Sorry folks but all the nay saying seems to be coming from non residents. We choose to spend a lot of time here over 20 years ago. The weather is great most of the time. No income tax. No tax on food. Great doctors, and a variety of good medical care. Beautiful places to visit and relax. Yes, insurance rates are high, but we've never had a problem getting it. Costs about the same as in our former Illinois home. Crime in our SW Florida area is way lower than in Illinois too. Hurricanes can be very bad, but we were smart enough to choose not be directly on the gulf and not close to streams or rivers flowing into it. I still remember hiding in closets during tornado warnings up north. At least we have time to prepare for a storm here. As for politics, meh! They come and go. When we arrived, Democrats ran the state. They will again someday again. Our day to day life isn't affected. So all in all. Florida is a nice place, much like other places with both good and bad people and lifestyles for most. Now how can anyone ever stomach living in Texas?