Thinking about moving to FL

[EllieJedi]

Hello There! I have happily lived in the Minneapolis area for the last 27 years, other than the 2 weeks every January when it stays below zero. Sadly in 2018, I severely fractured my right leg in an accident. Considering the severity of my injuries, I am doing as well as can be expected but I do deal with lymphedema and traumatic arthritis, and will be needing a TKR in the next couple of years. It was my doctor who originally suggested I might want to think about relocating at some point in the next several years if I can. My leg has issues with the extreme cold, so anything below 10. I am in my early 50s, an empty nester with a spoiled older Labrador, and work from home as an IT Manager.

As I’m posting this on Disboards, I’m obviously a big Disney fan since the 70s, but I don’t know that I need to live within 15-20 minutes of the parks or even in Orlando. I think anywhere in Florida, or maybe even the Southeast is going to feel so much more accessible than Minneapolis for trips. I enjoy other travel including international trips so access to a major airport would be important. I also like museums, theater and the occasional concert. I’ve visited Orlando and Tampa at various times of the year. I’ve only been to Miami and Fort Lauderdale in the winter, but the traffic alone ruled out the area for me. In terms of feel, what I like about where I live now is that it is quiet but still close to everything. Downtown is 5 miles but my neighborhood is still extremely safe. In the summer, we have a cookout for my block and the next block over. My son likes to joke that is because no one knows about this neighborhood. When it does snow, neighbors take turns clearing the front walks. I know there’s no snow in Florida, but I‘m wondering if there is somewhere where I might find that type of community?

I would definitely want a one level home, 2 br and an office minimum. Budget would be up to 600K. I also have to say, I am coming from Tudor house that I have put a lot of work into so some of the homes in Orlando I find a bit odd. Winter Park is nice but would likely be out of my budget. Would you look near Orlando, or are there better choices?

 

[MICKIMINI]

Look at Stone Creek in Ocala. So far, it is our choice if we get a chance to move! It is much smaller than The Villages and just a bit north of there. It's about an hour and a half to Disney.

I had a TKR a few years ago and am dealing with other issues as well. I feel better in FL than in the northeast. We are here for the moment, but hope for sunny days at some point. You only have one shot at this life. I say go for it!

Good luck!

 

[HeatherC]

If it were me, I would want to be closer to the ocean. How about St Augustine area? Not as crazy as south Florida in terms of sheer numbers. Vibrant area with gorgeous beaches, more temperate and only two hours from Orlando. Even closer to Jacksonville for theatre, activities, hospitals, etc.

 

[Ta.Ham1989]

My goal is to be in the Orlando area within the next year. My parents live in Springhill which is about an hour and a half from Orlando and they like it. It's a little closer to the beaches but they have all the amenities of a big city. I really love several parts of Florida but I just love the theme parks and really want to be able to just drop in for dinner or a quick ride anytime I want. I think up to 600k will get you something nice in quite a few cities. We have been watching the market in the Orlando area and home prices are dropping. that is our budget as well. (except we need a mother in law suite) and I have lots of nice homes in Winter Park, Winter Garden, Clermont, Haines City and other areas that would probably meet your needs.

 

[HopperFan]

If it were me, I would want to be closer to the ocean. How about St Augustine area? Not as crazy as south Florida in terms of sheer numbers. Vibrant area with gorgeous beaches, more temperate and only two hours from Orlando. Even closer to Jacksonville for theatre, activities, hospitals, etc.

YES!

Second home in SA.

You have TONS of history with events, museums, lots of live music and concerts, lots of activity whether Friday Night Art Walk or the many festivals and Christmas is beautiful. Very foodie town with restaurants chef owned, lots of former academics, artists etc gravitated here. Several awesome farmer's markets we love to shop. Short drive to JAX airport, Port Canaveral is close and Disney is about 2 hours tops. I like that it does cool off a bit in winter to toss on a sweater and doesn't get brutal brutal hot as the south area in summer. There are lots of medical options in town and lots more traveling up towards JAX. A new campus is being built right now as well. I would say LOTS of our neighbors are from your area even if they only come for the winter. Folks here seem to be from all over the East Coast and northern midwest.

There is everything from flat condos, to townhomes, to secure communities, to traditional single family subdivisions all on beach, a few blocks off, on mainland, closer to town. Northwest of town are lots of new subdivisions and communities and all new stores etc. We vacationed here for 15 years, bought 6 years ago and have barely scratched the surface of everything there is to do.

 

[EllieJedi]

I’m not very familiar with St. Augustine other than I know it’s the oldest city in America I believe? So that part alone would probably appeal to me. I do like the beach, although I probably have the typical Midwestern fear of hurricanes.

My goal is to be in the Orlando area within the next year. My parents live in Springhill which is about an hour and a half from Orlando and they like it. It's a little closer to the beaches but they have all the amenities of a big city. I really love several parts of Florida but I just love the theme parks and really want to be able to just drop in for dinner or a quick ride anytime I want. I think up to 600k will get you something nice in quite a few cities. We have been watching the market in the Orlando area and home prices are dropping. that is our budget as well. (except we need a mother in law suite) and I have lots of nice homes in Winter Park, Winter Garden, Clermont, Haines City and other areas that would probably meet your needs.

I actually used to visit close family friends for many years growing up in Brooksville so I’m familiar with Spring Hill. I’ve been watching lots of YouTube videos on all of the different towns around Orlando to try to decide what might be a good fit. It seems that homes aren’t moving quite as fast as they were even a few months ago.

 

[HopperFan]

I’m not very familiar with St. Augustine other than I know it’s the oldest city in America I believe? So that part alone would probably appeal to me. I do like the beach, although I probably have the typical Midwestern fear of hurricanes.
go.

Explore this group, lots of photos and conversation about what is happening.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/53232172803

And yes, Oldest City and today is it's birthday ....

Happy 457th birthday
St. Augustine
September 8, 1565

 

[EllieJedi]

Thanks HopperFan. I will check out the FB group. St. Augustine does sound like it might be a good fit.

 

[Stratman50th]

I live in Polk County. Where I'm at, right on the edge of Lakeland it's still cattle ranches and citrus groves. We joke that if we want to go someplace it takes about 20 minutes-just like ordering Chinese food. I'm close to 98 which is where all the chain stores and restaurants are. Anything you want. But my town only has one traffic light, flashing, in front of the elementary school.

 

[shh]

Others know better than me since I don't live there, but isn't most of the Orlando region nuts when it comes to congestion and traffic too, other than outlying areas? I keep hearing so many people complain about getting around on Orlando roads/hwys.

 

[greeneyedchick]

Hello There! I have happily lived in the Minneapolis area for the last 27 years, other than the 2 weeks every January when it stays below zero. Sadly in 2018, I severely fractured my right leg in an accident. Considering the severity of my injuries, I am doing as well as can be expected but I do deal with lymphedema and traumatic arthritis, and will be needing a TKR in the next couple of years. It was my doctor who originally suggested I might want to think about relocating at some point in the next several years if I can. My leg has issues with the extreme cold, so anything below 10. I am in my early 50s, an empty nester with a spoiled older Labrador, and work from home as an IT Manager.

As I’m posting this on Disboards, I’m obviously a big Disney fan since the 70s, but I don’t know that I need to live within 15-20 minutes of the parks or even in Orlando. I think anywhere in Florida, or maybe even the Southeast is going to feel so much more accessible than Minneapolis for trips. I enjoy other travel including international trips so access to a major airport would be important. I also like museums, theater and the occasional concert. I’ve visited Orlando and Tampa at various times of the year. I’ve only been to Miami and Fort Lauderdale in the winter, but the traffic alone ruled out the area for me. In terms of feel, what I like about where I live now is that it is quiet but still close to everything. Downtown is 5 miles but my neighborhood is still extremely safe. In the summer, we have a cookout for my block and the next block over. My son likes to joke that is because no one knows about this neighborhood. When it does snow, neighbors take turns clearing the front walks. I know there’s no snow in Florida, but I‘m wondering if there is somewhere where I might find that type of community?

I would definitely want a one level home, 2 br and an office minimum. Budget would be up to 600K. I also have to say, I am coming from Tudor house that I have put a lot of work into so some of the homes in Orlando I find a bit odd. Winter Park is nice but would likely be out of my budget. Would you look near Orlando, or are there better choices?

I lived in a beautiful 1930s Normandy Tudor in NJ before moving to FL. I know how you feel. I now have a single story modern home. Totally different vibe but it looks like a vacation home to me and I welcome the ease in upkeeping and repairs to it compared to my Tudor. The area of Winter Park around Park Ave. and Rollins College is nice (expensive) but the traffic is horrendous! I live 15-20 minutes north of there in Lake Mary. I highly recommend the Lake Mary area. It's 45 minutes to Disney Springs. An hour from Animal Kingdom. 30 minutes from Universal. There's a lot more trees and less traffic than Winter Park. It's in Seminole county, as opposed to Orange county. Seminole has lower crime and a wonderful school district. I specifically live in the Heathrow section (a large planned golf community). It's like living in a resort. Cheaper than Winter Park. There are more affordable options as you move into Sanford. Sanford also has historical homes if you are interested in that. The down-town Sanford area is up-and-coming. Lots of restaurants and festivals. A little further out (although probably about the same distance from Disney) is Mount Dora. That's more a retirement area but they have a wonderfully vibrant down-town shopping/ restaurant district with a theater and lots of festivals. The Lakes of Mount Dora is a vibrant and affordable over-55 community.

Lake Mary has all the major stores and conveniences. The people here are educated and polite. Politically it's 50/50. There is traffic but it's mangable. We have easy access to I-4. You can be n downtown Orlando in 20 minutes. Daytona in 1 hour. Tampa in 2 hours. Lots of local activities and events. The average age is 40, so it's not all retirees. Lots of young kids and activities, too. I also get to see the space launches from the end of my street.

I have no regrets moving here. I was one of those people who never intended to leave the north-east. I do miss the food. But the weather is fantastic and flights to Allentown and Newark are cheap out of Sanford airport (Allegiant airlines). The tax situation is much more favorable here. Cost of living is definitely better, except for insurance. Car and home insurance is high. I pay over $3600 for car insurance (2 cars, 3 drivers) and about $6000 in home owners a year. It's about to be $12,000 a year because our insurance is leaving the state. Most insurance companies here will not insure a home with a roof that is more than 10-15 years old. I have a spanish tile roof that lasts much longer. That is a problem for insurance company. Since my roof is over 40 years old, the only insurance I can get is through the state which is a $1000 a month. It would cost me $100,000 to replace my roof, so it's still worth paying the high insurance instead.

I would recommend verifying that your roof is new and that the plumbing does not contains plastic pipes (insurance won't insure those homes either). I got a roof inspection when I moved here but they only used a drone to check the top tiles. Find an inspector who will climb into the attic and check for leaks from below and check the sub layers under the roof tiles (you don't want a felt layer). Also get a special mold and termite inspector. Get a wind inspection to bring down insurance costs. Good luck with your decision!

 

[diznygirl]

Others know better than me since I don't live there, but isn't most of the Orlando region nuts when it comes to congestion and traffic too, other than outlying areas? I keep hearing so many people complain about getting around on Orlando roads/hwys.

The only traffic I see on the regular is west I-4 towards Davenport/Reunion. Really bad back-ups onto 192 and World Drive. One more year with my son in college in Tampa. Lots of nice places going in along 429 near Disney.

 

[iuki]

Hello There! I have happily lived in the Minneapolis area for the last 27 years, other than the 2 weeks every January when it stays below zero. Sadly in 2018, I severely fractured my right leg in an accident. Considering the severity of my injuries, I am doing as well as can be expected but I do deal with lymphedema and traumatic arthritis, and will be needing a TKR in the next couple of years. It was my doctor who originally suggested I might want to think about relocating at some point in the next several years if I can. My leg has issues with the extreme cold, so anything below 10. I am in my early 50s, an empty nester with a spoiled older Labrador, and work from home as an IT Manager.

As I’m posting this on Disboards, I’m obviously a big Disney fan since the 70s, but I don’t know that I need to live within 15-20 minutes of the parks or even in Orlando. I think anywhere in Florida, or maybe even the Southeast is going to feel so much more accessible than Minneapolis for trips. I enjoy other travel including international trips so access to a major airport would be important. I also like museums, theater and the occasional concert. I’ve visited Orlando and Tampa at various times of the year. I’ve only been to Miami and Fort Lauderdale in the winter, but the traffic alone ruled out the area for me. In terms of feel, what I like about where I live now is that it is quiet but still close to everything. Downtown is 5 miles but my neighborhood is still extremely safe. In the summer, we have a cookout for my block and the next block over. My son likes to joke that is because no one knows about this neighborhood. When it does snow, neighbors take turns clearing the front walks. I know there’s no snow in Florida, but I‘m wondering if there is somewhere where I might find that type of community?

I would definitely want a one level home, 2 br and an office minimum. Budget would be up to 600K. I also have to say, I am coming from Tudor house that I have put a lot of work into so some of the homes in Orlando I find a bit odd. Winter Park is nice but would likely be out of my budget. Would you look near Orlando, or are there better choices?

Check-out city data forum. You’ll get very helpful information. That’s how I learned about the area and moved to Clermont in 2010. Moved to Hawaii for the past 2 years and plan on moving back to Clermont. I really miss it. Good luck in your new adventure.

 

[greeneyedchick]

The only traffic I see on the regular is west I-4 towards Davenport/Reunion. Really bad back-ups onto 192 and World Drive. One more year with my son in college in Tampa. Lots of nice places going in along 429 near Disney.

Traffic on I-4 is bad during rush hour. Thankfully, my husband works from home and I'm a SAHM mom. If you have to commute around Orlando, I would highly recommend buying a home near your work or near a Sunrail station that can take you to there. If you're retired, the traffic isn't bad (except in Winter Park, Altamonte). Once you get out to Longwood, Lake Mary, Deland, it's manageable.

 

[Stratman50th]

Others know better than me since I don't live there, but isn't most of the Orlando region nuts when it comes to congestion and traffic too, other than outlying areas? I keep hearing so many people complain about getting around on Orlando roads/hwys.

In a word, yes.
I hate I-4 and avoid it with a passion. Unfortunately it's really the only option getting from where I live to Orlando. Sure, there are other roads but none of them are direct. So the decision is drive a further distance and take the same amount of time as you would sitting on I-4. I grew up in the metro DC area, dealing with the Washington beltway and 95. I hate the area around Orlando just as bad.

 

[Minnesota!]

From St Paul, here, and I recommend St Augustine, too. None of the other places I have visited in FL have that vibe that we have here. SA and Jacksonville feel very comfortable, with a lot to do outside of theme parks. I have not been to Miami, but Tampa area surely did not give me warm fuzzies, and neither does Orlando. Both seem run down and overly congested. I love the opportunities for "learn-y" things in Jville/St Aug, with having the ocean right there. We looked at moving there a few years ago, we love it so much. The schools in Florida, however, changed our mind. Since that doesn't seem like a concern for you, I would suggest it

 

[JLTraveling]

Look into Hunter's Creek. It's a planned community in south Orlando, off John Young Parkway and very close to the Turnpike, 417, Osceola Parkway, etc. We rented an apartment there, but it's mostly neighborhoods of single family homes and your budget is right in the middle for what they typically cost. Very friendly people, lots of community events. Super easy access to the theme parks and everything else, but a bit of a feeling of being tucked away.

 

[greeneyedchick]

In a word, yes.
I hate I-4 and avoid it with a passion. Unfortunately it's really the only option getting from where I live to Orlando. Sure, there are other roads but none of them are direct. So the decision is drive a further distance and take the same amount of time as you would sitting on I-4. I grew up in the metro DC area, dealing with the Washington beltway and 95. I hate the area around Orlando just as bad.

Yes, I lived in Fairfax and feel your pain! I don't think Orlando is quite as bad but I don't drive during rush hour. It may be. On the plus side, a few months ago they opened two more express lanes on I-4. They are toll lanes but they usually don't have traffic on them. They are also in the process of linking all of the toll roads around Orlando. This will give the people living in Clermont easy access to Orlando or drivers options to avoid going through the city. https://www.cfxway.com/for-travelers/

 

[Ms.Minnie]

Lots of good information here. I too have thought about moving to Fl, but DH doesn't want to, and I don't want to leave my children/grandchildren so it's a no go for us. I do think that before you buy anything maybe it would be a good idea to rent in the area you are thinking of moving to just to get the feel of the place. How is traffic flow, what area would work best for you, where are the stores, restaurants, and recreational activities you enjoy located in relation to where you plan to live. It's much easier to move to a different location if you a renter and don't have to sell a house first.

I wish you luck in finding the perfect place to live. It's very exciting but a very big decision to make. Good luck!

 

[Stratman50th]

Yes, I lived in Fairfax and feel your pain! I don't think Orlando is quite as bad but I don't drive during rush hour. It may be. On the plus side, a few months ago they opened two more express lanes on I-4. They are toll lanes but they usually don't have traffic on them. They are also in the process of linking all of the toll roads around Orlando. This will give the people living in Clermont easy access to Orlando or drivers options to avoid going through the city. https://www.cfxway.com/for-travelers/

I heard about the express lanes and understand they are helping out a lot. I live in Polk City so all my traveling is heading east on 4 going to Orlando, or west heading home. I struggle going out the door every time I have to pick up/drop off friends or family at MCO. The main problem is there right at 417 where 4 lanes all try to merge into one. Then it's 5mph stop and go till you get past Champion's Gate which is always a S**t Show!