my car not nearly as much since I go in maybe once a week.
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
So, why do so many folks choose Florida? Just curious. I mean, it is not like old folks are utilizing the theme parks, right? So what are the advantages? Vs... oh, hell, I don't know ... GA, LA, MS, or what have you.
Well it is the last place in the US outside of Hawaii that gets real cold weather. Now if you go to other places in the south you are a northerner living in the south (a lot of culture differences) but they say that in Florida the further south you go the further north you get.
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
Well, central TX has no hurricanes, no personal income tax, it is certainly warm, and I’ve heard land is cheap. Like I sez, I’m just trying to understand. NM seems relatively popular, and I gotta say that makes a little more sense to me.
Yes but central Texas has Texans, and plenty of them.
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
Thanks @explorerx4 for sharing this video. I hope NYC and other cities would provide incentives to cabbies for using EVs rather than ICE vehicles. That could take many forms such as no tolls, free charging and per mile tax credits.
I really don't think that governments should treat EV's any different than ICE vehicles. Let normal market conditions flow and let the market decide.
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
Well had my fun for today. Our dryer started to make some squeaking noises the other day so this morning I took it apart and inspected the darn thing, and everything but the felt seal on the front looked good. So off I went to the appliance parts store to get one but they didn't have one so they ordered it and it should arrive Tuesday. So got back home put the dryer back together and wait a few days for a long strip of felt to be delivered.
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
Well, central TX has no hurricanes, no personal income tax, it is certainly warm, and I’ve heard land is cheap. Like I sez, I’m just trying to understand. NM seems relatively popular, and I gotta say that makes a little more sense to me.
Too far from the beach for me.
This. I’m not moving anywhere I can’t park my butt in a beach chair by the ocean within an hour or so drive.
Well, central TX has no hurricanes, no personal income tax, it is certainly warm, and I’ve heard land is cheap. Like I sez, I’m just trying to understand. NM seems relatively popular, and I gotta say that makes a little more sense to me.
Yes but central Texas has Texans, and plenty of them.
I certainly can’t debate Texans vs Floridian Seniors. At least Texans move faster. That’s about all I think I know.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
Well, central TX has no hurricanes, no personal income tax, it is certainly warm, and I’ve heard land is cheap. Like I sez, I’m just trying to understand. NM seems relatively popular, and I gotta say that makes a little more sense to me.
Yes but central Texas has Texans, and plenty of them.
I certainly can’t debate Texans vs Floridian Seniors. At least Texans move faster. That’s about all I think I know.
San Antonio.. January highs are 10 degrees lower than Naples, FL (I love San Antonio!)
Just saying.... if you are wintering to get away from cold weather, only South Florida works in the continental US, if you want average high temps above 70 F.
Thanks @explorerx4 for sharing this video. I hope NYC and other cities would provide incentives to cabbies for using EVs rather than ICE vehicles. That could take many forms such as no tolls, free charging and per mile tax credits.
I really don't think that governments should treat EV's any different than ICE vehicles. Let normal market conditions flow and let the market decide.
But that's what govts everywhere like to do, "level the playing field" by creating artificial aids or barriers for certain things.
Well, central TX has no hurricanes, no personal income tax, it is certainly warm, and I’ve heard land is cheap. Like I sez, I’m just trying to understand. NM seems relatively popular, and I gotta say that makes a little more sense to me.
Are you thinking of people LIVING in Florida or SNOWBIRDING in Florida? Snowbirding works because you have lots of things to do, good weather, lots of people you will connect with...plus, golf, fishing, tennis, pickleball....all kinds of activities. Snowbirding in the middle of Texas or N.M. would be pointless unless you are a hermit***. For full time living, the advantages are relatively cheap living - low taxes and house prices, livable weather most of the year, nice casual lifestyle, senior friendly with lots of activities.
***I say that because we stayed in Florida for 3 weeks at a time for about 3 years before buying our place. We knew we wouldn't stay longer unless we owned. Unless you are a hermit or really like being on your own you want to have other people around and you will want to become part of the community. If you have a stressful job or something, maybe you can veg for 3 weeks, but for most people, being in a warm place isn't enough of a reason to be there.
Well, central TX has no hurricanes, no personal income tax, it is certainly warm, and I’ve heard land is cheap. Like I sez, I’m just trying to understand. NM seems relatively popular, and I gotta say that makes a little more sense to me.
Too far from the beach for me.
This. I’m not moving anywhere I can’t park my butt in a beach chair by the ocean within an hour or so drive.
There’s a beach in our town. It’s on LI SOUND, but it is an awesome place to unwind for a few hours after work over the summer. An hour away we have Jones Beach on Long Island which is beautiful and has some fantastic views & sounds. Perfect sand too.
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
Well, central TX has no hurricanes, no personal income tax, it is certainly warm, and I’ve heard land is cheap. Like I sez, I’m just trying to understand. NM seems relatively popular, and I gotta say that makes a little more sense to me.
Too far from the beach for me.
This. I’m not moving anywhere I can’t park my butt in a beach chair by the ocean within an hour or so drive.
There’s a beach in our town. It’s on LI SOUND, but it is an awesome place to unwind for a few hours after work over the summer. An hour away we have Jones Beach on Long Island which is beautiful and has some fantastic views & sounds. Perfect sand too.
You don't need an ocean to have a beach, Beaches can be found on lakes and on rivers,
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
Well, central TX has no hurricanes, no personal income tax, it is certainly warm, and I’ve heard land is cheap. Like I sez, I’m just trying to understand. NM seems relatively popular, and I gotta say that makes a little more sense to me.
most of the people going to Fla are from NY/NJ/PA (and of course Canada) so it is much easier to get back and forth. A short flight, or a manageable drive. And of course, tons of people already there from "back home".
You go to central Texas, you are really committing to that!
I just think more people should stop in SC instead on the way down.
Well, central TX has no hurricanes, no personal income tax, it is certainly warm, and I’ve heard land is cheap. Like I sez, I’m just trying to understand. NM seems relatively popular, and I gotta say that makes a little more sense to me.
Too far from the beach for me.
This. I’m not moving anywhere I can’t park my butt in a beach chair by the ocean within an hour or so drive.
as long as I can get to the shore for our vacation week, I am good. We rarely (ok, never) go down for the day, but we do have a pool so less justification.
if I move to NH that is still pretty close to the ocean. Just too cold to ever put your feet in! I mostly stay on the beach anyway at this point.
Thanks @explorerx4 for sharing this video. I hope NYC and other cities would provide incentives to cabbies for using EVs rather than ICE vehicles. That could take many forms such as no tolls, free charging and per mile tax credits.
I really don't think that governments should treat EV's any different than ICE vehicles. Let normal market conditions flow and let the market decide.
I agree, particularly since if I understand it correctly you have to have an upper income for you to get the full benefit of some of these credits.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
Well, central TX has no hurricanes, no personal income tax, it is certainly warm, and I’ve heard land is cheap. Like I sez, I’m just trying to understand. NM seems relatively popular, and I gotta say that makes a little more sense to me.
Too far from the beach for me.
This. I’m not moving anywhere I can’t park my butt in a beach chair by the ocean within an hour or so drive.
There’s a beach in our town. It’s on LI SOUND, but it is an awesome place to unwind for a few hours after work over the summer. An hour away we have Jones Beach on Long Island which is beautiful and has some fantastic views & sounds. Perfect sand too.
Well, central TX has no hurricanes, no personal income tax, it is certainly warm, and I’ve heard land is cheap. Like I sez, I’m just trying to understand. NM seems relatively popular, and I gotta say that makes a little more sense to me.
Too far from the beach for me.
This. I’m not moving anywhere I can’t park my butt in a beach chair by the ocean within an hour or so drive.
There’s a beach in our town. It’s on LI SOUND, but it is an awesome place to unwind for a few hours after work over the summer. An hour away we have Jones Beach on Long Island which is beautiful and has some fantastic views & sounds. Perfect sand too.
You don't need an ocean to have a beach, Beaches can be found on lakes and on rivers,
Well, central TX has no hurricanes, no personal income tax, it is certainly warm, and I’ve heard land is cheap. Like I sez, I’m just trying to understand. NM seems relatively popular, and I gotta say that makes a little more sense to me.
Too far from the beach for me.
This. I’m not moving anywhere I can’t park my butt in a beach chair by the ocean within an hour or so drive.
as long as I can get to the shore for our vacation week, I am good. We rarely (ok, never) go down for the day, but we do have a pool so less justification.
if I move to NH that is still pretty close to the ocean. Just too cold to ever put your feet in! I mostly stay on the beach anyway at this point.
The water really doesn’t warm up until late July here. I usually don’t go in until then.
Comments
Later years, driving up to Palm Beach for dinner, or simply enjoying Mizner park. My daughter's first swim experience was in the Tierra del Mar pool. I was so much older then...
My aunt still lives there, had a nice lunch with her and my cousin at Seasons 52 pre-cruise in September '19. When the world was still innocent....ish.
'21 Dark Blue/Black Audi A7 PHEV (mine); '22 White/Beige BMW X3 (hers); '20 Estoril Blue/Oyster BMW M240xi 'Vert (Ours, read: hers in 'vert weather; mine during Nor'easters...)
In WA, we also have no income tax, relatively low property taxes, but some other cost of living inputs are expensive (housing especially), so it kind of evens out in terms of taxation. Some locals moan and whine about taxes, not understanding the taxes here aren't the issue.
Life is easy and simple, with glorious sun. Besides, it feels like you are at camp.....you are there for the fun of it.
I like knowing I am going somewhere warm when it is freezing cold at home, but, I like being home for half the year too....I like the change and I like both.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
'24 Chevy Blazer EV 2LT
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
2025 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 / 2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic
Bumper Sticker:
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
For those who want warm winter weather, and a reasonable cost on rentals, CA really isn't an option.
Plus, most of our earlier commentary was from residents of the Eastern half of the US, who can easily drive to Florida. If you are staying for a month or longer, flights and car rentals leave us out of the Western U.S.
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Today - 45 is the high where I live. 59 in Las Cruces. No, not warm, but certainly an improvement.
And, they may get a dusting or two of snow, each winter. I think our departed host stever posted pictures once or twice.
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2018 430i Gran Coupe
Maybe you add water to it to get it to expand to full size?
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
I knew that had to be some hitch!
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
2025 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 / 2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
Just saying.... if you are wintering to get away from cold weather, only South Florida works in the continental US, if you want average high temps above 70 F.
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2017 Cadillac ATS Performance Premium 3.6
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For full time living, the advantages are relatively cheap living - low taxes and house prices, livable weather most of the year, nice casual lifestyle, senior friendly with lots of activities.
***I say that because we stayed in Florida for 3 weeks at a time for about 3 years before buying our place. We knew we wouldn't stay longer unless we owned. Unless you are a hermit or really like being on your own you want to have other people around and you will want to become part of the community. If you have a stressful job or something, maybe you can veg for 3 weeks, but for most people, being in a warm place isn't enough of a reason to be there.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
You go to central Texas, you are really committing to that!
I just think more people should stop in SC instead on the way down.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
if I move to NH that is still pretty close to the ocean. Just too cold to ever put your feet in! I mostly stay on the beach anyway at this point.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
2025 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 / 2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic
2025 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 / 2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic