What was the hardest part?

[DsnyMgk1]

We're considering retiring in a few years and moving near our beloved WDW. We'd be coming from the Chicago area and I worry about how difficult the transition might be to such a different location (weather, pace, housing, etc). I'd love to hear from others about your experiences, regrets, etc. Thanks!

[LeePatterson]

Thank you for your post, can’t wait to move from buffalo

[Cbsparky316]

I relocated from Chicago 3yrs ago to South Florida, I am still working. If you are use to Chicago summer days in the mid 90s and don't freak out about it you will be fine. Most days April thru Nov have days usually in the 90s. But since everywhere is air conditioned you get reprieve from heat. Winters are outstanding low 30s are coldest usually and 60s to low 80s are fantastic. The pace is slower than Chicago but there are tons of things to do, 2 coasts of beaches them parks and stores everywhere. UPACK semi or half semi was a third of a moving team, then higher a local mover in Chicago and Florida to load and off load the truck when you arrive SO MUCH CHEAPER. Get full coverage auto insurance, check flood map and get flood insurance if necessary and get wind mitigation letter of home your buying to save on insurance. NO STATE INCOME TAX. Lastly you never have to shovel sunshine..

[maggie3020]

Moved here a few yrs ago from IL with no regrets. Lived in several areas on the west coast and like it best further north in Central FL. People are great down here!!

[Lindylulu5]

I would love to move to central Florida. I've lived in New England for most of my life. My husband and I built the house I live in 31 years ago. Raised my 3 children in the same house. Been at the same job for 20 years. I feel very safe here. My kids will not move with me, they don't like the heat. It's a HUGE decision. I can't take the next step.

[DisneyBeth]

Getting the whole family on board with the decision was hard.... And finding the right house when you are thousands of miles away during COVID. We hope to be down there soon!

[techjoey]

Get a nice rain coat, summer can get pretty wet.

[JoeysBestBud]

Not saying this to be mean, I tell this to everyone who is thinking of moving to Florida while still working. Make sure you have a Job before you move. Ive know many who have come down thinking they could find a job and ended up moving back to where they started.

[ChipnDaleLuver63]

We hope to move from cold IL. as well soon!

[CH-GenX]

Not saying this to be mean, I tell this to everyone who is thinking of moving to Florida while still working. Make sure you have a Job before you move. Ive know many who have come down thinking they could find a job and ended up moving back to where they started.

I would never make the move without a job

[Just Theo]

I would very much recommended waiting until after the Pandemic is over. I made all my moving arrangements in February of 2020 and about 3 weeks later the world shut down and I moved into a very lonely and isolated situation. Of course I also live alone and work from home so if you have a family it’s a different situation, but I’m not super comfortable going to bars/restaurants until after this whole thing is over. Also Disney isn’t selling Annual Passes right now, only renewals and selling them under very specific circumstances to the idea of going to Disney World whenever you want isn’t a choice yet unless you want to keep buying passes.

So yeah, the hardest part for me has more or less been meeting people and making friends, is not an easy thing to do right now.

[CH-GenX]

I think I'd buy a Universal Pass-it seems like a great deal right now.

[CH-GenX]

Areas of Tavares and Mt. Dora-wow! Beautiful!