John -
Not sure where you got the idea that it's cheaper to live in NY than in Florida, or most anywhere for that matter.
NY is one of the most expensive places to live.
Especially with the highest property and school taxes in the country.
https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/rankings/opportunity/affordabilityhttps://www.uslearning.net/cost-of-living-by-state.htmlAdditionally, the traffic down there (away from the coast) is really no worse than up here.
If you drive anywhere in this country near the coast (NY, MA, MA, NH, SC, NJ, etc.) the traffic is goofy.
Your comment about losing your house to a hurricane is somewhat valid.
I found this statement on line in an article -
"Miami has a 48% chance of experiencing a seasonal storm, but only a 4% chance of a direct hit by a category three or stronger hurricane."
As for your comment about dying in a hurricane, get out before it arrives.
There is always plenty of time and notice.
If you sit in an intersection in a road, knowing cars are coming, you stand a serious chance of getting hit.
lol
My point here is that there is no place on earth that doesn't have plusses and minuses.
You simply need to pick your poison.
I can find bad things to say about anywhere.
The snow and the cold up here, the taxes, the heating bills, the cars and bridges rusting out, etc.
Out west, wildfires, dust storms, unemployment, etc.
Down south the heat, hurricanes, people speaking funny...…….
This is America.
Live where you wish.
But don't fish in my spot.