[familysearcher]

If you live in the area what areas would you NOT like to live in?

I am really trying to learn where "real" people live. I mean folks who have real jobs, like those who work at Walmart, KFC, are waiters and waitresses, mechanics, truck drivers, clerical workers. I know that there are such people in Florida and they must live SOMEWHERE and I doubt if they all can afford homes in the $200,000-and up range, so where do they live?

And what is the deal with all the "gated" communities? I have heard that, in the event of some natural disaster (like another hurricane) the rescue and the FEMA people cannot come and help in gated communities, so what is the point of them? Are they gated because the crime is so bad that the residents have to be behind gates to feel safe?

How about zip codes 32114 and 32117 and 32119

How about New Smyrna Beach?

How about DeLand? I have seen several affordable properties there. Is it just a crime city?

Where do YOU live and what do you like/dislike about the area?

Where are the best malls?

[RedWingsFan]

Originally Posted by familysearcher

I am really trying to learn where "real" people live. I mean folks who have real jobs, like those who work at Walmart, KFC, are waiters and waitresses, mechanics, truck drivers, clerical workers. I know that there are such people in Florida and they must live SOMEWHERE and I doubt if they all can afford homes in the $200,000-and up range, so where do they live?

We ARE real people. My husband is a delivery driver and I'm a writer. We make a good living but are not rich. I guess it's all a matter of what you do with the money you have. Save, invest, etc. We will be spending around $300k on our home. That's "real" to me and what real people spend.

Originally Posted by familysearcher

And what is the deal with all the "gated" communities? I have heard that, in the event of some natural disaster (like another hurricane) the rescue and the FEMA people cannot come and help in gated communities, so what is the point of them? Are they gated because the crime is so bad that the residents have to be behind gates to feel safe??

Gated neighborhoods are a joke. I used to work for a homebuilder that would make jokes about the "false sense of security" they provide people. For some reason people think they are safer behind them. But they aren't. Anyone can still enter (follow other cars, walk, call someone to open it, etc.) and who's to say that the criminal doesn't live right there in the neighbhorhood? They are silly if you ask me. They shouldn't be a probablem for emergency crews to enter through. There is a code for law enforcement to use. But if the power is out and there was a malfunction then I suppose it could happen. I spent 8 years living in a gated neighborhood. It's a waste of money, a pain in the butt and doesn't provide any security.

[Debs1030]

[quote=familysearcher;157918]We are planning a relocation to Florida in a few weeks due to a new job.

Hi family searcher - only read a few of the other replies & sooo true -
Florida you will not be able to find a home for that price range or condo for that matter. I'm in the Ft Lauderdale/Pompano area & bought my condo(2/2 -only 900 sqare feet & on a lake, 5 miles from the ocean)
6 years ago - right time, even though we had a super halt on the real estate sales, they are still selling now for $190 - $200K in my development. Anyway - the housing & taxes & insurance are unbelievable anymore since our past couple years of hurricanes. I do know i've seen ads of new
developments down here for NICE condos - out West farther - in the upper
$150K's - $170K's. But in Daytona area - West of there would be your best
bet probably. It is definitely a BUYERS market so whatever you look for -
come in as much as $20K cheaper - some homeowners are DESPERATE to
leave Florida - myself being one of them - but they are getting me down that low in price i'm heading back to the cold - was supposed to be north carolina - but I'm thinking Ohio now - all my family is there. Best of luck to you & your family!

[FloridaAnn]

Renting might be best for you, as you may see a slight drop prices later on but to get anything for that amount you will be real "iffy" on neighborhood. My son is eastern side of Orlando, and has searched as far as Sanford and nothing under $145 in condo has been in acceptible area for that $. Deland may be better area for you, b ut prices in that whole area are inflated and your insurance is going to be higher as you are close to the coast. If you can rent a mobile for 6 months it might give you time to really work the area. Good luck.

[familysearcher]

I know Florida is full of people who have jobs where they make minimum wage or not much more. Where do all those people live?

I just do not understand what people must do for a living to be able to afford the payments on a house that costs $200,000! I mean, payments must be about $1,000, and add utilities, foor, car payment, insurance, medical and I am just at a loss to figure out how those people are making it!

Someone told me they probably rent apartments, but I swear I aven't seen any apartment rentals at much less than a thousand, so maybe I am just not looking in the right places. My husband makes good money, but I darn sure do not want to be paying out every single cent we have to live in some high-dollar house. What is happening in our country anyway?

I know a lot of people bought high priced hoes with ARM mortgages, but what are they going to do if the rate starts adjusting up and up? I have heard that foreclosures are really on the rise. Maybe that's what we need to do, look for some home that some other people cannot afford any more!

[mrsbaker1109]

Everyone is right about the pricing in Florida. It has become outrageously expensive! In '03, we got a 3/2/2 (1600+ sq ft) on 2.6 acres for $135k. That was a good price then. It's worth over $300k now. Also, nobody has mentioned to you that there are flooding problems with Deland, Debary and parts of Deltona. Normally, it's not an issue, but when hurricanes come through, it is a huge issue! If you decide to be in one of those areas, in addition to your mortgage (usually principle, interest, hazard insurance and property taxes combined), you will want to consider getting flood insurance. The Volusia County school system is nothing to brag about either. The schools are over crowded and some have gang activity. Don't get me wrong. Florida has very nice amenities, but, after being here 26 years, I've watched it go from a nice place to live to a place that has gotten over populated, over priced and too fast paced for my liking. Sorry to be a stick in the mud, but this is the reality of it right now in this area. Good luck in your search and I hope you find a nice home for your family.

[firemed]

Originally Posted by mrsbaker1109

Everyone is right about the pricing in Florida. It has become outrageously expensive! In '03, we got a 3/2/2 (1600+ sq ft) on 2.6 acres for $135k. That was a good price then. It's worth over $300k now. Also, nobody has mentioned to you that there are flooding problems with Deland, Debary and parts of Deltona. Normally, it's not an issue, but when hurricanes come through, it is a huge issue! If you decide to be in one of those areas, in addition to your mortgage (usually principle, interest, hazard insurance and property taxes combined), you will want to consider getting flood insurance. The Volusia County school system is nothing to brag about either. The schools are over crowded and some have gang activity. Don't get me wrong. Florida has very nice amenities, but, after being here 26 years, I've watched it go from a nice place to live to a place that has gotten over populated, over priced and too fast paced for my liking. Sorry to be a stick in the mud, but this is the reality of it right now in this area. Good luck in your search and I hope you find a nice home for your family.

California recorded a domestic net loss of about 29,000 people last year, the first negative flow of residents since the mid-1990s. Anecdotal evidence suggests the high cost of housing was the primary reason people fled the nation’s most populous state. Florida is showing a loss also.