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Old 05-28-2015, 01:45 AM
 
2 posts, read 2,222 times
Reputation: 13

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Hi friends. I am finally moving out of South Florida. I would love some local insight about different areas along the east coast of central FL and up to northern FL. Was thinking anywhere around Coco all the way up.

I have been wanting to get out of SFL for a long time and unsure of the right place for my family and I.
Here is a bit about me and what I like and am looking for in a town.
I am a single, surfer chick (thats why east coast), crunchy granola, permaculture mom of 3 kids (ages 4,5 and 7). I have lived in a few other states before and in other countries back and forth; however I grew up most my life in SFL and its become my comfort zone (not in a good way). I think I may have a love/hate relationship with SFL, but thats beside the point.
I am in love with the southern states (Carolinas etc) because I love the nature, hiking, camping, etc. (and change of seasons, but hey, we got the sunshine all the time!!!) However, for now I choose to stay in FL to be not too far from the grandparents and all. I love the Florida beaches yet I really crave more nature (which SFL lacks). Nature meaning real parks and hiking trails, trees, camping. I enjoy the sunny great weather but cant stand all the concrete!!! Plus would welcome a few degrees cooler if it really is up there.

Other ares of importance: Good community feel, open minded folk. Low crime. Im not into big shopping malls, however its nice to have amenities like local gyms, organic health food stores, libraries, museums, activities for kids. Also price of living and housing is a factor. Prices are relative, I understand, yet SFL is very expensive in my opinion.

I checked out Orlando areas, which were very nice, yet too far from the coast. I will be taking a weekend trip to visit a friend in Jacksonville later next month, however Im concerned about the crime.

I am self employed and have a diverse backround of career hopping.

I kind of like that in SFL its totally acceptable to see people shopping in pj pants and flip flops; is it the same in central and northern fl???
I also love people of all kinds, shapes and colors; so looking for open, accepting of all kinds community.

I would love to hear about your thoughts. Thanks for your input!
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Old 05-28-2015, 05:09 AM
 
27,232 posts, read 43,956,177 times
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I would recommend checking out the Riverside/Avondale area in Jacksonville which is a safe, well-established area with the more liberal "granola" feel you're looking for.
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Old 05-28-2015, 09:23 AM
 
Location: Palm Coast FL
2,419 posts, read 2,989,879 times
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I would check out Palm Coast and Flagler Beach. It's affordable and family friendly. We have great bike paths https://www.palmcoastgov.com/trek-it-out and lots of parks and preserves Flagler County, FL - Parks & Preserves but there are many more that are less than an hour away. My kids in scouts hike and camp all over around here. I think we have everything you're looking for except that it's pretty well divided as far as conservatives/liberals. We don't have a lot of health food places, but we do have Richard's Emporium, an organic food co-op that you could join, farmer's market and probably some others. Come check it out!!
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Old 05-28-2015, 09:29 AM
 
65 posts, read 125,941 times
Reputation: 75
I hear Pensacola and Tampa are nice.
Also, Dallas.
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Old 05-29-2015, 02:32 PM
 
2 posts, read 2,222 times
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Thank you!
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Old 05-29-2015, 09:11 PM
 
16 posts, read 34,424 times
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East coast city in Florida? Not in S Florida? No brainer, it's Jacksonville. If you want a good job, cheap living at the beach (compared to every other coastal city in the entire state), and a very diverse amount of things to do, we are your town.

I moved here from Ohio in 2005 and never looked at another city! Maybe Jamaica, part time, lol, but nowhere else in Florida. Our summers are awesome compared to S FL. I would live at or near the beach, though, because the breeze is much needed full time.

Feel free to contact me if you need any more help, I sell sandcastles for a living. ;-)

Amy Rose
Atlantic Beach, Florida
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Old 05-29-2015, 09:13 PM
 
16 posts, read 34,424 times
Reputation: 17
PS about the crime...we are just a very large city, that is all. Orlando is a million times worse than us. There are parts to stay away from, but they are obvious. If you surf, you will FALL IN LOVE with the beach, and in my opinion anywhere will suit you just fine. Please connect with me, I'd like to stay in touch....on Twitter my handle is ARoseinJax

My guess is you are going to be a Jax Beach girl. Your kids will love the school there, too.

Amy
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