[Cynthia130]

We are a family of 5 from the northeast. We have been thinking of moving down. We were originally thinking Cape Coral because we have friends there and family that lives in Sarasota.
We are opening our mind to other areas that may serve us better. My husband is in pharmaceutical and I am an RN. We have 3 children, 2 of which have IEP. Our max budget is $300,000 for a home near the coast .
Any help I would gladly welcome!
Thank You

[bbronston]

We live in Lakewood Ranch and have family in Cape Coral. It is close enough for a day trip but it's not really all that convenient for frequent visits. Honestly, I wish we were closer to each other. You can probably find what you want up in the Sarasota/Lakewood a Ranch area, though, and we certainly have plenty of medically related career opportunities up this way.

[Fl1150]

Look S. Johns County (Nocatee) area is has some of the best schools in the state and is close to the beach.

[jghorton]

Florida isn't that complicated -- You can pretty much find something "near" the beach in the $300K range about anywhere. (With "near" being the operative concept, since Florida is surrounded by beaches ... and, unlike the NE, all are warm and swimmable). The medical field is also in demand in most larger city areas. It also appears that most counties in Fl. have IEP programs. You can readily see on the map what is close to your family in Sarasota ... and have some idea of just how close you want to be.

Florida is unusual in the sense that there are about 8 ('large') population centers, none of which are 'major cities' (except perhaps Miami - Dade County), but, most of which offer large city amenities and decent schools. The Florida weather is, likewise, pretty stable below the Panhandle (which has a winter).

You can probably find work after you get here -- but, why not make some serious arrangements now, so that you can better narrow down the area that might work best for you. Otherwise, you have a lot of options and may need to get a little more specific about your criteria - to find your best 'fit'. Housing for five at LT $300K may also be a little more restrictive.

[JasonAnc]

Sounds like you guys need a summer vacation to check out a few places in west central Florida, and see what's to your liking.

[kyle19125]

Originally Posted by Cynthia130

We are a family of 5 from the northeast. We have been thinking of moving down. We were originally thinking Cape Coral because we have friends there and family that lives in Sarasota.
We are opening our mind to other areas that may serve us better. My husband is in pharmaceutical and I am an RN. We have 3 children, 2 of which have IEP. Our max budget is $300,000 for a home near the coast .
Any help I would gladly welcome!
Thank You

I concur with the Jacksonville area (check out the Ponte Vedra Beach area) and would also recommend the Tampa Bay area (check out the Palm Harbor area) both of which would offer excellent public schools, a good selection of nice homes in desirable neighborhoods within your price point and job markets well-suited for your occupations in terms of options.

[Cynthia130]

Thank you very much! We plan on coming down to scope things out. I just wanted to hear some suggestions if I am missing something.

[bmw335xi]

Originally Posted by Cynthia130

Thank you very much! We plan on coming down to scope things out. I just wanted to hear some suggestions if I am missing something.

What kind of area do you want? $300k gives you options in basically every city in Florida besides Key West.

Theme Parks?
Ocean?
Demographics?
Politics?
Population?

[Sugah Ray]

In your case if you are close to those friends and family stay on the West coast. Probably Tampa Bay and Sarasota would have more opportunities.

I don't see any advantages to moving to Jacksonville. The place is ok but not really superior to Tampa Bay.

[Cynthia130]

Thank you for all your suggestions ! I appreciate it !!