[roaring-rox]

Monticello, 30 miles east of Tallahassee, has a very old Florida feel to it. I haven't been to Madison, but I think it is similar.

I live in the Dade City area now and am constantly looking at areas of Florida around here and have considered Gainesville or Tallahassee. But, I am looking for a combination of 'real neighborhoods that are quaint and charming (at least some trees left on the lots instead of this zero-lot madness) plus hip, trendy restaurants, etc. (and minus the hurricane vulnerability). Anyway, for me, it is impossible to find what I want within reason, I think, in Florida.

But, imo, all of central Florida is going to hell in a handbasket b/c of developer greed and politicians who are selling us out. Every day I pick up the newspaper there are ongoing battles...Angelos Aggregate is pushing to put in a 'waste-to-energy' landfill in Dade City near the Green Swamp which many think could jeopardize Tampa Bay's water supply as they don't trust what Angelo's says about safeguards (most locals and even Pam Iorio, Tampa's mayor, are against it). CSX is bullying its' way to get a hub in Winter Haven and run many more trips through downtown Lakeland and also Plant City/Dade City). They say CSX getting its way will completely kill any hope of getting any kind of rapid transit between Tampa and Orlando. Some big landowners in Polk County (along w/Jeb Bush's help), are planning some highway to connect Polk County to south Florida. Developers do what they please environmentally when they start building these malls in Pasco County (& everywhere).

Yeah, we still have pretty pastures and cows grazing on them now...but those poor babies are going to be gone, gone, gone in 5-10 years (for sure, once the housing slump turns around).

So, I'd say outside of Gainesville or Tallahassee in adjacent counties are your best bet.

[GR82BAGATOR]

Originally Posted by roaring-rox

Monticello, 30 miles east of Tallahassee, has a very old Florida feel to it. I haven't been to Madison, but I think it is similar.

I live in the Dade City area now and am constantly looking at areas of Florida around here and have considered Gainesville or Tallahassee. But, I am looking for a combination of 'real neighborhoods that are quaint and charming (at least some trees left on the lots instead of this zero-lot madness) plus hip, trendy restaurants, etc. (and minus the hurricane vulnerability). Anyway, for me, it is impossible to find what I want within reason, I think, in Florida.

But, imo, all of central Florida is going to hell in a handbasket b/c of developer greed and politicians who are selling us out. Every day I pick up the newspaper there are ongoing battles...Angelos Aggregate is pushing to put in a 'waste-to-energy' landfill in Dade City near the Green Swamp which many think could jeopardize Tampa Bay's water supply as they don't trust what Angelo's says about safeguards (most locals and even Pam Iorio, Tampa's mayor, are against it). CSX is bullying its' way to get a hub in Winter Haven and run many more trips through downtown Lakeland and also Plant City/Dade City). They say CSX getting its way will completely kill any hope of getting any kind of rapid transit between Tampa and Orlando. Some big landowners in Polk County (along w/Jeb Bush's help), are planning some highway to connect Polk County to south Florida. Developers do what they please environmentally when they start building these malls in Pasco County (& everywhere).

Yeah, we still have pretty pastures and cows grazing on them now...but those poor babies are going to be gone, gone, gone in 5-10 years (for sure, once the housing slump turns around).

So, I'd say outside of Gainesville or Tallahassee in adjacent counties are your best bet.

I live in a small town about 20mins SW of Gainesville and I work in Gainesville and it is a very affordable arrangement. Levy county offers lower taxes than Alachua and you can live in neighborhoods that offer over an acre with your home, with a lot less restrictions. Homeowners insurance is better in this area too! Gainesville has some very nice "older" areas in it but the newer ones are just like everywhere else, overbuilt and overpriced but I still love it here! I happen to love Tallahassee too and I think it would be a great place to live! I agree Gainesville, Tallahassee, Ocala and the surrounding "smaller" areas are some of the best this state has to offer! That's just my "small town" opinion!

[UnderTheRadar]

Originally Posted by cil

Yes, but keep an eye on those county commissioners.

Why do you say that Cil? Corrupt?

[TriMT7]

Since you live so close to the water now, I think you may like some of the small coastal towns Southwest of Tallahassee.

Check out St. Marks, Carabelle, Panacea, Sopchoppy, etc.

DEFINITELY "Old Florida" living can be found in these areas.... but you're not TOO far from Tallahassee or Panama City.

I mean, honestly, Alabama? They have an income tax there. Not good for the self-employed.

[INeedAChange]

Remember, though, Polk Co. is where the recent murders took place last week(see the news thread).

Originally Posted by gypsychic

Try Polk County, here where I live. I am in Lakeland, the largest city in Polk which is more built up, but has preserved all the old buildings, has a very "vintage old Florida" look to it. All the other towns are much smaller and very charming (I really love Winter Haven!) It is more reasonable here than other parts of Florida and between towns it is still rural, although it is diminishing. Still, Polk County is HUGE, the largest land area in Florida I believe, and this just might be your ticket, if you don't have to be on the coast. It has a real community feel, and in fact was one of only 10 places in the country to be named "All American Community" based on civic pride and community spirit.
Might be worth checking out!

If this is still not your cup of tea, I recommend Dade City where we just moved from. A very small town, it still has its rural roots, and has beautiful rolling hills, looks more like North Carolina. It does have a commercial corridor (Highway 30) with a few big box stores but even those have cows in between.

[alastrian2]

I would suggest Walton, North Okaloosa, Holmes, and Jackson Counties.

[Carlitosway]

Originally Posted by tallrick

With much of Florida changing for the worst, is it possible to still find an economically viable lifestyle in north Florida? I am looking for a place less like Miami and more like the "old Florida". A place where 3 times your annual salary buys a nice home on acerage, a place where a corrupt county does not harass you out of business. A place where condos and HOA's do not exist. It may have some run down buildings, and shack-like homes but it is relatively safe. There are still 2 lane roads that pass through forest and farms. You might even see a train go by. Does this exist or has all of Florida become a planned community or strip mall?

I don't know about North Florida, but the upper keys are nicde... I graduated from CHSH and loved living in Tavernier. Now between taxes and insurance, and the weekend and holiday traffic from Miami... Key Largo isn't the same

Still, I wish I could trade places with you. I'm stuck in Kendall for the next couple of months because my home didn't sell, and I can't afford living in two states.

If I wasn't so depressed, I'll be singing right now.....Oh my darling, oh my darling, oh my darling Clementine,.....

Gosh, life was much much simpler in 1968

[thebigr]

Originally Posted by tallrick

So basically the whole state is ruined? Time to go to Alabama?

Forget Alabama, it is full.

[mastic hustla]

north florida is extremely boring

[2bohemians]

Not really sure what you are looking for but since you said Northwest Florida, check out these links:

Defuniak Springs
City of Defuniak Springs
Photos of Defuniak Springs

Defuniak is less than an hours drive to the beaches of South Walton but definitely away from condos and you will even find those railroad tracks you mentioned. If you need any additional info, we would be happy to try and help.