retire to New York City?

Thank you for your reply. I will definitely think about what you said before making any kind of decision. I am one of those rare creatures known as a native Floridian so I know it would be a massive change. You are right. For $1,200 a month or even less you could get a great apartment in Florida. However, you should think about a few things. First, do you have a car? You will need one in Florida. Even those cities that have mass transit do not have it all over so a car is a necessity. So you have to add car insurance onto the expense of the car as well as gas. This is one of the reasons why I think that so many older people don't want to give up their cars. It is more than just independence; it is truly their means of getting around. Also, may I ask if the transit fare in NYC $2.00 for everyone or is it less than that if you buy a monthly pass? Also, is that everytime you even change buses or subways? I truly am not familiar with the system. Thanks.

Yes they do have monthly passes and a discount for seniors - half fare. I agree that a car is necessary in Florida, I have an Aunt and cousin who lives in Cape Coral. To pay $1,200.00 the first year for rent and then the second year it goes up to $1,302.00 and every year thereafter it a bit too much. This money can be invested in a home down in Florida and then one day you can own it. It is only a matter of time and I will not be able to live here anymore because of the rent alone. I love NYC but it is very easy for people to become homeless and loose everything here. More and more single people have to take in a roommate/housemate to make ends meet.

Thank you for your response. Actually, you are right that it is mostly people from the North that move to Florida. However, they generally move to the east coast of Florida and I live on the West Coast. Most of the people who live in my area are talking about retiring to places like North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and places in that area. They are mostly people from the north (though not from New York usually) who like the idea of seasons. We refer to them as halfbacks because they moved down here from the north and now they want to retire half way back. LOL However, in my experience most of the people who retire down here from the north are seeking things like yards, and proximity to beaches, etc. They all tell me, however, that if I actually lived in a city like New York that I would not like it, but I's not so sure. Personally, I have no desire to maintain a lawn, I find my house to be a pain in the neck because of maintenance issues, and I don't remember the last time I went to the beach. I will say the snow concerns me because I haven't seen it or experienced it since I was a pre-schooler and I don't think that counts for a retiree. Obviously, I would look into it further. I even have a relative or two in the area though the one I was closest to passed away several years ago.