[JPURTHE1]

We have been in Palm coast now for about 20 months now and just do not feel comfortable.

We are expecting our second child in January '08 and want a more family oriented city / town. Want better school systems in Florida and some more outdoor fun places for the children to grow up in and also give us something to enjoy as well.

My wife and I are in our 30's and our daughter is 3 1/2, son on the way.

We own a home in Palm Coast and would like to try a new town on the East coast of Florida since we have family in Hobe Sound, Fl.

Any suggestions, on homes, towns, Schools, communities?

Any help would be really appreciative!

[kmtjss]

Can't say much about the east coast except unless you like the night life than why the east coast? Jupiter is a better area if your looking to slow down and close enough to everything. Schools are better but like the rest of Florida work is slim. Good luck.

[Samierra]

We're moving to Jax in the next month - from Miami. We've had several visits and love the area. My BIL moved to Palm Coast about 18 mos ago - his family's experience has been much like yours. They have now moved up to Jax (Orange Park in Clay County) looking for the same things you mentioned.

As mentioned, we've spent quite a bit of time there - several long weekends so that we could get a good feel for the area. There seems to be a great deal of family oriented activities in the area. Friends of ours live in St. Aug - have 4 kids and state that they never run out of things to do. The schools in St. Aug are said to be good - but even Jax has some very highly rated schools at all levels.

If you choose to head south, I would strongly suggest staying north of Palm Beach county. Miami Dade, Broward and Palm Beach (IMO) are not the best areas for a young family - we have 2 kids - 4 & 2.5 yrs - they are our primary reason for leaving..

Also, I've spent a considerable amount of time on the west coast (Marco & Naples) - these are primarily retirement areas, and I wouldn't suggest this area as well. I've heard good things about NW FL, but only 2nd and 3rd hand...

Best of luck

[deckardc]

Originally Posted by JPURTHE1

We have been in Palm coast now for about 20 months now and just do not feel comfortable.

We are expecting our second child in January '08 and want a more family oriented city / town. Want better school systems in Florida and some more outdoor fun places for the children to grow up in and also give us something to enjoy as well.

My wife and I are in our 30's and our daughter is 3 1/2, son on the way.

We own a home in Palm Coast and would like to try a new town on the East coast of Florida since we have family in Hobe Sound, Fl.

Any suggestions, on homes, towns, Schools, communities?

Any help would be really appreciative!

What do you do for a living? That can make a big difference as to which part of the state you should consider?

Have you considered moving down the coast to Brevard County? Brevard schools are #3 in the state, the cost of living is pretty good, you're still near the beach, about 1 hour to Disney, and closer to Hobe Sound.

I would recommend the panhandle, but it's not on the east side. It's pretty family oriented, Okaloosa Co. schools are #1 and Santa Rosa schools are #6. The beaches are excellent and there are plenty of opportunities for hiking, camping, canoing, etc. The cost of living is pretty low too. However, it is far from Hobe Sound and Disney.

Seminole County, north of Orlando is good. Seminole schools are #7 and the suburbs there are much more family oriented and you are still relatively close to Disney, the beach, and Hobe Sound.

A lot of the areas north of Tampa and Clearwater are pretty good for families. That area is about 2 hours to the east coast. While the schools in Pinellas Co. and Hillsborough Co. are mediocre, a lot of their A schools seem to be in the northern parts of the counties.

[deckardc]

Originally Posted by Samierra

The schools in St. Aug are said to be good - but even Jax has some very highly rated schools at all levels.

For the OP,

Just an FYI, St. Augustine is located in St. Johns county and it's schools are #5 in the state. Jacksonville is in Duval county and it's schools are ranked #47 of 67. St. Augustine is a nice area if you can find work there. It's primary industry seems to be tourists and golfers, but that describes most of Florida.

[backtofla]

southside jax'ville/st johns co is my suggestion.

[JPURTHE1]

Well right now I work primarily out of the home office and wife is a stay at home mom (for now until the kids go full time to school)... I am in the IT field and project management.

Appreciate the information...I have been looking at Saint Augustine but wanted to get into a gated family community for safety reasons. Also looking at Martin & Indian River County.
Martin because of the school system and also Indian River because of Vero Beach and proximity to the Hobe Sound.
Vero seems to be to retiree oriented for families but home prices are really reasonable in gated communities.

I amd looking for homes in the 250 K - 350 K range. Martin County prices have gone way over that amount in most locations and seminole is the same...

Thanks again and more information would be great THANK YOU TO ALL!!!

[MrTudo]

I used to do business with a guy who owned the Howell Water Company many many years ago.

Welcome to Fla!

[pirate girl]

Do you live in the same Palm Coast as I do? I've raised a child here for almost 10 years and there has always been plenty for him to do and for us to do as a family. Do you really believe you have given the area a fair chance?

[wacahootaman]

Keystone Heights is a nice family town.

Not a lot of jobs though. Lots of commuters to Gainesville or Jax.