Would love to move to Florida!

[mickeyluv]

My Dh and I have talked about this in the past alot. We would love to move to Florida. Our daughter is in the 7th grade now. Trying to research a little now and just wondering what area would you move to in Florida for a great school system? We have many questions and lots of research to do. I know some families who have just picked up and moved but we're not those people. Anyone want to tell us why they love where they live in Florida? This is just a dream of ours and you never know, maybe one day right? Thanks!!

 

[SandrA9810]

Every one north wants to come south.... and every one here wants to go north.... I think very few people have ever lived in Florida their entire life. Go to any state north of here, and you can find families with generations growing up in that state...


Either stay to the west coast, or north of central florida. I wouldn't go anywhere near the east coast, from vero beach south.

For schools.... I think the FCAT is a stupid test, so I'd look into private or charter schools that don't have to use that test.

 

[xApril]

Every one north wants to come south.... and every one here wants to go north.... I think very few people have ever lived in Florida their entire life. Go to any state north of here, and you can find families with generations growing up in that state...


Either stay to the west coast, or north of central florida. I wouldn't go anywhere near the east coast, from vero beach south.

For schools.... I think the FCAT is a stupid test, so I'd look into private or charter schools that don't have to use that test.

Rumor has it that FCAT is going to be gone soon. It's really not that bad and it's an easy test.

I like where I live (in central Florida) but not exactly the best school system ever.

 

[Maleficient]

I posted a similar thread recently and got a lot of great info, but would love to hear more opinions. We are still on the cusp of making a decision to just move - I have job recruiters who tell me I would be able to get a job If I was there - but companies aren't looking at people who don't live in the area since they have so many qualified candidates in the area they are hiring (which is what many DISers also told me ). So we are in the hard place of having me move down alone, get an apt. and start looking while my DH and 3 kids wait for me in NY. This is such a hard decision but we really want to leave!! So, thanks to the OP - any opinions would be much appreciated!

 

[Laugh O. Grams]

Every one north wants to come south.... and every one here wants to go north.... I think very few people have ever lived in Florida their entire life. Go to any state north of here, and you can find families with generations growing up in that state...


Either stay to the west coast, or north of central florida. I wouldn't go anywhere near the east coast, from vero beach south.

For schools.... I think the FCAT is a stupid test, so I'd look into private or charter schools that don't have to use that test.

As a Palm Beach resident, may I ask why anyone should stay away from SE Florida? I know we don't have cattle farming and rural country living like the rest of the state, but c'mon, there are other important things in life...

 

[DVC~OKW~96]

Actually, I've met any number of native Floridians.

Schools in Florida have improved much over the course of the last few years.

Your best bet is to research the entire state (that's what we did) looking at stats and data that describe a given area (population, population mix, crime stats, median income, housing costs, employment/unemployment rates, ect) and go from there.

For example, the Fort Myers area has one of the higher rates of unemployment in the state. The Central Florida area has one of the lowest income ranges (often attributed to Disney's influence).

There are well developed areas like Ocala, that have much to offer, and a more "southern" feel, and well developed areas like Fort Lauderdale, etc. that have more of a city, and diverse feel.

It all depends upon what you actually want. There are some areas of the state that labor under extreme religiosity. I'd not be comfortable there. Politics here can be very challenging, yet we have Kissimmee just now stepping up to the plate and allowing benefits to partners. Can't be that type of progress.

Where do you want to live? On the coast? Which coast? Flood insurance premiums are not for sissies! LOL. Be sure you understand fully the housing costs, hidden costs, ect.

Florida has no state income tax. That means that EVERYTHING else governement related comes with a hefty tax and increasing price tag...

Hurricanes are real threats and you'll need to be prepared to deal with those. Period. No excuses.

Look at the climate factors. Tornados are real too...

All in all, do thorough research and then visit, visit, visit before making your final decision.

 

[ElliePeters]

1

 

[Mickey Fliers]

We are up on the panhandle in Pensacola. Weather is great, but it can be pretty "country". We have pretty great schools (Santa Rosa County).

 

[ChristmasElf]

As a Palm Beach resident, may I ask why anyone should stay away from SE Florida? I know we don't have cattle farming and rural country living like the rest of the state, but c'mon, there are other important things in life...

You're right you do have a few differences.

Sky high home insurance premiums.
Ridiculous traffic on I-95 ALL DAY + NIGHT
Small houses on really small lots not much room for parking
Overpriced real estate used to be a problem a few years ago, now the problem is a lot of people in mortgages that they owe more than the house will appraise at.
Overcrowded schools (Palm Beach County, Broward as well as Dade)
Sky high property taxes
Office buildings and strip malls newly built yet still sitting empty every where you look
The stench at Sample Rd and I-95 that has the garbage dump right on top of the highway

(You do still have some cattle farming Up and down 441 in Palm Beach County off and on from Boynton Beach up through Lake Worth Rd.)


ETA: After re reading my post, I hope it doesn't come across as snarky. SE Florida does have some nice beaches, restaurants (Houstons=yummy)that we love, but IMO Central Florida is just easier to live in. lol

 

[DawnCt1]

As a Palm Beach resident, may I ask why anyone should stay away from SE Florida? I know we don't have cattle farming and rural country living like the rest of the state, but c'mon, there are other important things in life...

I agree! Most notable to me? No state income tax!

 

[DMickey28]

We moved from the North to S. Florida (Ft. Lauderdale/Palm Beach County) for three years. It was nice but I couldn't wait to leave.

I think I would have been a lot happier in more Northern Florida or even Central Florida.

 

[Laugh O. Grams]

Actually, I've met any number of native Floridians.

Schools in Florida have improved much over the course of the last few years.

Your best bet is to research the entire state (that's what we did) looking at stats and data that describe a given area (population, population mix, crime stats, median income, housing costs, employment/unemployment rates, ect) and go from there.

For example, the Fort Myers area has one of the higher rates of unemployment in the state. The Central Florida area has one of the lowest income ranges (often attributed to Disney's influence).

There are well developed areas like Ocala, that have much to offer, and a more "southern" feel, and well developed areas like Fort Lauderdale, etc. that have more of a city, and diverse feel.

It all depends upon what you actually want. There are some areas of the state that labor under extreme religiosity. I'd not be comfortable there. Politics here can be very challenging, yet we have Kissimmee just now stepping up to the plate and allowing benefits to partners. Can't be that type of progress.

Where do you want to live? On the coast? Which coast? Flood insurance premiums are not for sissies! LOL. Be sure you understand fully the housing costs, hidden costs, ect.

Florida has no state income tax. That means that EVERYTHING else governement related comes with a hefty tax and increasing price tag...

Hurricanes are real threats and you'll need to be prepared to deal with those. Period. No excuses.

Look at the climate factors. Tornados are real too...

All in all, do thorough research and then visit, visit, visit before making your final decision.

Great post...very well thought out!!

You're right you do have a few differences.

Sky high home insurance premiums.
Ridiculous traffic on I-95 ALL DAY + NIGHT
Small houses on really small lots not much room for parking
Overpriced real estate used to be a problem a few years ago, now the problem is a lot of people in mortgages that they owe more than the house will appraise at.
Overcrowded schools (Palm Beach County, Broward as well as Dade)
Sky high property taxes
Office buildings and strip malls newly built yet still sitting empty every where you look
The stench at Sample Rd and I-95 that has the garbage dump right on top of the highway

(You do still have some cattle farming Up and down 441 in Palm Beach County off and on from Boynton Beach up through Lake Worth Rd.)


ETA: After re reading my post, I hope it doesn't come across as snarky. SE Florida does have some nice beaches, restaurants (Houstons=yummy)that we love, but IMO Central Florida is just easier to live in. lol

You hope it doesn't come across snarky? How else should it come across?? Honestly, I don't mind. However, if you're gonna be snarky, don't apologize, own it, baby!

AFAIC, Florida in general isn't all it's cracked up to be. I'm moving end of next month (although we're keeping our home here) to a living and breathing state that's more family friendly and not geared exclusively toward tourists and retirees. Who knows, maybe we'll move back in 40 years, when Florida is more age appropriate for us.

I agree! Most notable to me? No state income tax!

Can't lie, I'll miss not paying state income taxes to be sure!! My accountant will definitely have his work cut out for him.

 

[diznygirl]

Every one north wants to come south.... and every one here wants to go north....

NOT ME!!!

 

[eeyore65]

You're right you do have a few differences.

Sky high home insurance premiums.
Ridiculous traffic on I-95 ALL DAY + NIGHT
Small houses on really small lots not much room for parking
Overpriced real estate used to be a problem a few years ago, now the problem is a lot of people in mortgages that they owe more than the house will appraise at.
Overcrowded schools (Palm Beach County, Broward as well as Dade)
Sky high property taxes
Office buildings and strip malls newly built yet still sitting empty every where you look
The stench at Sample Rd and I-95 that has the garbage dump right on top of the highway

(You do still have some cattle farming Up and down 441 in Palm Beach County off and on from Boynton Beach up through Lake Worth Rd.)


ETA: After re reading my post, I hope it doesn't come across as snarky. SE Florida does have some nice beaches, restaurants (Houstons=yummy)that we love, but IMO Central Florida is just easier to live in. lol

I live in Boca and love it. It is really beautiful here and the weather is usually great - this year being an exception. Different strokes I guess.

I love being a short drive to culture in Miami, Ft. Lauderdale or Palm Beach. Day to day - I never get on 95. Also they have made some huge improvements with the toll lanes on 95 in Dade. I work, live and my son goes to school in a 5 mile radius. My son goes to a school with 25 kids in his class and A rated. We live on the water and insurance is high and so are property taxes but we have been here a while (15 years) and have the save our home exemption. We also came from a very high tax area so it didn't seem like a big change. We live in a community full of families and young kids. The mortgage problem could be anywhere right now - I don't think most of FL if not the US is exempt from this, certainly not Orlando. Boca strip malls are pretty much full up. I can't even find parking spots at the ones I go to for lunch.

We really love it here and find other parts of FL too rural or sleepy for us. With the emphasis on "for us." FL is a big diverse state and researching what is important and not imprtant to you and is in or not in the area you are looking. I am sure you will find an area to call home.

 

[angie@dvcstore]

I live in central florida and it's ok it's not a big deal like most people make florida out to be

 

[PatriciaH]

AFAIC, Florida in general isn't all it's cracked up to be. I'm moving end of next month (although we're keeping our home here) to a living and breathing state that's more family friendly and not geared exclusively toward tourists and retirees. Who knows, maybe we'll move back in 40 years, when Florida is more age appropriate for us.

Have to agree with this. It is nice for my retired parents because they had a pension and health benefits and they sold a home in NYC before moving so they are all set. All the young families that lived around them have left and moved back home though. They could not make it here on what was paid and the schools were awful compared to up north according to them.

DH and I have both been looking for good jobs since we moved down 5 and 1/2 years ago. Everything is very low pay, contract, temp, no benefits, etc. DH just got a great job offer back in MA so we are headed back north in a month.

We will miss being close to Disney and our friends, but I still think this is a state for retired people- not young families. You can do OK and have fun in your 20's/early 30's too but we all have to get ahead and think of our future at some point. Too many low paying industries here (tourist and real estate based.)

 

[Mishetta]

Have to agree with this. It is nice for my retired parents because they had a pension and health benefits and they sold a home in NYC before moving so they are all set. All the young families that lived around them have left and moved back home though. They could not make it here on what was paid and the schools were awful compared to up north according to them.

DH and I have both been looking for good jobs since we moved down 5 and 1/2 years ago. Everything is very low pay, contract, temp, no benefits, etc. DH just got a great job offer back in MA so we are headed back north in a month.

We will miss being close to Disney and our friends, but I still think this is a state for retired people- not young families. You can do OK and have fun in your 20's/early 30's too but we all have to get ahead and think of our future at some point. Too many low paying industries here (tourist and real estate based.)

Patricia, may I ask, do you live in Celebration? I just love that town & my husband is crazy about it too. We were there a few weeks ago & I was talking to this woman who had moved down to Celebration in 2000 & she said how much she loved living there & how great the schools were & it was such a great town for kids (her daughter had just turned 15). She said it was a very easy community for kids to make friends. I loved everything about it & just seems like a dream to live in Celebration....only thing is the price of homes out there. I just wondered what your thoughts were on Celebration, if you do in fact live there?

 

[PatriciaH]

Patricia, may I ask, do you live in Celebration? I just love that town & my husband is crazy about it too. We were there a few weeks ago & I was talking to this woman who had moved down to Celebration in 2000 & she said how much she loved living there & how great the schools were & it was such a great town for kids (her daughter had just turned 15). She said it was a very easy community for kids to make friends. I loved everything about it & just seems like a dream to live in Celebration....only thing is the price of homes out there. I just wondered what your thoughts were on Celebration, if you do in fact live there?

Hi Michetta Yes, we live in Celebration. We moved from MA in October 2004. Very cute town but lots of changes in the time we have been here (FL in general.) Restaurants seem to do well due to the tourists and Disney Cast Members from the offices in Celebration Place and elsewhere in town (Radio Disney downtown, IT near the golf course, etc.) Other businesses come and go all the time. We used to have a really cute book store, pet food store (don't get me started on what happened to that poor guy), deli, grocery store, etc. All have shut their doors. The hospital nearby is very nice with a nice gym. Publix is close by ($$$$$.) Target and Wal-Mart are close. Whole Foods is not too far. Tons to do and tons of restaurants around. The grade school struggled for years but finally is much better. The high school is still pretty bad from what I hear.

We do not have much crime but it is getting worse due to the economy here. More break ins. An older couple was held at gun point in their home last year. Lots of teens unsupervised and getting into trouble. Since we have so many homes and condos empty due to foreclosure/short sales/people leaving, the teens break in to the homes/condos and have wild parties. Lots of drugs around in the teen set I hear. My friend is a cop.

Many of the homes and condos are nice but not great construction. They really rushed a lot of them. The condos downtown had their decks rotted through and had to be re-done. The townhomes across from the grade school had issues with their roofs only a few years after they were sold. Even those "lovely" estate homes on Eastlawn are built on fill land that was never supposed to be for construction. As some of them were being built we would walk by and see the water line from the lake behind them come up pretty high on the houses! Now Disney has to make good on those homes I the last I heard.

I would say it is a nice vacation place if you can afford 2 homes (can't short term rent it out either.) OK for retired people too. For a family- no way unless you are very wealthy and work from home or can transfer to a well paying job here and send your kids to private school. Then sure Too transient here for us though.

 

[Art 1]

I love living here and would never want to leave.

 

[luvmyfam444]

Check out www.greatschools.org it is a stie full of info for someone thinkig of moving. You can see where your school system is ranked & then find other schools with similar rankings. Same as your city demographics. If you're in a small city you like it will find one similiar - or if you know of another city you love you can type that it & see how it ranks for comparision. It shows you the median house price & median salary for the area (and the crime rate).

I grew up in a small city near Pensacola, FL - in Santa Rosa county (about 5,000 people). All my fam is still there - my bro & his fam moved back from Colorado (15yrs ago)once they had kids so they could raise them in a small town. We know tons of people that grew up there went off to college & moved back to raise families there.

Schools in Santa Rosa county used to be on top in the state - I'm sure they are still high - I just haven't paid much attention since I don't live there anymore. Schools are ranked on a scale A-F & you should be able to see that on the county's website.

One thought though - a small town anywhere could be a huge adjustment for a 7th grader - middleschool is hard enough - but to move to a small town & all those kids have been in school together for years it could be a tough adjustment.