[linlin270]

We are a young couple, (25 and 21) wanting to buy our first house and settle in FL. But we can't decide where to buy. We are looking for somewhere close to a beach, which is still a nice, clean, safe negihborhood. We don't plan on having children, so schools are not an issue. Doesn't really have to be around shopping or anything like that (we are used to have to drive 30 minutes to do anything.) Also, we would really like to real estate to be on the cheaper side, probably nothing over $100,00 since this is our first house, we wouldn't want to pay anything outrageous. Any suggestions

[ognend]

Originally Posted by linlin270

We are a young couple, (25 and 21) wanting to buy our first house and settle in FL. But we can't decide where to buy. We are looking for somewhere close to a beach, which is still a nice, clean, safe negihborhood. We don't plan on having children, so schools are not an issue. Doesn't really have to be around shopping or anything like that (we are used to have to drive 30 minutes to do anything.) Also, we would really like to real estate to be on the cheaper side, probably nothing over $100,00 since this is our first house, we wouldn't want to pay anything outrageous. Any suggestions

Do you live in Florida now?

Beaches.... well, you should visit both coasts for starters. On the east coast I enjoy Jacksonville but beaches around West Palm absolutely suck (in my humble opinion) - no bars, no restaurants on the beach or within a block or two. The west coast is much better in that respect - lots of bars and restaurants right on the beach. But, you might not like the Gulf waters compared to the Atlantic on the east coast. In my opinion, the west coast retains more of the "old Florida" coastal charm than does the east coast (unless you count the Keys). Finally, do you plan on never having kids? In this economy and real-estate situation any purchase might prove to be a very long-term one. Maybe you don't want kids now but in five years...

Southeast Florida in my opinion is not Florida anymore, it is little New York and New Jersey moved south. Unless you are seeking that or the thrill of very populated urban area, I would not look there.

The panhandle is another choice, winters are a bit cooler up there but the beaches are beautiful. Not much in terms of jobs though, Tallahassee is a "good ole boy" town, good luck just applying and getting a job there. Panama City, well, don't know, never been there so can't say much.

Tampa is a fun place, I really liked St. Pete and Clearwater. St. Augustine to Jacksonville on the East side I love too.

My opinions solely, take with a grain of salt.
OD

[yamahastar]

Why Florida? Why move somewhere you don't seem to know much about? Lost of states have beaches and the cost of living/real estate is cheaper and the job market might be better.
If you will absolutely DIE if you can't move to Florida, GET A JOB FIRST and move to where you get a job and THEN figure out where you really want to be. Getting a job in Florida is more of an issue that where you will live. Employment is terrible here. We just laid off 1,000 state employees, for example. The beach is not more than about 50 miles from any inland location in Florida, so you can easily spend your free time at the beach from about anywhere.