[AmyLou72]

Hello All - I am married with two small children. A 5 year old and a 2 year old. My husband and I are ready to make a change and are considering moving to Florida. We currently live in New York. I've lived in New York all my life so a bit nervous about moving. My husband is originally from Vermont and he is ready to leave New York. I've never been to Tampa and have only visited Orlando twice. Can you anyone share their thoughts on the best place to move to raise a family, Excellent schools and find good jobs? Schools are a big concern for me.

[peterhenry]

From my point of view if you moves towards Florida is best for you. There are lots of good Schools and Jobs also.

[kyle19125]

As someone very familiar with both cities (currently in Orlando area) and having lived in the Northeast (DC, Philly, NYC) for 20 years I would recommend the Tampa Bay area. It's a bit more sophisticated in my opinion than Orlando, particularly when you strip away the glitz around the theme parks which isn't part of most residents lives very often. The Tampa Bay area has a number of family-friendly areas with great schools and given the geographic size of the area would let work determine that. Some areas to keep in mind are Palm Harbor, East Lake, Safety Harbor, SE Tarpon Springs, Countryside (NE side of Clearwater), Seminole, Westchase, Lutz, Wesley Chapel, Land O'Lakes, Bloomingdale, Fishhawk Ranch and Lithia.

[AmyLou72]

Thank you so much for your replies! I greatly appreciate the advice.

[Californianz]

Go wherever the JOB takes you. (In other words - GET EMPLOYED SOMEWHERE FIRST). That may well dictate where you live. It did for us.

Moving to some random place with no plan or prospects just isn't very smart....especially with young kids in tow - unless you are independently wealthy or work in a very high demand field in an industry supported by the target area. Best of luck!

[Crane's Rooster]

I am most familiar with Orlando and will direct my comments accordingly. The best school districts in the Orlando area are in Seminole County, although there are also very good schools in Orange County, Seminole is more solid all around. Living here is WAY different than visiting here. If you are the typical visitor, you were most likely on the Southside of the metro in the tourists corridor which is much different than daily life in "real Orlando." Best areas to look at in Orlando metro are Dr. Phillips, Windermere, Lake Nona, Conway/Belle Isle, Delaney Park/Downtown South, Winter Park, Maitland, Altamonte Springs, Oviedo, Tuscawilla, Lake Mary, Winter Springs.