Florida residents - what can you tell me about these areas?

[C.Ann]

Having just returned from Florida - and absolutely falling in love with the winter weather there - I'm exploring different areas where I might like to stay for 3 or 4 months next year if I decide to strike out on my own rather than staying with my sister..

I've been scouring the map of central Florida and of course the distances are deceiving and I know nothing about these areas in terms of safety, traffic congestion, affordability, etc.. What I would be looking for is a 55+ RV Resort-type area where I could rent a Park Model or 2 bedroom travel trailer for 3 to 4 months..

Could anyone comment on these areas?

Davenport
Haines City
Lake Alfred
Lake Hamilton
Winter Haven
Dundee
Lake Wales
Auburndale
Lakeland
Eaton Park
St. Cloud
Ashton
Holopaw
Conway
Belle Isle
Union Park
Bithlo
Christmas
Longwood
Winter Garden
Groveland

edited to add:

Bartow
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Also, any info you might have on Temp Agencies in those areas..

Thanks so much!

 

[Dax]

I am in Lakeland and I love it here. weather is good, and its an easy drive to either Orlando or Tampa.

What else do u want to know specifically.

 

[C.Ann]

I am in Lakeland and I love it here. weather is good, and its an easy drive to either Orlando or Tampa.

What else do u want to know specifically.

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Do you know of any 55+ RV Resort areas there that are particularly nice? Also, could you give me the names of any Temp Agencies in your area?

Thanks!

 

[Virgo10]

Auburndale Small, quiet, it's a real town. We have a center with a large playground/tennis court area, stores and a chamber of commerce that always has something going on. There are lakes everywhere. For more shopping there's a Super Wal Mart and just down the street is Winter Haven with even more stores.

It's 26 miles to WDW from my front door. For a theme park fix in a hurry, I can get over to Cypress Gardens in about 15 minutes. It's only 8 miles away.

Auburndale's webpage is currently under construction but you can reach them here:
Auburndale Chamber of Commerce 111 E. Park St. Auburndale, FL 33823 (941) 967-3400. They have lots of great information available to send out.

While there are times I wish I was a bit closer to Disney, I really like it here. The congestion and traffic up closer to the world is a bummer. If you have any other questions, just let me know.

Roberta

 

[Ted and Holly]

Virgo, that is where we are hoping to live by the end of the year!

Lakeland is nice, but I would not call it an "easy" drive to Tampa or Orlando. Traffic and construction is terrible!

You might want to start searching by county, then narrow it down to town or community. My sister was looking into moving down, but she had a heck of a time, because she is used to everything done on a town basis in CT, and here, it is county-oriented.

There are probably close to a million 55+ communities along US27 in Polk and lake counties. You may just want to take a trip down and explore.

Ted

 

[Tasha+Scott]

My maternal grandparents used to live in Haines City and I stayed with them a lot. I really liked it there. It was really close to the parks but not so close that you felt you lived in a tourist town. It was a nice area. My paternal grandparents live in Lakeland and I also like that area.

My favorite area is New Port Richey but that isn't on your list.

 

[C.Ann]

There are probably close to a million 55+ communities along US27 in Polk and lake counties. You may just want to take a trip down and explore.

Ted

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While I was down there I checked out quite a few places in Lake County (that's where my sister is) and nothing held a candle to the 55+ RV Resort that she is staying in (Recreation Plantation in Lady Lake).. However, it's more than an hours drive to Disney World (in good traffic) and I would really like to be a little closer than that, if at all possible..

Is Auburndale in Polk County? What was the deciding factor for you in choosing that particular area?

 

[Ted and Holly]

Basically what Virgo said. It is a real town. It is small, quaint and has a real center of town, like a "downtown". That is something you pay dearly for here (Celebration, Reunion, Providence, Harmony). But Auburndale is not as expensive as the designer communities.

Ted

 

[C.Ann]

Auburndale Small, quiet, it's a real town. We have a center with a large playground/tennis court area, stores and a chamber of commerce that always has something going on. There are lakes everywhere. For more shopping there's a Super Wal Mart and just down the street is Winter Haven with even more stores.

It's 26 miles to WDW from my front door. For a theme park fix in a hurry, I can get over to Cypress Gardens in about 15 minutes. It's only 8 miles away.

Auburndale's webpage is currently under construction but you can reach them here:
Auburndale Chamber of Commerce 111 E. Park St. Auburndale, FL 33823 (941) 967-3400. They have lots of great information available to send out.

While there are times I wish I was a bit closer to Disney, I really like it here. The congestion and traffic up closer to the world is a bummer. If you have any other questions, just let me know.

Roberta

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Do you have any idea what the temp job market is like there? Sounds like a very nice place and I'm definitely going to check it out!!

 

[Virgo10]

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While I was down there I checked out quite a few places in Lake County (that's where my sister is) and nothing held a candle to the 55+ RV Resort that she is staying in (Recreation Plantation in Lady Lake).. However, it's more than an hours drive to Disney World (in good traffic) and I would really like to be a little closer than that, if at all possible..

Is Auburndale in Polk County? What was the deciding factor for you in choosing that particular area?

Yes, Auburndale is located in Polk County. I had one requirement... where ever we lived had to be within 30 minutes of WDW! I'm serious. We found the house we wanted (3 BR's, a large lanai and at least a 1/4 acre of land) on our second day of looking. I didn't realize how much I'd like this town until I had more of a chance to do some driving near WDW. It's a zoo up there!!

I opt not to drive I-4 which is a less than a 30 minute drive from here to the world but my back road trek is so much more enjoyable. It takes me about 45 minutes and there are no white knuckle attacks.

My DH wanted to be near lakes so he can fish. We sure have a lot of those. While I can take or leave fishing, I must say I've really enjoyed seeing all the bird life that hangs around the shore line. The Pelicans are my favorite!

I'd give the C of C a call. I'm sure they'd have a list of over 55 mobile home parks. Hey if you move here we can do lunch!

Roberta

ETA: There are quite a few temp agencies down here including one right in the center of town. My son is currently doing temp work. I'll ask him about the place he's using (the Auburndale one) when he gets home.

 

[C.Ann]

Hey if you move here we can do lunch!

Roberta

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Wouldn't that be great? I just located a temp agency there on-line and it looks like I would be able to secure short-term assignments while there if my finances required it..

At this point I'm thinking I would probably like to be there from Jan. 1st thru March - or possibly mid-April each year - thus the desire to be in a RV Resort.. Sure would like to rent a Park Model - they're beautiful and so roomy!!

Can you give me an idea of what the cost of your electric runs at that time of year - as well as telephone costs? From what I've seen, most RV Resorts include water and cable tv in the cost of the rent..

 

[Virgo10]

--------------------------

Wouldn't that be great? I just located a temp agency there on-line and it looks like I would be able to secure short-term assignments while there if my finances required it..

At this point I'm thinking I would probably like to be there from Jan. 1st thru March - or possibly mid-April each year - thus the desire to be in a RV Resort.. Sure would like to rent a Park Model - they're beautiful and so roomy!!

Can you give me an idea of what the cost of your electric runs at that time of year - as well as telephone costs? From what I've seen, most RV Resorts include water and cable tv in the cost of the rent..

Well keeping in mind we have a 6 room, 1300 sq. ft house, our electric is around $90 a month. We've used both the heat and the a/c. Talk about manic/depressive weather.

I have Vonage for my phone. For $25 a month I can call anywhere in the USA or Canada and talk as long as I want to. I'm very pleased with their service.

Roberta

 

[Allie322]

My parents live in Bartow (not on your list). It is in Polk County, near Winter Haven and Lake Wales. They are transplanted New Englanders and have been there for 15 years. I know that there is an RV place near them called The Good Life. I don't know much about it though. I wanted to mention that an idea for seasonal work might be one of the ballparks. My parents used to work at Chain O'Lakes Park in Winter Haven during spring training. It was primarily 55+ folks and they really enjoyed it. Just a thought...
Good luck with your search!

 

[C.Ann]

My parents live in Bartow (not on your list). It is in Polk County, near Winter Haven and Lake Wales. They are transplanted New Englanders and have been there for 15 years. I know that there is an RV place near them called The Good Life. I don't know much about it though. I wanted to mention that an idea for seasonal work might be one of the ballparks. My parents used to work at Chain O'Lakes Park in Winter Haven during spring training. It was primarily 55+ folks and they really enjoyed it. Just a thought...
Good luck with your search!

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Thanks! I'll edit my list to include "Bartow"..

 

[Ted and Holly]

Bartow is far away from WDW, isn't it? When Holly has to go to the Polk County School office, it takes her close to an hour. And that is taking the Polk Parkway (lots of tolls).

Ted

 

[C.Ann]

Bartow is far away from WDW, isn't it? When Holly has to go to the Polk County School office, it takes her close to an hour. And that is taking the Polk Parkway (lots of tolls).

Ted

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Oops! Like I said, I'm not too familiar with what is where..

 

[chyam]

C.Ann I don't know much about the 55+ places but do know there are many in the area and also not to much about the temp agencies but I do know that Disney hires alot of "older" folks during the winter months since the kids are in school, and I have spoke to many that really enjoy working there. So you may want to check with their "casting" offices. The ones I spoke too mostly at the parks work 2-3 days a week, and enjoy the time that they work there, just a thought. Aubourdale is a nice area as is the Clarmont area.

 

[julia & nicks mom]

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Do you know of any 55+ RV Resort areas there that are particularly nice? Also, could you give me the names of any Temp Agencies in your area?

Thanks!

my aunt lives in a community like this in Lakeland and she loves it - it is called cypress lakes - here is the website - hth

http://www.cypresslakesfla.com/

 

[C.Ann]

my aunt lives in a community like this in Lakeland and she loves it - it is called cypress lakes - here is the website - hth

http://www.cypresslakesfla.com/

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Thanks! I checked out that web site but what I'm really looking for is an RV Resort as they often have Park Models for rent for a 3-month period..

Great place where your aunt lives though!!

 

[julia & nicks mom]

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Thanks! I checked out that web site but what I'm really looking for is an RV Resort as they often have Park Models for rent for a 3-month period..

Great place where your aunt lives though!!

I did an internet search and found this:

http://www.willowlakes.com/

I was just thinking about you yesterday - I heard the song Remember when - I saw that you had started to post again - I am glad you enjoyed FL - I think you should get a job at Disney!!!!