[Texas Family15]

Moving the family to Florida this summer, not sure exactly where yet but more north than south and not sure which coast. Growing up in the Northeast I can appreciate cooler water and waves so would the east coast be a better choice for us? Also we have two little ones (2 and 8) so it has to be somewhere with a good school system and plenty of open spaces for the kids. We are looking for a single family home in the suburbs and initially considering the Tampa or Orlando areas, any advice would be greatly appreciated.

[Fl1150]

Tampa Area- Fishhawk Ranch, Palm Harbor, Trinity, Wesley Chapel, Lutz, Land o Lakes, New Tampa, Brandon , Lucaya Lake Club, Clearwater, and Seminole.

Orlando Area- Windermere, Winter Garden, Winter Park, Maitland, Clermont, Lake Mary, Altamonte Springs, Sanford, Longwood, Winter Springs and Oviedo.

[rusty78]

Take a look at these sites www.myflorida.com www.stateofflorida.com

The first site has a guide on moving to Florida, but both with give you some information that you will eventually need.

[kyle19125]

Fl1150 has a good list but if you're considering the Atlantic coast check out Brevard County which is one hour east of Orlando. It has one of the best school systems in the state and some very desirable family-friendly communities. If you prefer more transplant-oriented areas with newer cookie cutter homes check out places like Viera and Suntree (North Melbourne). If you like the idea of older homes in well-established neighborhoods with more character and mature landscaping look at places like Satellite Beach, Indialantic, Melbourne Beach and Merritt Island. All of these areas have A-rated schools and are generally safe/family-friendly.