A Place in Florida – Plane Crash Hidden For 47 Years

There’s a place in Florida that’s so remote that the wreckage of an Army plane that crashed wasn’t found for 47 years.

This place in Florida, Apalachicola National Forest, is the state’s largest national forest, with 560,000 acres. One of its main claims to fame is that it is home to the world’s largest population of red-cockaded woodpeckers. Bears, too. Aligators, yes. And a myriad of other animals you’d expect to find in a remote forest.

It’s also the weekend home of many Floridians who love the outdoors. Located a few miles southwest of Tallahassee in Florida’s Big Bend area, the forest contains two rivers – the Ochlockonee and the Sopchoppy – that are part of the nation’s recreational trails system.

The 31-mile Apalachee Savannahs Scenic Byway is on the forest’s western flank, offering scenic views to motorists. And, on foot, it’s easy to get lost (and never to be found again) in its two wilderness areas: Bradwell Bay (24,000 acres) and Mud Swamp/New River (8,000 acres). Filled with muddy swamps, Bradwell Bay is regarded as one of the toughest hikes in the U.S.

For the less adventuresome, the forest has many campgrounds offering everything from cleared areas for pitching a tent to parking your RV camper. There’s also great fishing. The rivers have 35 boat launches and landings.

The forest is believed to be 12,000 years old, but it has been a national forest only since 1936. Over the last 30 years or so, forest archaeologists have found evidences of the land’s various occupants dating from prehistoric times to a half century ago. These include campsites, homesites, turpentine and logging camps, fire towers, cemeteries, cattle dip troughs, sawmills, resorts, towns, sawdust piles, historic roadways, trams, bridges and trash piles.

And one airplane crash.

During World War II, the Apalachicola National Forest was used as a training ground for the Army Air Corps. On March 29, 1943, a plane piloted by Everett R. Edwards disappeared in the forest.

The wreckage of his plane wasn’t found until 1990 – on the southeast side of Cow Swamp north of Crawfordville. Edwards died that day in the forest, even though he is believed to have ejected from the plane.

Once the wreckage was found, forest archaeologists and Florida State University students began trying to learn details of the crash. They first found a plate showing the plane’s serial number, and that led them to search the plane’s historical records.

Here’s what they learned:

The plane had crashed on a previous training mission – and had been destroyed. But during the war, to obtain parts for a plane, mechanics had to use parts from another commissioned plane. So they used the serial number from the crashed plane to order enough parts to build a new plane – the plane that Edwards crashed in the Apalachicola National Forest.

What went wrong remains a secret the forest never will reveal.

Real Estate in Miami Florida – What’s the Real Story?

If you have been watching the news during the past couple of years you may have seen that the real estate market has not been doing so well. Home prices have fallen at incredible rates, in a trend that has left many homeowners in what is known in the business as being “upside down”, meaning that they owe more on their home then it is worth. Where have the prices fallen the most in the national real estate market? Florida! So, is that a bad thing and is it a good reason to scratch real estate in Miami, Florida off your “must see” list?

Bargain Hunters Paradise

The fact is that when prices stop falling on real estate in Florida and it is predicted that that could happen around the first of the year, places like Miami Florida will be a real estate bargain hunters paradise. Record foreclosures have left banks and lending institutions holding a record number of properties that they are anxious to get rid of.

Beautiful Miami

Its also important to remember that after all, it is Miami, which means that there is so much more to take into account then just the bargain basement real estate prices that are currently available. Along with the endless white sandy beaches that offers great opportunities to own and live on waterfront real estate, there is the downtown sector which has been experiencing a renaissance in recent years.

Get Your Credit in Order

There are a few things that you will want to take into account before you consider buying real estate anywhere, including Miami, Florida. To begin with, you will want to make sure that your credit is in order before you head out shopping for a loan. If there are any blemishes on your credit report you my want to look into trying to have the taken off by contesting them.

Do Some Research

Once you have found a property or home that you are considering, you must research it properly before you begin your final negotiations. Check to see if there are any undesirable easements that encroach on the property, or if there are any utilities running through it. Also, make sure you have a clear understanding of how it is zoned as well.

5 Vacation Spots in Florida

Florida has always been considered a premier destination for a memorable vacation. Fishing is tremendous on both sides of the state with the Gulf of Mexico to the west and the Atlantic to the east and multiple lakes and streams inland. Some come for the amusement parks or stick around for the premier sports events that canvas the near tropical state. Others simply want a time to decompress from the pace of the everyday.

Whatever your interests you might just find what your looking for – in Florida.

Orlando Known for its expansive amusement parks this city is a haven for more than fifty million tourists each year. Parks such as Disney World, Universal Studios and Sea World often overshadow other well-respected attractions such as Islands of Adventures, Cypress Gardens, Silver Springs and Busch Gardens. Guests have access to many leading water parks as well as memorable golfing opportunities and nightlife.

When you add succulent restaurant choices and cruises along with outstanding museum and art opportunities Orlando becomes a very well rounded vacation opportunity with exceptional accommodations.

Because of the multitude of available tourist attractions in Orlando you may find it to be a busy place, but it may also be more affordable than you imagine as coupons and travel packages are often priced to be as inviting as possible to potential visitors.

Tampa This Florida location is less congested than Orlando, but is within easy driving of many desirable locations. Tampa is home to multiple professional sports teams such as the Rays and Buccaneers. The city also boasts two amusement parks – Busch Gardens and Adventure Island Waterpark.

Tampa has a rich heritage in artistic excellence. You will find museums, aquarium and zoo that will delight your entire family. Outdoor adventure enthusiasts will appreciate the opportunity to ride in hot air balloons, mini grand-prix cars and play an extended game of laser tag.

State parks are also a clear draw for those who visit Tampa. Many are close by and well visited. The tone of Tampa may be more subdued than other Florida locations, but that may be why so many consider this a better form of Floridian paradise.

Miami Just saying the word conjures up beautiful people on beautiful beaches. It screams active nightlife and powerful watersport opportunities. All these visual images are true of Miami, but this city is also very well known for shopping and style.

This city is a strange blend of casual and chic. sizzling beaches and neon nights coupled with surfing and football. While families find Miami inviting the city is also a magnet for single adults.

Dog tracks and casinos draw guests while fishing opportunities allow an alternative for those who have less interest in shopping. Unique festivals and activities are scheduled for every month of the year so you shouldn’t be surprised if there are events that add special meaning to your Miami getaway.

Naples This Gulf Coast city offers a taste of refinement and maturity. This city offers beautiful accommodations as well as brilliant golf courses and cultural opportunities.

The waters are exceptionally calm and the sunsets are spectacular from so many locations in Naples. The everglades are close and a trip to a nearby island is not only possible, but also encouraged.

Naples was listed as the number one small arts town in the United States and a motivated group of citizens’ work to ensure that culture is a prime component to the atmosphere of the town. There are no fewer than a dozen arts and cultural centers and activities regularly scheduled.

You may find it strange, but the feel of the town has been described as Midwestern in appeal. The welcoming atmosphere allows for a gentle morning on the beach combing for shells or a discussion with the locals on the best fishing alternatives.

The balmy conditions coupled with a moderate pace make Naples a well-deserved ‘time out’ for many visitors. These may be visitors who have come to think of the slower pace of Naples as a personal paradise on their list of potential getaways.

Sarasota This is another smaller city in Florida’s deep arsenal of beautiful destinations. With a population of just over 50,000 Sarasota is a focal point in a cluster of smaller cities and towns that bring a sense of hometown to your vacation. The city boasts a beautiful array of beaches and multiple island destinations. A trip to Sarasota is a nod to the need for relaxation. Locations such as Orlando and Miami are well developed for a more fast-paced vacation experience. However, Sarasota joins Naples as a great location to de-stress.

From a practical standpoint it has all the amenities you could need, but provides the space and opportunity to simply take a deep breath and drink in the beauty of this Floridian paradise.

Which City is Best?

By knowing more about the locations available you can match your specific needs with a city that can best meet those needs. There is no singular ‘best’ city in Florida. There are many that are strategically placed to provide incredible beauty. There are others that are designed to appeal to those who want to experience adventure in their R & R.

The Common Threads

There are several things these Florida vacation destinations have in common.

• Average daytime temperatures between 75-90

• Fishing opportunities both inland and on the ocean or gulf

• Multiple arts opportunities

• Premier hotel accommodations

• Exquisite cuisine

• Golfing

• Boating

• Nearby State Parks

• Exceptional shopping

Knowing more about the place you intend to visit can be very beneficial in knowing what to expect and how to plan your stay. The cities of Florida are as inviting as they are memorable. Plan well – and enjoy your stay – in Florida.

Fun and Sun in Florida – 10 Best Beach Picks

If you’re looking for a holiday with lots of sun, sea and sand, Florida is the perfect destination. With more than 1,100 miles of beaches along its sultry coasts, Florida has something for everyone. But which are the best Florida beaches and what can you expect to find there?

Here are ten best beach picks:

1. Panama City Beach, also known as PCB, is consistently listed among the best Florida beaches, featuring shimmering white quartz sand, which is beautiful to look at and soft enough for children to play in. More than 25 miles in length, it borders on the Gulf of Mexico, ensuring warm, clear water for swimming.

2. Daytona Beach, as seen on MTV, has hard packed sand, which is great for sports and dancing. A former racing venue, much of it is still accessible to cars. Daytona Beach is a popular location for bodysurfing and is an excellent place to swim. Its gently sloping shoreline means you are less likely to unexpectedly find yourself out of your depth.

3. St Joseph Peninsula offers a beautiful, sugary white beach with all the benefits of a National Park. Its tall dunes offer beautiful views out across St Joseph Bay. This is a popular location for fans of canoeing and kayaking, and fishing is available just offshore. St Joseph is often rated among the top 10 Florida beaches for those who enjoy activity vacations.

4. Cocoa Beach is positioned just minutes away from the Kennedy Space Center, so if you time your trip right, you can lie back on the soft sand and watch a shuttle take off. Cocoa Beach is a great place for surfing and there is always a party atmosphere around the pier.

5. South Beach is popular with international celebrities and those looking forward to luxury holidays where they can be seen by the right people. South Beach bars and restaurants are priced accordingly, but his is a great place to hang out if you enjoy looking chic.

6. Clearwater Beach is always bustling with activity. With artistic and cultural activities to enjoy, it also features free concerts at night down by Pier 60. And children will enjoy visiting the nearby aquarium. Kids often declare this to be one of the best Florida beaches.

7. Fort Walton Beach is a great place to go to relax, especially for families, with plenty of space for kids to play and lifeguards to watch out for them. Dolphins play in the bay just offshore and you can take a boat ride if you want to go and meet them.

8. Captiva Beach, out on Captiva Island, is a popular destination for young couples as well as for older holidaymakers. Its miles of glittering sand are laced with exotic shells. Captiva Beach is situated near the Bahia Honda Channel, with its stunning reefs, which makes it a great place to go snorkeling.

9. Fort Lauderdale offers 23 miles of stunning beaches between its wayward waterways and the open sea. Here you can watch manatees at play or simply walk out into the water to explore the reef. Often listed among the top 10 Florida beaches, its enduring popularity is a testament to its ability to charm visitors from all different backgrounds.

10. Sanibel Island Beach is undoubtedly one of the best Florida beaches, and also one of the state’s best-kept secrets. Though it’s a popular location for marriages, it’s still largely undiscovered, and its quiet atmosphere attracts wildlife such as sea turtles. It’s a great place to find shells and is popular with windsurfers.

4-40 to 2-20 Conversion Course – Becoming a Florida Insurance Agent

This article discusses the Florida 4-40 to 2-20 Conversion Course. This course is specific to Florida licensing and is the way a FL 4-40 CSR can become a FL 2-20 agent without taking a 200 hour course.

Florida makes a distinction between a 2-20 General Lines Agent and a 4-40 Customer Service Representative. A 2-20 Agent is one who may sell insurance and operate an insurance agency. A 4-40 Customer Service Representative works under the direction and control of a 2-20 Agent, assisting the agent in the sales and operation of the business.

There are two ways to become a 2-20 General Lines Agent. The first is to take and pass the 200 hour pre-licensing course required by the state, and then successfully complete the state licensing exam.

The second is to obtain the 4-40 license and work as a full time customer service representative for at least one year. This license is achieved by taking the Florida Insurance University/University of Central Florida Registered Customer Service Representative Designation, which excuses the student from the state licensing test for the 4-40 license.

Once that has been done, the student may take and pass the 4-40 to 2-20 Conversion Course which is offered by Florida Insurance University. This course is a 40 hour distance learning course that qualifies the applicant to take the state licensing exam.

In the current economy, the insurance profession is one of the few where jobs and incomes are not only stable, but growing. Job opportunities are good for those who have sales experience and good interpersonal skills. The U.S. Government reports that employment for insurance sales agents is expected to grow through 2016. The median annual earnings of insurance sales agents were $43,870 in May 2006. The range of earnings reflected that the highest 10% earned more than $115,090. Company paid benefits usually include continuing education, group insurance plans, office space, auto and transportation expenses, health insurance and retirement benefits.

Bird Watching in Treasure Island Florida

Treasure Island, Florida is a wonderful place to observe some of the most magnificent wildlife in the country. Bird watching or birding is a very popular attraction to many people because of the variety of species that call these shores home. Actually, the area can serve as a good place to observe birds that may not be indigenous to the area. Many birds’ migration patterns run through this region. There are some lovely shorebirds that can be spotted along this stretch of coast and it is recommended that every birder take some time to enjoy these species.

There is also a collective effort in the community to make sure these birds last for future generations, so always make sure to be careful and never disturb these creatures’ natural habitats. Many of Florida’s species are on the brink of peril and people should always make sure to enjoy the wildlife, while making sure to preserve the natural order.

Laughing Gull – During a trip to Treasure Island, you will no doubt see plenty of gulls. These birds are everywhere and will do their best to acquire some of the lunch you have brought to the beach, so be careful. If you plan to feed the gulls, make sure to do it away from other beachgoers because these birds will flock around you and it may perturb the other guests of the beach.

Willet/Sandpiper – The Willet is another very common species that can be found along Treasure Island’s shores. This bird is part of the Sandpiper family and can be easily viewed combing the beach in search of food. The Willet’s population declined in the early twentieth century due to hunting but has increased since that time. While steadily increasing in population, the Willet is considered to still be somewhat at risk.

Black Skimmer – These birds are a beautiful sight and can be seen flying low over the waters and skimming the lower part of their bill into the water in order to catch food, which is how they got their name. The Black Skimmer has a black back with a white underside and is very distinct with their bright orange bill that has a black front edge.

Terns – There are 3 varieties of Tern that can be found around Treasure Island. The Royal Tern is an orange-billed variety and can only be found near saltwater. The Royal Tern is found around Treasure Island in the winter months and does not breed in the area. The Gull-Billed Tern is also found along this stretch of coastal waters. These terns have a black bill and look similar to gulls, hence the name. This tern does breed in this area and can be found here in the summer months. Last but not least is the Least Tern is the smallest of the American tern varieties. These terns also breed in the area and can be found during the summer months.

American Oystercatcher – These birds breed in the area and can be found walking along the beach in search of food year-round. The bird is large for a shorebird and has a bright red bill and long legs. In the 19th century, they became locally extinct in the northeast due to hunting and egg-collecting, but then became protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918.

Snowy Egret – This is a beautiful white heron that can be found around fresh water, as well as coastal regions like Treasure Island. This bird can be very easy to identify quickly because of their long black legs and yellow feet. The Snowy Egret has beautiful plumage during breeding season; these birds were sought after by market hunters which depleted the population to a dangerous level. These birds became protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918, as well.

Great Blue Heron – These birds can be found all over the country and are extremely common in Florida year-round. They can be found throughout the entire state around fresh and saltwater. They are the largest American herons and are tall with long legs. The Great Blue Heron will walk slowly in shallow water while searching for food until they dive their head quickly to snag fish.

Brown Pelican – Brown Pelicans can be found year-round in Treasure Island and are very distinct birds. Many tourists enjoy to get photos of these birds as they sit floating on the water or when they dive to catch fish. These pelicans are unique from other 6 species because they are the only dark pelicans. They are also the only pelican that dives from the air into the water in order to catch their food.

White Ibis – These birds are found throughout the year in Treasure Island and are distinguished by their white body and bright red legs and bills. These birds also have black wingtips that usually only be seen while they are in flight. The White Ibis can be viewed while foraging along the coast for small crustaceans and crayfish.

Great Egret – This bird is also known as the Great White Heron or the Great White Egret. These birds are tall (up to 3.3 feet!) and all white with yellow bills. The Great Egret can be found in Treasure Island year-round and can be found feeding in shallow water on frogs, fish, and sometimes lizards. These birds are one of the most beautiful and majestic species that the Treasure Island area has to offer birders.

The Everglades of Florida – America’s Only Sub-Tropical Wilderness

If you are looking for a truly untouched sub-tropical wilderness without having to travel outside the continental United States, we have one not too far away in Southern Florida. The Everglades of Florida is certainly more than mosquitoes, alligators and dangerous snakes, and it is more than a huge swamp area. It is a giant and fragile ecosystem containing many forms of wildlife in their natural habitat.

Starting in 1848 there was talk of draining the Everglades, and some of the canals that were constructed in southern Florida helped in promoting the land boom in the first half of the 20th century. But Mother Nature in the form of floods and hurricanes proved too much. After studies on the environmental impact of a large airport found that the South Florida ecosystem would be destroyed, emphasis in the 1970s turned to restoration of the Everglades.

As of now, about 50% of the original Everglades have been converted to urban and agricultural areas. UNESCO has designated this area as wetlands of global importance; only two others in the world have a similar designation. Obviously much damage has already been done bring the entire area to the brink of breaking down, and since 2000 a plan for restoration was put into place by the U.S. Congress, but politics have played a part delaying the most comprehensive and expensive environmental reclamation attempt in history.

There is so much to do for the family in the Everglades, and if you’re in South Florida you should visit the Everglades National Park. Here is the place you will find unique and abundant wildlife that you will find only in a swampy habitat like this. After you visit the Ernest Coe Visitor Center, which offers orientation movies and exhibits to get your bearings, you’ll want to be sure to consider the following activities:

1. Airboat tours. This will not be the most peaceful way to tour the Everglades, but it is a lot of fun.

2. Canoeing in the Glades. The park has many water trails to canoe or kayak. Taking to the water will allow you to see much more of the parks wildlife, and these modes of transport will be the least intrusive way to do it.

3. Shark Valley Observation Tower. From hear if the weather is clear you can see for miles. It is about seven miles from the Shark Valley Visitor Center, and you can get there by hiking, bicycle or riding the tram.

4. Gumbo Limbo Trail. This half-mile walk is a paved path through a forest of primarily gumbo limbo trees.

5. Mahogany Hammock. A very interesting half-mile boardwalk through one of the Glades’ unique ecosystems.

6. Anhinga Trail. This is a paved trail a little less than a mile walk; this will take you through a sawgrass marsh.

7. Camping. If you’re into camping, there is a variety of camping options.

When you are in South Florida, try to take in this amazing natural area. You won’t find anything like it anywhere in the United States.

Florida Claims Adjuster Training – What is Necessary?

A Claims Adjuster is someone who investigates insurance claims. Job duties include reviewing applicable documents such as insurance policies, receipts for lost or damaged property, interviewing claimants and witnesses, and an on-the-scene investigation of losses.

While the first step in becoming an insurance claims adjuster is to obtain a Florida All Lines License, those considering becoming an adjuster often have questions about what type of additional training, other than licensing, may be required to obtain a job. The simple answer to that question is often ‘none’.

Insurance and adjusting companies have extensive internal training programs for new hires. The training usually includes classes on claims software and claims handling procedures. Therefore, someone considering entering this field for the first time should be cautious about spending money on Xactimate or other claims training classes offered by independent providers.

Florida has recently seen trainers coming in from other states, particularly Texas, offering classes that can cost between $500-$1000 for pre-licensing and software training. Unfortunately, many companies do not use the software the students will pay for. In addition, some of the courses are advertised as accredited for Adjuster Continuing Education.

NOTE: A Florida resident cannot receive Adjuster Continuing Education credits before becoming licensed as a claims adjuster. In addition, the CE credits advertised are for Texas, not Florida!

The bottom-line is that prospective adjuster students should proceed very carefully before spending money on any training other than licensing. A Florida All Lines license is the key that opens the door to the adjuster job market.

What Type of All Lines Adjuster License Is Available?

The 5-20 All Lines license is the Independent adjuster license. This is the license that is available to a new applicant who is not employed by an insurance company.

The 6-20 All Lines license is the Company adjuster license. This license is only available to insurance company employees.

The 3-20 All Lines license is the Public adjuster license. A Public Adjuster represents property owners against insurance companies. As of January 1, 2009, all PA candidates must serve a 12 month apprenticeship under the direction of a licensed public adjuster before taking the state licensing exam.

The All Lines 5-20 and 6-20 licenses are available without taking the state licensing test by ‘designation’. The Accredited Claims Adjuster Designation is a course that exempts or excuses the student from the state test. For more information on the licensing designation Google ‘UCF Adjuster Licensing’ and review the information you find.

What Type of Work Experience Do Insurance Companies Look for When Hiring Adjusters?

The type of work experience that insurance or adjusting companies look for depends on the type of adjuster that is being hired.

If a company is hiring Catastrophe adjusters, typically those with construction or auto body experience are going to be first-in-line for the job. Catastrophe adjusters go to the scene of a hurricane, tornado and flood to adjust property claims. Often these adjusters are also flood certified by the NFIP (National Flood Insurance Program) and may have extensive training in other areas as well.

If you are interested in becoming a CAT Adjuster read ‘Catastrophe Adjuster Training’ on Ezine.

If a company is hiring an inside adjuster to take and process claims, often no prior experience is required. This is a customer service oriented job so good communication skills are a must. The company will give you substantial training when you are hired.

Other types of background that may be helpful in landing a job as an adjuster include paralegal training, business law courses, negotiation training, engineering or mechanical trades, and a financial background.

In summary, to become a Florida claims adjuster you must obtain a license. Be very careful before you spend any additional money on outside, independent training courses!

How to Register a Professional Corporation ("PA") In Florida

If you are operating, or plan to operate, a professional service in Florida, then you should consider doing so as a professional corporation. This entity is a type of corporation which is organized to render a specifically designated professional service. Examples of services rendered by a professional corporation, just to name a few, are certified public accountants, chiropractors, doctors of medicine, architects, attorneys and life insurance agents. These types of professional services, as noted above, can operate through the vehicle of a professional corporation in Florida. You should note that a professional corporation is also referred to as a “P.A.” or professional association.

To form a professional corporation in Florida, you must take the following steps:

– The first step is to prepare articles of incorporation and file the articles with the State of Florida. The articles of incorporation must state the name of the entity, address of the corporation, the name and address of the registered agent, and must state the specific purpose for which the corporation is organized (e.g., chiropractic medicine, Certified Public Accountant, etc.). Please note, the name of the professional corporation must contain the words “chartered” or the words “professional association”, or the abbreviation “P.A.” Once the articles are prepared, you must file this document with the Florida Division of Corporations along with the state filing fee of $70.00.

– Once the articles of incorporation are filed, you should then obtain a tax identification number for your entity through the Internal Revenue Service. You can apply for a tax ID either online at http://www.irs.gov or call the IRS. Their contact information can be found on the IRS website.

– Next, you should elect “S” corporation status for your entity. To do so, you must complete and submit Form 2553 to the IRS. You can obtain Form 2553 on the IRS website or seek the help of an accountant to assist you with such election.

The Pros and Cons of Retiring to Arizona Compared to Florida

The pros and cons of Arizona retirement, center on the Arizona weather and the choices of housing options.

The client is wonderful, by any standards for 9 to 10 months of the year…the months of July and August… Along with parts of June and September… Are the exceptions.

You have probably heard the term it is a dry heat… That is true but the temperature regularly gets to 110° to 115°…in those 2 to 3 months.

Although I am a full-time Arizona resident… I do try to get away at least for three weeks in August…

When I am here in July and August, I still play golf three times a week in the afternoons, the heat of the day. Sunscreen, wet towels, and lots of water are mandatory to combat the effects of the heat…but it is certainly doable.

No state income tax in Florida, which can be a factor for high-income retirees.

That is about the extent of the cons of retiring to Arizona compared to Florida.

Now for the pluses of choosing Arizona to retire…especially when compared to Florida or other southern states.

There is more sunshine in Arizona… Well over 300 days a year…

There is less rain than there is in Florida…

There is much less humidity in Arizona…

There are no hurricanes to worry about in Arizona…

There are no bugs, especially mosquitoes, to bother you and carry disease in Arizona…

If outdoor living is your thing, Arizona should be high on your list of retirement choices… With the help of a ceiling fan on the patio dining at 100° is very comfortable in Arizona.

How can I be so sure about the above statements?

For 21 years, our home was in the Houston Texas area… Very similar climate to Florida.

To reinforce our decision to choose Arizona over Florida… we RVed extensively before making our decision to retire in Arizona… Which we did in 2004 and have not regretted our decision since.

Making Arizona even more attractive is the low-cost of housing…I am talking primarily about the many Park model communities that are available to retirees in Arizona.

Park model home prices start at $10,000 and some older models are less, which makes Arizona affordable to anyone on any budget.

These Park model communities often remind one of a stationary cruise ship due to the tremendous amount of activities that are available to the residents.

You can do just as much or just as little as you want… The choice is yours.

So there you have it… The pros and cons of retiring to Arizona when compared to Florida… We are very glad that we have made the choice to retire in Arizona and you should give it strong consideration too.

See you in the desert.

Freelance Web Designer | WordPress Developer | Hong Kong