Might I like Pensacola, Florida?

[Sdanson]

I moved here from NY and I agree with what you said about the job situation here. It is terrible and they do not seem to embrace educated people in Pensacola either. I am thinking of moving back to NY. I came here to be closer to family but it has simply been a nightmare in finding a job in HR.

[figarocat]

My family and I are thinking of moving back to the south in the next couple of years, but I guess I want to make sure we will be staying this time. Last time, before Katrina, we were living in Mobile, AL. I worked in Pensacola at the time and commuted. I loved Pensacola - the beauty, the beachy atmosphere, all the green (compared to AZ). I am wondering about the healthcare and construction industries. I will be a nurse by the time we move there and my husband will still be a carpenter/contractor. Are those industries doing well? How about real estate - I noticed the reasonable prices, but can you get insurance? I'm tired of moving so I want to find a place to plant roots. Feedback?

[beachmouse]

Healthcare in the area has a good number of job openings relatively speaking. Construction is still struggling- that sector really puffed up a few years back because the housing bubble happened at the same time as rebuilding from Ivan/Dennis and is painfully returning to pre-Ivan levels. Insurance is doable if you don't live in a storm surge or flood zone, though still 2-3 times what you'd pay for a similar home in Kansas.

[fossy]

want to The Pensacola area soon start study in UWF and thanks everybody for information

[psouth]

Originally Posted by Sdanson

I moved here from NY and I agree with what you said about the job situation here. It is terrible and they do not seem to embrace educated people in Pensacola either. I am thinking of moving back to NY. I came here to be closer to family but it has simply been a nightmare in finding a job in HR.

I have noticed that most companies and hiring managers throughout Florida are scared to death of educated and motivated people. They just try to protect their own jobs that many of them are not even qualified for. They are looking for unsuspecting milk toasts they can push around.

[gassman40]

I am 26 years old and have lived in pensacola my whole life. sadly, i will soon have to move to be able to find a job that i wont have to laugh at the salary offer (and i do not have some delusion that i am worth way more than i am. i just want to be able to provide for myself and a family when the times comes). But, i guess the decision to move is getting easier every day. developers are trying their best to make pensacola beach look like orange beach, al, which with the exception of one public park on the gulf it is impossible to see the gulf over there from the road, let alone get access. i really do not know what there is to stick around for. anyone know of a place that is like pensacola/pensacola beach 30 years ago with a job market? if so let me know because i would be there in a second!

[Boxcar Overkill]

I was at the NAS in Pensacola in the late 80's. I thought it was pretty cool.

[RVlover]

Originally Posted by tarpley long

Hello,

Am seeking to relocate to a beautiful part of the United States, that has great architecture and beautiful beaches and that is less expensive than where I currently live, Washington, DC. For the past 11 years, I have bought, improved and sold for profit several historic homes and I would like to do this in a warmer climate. That's one of my day jobs. Another passion is acting. From websites I have searched, it appears that Pensacola has a very good theater company.

Thank you.

Pensacola is going to be cheaper living than D.C. for sure. The opportunity to buy up foreclosed homes is tremendous in The Panhandle too. Youd be very close to the nice beaches all along the Gulf Coast, but, I really think youd be happier not living in Pensacola proper, but, in a surrounding suburb and maybe commuting to Pensacola for your acting pursuits. Nearby towns i think you would REALLY like are : Navarre , Niceville, Valparaiso , Milton, or Pace. Navarre is right on the beach, and the others are within 40 minutes of the beach. ALL are no more than a 40 minute drive to Pensacola with Milton and Pace being 20 minutes. You need to come out and spend a good week or so exploring the area , and anytime after August is a good time cause the Tourists have mass exited due to school starting. Ive been in this area for just 5 months and love it compared to northern illinois. Im saving a TON of money living down here mostly on home cost and property taxes . Heres a vacation guide which will show you some of the many activities and places to go whether youre a visitor or a resident. Plenty to do . The people are very very nice by and large. Like others have said, the job situation isnt the greatest, but, it sounds like youd be semi retiring from what i read of your OP....thats what im doing as well. Taking your money from your home sale in D.C. and bringing it here, will go a LONG way ... and youll have a healthy sum to live off of ---- at least thats the major attraction to going from heavy-urban america to basically-rural america.

[TheFlyingDutchman]

The problem with Pensacola is that it's an incredibly beautiful area, but one which is ruled over by an unbelievably corrupt local government that practically chases off all new prospective industry with pitchforks and torches. This ruling clique is a particularly nasty little old boys' network and they like to keep things nicely under their boot=heel, just like they've always been.

Also, good luck finding work in Pensacola if you're not career military or in some field with military connection somehow. And Escambia County also has the worst education scores of any county in Florida, so good luck raising children who are competitive to move up in life -- your children will grow up to be fun-loving but dumb-ass characters off the TV show "Trailer Park Boys".