Do you remember all the orange groves along I4?
I'll be honest. When we started coming down 40 years or more ago I didn't even notice.
If it was cloudy or rainy the light pollution is reflected back and very noticeable. With all the money spent at WDW they could certainly spend money on some filters or LEd lighting to eliminate the glare.
Right around Lakeland? On my 2005 visit I went east on 192, a bunch of orange groves there, many look like they had seen better days. There used to be groves juat outside orlando then once you hitee rd heading north to Altemont Springs they were as far as the eye could see.
Yes, we're in Polk City. Groves around here and all around the north Lakeland area.
Better look at more than just land prices. Pay particular attention to homeowner and car insurance rates...
Car insurance is high for sure. Homeowner is a lot lower than it was in Maryland. There is no state income tax but they get you elsewhere. I think like anything else, everything is relative. Our decision to move was based on several things. We purchased our motorcoach to be able to travel in comfort, our condo with wheels. Much of my family lives, and was from Florida so visiting here amounted to more than just knowledge based on a vacation or two. It really isn't for everyone. We wanted a protected place to keep our coach when we weren't using it, it's a big investment to be allowed to sit out in the weather up north or in the Florida sun. We aren't retired yet so my wife and I both have to work. I work remotely and she commutes 20 minutes away, but it allowed us to relocate painlessly and keep our DC salaries. We ended up buying/building a home in a Class A motorcoach community. I was able to design a house that would work for us and have an attached garage for our coach. The fact that it was only 30 minutes from Disney had absolutely no bearing on the decision. In fact, if I had my choice I would move far away from Thunder Road. Best of all, no more cold and snow. Done with that white crap! We aren't snowbirds. We live here full time and are very happy with our decision. Sorry this was so long, but when people say they want to move I just encourage them to think it through and base their decision on careful research. Again, we are very happy with our decision.
