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I've lived in the Clearwater area for 37 years now and have seen a lot of changes. But, the change we've seen here since 2010 is "mind-blowing"! Everybody is moving here and every patch of land is getting built on. Like going to the beaches, you'll have to learn to enjoy the traffic in getting there. Same with Disney World. I use to drive from my home in Clearwater to Disney World in an hour and 30 minutes............... try that now! And even worse than the over-population is the cost of Auto Insurance, Homeowners Insurance, Property Taxes and Energy (Electric). That alone is going to force a lot of people living on a fixed income out of the State of Florida. Florida is NOT an affordable State to live in as it once was.....

@debrakelly4505

Ай бұрын

Been here since 1995, every word is true

@crazychungus5233

Ай бұрын

Absolutely right. Been here since 1976. Looking to move out of state. I can't stand it here now

@cortneyoverstreet8130

Ай бұрын

Been here since 79- totally agree

@Jetski270

Ай бұрын

1000 X correct.

@martyconroy3786

Ай бұрын

But Clearwater isn't Tampa, it's Pinellas County, not Hillsborough

No State income tax, but the property tax and personal tax on vehicles and insurance makes up for it.

@trulivingtampa

Ай бұрын

The crazy part is Florida has the 4th lowest tax burden in the country. Imagine if you lived somewhere where you pay 10%-12% to the state.

@cassandra9699

Ай бұрын

Yes, and all that money goes to line somebody's pockets it doesn't go to education or any other social services in the State of Florida go straight into a good old boys pocket up in Tallahassee.

@benjaminolsen2381

Ай бұрын

My taxes are so low. I come from Maryland there's no comparison

@bornwin-sx9oz

Ай бұрын

Salaries are much lower in Florida than the N.E. and California as well as in other places.

@danielhuntington2116

Ай бұрын

How about a Florida Lifestyle tax that goes into a pot of money specifically to be used for damages caused by storms and a process to use as needed. $5 per ticket on all Florida attractions...and professional sports teams teams for now to raise substantial $$$$ ......also further regulation and laws on insurance companies to pay legitimate estimates of damages. Develop a streamlined process to get all coverages that homepwner have paid for to cut back on litigation lawyer lawsuits...finally develop different tiers of homeowners insurance such as everything to partial. Possibly one tier would be fire and electrical as well as other damage covered minus hurricane damage. This tier of coverage less expensive. If people wanted to they could self pay for hurricane damage...or pay the higher tier of insurance for all coverage. At least give the homeowners options especially those with paid off mortgages.

I know your realtor and focus on home buyer market but one of the big reason and why I left is rent prices. The rent is pricing people out of home ownership especially in Florida. 1800-2000 avg 2 BR is absurd for a place that also is known for some of the lowest wages in the country. Could NEVER save for down payment in this rent heavy area.

As a 50 year old native born Tampon, who's lived here my entire life, I think you nailed it pretty well here. Growing up here was heaven. We had all the amenities, the major league sports teams, beaches, and attractions that tourists go to, but with a much smaller fraction of the traffic, overpopulation, and cost of living. Insurance and property taxes have gone through the roof, and the traffic has become indescribably miserable, seemingly overnite. I guess growing up with this heat and weather, it doesn't bother me as much, but the mosquitoes are impossible to get used to. Lol

@trulivingtampa

13 күн бұрын

Thanks for sharing. I appreciate you!

We’re in May, and it’s already over 90 degrees every day here in Tampa.

@ImThePronounPolice

Ай бұрын

Here in Hollywood its 95 but feels like 105 according to the weatherman. But we get cool breezes off the ocean ( I'm on the beach). - forget it- it's still hot! Lol

@DobyDuke

29 күн бұрын

We need rain

@tr4321

22 күн бұрын

That’s normal.

@riveratech1

4 күн бұрын

Same as Atlanta, we're coming to Tampa, I much rather be closer to the beach when the temps reach this high..

@tommyv5866

2 күн бұрын

Your in flordia what did you expect

BRUTAL horrible HEAT 9 months per year now…wasn’t like that in the 80s till 2010. NOT livable anymore. Gulf Water is nasty and stinks.

@informationmaven8985

Ай бұрын

I arrived a few years ago and love the whole area, there are so many fun things to do but I did have to learn to enjoy the early morning and evenings during the summer. Pool time is from 1000 to 5PM, its great!

@cassandra9699

Ай бұрын

Yes, it's terrible!

@Somebody2687

Ай бұрын

Obviously, it's hot but there are many places that get far more heat.

@Firefighting72

Ай бұрын

Live in Florida and have for 39 years. Summer is brutal. If you think it's hot where you live and you plan on moving to Florida especially south of Tampa you're in for a huge surprise. My nephew went fishing yesterday and ended up with heat exhaustion. He was born here and is a welder who works outdoors. If you get caught off guard and don't drink enough you'll end up in the hospital. If you're a really white person (like me) you'll need to cover every inch of your body because the dermatologist will burn and cut your skin like you won't believe. Original post is spot on!

@rodcoulter997

Ай бұрын

@@Somebody2687 Not year round like Florida is now…the beautiful place we all knew and loved is GONE…Think: FLORIDA WINTER. has disappeared replaced by BRUTAL BURNING HOT SUN with temps to match…just awful.

As a Floridian who has lived here for 35 years I can tell you that we absolutely avoid going to or even through Tampa because of the traffic. I know lots of people who live in Tampa and they get used to it and know even if your work place is just 7 miles from home you will have a 45 min to an hour drive. Florida does not have the infrastructure to support the growth and by time they make new adjustments it is already outdated. Also, the traffic issues also have to do with young vs older drivers, there is nothing more frustrating then being on the interstate with an older driver in the left lane not moving with the flow of traffic! If your retiring to Tampa just know if you plan to go the actual speed limit you are best to stay in the right hand lane because that is the lane designated just for you.

@user-is7kd8dk4i

14 күн бұрын

@@JohnSmith25115 You should not assume

@user-is7kd8dk4i

12 күн бұрын

🤣

@everyplaceisunique

Күн бұрын

They did not plan for proper bypass toll roads. The toll roads they have now go through downtown.

I’ve lived here 14 years. My insurance went from 6 k last year to 8 k and no wind insurance. Don’t kid yourself, not everyone can get full insurance and it’s expensive. I live in tarpon. My neighbor pays 12 k.

@dr_pinna543

4 күн бұрын

Did you shop around? My quote was $6k and I found the same coverage for $3k. Orlando, FL

I don’t regret moving here, but I’m going to move again and think it’s much better for vacationing than living.

@trulivingtampa

Ай бұрын

Thanks for sharing!

@AQQ529

Ай бұрын

I totally agree way too transient.

@OcalaBrew

Ай бұрын

Hooray! More parking for me! Bye!

@roccovelasco7159

Ай бұрын

Please move away

@Obatala_Vibez

Ай бұрын

@@AQQ529 what do you mean? Why is it way too short term?

Florida ranks last- 50 out of 50- in teacher pay…. So many teachers leaving K-12 education here. Over 5,000 teacher vacancies.

@user-zd7yn6qr2e

Ай бұрын

Not real good in public education

@beboboymann3823

5 күн бұрын

While that statement is true, add 6%, 7%, 8% to the base pay in Florida because that will NOT be deducted for state income tax….Florida has no state income tax. Also, because Florida has no state income tax, retirement benefits are not subject to state income tax. 401K retirement benefits are not subject to state income tax. While Florida’s teacher salary isn’t as high as other states teachers don’t go to their graves with every bit of retirement income nibbled away by state income taxes.

@PorkyHontas

13 сағат бұрын

​@@beboboymann3823oh please. The no state income tax used to be a benefit up until our sorry governor and legislators screwed up property taxes and insurance. Hence, they've done nothing so you might as well be paying state income taxes. Then add in all of the other little tidbits, it's ridiculously expensive to live here.

These are the best videos to keep people away from here! Don't do it! I had it made here, born here in 1958 and now you all jacked it Up!

@Anthony__420

Ай бұрын

Blame DeSantis he has no stones against insurance companies! Lawton Childs in the 90s Threatened insurance companies if they cancelled or raised premiums they would be banned on all insurance in Florida and that stopped them. DeSantis rather fight Disney and ban books and take rights away from woman.. In my opinion

We moved to Dunedin 2 years ago. Our home is a couple miles from the Gulf so we get the breeze without paying for the view, which we can see with a 5-minute drive. I tolerate heat/humidity well as I have carried my bag on the golf course for several years, since back in Cincy, where summer can be brutal, as well. We're retired so can avoid traffic most of the time. Not in a flood zone so insurance not horribly expensive. Have a pool and don't care for the beach so get the cool without the crowds. Very progressive, friendly town only a few miles from downtown Tampa. Snowbirds complicate things, like getting dinner reservations, but they spend millions of $ and then leave us alone every May-November. We love it here!

@trulivingtampa

27 күн бұрын

Thanks for sharing!

@tr4321

22 күн бұрын

That’s how it’s always been. Just a lot more traffic and watch out for spring breakers.

@wailingalen

Күн бұрын

Dunedin!! I drove through there and fell in love with the vibe of the place!! I live in Brooksville in hernando county and Dunedin is like my dream future home 😅

Yes, Tampa is horrible and terrible city to live in, go to the Carolinas, Tennessee. they are way more beautiful. please stay away. Thank you, we the Tampa people would highly appreciate it.

@spbakerchezbakethis

6 күн бұрын

No no no TN is awful. Getting too crowded and outrageously expensive now too.

Yep. Traffic is awful now. It's so incredibly frustrating. It doesn't matter what time of day. I was sitting in traffic on 275 at midnight. Wtf is happening. I wish my older parents could be convinced to move. I'm only staying for them.

I lived in New England when we lost power for over a week from an ice storm in below zero weather. Without a fireplace, we would have been in trouble. I lived in Oklahoma, where a tornado tore apart my city. I lived in Portland, Oregon, where there was a very scary earthquake. I lived through snow cyclones in NE Ohio with frigid temperatures. In upstate New York, an ice storm devastated the area for days and a huge icicle killed a woman. I CHOOSE to live in Florida! I have been here for 25 years, which is longer than anyplace else I have lived. I went through 4 hurricanes in one year; one was a Cat 3, and no big deal. I will never freeze to death here. I can go to a suitable shelter, but my home is very sturdy. Yes, it gets hot; I love it. There is always a breeze off the water on each coast. Sit quietly and enjoy the beautiful ambiance of the land around you. I can always go inside and cool off, go to the beach, or go to a pool. We have paradise in Florida.

@user-hi8kg1nc6y

Ай бұрын

Thank you for this comment!! I really needed to hear this. I’m retiring to Florida, by myself. I was afraid, until I read this. I live in MA and the weather stinks year round!! It’s either miserably COLD, or rainy and cloudy. I need the sun!!

@Xx-po1fu

Ай бұрын

No place is paradise, every place has problems, every the garden of Eden had problems.

@Dianawales

Ай бұрын

@@douglasstone3813Enjoy watching Florida turn blue in November! 😊

@georgesontag2192

Ай бұрын

Spent time in Florida. It's a steam bath, everyone smells because they are sweating all day, the bugs are everywhere, the cars are sun bleached and be careful touching anything metal. Everyone stays indoor due to the heat and humidity. Sink holes, traffic and old people everywhere. It's still a big swamp. Maybe in Janurary and February would be fine. The beaches are OK, but they are not glamorous. They need cleaning due to seaweed and plastic.

@cortneyoverstreet8130

Ай бұрын

I think it’s wonderful you love it here. As a Floridian my whole life (Tampa), I personally am done with the heat and humidity and I will choose to migrate a little farther north as I enjoy seasons and chilly air. We can enjoy more than just one climate. Can’t beat FL in Jan and Feb that’s for sure. The other months, I could def deal with some milder weather.

Im a local who has lived here since age 4. Im 37 now. Im not one to complain but one of the things thats bothered me is how over populated it is becoming. Its becoming a serious problem when the travel season hits. To put thing in perspective. When i was a kid even till around 18yrs old, you used to be able to just show ul at the beach and find parking. Now, you drive around for a half an hour to find it far away from the actual beach. I pay a high price to live withing 5 minutes of the beach and it is no longer something i enjoy doing at all. So thanks for moving here and making it a completely useless to pay to live here. Im past the point of wanting your vacation revenue, go somewhere else next year, WE pay to live here. Thanks.

Lived in Clearwater and Tampa’s traffic is like a Sunday drive compared to here in the DMV (DC/MD/VA). Everything else is definitely on point

@trulivingtampa

Ай бұрын

Absolutely. We don't compare to the Major Metros when it comes to traffic.

@Goddessluv22

Ай бұрын

I’m here in the DMV also. I may be planning my escape in the next few years

@ImThePronounPolice

Ай бұрын

You are right about that! I was driving my grandson home from college in Virginia and he wanted to stop in DC to go to some museum and it took us two hours just to get out of DC! Then the traffic in Jersey and New York were no picnic either! What should've been a 7 hour ride back to Connecticut turned into 14 hours!

My insurance in Riverview is $1500. It also depends on the coverages/deductibles chosen. Not a flood zone. If you want to live by the water, you'll pay for it.

@trulivingtampa

Ай бұрын

That's a fact

@jessemorgan9948

16 күн бұрын

I’m in Port Richey and not in a flood zone yet my homeowners insurance has increased to $3400.

@brennt1

6 күн бұрын

My insurance in Riverview was $1300 three years ago, then the next year it went to $2700, and last year increased to $4600. We will consider moving if this trend continues.

Thank you so much! You’re going to scare people away from moving to my glorious city. ❤️

Love your content. Thank you for sharing

@trulivingtampa

Ай бұрын

Thank you for watching!

Not a transplant--I was born here. Tampa had changed for the worse because of the flood of people. This city is not built to support this many.

I4 is hell on earth ugh

@trulivingtampa

Ай бұрын

Lol. You're not wrong.

@lancel7998

24 күн бұрын

Agree

@tr4321

22 күн бұрын

It is the deadliest highway in the country, yes I said country.

I’m not local to Tampa but I am in the Orlando metro area. I can tell you this video makes some good points but it makes light of how bad it truly is. It so bad I’ve started to get info on moving out of the state. It has become so expensive over crowded and the small town feel went away completely. Even though it’s ranked as one of the best places in regards to taxes everything went up In price so it balances out to saving nothing. Smh. I miss the old Florida but it looks like it’s never going back to what it once was. I’m down to three possible states to move to Texas, South Carolina, or Georgia.

Way too many thunderstorms and bugs in "the Sunshine State". Horace Greeley: "Go west, young man".

Born and raised in Tampa lived there almost 50 years. Glad i moved from Tampa, Was a great place to grow up and use to be affordable those days are long gone and the amount of people and traffic is an absolute nightmare and the type of people there now its like a concentrated form of narcissistic behavior and everyone thinks you are in there way.

Every area in the USA has its Pros and Cons. You just have to know what you are willing to live with for that period of your life.

@trulivingtampa

Ай бұрын

Very well said.

Traffic was okay until all the newbies (like you) moved here since 2020. UGH!!!

Pinellas county has the worse congestion you have ever seen. A tourist destination now add daily traffic. Not good. Tourist, bugs, alligators, hurricanes 🌀, tornadoes 🌪, power outages, traffic, crime, SNAKES 🐍, floods, heat, humidity, fluoride in the water, SUPER HIGH ISURANCE rates. You haven't lived until alligators move in to your pool.

@ImThePronounPolice

Ай бұрын

😂😂😂

@dgmangold

29 күн бұрын

Pinellas is the worst, and then you cross the bay and realize Hillsborough is worse.

@GgRae-gv1tg

29 күн бұрын

@@dgmangold The whole area is clogged with tourists and people escaping the Democratic Socialist Dystopia up north. I am seeing garbage blowing down East Bay. As for motorcycles, forget it. MC deaths are up 30% according to the State Police. I sold mine because it is too dangerous, even at night.

Tampa Bay lacks depth, class and better airport routes. Also, there is absolutely no dance clubs here and that is sad. People just drink.

Great video man, it shows the amount of effort and dedication you put into this. As a Tampa resident I can say he is 100% accurate. I live in Riverview which is 12 minutes away from downtown and it is a great area worth considering if you must be close to Downtown

@trulivingtampa

21 күн бұрын

Thanks for sharing and for the kind words.

My mother in law doesn’t live in a flood zone and her insurance was dropped She owns a double wide and is paid for in a park

@cassandra9699

Ай бұрын

No one's insurance in Florida has dropped

@foxywhitetip7387

Ай бұрын

@casaandra re - read . It was DROPPED ie she doesn’t have insurance anymore

@user-hn2gi7tm4v

Ай бұрын

@@foxywhitetip7387 no she doesn’t have insurance anymore Most insurance companies pulled out of Florida after the hurricane Lots of people can’t afford the insurance anymore and they are leaving the state

@user-hn2gi7tm4v

2 күн бұрын

@@cassandra9699 sure it has Insurance companies pulled out after the hurricane and left thousands of customers stranded

@user-hn2gi7tm4v

2 күн бұрын

@@cassandra9699 you saying no one’s insurance has dropped is the most ridiculous thing I’ve ever heard I don’t live there but here about it from my family and news Are you serious It’s all over the news My in-laws have been dropped after the hurricane Most insurance was to expensive so they have no insurance on their property They just looked into a plan to get something and are probably going to do it but not nearly enough for what there place is worth

Do not go to Orlando during a hurricane. You will get stuck without electricity among other issues. It sounds like a good idea, it's the middle of the state, there are lots of hotel but regardless of if the hurricane is coming from the Atlantic or the Gulf, Orlando always gets hit because of that central location.

@tr4321

22 күн бұрын

It stirs up the tornadoes there.

@tr4321

22 күн бұрын

It stirs up the tornadoes there.

@rebeccageiger9110

20 күн бұрын

True. Orlando always gets hit

@nancyquinones4122

3 күн бұрын

This is very informative information. I lived in Tampa in the 90’s and it was wonderful! I came back in 2022, and a lot has changed, of course. It is still a beautiful state, filled with fun and heat. It has become tougher to live here year around. Make sure you bring a lot of money, and have a job in place because it can be tough to get housing here. As a result, there is a larger homeless population now, and a shortage of affordable housing, income based housing. Auto insurance is high as well. If you are well off, no problems at all, you will fit right in. As for me, I am doing ok now, but I will not be able to retire here. So I am enjoying the time that I have here now. In a few years I will be moving out ❤

Nice presentation, and a pleasure listening to, thank you!

@trulivingtampa

7 күн бұрын

You're welcome. Thank you for the kind words.

In St Pete, if you move to Shore Acores and spit....It floods...

@trulivingtampa

Ай бұрын

I tell everyone thinking about moving there. It floods at the talk of rain.

The prices of homes has gotten out of control. Property taxes are not the bargain they use to be.

Was just in Tampa to visit family with the chief purposes of seeing the opening show Dave Matthews Band Summer tour and check off the Trop as the ballpark checklist. My brother took me to the trop and it was amazing how long it took to get out of the ballpark parking when there weren't many fans there! The other wild thing was the traffic to the Dave Matthews band show at the MIDFLORIDA Credit Union amp. I had a hotel by the venue but it took me 90 minutes to move the final 1.5 miles of the 3 mile trek because the police didn't have solid traffic control and there was a graduation at the same time as the concert on the Fairgrounds!! Who books 2 big events like that for 1 night! Loved jogging the Riverwalk, loved that there were still breezes in May compared to when I visit family closer to Orlando where they get 0 breezes haha.

@trulivingtampa

Ай бұрын

Thanks for sharing your experience. And the breeze effect is 100% accurate.

That's a pefect description: like waking up to a lab retriever breathing in your face.

@trulivingtampa

12 сағат бұрын

He nailed it.

Next time you complain about the traffic here in Tampa, just remember that it’s nothing compared to cities like LA, Chicago, nyc, or Atlanta, whenever I drive around the highways, it’s usually little to none

@trulivingtampa

Ай бұрын

100%. Perspective is everything! Thanks for sharing.

Ай бұрын

LA hollywood NYC has so much more to offer and has so many more reasons to live there..

@Moving.To.Charleston

Ай бұрын

True, each person has their own tolerance for traffic

@BlackDub21

Ай бұрын

For now

@tonyn3227

Ай бұрын

Yeah right, you must come out at night only. Tampa area is worst than all those cities combined , literally.

It’s i75, i4, i275 with the non stop traffic accidents that are insane

@ImThePronounPolice

Ай бұрын

And a lot of illegals driving without licenses! And can't read the signs either!

@tr4321

22 күн бұрын

I-4 is the deadliest highway in the country.

Also moved to Fl from the north...I say our summer is like their winter. In the summer, basically, stay inside with the A/C like the North stays inside all winter with the heat on. No big deal. And, I don't have to shovel snow or scrape the ice off my windows!

@trulivingtampa

Күн бұрын

Yep. You don't have to shovel sunshine!

Taxes May not be high but the cost of living makes the overall cost high. We don’t hate visitor but we do dislike the ones who mistreat our home state and have different negative energy

@trulivingtampa

12 сағат бұрын

I absolutely agree about negativity, we don't need it anywhere.

I live in Northern Connecticut near the Massachusetts border. It's paradise here! We don't have tornadoes, the winters have become mild. We only had two snowstorms this past winter. We don't have any earthquakes, our summers are beautiful spring and fall is beautiful also. I have a garden in the summer, I live on a lake where we can fish swim and have parties. I have 3 1/2 acres in ground pool yes a pool even on a lake is fun. My property taxes were $10,000! But a small price to pay in Paradise.

I’ve been raised in the Tampa Bay Area. What you are talking is the way of life for us. In one year, we had 5 hurricanes hit the Bay Area. Yes there was a direct hit in the past. I believe this is how John’s pass was created. If people can’t handle the heat, hurricanes, and humidity, head north or go to Tucson. In addition, locals learn to avoid tourist spots.

Very well told. Thanks.. I live in Madison and moved from Naples. God bless!!

@trulivingtampa

Ай бұрын

Thank you!

I love being a snowbird going to Florida from November through Easter.

@rodcoulter997

Ай бұрын

The ONLY livable water..

If you are retired, I recommend Sun City Center, 45 min south of Tampa, and halfway between Tampa and Sarasota airports. We were rated #1 retirement community this year.

Tampa used to be laid back and chill with great neighbors regardless of the neighborhood. With so many people piling in, that vibe is gone. All the things that people wanted to move here for have been used up. At least from the perspective of a guy thats lived here for 40+ years, people rushing down here bring their lifestyles and ideas with them and it just clashes with the lifestyle that made wanting to come here desirable in the first place. Sad to see.

I went to school at USF. Tampa is a great city, the only reason I am not there right now is family ties. However I will offer some warning. 1 ) Be aware of not keeping valuable possession easily visible in your car, you may return to find a broken window and stolen items. 2) If you decide to go out at night to club districts, go with a friend or friend group, don't go alone, especially to ybor city. 3) Drugs are easily and readily available so watch your kids. Sending them to private school may give them even more access so you got to be aware. If you are comfortable and aware of these realities you will enjoy time here. Overall an awesome city.

I really like your honest appraisal of the realities of living in the Tampa St. Pete area. I live in Palm Harbor, but I wanted to point out the importance of looking at flood zone maps. Palm Harbor, where I live is in Evacuation Zone X... That was important to me.!

I dont live in tampa but i deliver in tampa,and when i do i tell my dispatcher i need to get into tampa as early as possible and get the hell out of tampa as early as possible,and im a native Florida person.i live near the longwood area.

NY transplant here. Not great schools and public transportation is where I saw the worst parts. But the beaches in the fall winter spring is awesome during week days. A little tip to enjoy it here.

House taxes really vary and now the insurance on houses is very high and car insurance is extremely high. There are parts of tampa area that have good property taxes and some are getting high and startong to creep up. Yet dont forget you might have an HOA fees.

My family has had a window company West Coast windows &exteriors in Tampa for 30 years and we have definitely seen amount of people moving here and realizing the threat of hurricanes after moving here

I moved from Tampa about 2 years ago, visited a year ago and noticed the drastic change in traffic. I love Tampa and I missed it, but I don't want to move back unless they finally get with the program for mass transit. I would recommend them following the RMV model in Frankfurt, Germany, but above ground (obviously).

My perspective. I moved here two years ago, as a retiree. I had visited Florida several times a couple decades ago, so I had a feel for the weather patterns. Being from up north, it's really a choice between experiencing too cold up there, or too hot down here. I like warm weather, so I'm not complaining. One thing they don't tell you is that when you get into the summer months, it rains, usually thunderstorms, just about every day. Fortunately, it's not all day long, and it's generally predictable. It's part of the afternoon, and typically one hour later, you'd never know it had rained. So plan the errands in the morning. Some time ago someone from Ft Myers asked me if I was bothered by heavy traffic at commute times. I live in Lehigh Acres, just east of Ft Myers, and my response was, what heavy traffic? Lehigh is a growing area of about 125,000 people. It's far enough away from the coast that hurricane Ian didn't really have a major effect. We lost power and clean water for a couple days, some traffic signs were knocked over, and some homes needed roof (shingle) repair. That's pretty minor considering that coastal parts of Ft Myers got clobbered. Not all of Ft Myers. I had started my home search, looking for a condo, and got outbid on several homes, from Naples, Venice, Ft Myers, Punta Gorda, and others. Eventually I decided to switch to town homes instead. That turned out to be what I really wanted. I have a 2 car garage (most condos don't have garages). My home is over 1500 square feet, and it was built fairly recently in 2019, in a gated community. In fact, most properties in Lehigh tend to be newer than average homes anywhere from Tampa to Naples. My car insurance increased after the first year, so I talked to an agent, and we were able to reduce the bill, so that I am now paying less than I did 2 years ago. There were items like paying for lost wages if an uninsured motorist hit my car. Ummm, what lost wages? I'm retired. It's still more than what I was paying in Canada, and my Canada bill was more that what I was paying in New England, but it's a reasonable number. My home insurance saw a significant increase this year. Once again, I talked to an agent, and she was able to reduce my bill by about 30%. I am now paying less than what I paid last year. Just under $1200 for the year. Some things were eliminated. Some things were reduced, like insurance on household goods. Now if you have a family of 4, this number might be reasonable, but for a single or couple, it's likely too high. Property tax I consider to be a little high, but when I compare what taxes are now in NH, where I used to live, they pay a lot more up there, for a lot less living space. All in all, I'm happy to be down here. My Social Security isn't taxed by Florida, although the Feds still tax it, on a sliding scale; hope that changes, and they get rid of SS tax.

@trulivingtampa

13 күн бұрын

Thank you for sharing this in such detail and for your perspective as well.

Tampa is great and all, but it is not walkable as you mentioned in the beginning of your video. That's the reason why we have traffic problems.

Florida. Just one hurricane away from being the hell hole you always imagined it could be.

Hurricanes create tornados everywhere and tornados pop up out of nowhere especially at night.

Rainy season is ever changing. 2yr ago rain everyday, last year forecast for rain everyday and got none, this year no rain whatsoever

@TomSpeaks-vw1zp

21 күн бұрын

I remember when you could set your clock by the afternoon sea breeze & storms. No now.Times they are a change’n.

Curious if you did anything to get your insurance rates that low such as hurricane clips for the roof, impact windows, or anything else?

@rebeccageiger9110

20 күн бұрын

I did. If I didn't it would have tripled instead of doubling.

One thing to add for those moving here to FL. Most, if not all those moving here will rent. Rental prices are expensive in major city areas around FL and will increase year over year by upwards of $200. Average I've been seeing is $100 per month in increase rents. This is due to market rates. You see these nice apartment complexs but don't see that they too are taking the hit for the rise In Insurance cost and therefore offset it to the renters. Not to mention, the free market that they have here where the state doesn't have any laws for landlords to stop the rise of higher rents. So be prepared. This is one of the reasons people leave because they ultimately can't afford it. You will get sucked into deals that apartment complex offers, but that's for just your 1st year. After, you will pay a lot more come renewal time. FL can be a dream or a nightmare for some and when all settled in, don't think you're on an extended disney or beach vacation here. Reality will settle in and you will soon realize that with work and day to day life, those dreams of living here don't seem to look like when you initially moved here. But I guess that can happen anywhere you move to. Just remember that you are in a one way in and one way out state. Meaning if you evacuate during a major hurricane, so is everyone else and you will sit on the highways going 10MPH all the way until you get out into Alabama or Georgia where you have options to travel to other places.

@debrakelly4505

Ай бұрын

My rent went up $600 in the last three years. Same apartment.

Thinking of moving from Las Vegas. Wife and I will fly over mid July to see if it's truly for us.

@trulivingtampa

Күн бұрын

Good luck with your trip.

I lived in Miami for five years and nothing beats the Golden Glades funnel.

Our average temp for June has been 90. Also, 20 year resident here and traffic has really gotten unbearable since the pandemic. It sucked before but now I don't even want to drive into Tampa unless it is in an off peak time. It will take you at least an hour to get from the beaches into downtown Tampa if you work in downtown. Conservely, it will take you over an hour to get to the beaches from Tampa if you want to enjoy the beach unless you go really early on the weekend. Our homeowners insurance more than doubled in the past 2 years.

taxes are low? Homeowners Insurance? Flood? Car insurance?

$395k house this last year my house payment due to house insurance and property taxes jumped $500/month in Wimauma 30 minutes south of Tampa

@trulivingtampa

Ай бұрын

Wow! What in the world?

Great video but the article listed is for "top 10 cities with the worst drivers" not total traffic volume as the section of the video implies.

Honorable mention: Hillsborough county #1 in DUI, S. Trafficking is a growing concern and the quality of water here vs just about any other is subpar. The water is hard!!!

The main reason we have congestion in Tampa is the construction due to infrastructure, it's getting better, I agree the I-4 exit is plain stupid. Other than that, I live in South Tampa and can get from there to north Tampa in 30 minutes going thru downtown.

No Major hurricanes but I remember a few close calls Bayshore flooded and S. Dale Mabry in rainstorms claims cars every rainy season. Treasure Island and St Pete flood risks are higher. Migration trends people still moving there, lived in Hyde Park and West Tampa 20 yrs worked in Banking Finance but attended USF late 90's it was way different. Rick Scott turned down the original Rail Project.

In Altamonte we pay more property taxes, home insurance than what you are paying in Tampa and we are in no flood zone

If you move to Florida plan on you buying insurance for your vehicles in such an amount that will cover the entire cost yourself when someone else runs in to you. Unlike most states most likely you will be responsible for your repairs not the other driver. There are a lot of immigrants here who chose not to buy liability insurance and when they hit your vehicle you either have insurance set up to repair your vehicle or you pay out of pocket. That’s it in a nutshell. There are a lot of old people driving here but for the most part they can afford to buy liability type insurance.

My mother lives in Florida and had a sink hole. The problem is that it tied her up for like 5 years with insurance claims, back and forth, etc with remediation. Sure likely not to happen, but if it does, it can be a major hit.

As a guy from Chicago. I been going to Tampa for a few months at a time the last few years. I can’t think of one complaint! It will be my home soon

@tonyn3227

Ай бұрын

Once you spend here 6 months you'll see what you got yourself into. After they jack up taxes .and insurance on your wherever you decide to buy. Good luck

@cassandra9699

Ай бұрын

Yeah good luck

@derickderidder7785

Ай бұрын

Watch out for the random huge sinkholes. This is mosquito land. Snakes and alligators could be at your door to greet you at anytime. You can't get in the ocean or even stand next to it because of Red Tide and there is a new flesh eating bacteria in the ocean. And for now hurricanes hasn't hit your home yet but 5 more will be here each year. No food, water, and gas avaliable when a storm is coming and you cant avoid the hurricane because the highways are blocked with peope that ran out of gas. Don't put your largest investment in Florida, your home. Homeowners insurance might not even cover you. No electricity and no AC after a hurricane for 2 to 3 weeks and power lines in the road. Get ready for flooding everywhere. I hope you have a big truck and chainsaw.

@smoofinatorftw

8 күн бұрын

Please don't

Lived in Florida for 45 years and I’m trying to get out. The population has tripled, traffic is horrible and rude northerners wrecked the state. You must be nuts to move here now…plus the cost of living is like California or northeast expensive. Purchase my house for $100k in 1982…now $1.2M. I’ll sell to some ignorant New Yorker .

Tampa has been a crappy gang-infested ghetto since I can remember back in the 90s. The developers are having a field day with converting all of Florida into gentrified tourist areas. In the original landowners are selling it off for big money.

@reneealfonso347

Ай бұрын

yes, I’ve lived here since the 80s and it’s always been a crap hole. I hate even having to go over there for anything it’s awful

@Mr.Saltwater

Ай бұрын

I am glad I never have to go into Hillsborough Co. for anything but the airport. Hi from Clearwater

I worked in Tampa/ Miami/ Atlanta/ DC/ Baltimore. DC was ranked 2nd worst traffic in the country. I had a 10 mile drive from MedStar Washington hospital to National Harbor. It took over an hour at 5 pm. Worst driver vs worst traffic. DC also has the most diverse community due to all the Embassy in the city.

@brianjenkins8146

Ай бұрын

Depending on where you live. The national harbor area, meaning Oxon Hill isn't diverse. I've been in the DMV all my life. Just like Chevy Chase isn't diverse.

@danilotrias4385

Ай бұрын

@@brianjenkins8146 I said DC was diverse. I did not say Oxon Hill. I just said driving there from DC was over an hour to National Harbor

Tampa resident $350/month for auto insurance through Liberty Mutual on a 2022 Ford Ranger, only myself (48M) and a good driving record. No tickets in 15 years. And Liberty Mutual was the cheapest carrier for me. It’s a Florida problem.

The weekend traffic in St. Pete is so bizarre, I275 and 4th St N bumper to bumper for miles.

No locals go to the beach in winter...we used to drive by amazed they were in the water 🌊

@trulivingtampa

22 күн бұрын

Absolutely. Too cold for my blood

If there is anywhere nice to live people will swarm in there until it's not nice anymore, and then complain about it when they did it!

I love the heat here in Florida. I get uncomfortably cold if temp gets down to 75🥶

@trulivingtampa

Ай бұрын

Anything under 70° for me.

@lingham2099

17 күн бұрын

You need to move to the Caribbean or Singapore. Why suffer through those freezing nights in winter. 😂

Are the worst parts of the heat and humidity really only 3 months? That sounds manageable but isn’t gelling with what I’m hearing from florida transplants here in TN.

Great video, Juan!

@trulivingtampa

Ай бұрын

Thanks!

It's amazing that lifetime long-term residents of the Tampa bay area have not grown gills

I'm just north of Tampa in Pasco county. Love it here. Property taxes are low, weather is hot (it's Florida). Wouldn't live anywhere else.

@trulivingtampa

7 күн бұрын

Thanks for sharing!

I used to live in Tampa from 1993, to 2001, I went back to visit years later and I was glad I did not stay, the price is the cost of living the congestion the traffic oh my God!!! I'm so glad I got out when I did!!!

PEOPLE WHO CAN'T MAKE IT IN MIAMI GO LIVE IN TAMPA, ITS SO EXPENSIVE IN MIAMI AREA PEOPLE ARE MOVING TO TAMPA, I'M READY TO MOVE NOW

Hey neighbor! I’m from Metro Detroit too and agree- I’ll take a 3 shower day over winter 😊

@trulivingtampa

21 күн бұрын

Preach! 😎

I am thinking about moving to Clearwater Florida when I leave college because it's my favourite place to one day to live in Clearwater Florida to live there, to work there and to have a lot of fun there!!

@trulivingtampa

Ай бұрын

Thanks for sharing!

@Moving.To.Charleston

Ай бұрын

I used to lived in Clearwater and it took hours to drive to the beach 🏖️ even though the distance was minimal

@AQQ529

Ай бұрын

Rent first then decide

@informationmaven8985

Ай бұрын

@@Moving.To.Charleston We ride our bikes and love the view, parking is free and we play music all the way with our little Bose waterproof speakers. Not too loud but just enough for fun. We also drink water all day and do not need to touch the drinks to laugh all night.

@urekmazino6800

Ай бұрын

​@@Moving.To.Charlestonguess it depends on the time you go. I go at least twice a year and as long as I get to the bridge before 10am i can get to the beach within 20 minutes

Ummm it’s May here in Orlando and it’s been 95 everyday this week and 100 humidity. Been here 30 years and can’t stand the summer weather. Furthermore I work outside everyday and makes the situation even worse.

@trulivingtampa

Ай бұрын

Yeah, working outdoors in this heat is tough! Thanks for sharing.

new subs from Clearwater Largo area... 👋

@trulivingtampa

13 күн бұрын

Thanks for the sub, neighbor.

Out here in California they're trying hard to be number two with the insurance problems. I would say that the Cockroaches and the crime would keep me out of Florida

@trulivingtampa

Ай бұрын

Crime is not an issue. Now, the Palmetto bugs, that's a different story.

@kevinc8811

Ай бұрын

Crime is actually very low in most of the state. You just have to avoid the high crime areas. Which is very easy to do if you have common sense and/or a little bit of street smarts. Cockroach is another thing as Juan pointed out. My wife and I have a contract with a pest control company and we never see any bugs other than mosquitoes. In the hot humid climate we have here, there’s no way around that. The county does have a flogger they’ll drive through neighbors with in the summer months that helps but it doesn’t eliminate them. I have neighbors that are from California. They seem to like it here but I think they really underestimated just how bad the humidity is here in the summer.

@foxywhitetip7387

Ай бұрын

FL has very high crime rates actually

I have friends from South Dakota who save up their vacation time and their money just for the chance to go to Tampa Florida 10 days . Because I live here I get to enjoy it everyday...3 years of living here. My income has tripled because of all the job opportunities in Tampa and I pay a fraction of the taxes that people in a lot of states pay although SD isn't bad.

@cassandra9699

Ай бұрын

Well if your income is tripled in 3 years of living in Florida then you're a house flipper and probably a crystal meth dealer like the rest of Florida.

Umm Hurricane Charlie came through in the early 2000’s and was slated to hit us direct but the last minute moved right and hit Orlando. We evacuated Tampa and ended moving. It was pretty bad.

Juan, how did you get such a low premium? Please let me know. Last year, my premium ballooned to $17,000. My home is not in a flood zone. I have a new metal roof installed 2021, i have new hurricane impact windows, doors, sliders, and garage door installed 2023. I have completely replaced all of my old cast iron pipes. I have done all of the hurricane and wind mitigation upgrades needed and tested and inspected. I was finally able to find a new carrier for about $11,000, but this was after dealing with that $17,000 premium for 9 months. Plus, the new policy covers a fraction of what I've had covered with the old company since 2019 and when the premium started around $3800 yearly. Please send me your insurance contact information. I do live in Hollywood, Florida. Nothing fancy. In 2019, I paid $450,000 for my home. I understand the value has skyrocketed, but i have friends with more valuable or equally valuable homes paying a fraction in Miami Dade county.

How the business on manufactured homes/mobile homes?

At the 3:30 minute mark you used a video clip from Poland traffic? The city of Tampa maps seem to need a special access login and PW?

@roccovelasco7159

Ай бұрын

Lmao!

If people want great public schools, they must pay for it; which means high property taxes and state income tax, but I get it, a place with a lot of retirees don’t want to pay those.

@informationmaven8985

Ай бұрын

Its a great place for those who buy a small home and spend all day out and about. Low to no taxes, tiny home to care for and a healthy bank account for the 5 Michelin restaurants and 50 Michelin recommendations! Awesome!

@kevinc8811

Ай бұрын

@@informationmaven8985 Agree 100%