FLA vs AZ

Deb and Ed M wrote:

Scottiemom wrote:
And did we mention DUST STORMS?

I'll admit that the threat of Valley Fever, and my allergies to dust in general, made me desire FL over AZ. We chose the Space Coast area for less traffic, and I sure feel like the people here have been as nice as the people anywhere else?

But yes, FL can be humid (the price you pay for having water everywhere). Buggy?? Maybe during the summer? I've not really seen many, but maybe it's because the little Anole lizards keep them at bay...

The Hoboobs are associated with the Monsoon season, which isn't during the winter, but usually August and September. And Valley Fever is way overblown. Actually much greater incidence in the San Joaquin Valley in California - where the name comes from. And most of the winter dust is on the west side where next to the open agricultural fields, not on the east side next to the Superstition Mountains.

Luckily not everyone likes the desert, which means those of us that do have a great winter at cheaper costs.

happycamper1942 wrote:

Any recommendation for RV parks in the Mesa area? We are thinking of coming down February/march.

You might be able to get reservations now for February - but March is always near full capacity all over the valley because of Spring Training - and the Cubs have their training site in Mesa, so everything is full this year. Best bet is to call and see what is available. We like the Cal-Am parks (several around), especially Val Vista, since that is where we are. Also give Mesa Spirit a call - they recently became part of the Encore system and openings last year. There are several Encore parks in the area. Also check out Usery Park (Maricopa County parks) to see what is available. It is only 2 weeks at a time (water/electric) but nice sites and a wonderful view of the valley. Several parks in Apache Junction (next to Mesa) but I'm not sure of their availability during Feb/March.

Barb

My thoughts? Thank goodness we don't all like the same place. . . there wouldn't be room for all of us there. Different strokes for different folks and thank goodness for that. It's a series of tradeoffs. When we quit fulltiming, we will most likely settle in Florida. My favorite place? Nope. I much prefer the desert. BUT, our son lives in Florida and when we get much older, we will want to be close to one of our kids. We have to be in warm weather for my DH's heart, so Florida will be the logical choice.

Dale

For me things don't get crawling in FL till April/May. The gators and snake all have love in their eyes, and the bugs start to make a stand to take back nature. No big deal for a snowbird that leaves prior to that.

Scottiemom wrote:
And did we mention DUST STORMS?

I'll admit that the threat of Valley Fever, and my allergies to dust in general, made me desire FL over AZ. We chose the Space Coast area for less traffic, and I sure feel like the people here have been as nice as the people anywhere else?

But yes, FL can be humid (the price you pay for having water everywhere). Buggy?? Maybe during the summer? I've not really seen many, but maybe it's because the little Anole lizards keep them at bay...

BarbaraOK wrote:
We spent one winter in Florida. Didn't like the bugs - way to many, didn't like the attitude of "oh ****, the snowbirds are here - just leave your money and get out of our way", did I mention the bugs, didn't like the poor quality of seafood restaurants, which is strange when you realize they are surrounded by sea; did I mention the bugs. Spent another winter in the RGV - some bugs, blowing dirt from all of the farming area, some cold days, blowing dirt (thick enough to chew), nothing in terms of cultural arts, concerts, great shopping, etc.

We spent several winters wandering around Arizona before we settled on Mesa - just has everything we want. Great access to performing arts, great shopping, great restaurants, fantastic museums, universities, 20 minutes and we're up in the mountains, sun from October to April, shorts most if the winter, great medical care (tht becomes more important as one ages), and SPRING TRAINING with 12 major league teams playing all within 45 min drives at the most from each other. Life is good.:C

Barb

Any recommendation for RV parks in the Mesa area? We are thinking of coming down February/march.

Interesting thoughts by different people visiting the same states drawing different conclusions. I have wintered in AZ, TX, and FL. My first visit to the RGV in TX was not good..... my wife hated it. A number of years later we tried it again..... this time she loved it. What changed...... well it was the place we stayed which created a totally different experience.

They tell about it raining ducks in Arkansas, but I have not experienced "Mud-rain" in the RGV in the ten years that I have been staying here. Lucky, I guess. I am not saying that the RGV is perfect just that we have miraculously avoided the "Mud-rain" for many years now.

Being a Midwesterner, I have experienced combinations of blowing dirt and light rain that resembled what you are talking about. It had nothing to do with Mexico, unless it was Mexico, Missouri.

BarbaraOK wrote:
We spent one winter in Florida. Didn't like the bugs - way to many, didn't like the attitude of "oh ****, the snowbirds are here - just leave your money and get out of our way", did I mention the bugs, didn't like the poor quality of seafood restaurants, which is strange when you realize they are surrounded by sea; did I mention the bugs. Spent another winter in the RGV - some bugs, blowing dirt from all of the farming area, some cold days, blowing dirt (thick enough to chew), nothing in terms of cultural arts, concerts, great shopping, etc. We spent several winters wandering around Arizona before we settled on Mesa - just has everything we want. Great access to performing arts, great shopping, great restaurants, fantastic museums, universities, 20 minutes and we're up in the mountains, sun from October to April, shorts most if the winter, great medical care (tht becomes more important as one ages), and SPRING TRAINING with 12 major league teams playing all within 45 min drives at the most from each other. Life is good.:C
Barb

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Have spent winters in Corpus Christi, Tx and Ft. Myers, Florida. You're absolutely correct Barb. Florida is full of bugs (flying-biting and crawling). Texas has what's called "mud-rain". Got up one morning to mud covering everything in sight. Asked a neighbor what's this?? He said it's from sand storm down in Mexico and then the wind carries it North and mixes with the rain. Oh great.
Don't know much about Mesa but will look into it.
Happy trails,

pawatt wrote:

BarbaraOK wrote:
We spent one winter in Florida. Didn't like the bugs - way to many, didn't like the attitude of "oh ****, the snowbirds are here - just leave your money and get out of our way", did I mention the bugs, didn't like the poor quality of seafood restaurants, which is strange when you realize they are surrounded by sea; did I mention the bugs. Spent another winter in the RGV - some bugs, blowing dirt from all of the farming area, some cold days, blowing dirt (thick enough to chew), nothing in terms of cultural arts, concerts, great shopping, etc.

We spent several winters wandering around Arizona before we settled on Mesa - just has everything we want. Great access to performing arts, great shopping, great restaurants, fantastic museums, universities, 20 minutes and we're up in the mountains, sun from October to April, shorts most if the winter, great medical care (tht becomes more important as one ages), and SPRING TRAINING with 12 major league teams playing all within 45 min drives at the most from each other. Life is good.:C

Barb

I strongly disagree with your assessment of South Texas.

Me, too, Pawatt. Some people just want to be miserable. To each his own. We have as many activities and events that we can squeeze in during our time here. Personally we don't go for sports period, so not interested in spring training camps, etc. But there is one thing that Mesa and any town/burb around Phoenix has and that's BAD AIR. From the time you enter into the Valley of the Sun, you see the dirty haze blanketing the area. Your throat starts to burn, your eyes start to itch and you will be miserable till you leave. . . or if you decide to stay, you will probably just get used to it. Not me. And I love Arizona, but could never stay long in those large population centers. Good thing they have good medical facilities! And did we mention DUST STORMS?

Wind in the RGV? Occasionally. Normally just a nice breeze, which eliminates all matter of bugs bothering you when you sit out in the nice cool evenings.

Dale

Dale