I know I asked about LA, but know there's been a change!

[Tinkerbelle32]

I really want to thank all who wrote and offered advice about possibly moving to Bossier City, LA. But, there has been a major change of plans in the last 24 hours. The good news is that hubby was offered a job in Florida yesterday, and he accepted it!!! We will be moving near Patrick Air Force Base. I've been told it's about 45 min.east of Orlando. I've talked to a realtor today, but any advice about the base, the area, would be greatly appreciated. Florida, here we come!!

 

[*Seanaci*]

Google mapping it shows about 90 minutes from Disney World itself. Other than that...no info I can offer.

 

[Tinkerbelle32]

Oh well, maybe the realtor told me wrong, I can handle 90 min.

 

[vicki_c]

That's a nice area - PAFB is closest to Satellite Beach, but also close to Melbourne, Titusville, Cocoa - we used to live in Melbourne. It took us about 70 minutes to get to Orlando from where we lived, it shouldn't take 90 from PAFB area.

I don't have much advice, we only lived there for 2 years and it was 5 years ago, but if you like warm weather, I'm sure you will enjoy it. I'm not much of a booster for the area, because we just didn't enjoy Florida that much, but it is a nice place - good place for raising a family too.

 

[Mom B]

We always drive around the Patrick AFB area when we're visiting Disney's Vero Beach Resort. Seems like a nice area but I can't tell you much more than that. I think I would like to live there, though! Hope it works out well for you.

 

[rvchat]

I really want to thank all who wrote and offered advice about possibly moving to Bossier City, LA. But, there has been a major change of plans in the last 24 hours. The good news is that hubby was offered a job in Florida yesterday, and he accepted it!!! We will be moving near Patrick Air Force Base. I've been told it's about 45 min.east of Orlando. I've talked to a realtor today, but any advice about the base, the area, would be greatly appreciated. Florida, here we come!!

We lived about 20 min from there (off the beach) for about 8 years. LOVED it. You will love it, your kids (if you have) will also. I don't think it's that far to Disney. I'd say an hour drive, but not sure.

 

[Bibbidi]

Congratulations! It has literally been my life long dream to move to Florida. I hope everything works out for you there. Sounds like you're ending up in a good location.

 

[ready123go]

Nice area, we like it too! Congrats!

 

[frannn]

I am soooooooo jealous! No more snow for you yaaayyyyy!

 

[disprincessatheart]

I dont have any info about that area, but I know we drive to disney a few times a year and we go from the east coast and head west to Orlando. Once we hit Orlando its still 30 minutes or more to Disney so that might account for the difference in times from the different sources - distance to orlando is different than wow itself since its on the west side of Orlando. Either way I'm totally jealous and wish you good luck! Time to start thinking about annual passes!

 

[Tinkerbelle32]

Thanks for all of the well wishes guys! We are excited about finally getting to move down there. We've been wanting this for over 6 years now. Can hardly believe that it is finally coming true! Now, just so many things that need to fall into place, and quickly. Keep the advice coming.

 

[sameyeyam]

My sister lived in Satellite Beach for many years, not far from Patrick AFB. Her kids all went to the schools there. They were HUGE high schools, but she was pretty happy with them. She had a special needs child and their programs were much better in neighboring Melbourne. So she was allowed to drive him to Melbourne each day on her way to work and he went there instead (I believe Eau Gauille High School). Her non-special needs children just went to Satellite Beach High School. The have an awesome music program there that two of her children were involved in.

I've been there many times and can tell you that in general the Cocoa Beach area is probably not a good area to live. Satellite Beach is better. There is a lot of drug use, strip joints, etc. in Cocoa Beach. Not that they don't exist elsewhere, but there just seems to be a large concentration in Cocoa Beach.

Do be sure and enjoy the Brevard Zoo. It's a lovely little zoo and you can pay extra and kayak behind some of the exhibits or into a wetlands area.

From Satellite Beach it always took us about 1 hour 15 minutes to get to and from Disney or the Orlando airport.

BTW, my sister & her husband divorced last year and both went their separate ways. Her husband got the house in Satellite Beach and then relocated for work to Alabama. My understanding is the house is sitting empty. It's a 4 bedroom older 1960's style house about 2 blocks from the beach. Quiet neighborhood. They started doing some remodeling on it, but it's not entirely finished. So if you are looking for a good deal on a house to buy at some point let me know and I'll get you in touch with them.

Those houses were selling in the $400K range just a few years ago and then dropped down to the $200K range. So that might give you an idea of the housing prices. I think some deals are to be had in real estate if you are buying.

 

[Cheshire Figment]

I would strongly suggest that you rent a house or apartment with a year lease. Spend your first six months scouting out the areas and then a few months shopping for a house. So just before the lease is up you will have been able to settle on a house and move.

There is really a big difference in visiting the area and living here.

 

[cajunbaby1]

I'm jealous!! I live outside of bossier city, and I want to come live with you. Please take me with you

Best of luck on your move!!

 

[Tinkerbelle32]

Thanks so much all, but I'm starting to get a tad nervous. We've been stationed here at McConnell for over 7 years now, so uprooting ourselves is a bit nervewracking!! I know it will all be worth it in the end.