🏞🏖 Anyone Living In Virginia and/or Florida?

[SpringIsHereSoHappy]

I would luv to hear your thoughts on these states and your experiences in them.

At the moment I am living in Virginia while I TRY to "transistion" back to Florida. Left in 2015 and my daughter wants me "closer" to her there.

Thanks,

Nicole  👵

[SpringIsHereSoHappy]

🏖  Deadly thunderstorms and strong winds in Florida leave destruction in their wake (NBC News)

ANYONE LIVING IN FLORIDA OR VISITING OR KNOW SOMEONE THAT DOES?  🤔  MY DAUGHTER LIVES IN MELBOURNE, FLORIDA AND SO GRATEFUL SHE IS OKAY. I AM IN VIRGINIA! NICOLE  👵

FROM ARTICLE - SEE ARTICLE FOR MORE.

May 11, 2024, 11:26 AM EDT. By Mirna Alsharif.

Deadly thunderstorms and strong winds have left a path of destruction following a week of severe weather in Florida.

Cities like Jacksonville and Tallahassee saw multiple thunderstorms over this past week, with residents sharing pictures of downed trees and damage to their homes and cars.

https://www.nbcnews.com/news/weather/deadly-thunderstorms-strong-winds-florida-leave-destruction-wak...

[SpringIsHereSoHappy]

🏖  Rent for mobile home lots in Florida keeps increasing. Will new law help? (Clickorlando.com)

DO YOU LIVE IN A MOBILE HOME?  🤔  I HAVE NEVER. HAD THOUGHT ABOUT IT IN MY YOUNGSTER YEARS! THANKS, NICOLE 👵

Rent for mobile home lots in Florida keeps increasing. Will new law help?

New legislation in Florida allows tenants to go to mediation.

Published: May 9, 2024.

https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2024/05/10/rent-for-mobile-home-lots-in-florida-keep-increas...

[SpringIsHereSoHappy]

🏞  Upcoming Events (Virginia)

FROM THE VIRGINIA AARP WEBSITE!

AARP is here to help you take on today – and every day. From practical resources, to fun activities and events, AARP is providing opportunities to connect and help build an even stronger Virginia. We hope you’ll join us!

https://states.aarp.org/virginia/upcoming-events#

[SpringIsHereSoHappy]

🏖  Preparing for Hurricane Season (AARP Article)

FROM THE ARTICLE - SEE ARTICLE FOR MORE!

You don’t have to live in Florida very long in order to know that hurricane season is a big deal. As we delve into the summer of 2024, it's imperative that we gear up for the challenges that lie ahead. Initial predictions by national experts foresee a potentially record year in terms of named storms, which makes it all the more important to be prepared.

Storm preparations are not merely a matter of convenience but a cornerstone of resilience. For years, longtimers have known to prepare both a "Stay Kit" and a "Go Kit" as hurricane season looms. These kits, stocked with essentials like alcohol-based sanitizing wipes, masks, bleach, and rubber gloves, serve as our lifelines in times of crisis. With a little foresight and planning, we empower ourselves to weather any storm that comes our way.

https://states.aarp.org/florida/preparing-for-hurricane-season

[SpringIsHereSoHappy]

🏖  ONE OF THE PERKS OF LIVING IN FLORIDA IS DISNEY. ANY DISNEY FANS OUT THERE?  🤔

Me - As I AGE, I avoid crowds and traffic nightmares. And Disney has those!!!

Thanks,

Nicole  👵

[SpringIsHereSoHappy]

🏞  ACTIVE Lunch and Learn (AARP Virginia)

HAS ANYONE ATTENDED?  🤔  I AM THINKING ABOUT TRAVELING TO IT!  👵

Last Wednesday of each month

12 noon – 1:30 p.m.

Inova Mount Vernon Hospital, 2501 Parkers Lane, Engh Conference Center, 2nd Floor 

Alexandria, VA 22306.

Join us for lunch and hear from medical and community professionals on a wide range of topics that help you stay informed and active.  ACTIVE meets every last Wednesday of the month from noon - 1:30 p.m. in the Engh Conference Center of Inova Mount Vernon Hospital.

Space is limited each month to the first 50 respondents; register today!

These events are open to the public and all are welcome.

The fee to cover lunch: $5 cash or check only – payable at the door

NO products or services will be sold or promoted at these events.

https://states.aarp.org/virginia/active

[SpringIsHereSoHappy]

🏞  WHAT DO YOU LIKE ABOUT LIVING HERE - Virginia?

Me:

[1] Our Yearly State Car Inspections. Florida did away with theirs = ALOT of junk on their roads with bad brakes and so on.

[2] The AWESOME health programs here in Cave Spring, Virginia. My Medicare Doctor. Eye Doctor and Dentist.

[3] The two License Plates - front and back. This way IF I am being "followed" I can SEE the plate BEHIND me while on phone with Police. NO PLATE on front in Florida.

[4] The 4 seasons with Fall and Spring being my favorite. Our Winters are mild. Lol, in my opinion - Summer too hot. I am OLD with hot flashes.

[5] The rent on my CUTE Studio Apartment in the hills.

Thanks,

Nicole  👵

[SpringIsHereSoHappy]

ANYONE ATTENDED ANY EVENTS?

🏖  AARP Florida Online Events.

https://states.aarp.org/florida/aarp-florida-online-events

[SpringIsHereSoHappy]

ANY SNOWBIRDS OUT THERE?  🤔

Florida is FULL of them during the Winter. I thought about it but to be honest - my Winters here in Cave Spring, Virginia are MILD. And since I am NOW retired = I stay home when my hill gets ICY. Lol, no need to go sliding down it.

Thanks,

Nicole  👵

[SpringIsHereSoHappy]

🏖  FLORIDA.

What is YOUR opinion on the Job Market?

Glad I have NOT moved back as yet and delaying my return as long as I can.

I am retired, but like to do FUN Gigs when I want to. Not many in Florida in my opinion.

As far as the youngsters like my daughter who is an Engineer [was in a 4/11/24 Surprise Same Day Mass Layoff], I wish she would return to Virginia. Well paid in my opinion. Too many LARGE companies are downsizing or leaving. Yikes!!!  😱😱😱

Nicole  👵

[Therapist4u]

Should I stay....

  or should I go??!! LOL!

[SpringIsHereSoHappy]

Lol @Therapist4u , you already KNOW I hate Florida!!!  😂🤣  Nicole  👵

---

[*** ALLEN @Therapist4u wrote:

Should I stay....

  or should I go??!! LOL! 

📸  Allen Attached A Picture  📸 ***]

---

[SpringIsHereSoHappy]

🏞  VIRGINIA.

What is YOUR opinion on the Job Market?

Well, here in Roanoke County - they are VERY SHORT on alot of Medical Staff.

GRATEFUL I found a YOUNG Medicare Doctor and NEW Dentist.

BOTH of these are experiencing a crisis with staffing.

Not sure WHY, but personally IF I was still working [retired] - you could not pay me to work in the Medical Field. Overworked & underpaid.

Nicole  👵

[SpringIsHereSoHappy]

🏖  FLORIDA.

What has been a CHALLENGE for you?

Me - Up until I left in 2015, EVERYTHING!!! And HOPING my daughter relocates from Florida BEFORE I have to head back. Lol, NOW too old for the heat, alligators and hurricanes.  🤣😂

Thanks,

Nicole  👵

[SpringIsHereSoHappy]

🏞  VIRGINIA.

What has been a CHALLENGE for you?

Me - the lack of Public Transportation. GRATEFUL my 2006 Hyundai Elantra still runs and can CLIMB my hill!!!  💃💃💃

Thanks,

Nicole  👵

[SpringIsHereSoHappy]

🏖  5 Pros, 4 Cons of Relocating to Florida For Retirement (AARP Article)

THIS IS A MAJOR CONCERN FOR ME!!!  😱😱😱  HOW ARE YOU DEALING WITH THE HURRICANES?  🤔

Hurricane season runs half the year, from June 1 to Nov. 30, with an average of three major hurricanes (category 3, 4 or 5) per year, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Hurricane Ian, which slammed into the Gulf Coast in September 2022, was the third-costliest natural disaster in U.S. history, causing nearly $113 billion in damage and 152 deaths.

https://www.aarp.org/retirement/planning-for-retirement/info-2023/retiring-in-florida.html

[SpringIsHereSoHappy]

AARP West Virginia Helps Pass Bill to End Tax on Social Security (AARP Article)

By Natalie Missakian, April 8, 2024.

In a major win for thousands of older West Virginians, West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice has signed into law an AARP-backed bill that will phase out the state tax on Social Security benefits.

The law immediately cuts the tax for all residents receiving benefits by 35 percent retroactive to Jan. 1. The tax will be lowered by 65 percent in 2025 and then eliminated in 2026. State lawmakers approved the bill in early March. Our volunteers and staff joined Justice for a bill signing ceremony last week.

Eliminating the tax has been a key issue for our members in the Mountain State — and a top priority for AARP West Virginia. Our advocacy helped to push the bill over the finish line and stave off attempts to tie the repeal of the tax to certain economic triggers.

https://blog.aarp.org/fighting-for-you/west-virginia-social-security-tax-repeal

[GailL1]

@SpringIsHereSoHappy 

When looking for a place to live in Florida, did you check places that were inland like Lake City, Lakeland, Traverse City, etc. Even others although I think Jacksonville and surrounding area is getting rather pricey but not as bad as south Florida - either coast.

What about on the panhandle side of the state?  To me, the panhandle is much, much different than the main body of the state especiallly if not on the coast (Gulf Coast).  

[SpringIsHereSoHappy]

MEDICARE.

I am dreading moving my Medicare to Florida.

Lol, I already had my MELTDOWN setting up in Virginia in 2023.

I was NOT 65 when I was living in Florida.

I LUV my Medicare Doctor and unless she leaves me, I would rather stay with her!!!  👍

I am in Cave Spring, Virginia and the Carilion Hospital basically OWNS THIS AREA. Their only other competition is the Lewis Gale Hospital in neighboring Salem, Virginia.

Nicole  👵

[GailL1]

Because Florida attracts a large number of well off retirees, it has a record number of medical providers in and around the big cities - rural areas, as in other places, not so much.

There are lots of 5-STAR rated Medicare Advantage plans in Florida - but even in Original Medicare there is a benefit on having an increase number of providers in the area where you live.

Asset and Resource Eligibility for a Medicare Savings Program in FL is about the same as in most other states - with DC, CT, and a few others being much higher

KFF.org - 2023 Eligibility for Medicare Savings Programs for Qualified Medicare Beneficiaries

Florida’s Senior help center is called SHINE in Florida - (Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders) Program provides free and unbiased health
insurance counseling to Medicare beneficiaries, their family members, and caregivers - very similar to other states but just under a state specific name.

[SpringIsHereSoHappy]

(comment deleted by poster)

[GailL1]

I am specifically speaking about doctors - specialist especially.

As far as the pay of others in the medical field, that depends on what they do, where they practice and the demand for their specialty.

Paid caregivers of the personal care type in FL make a mint if they are working for the wealthy - and there are plenty of those wealth-type in FL - Miami, Naples, etc.

[SpringIsHereSoHappy]

Are pensions or retirement income taxed in Florida?  🤔

No. Because Florida does not have a personal income tax, distributions from pensions, 401(k)s, 403(b)s and IRAs are not taxed at the state or local level. AARP's retirement calculator can help you determine if you are saving enough to retire when — and how — you want.

https://states.aarp.org/florida/state-taxes-guide#:~:text=Are%20pensions%20or%20retirement%20income,....

[GailL1]

@SpringIsHereSoHappy 

Yea, Florida is a great place for Retirees IF they are concerned about state taxes.  Adding to the ones that you mentioned which aren’t taxed - neither are your Social Security benefits tax either - nor any inheritance or estate taxes.

That is why so many wealthy seniors make Florida their record  residence home.   That and it is too hot and too crowded to stay there year round.  

[SpringIsHereSoHappy]

Why are retirees leaving Virginia.

Any Comments?  🤔  Compared to Florida, it is CHEAPER for me in Virginia!  👵

Virginia's cost of living is generally higher than the national average, which could be a concern for retirees on a fixed income. Housing and healthcare costs, in particular, are higher than in many other states.

https://www.unbiased.com/discover/retirement/retiring-in-virginia

[SpringIsHereSoHappy]

I moved to Virginia from Florida in 2015 when my daughter was moving for an awesome Engineering Job.

She was born in Florida and had NEVER left it.

Lol, she HATED Virginia and returned to Florida in 2018.

I stayed in Virginia - LUV the mountains and 4 seasons!!!  💃💃💃

Retired in 2020 and was suppose to be returning to Florida  😭  to be nearer to my only child.

COVID had arrived and prices of EVERYTHING there went up!!!  😱😱😱

I tried again in 2023 and boy had it changed from 2015 [increased crime] and prices still ridiculous.

So 2024 is here and my daughter was in a Mass Layoff on 4/11/24 and at this point I am staying put. Gosh, she may return to Virginia. Time will tell...

*** I have yet to get involved with AARP in either state. Has anyone?  🤔***

Nicole  👵