[pianogal]

I would suggest checking into the Ocala or Gainevilles areas. You are close enough to larger cities/towns for services, yet prices seem to be more reasonable there. If I could live anywhere in Florida other than where I currently live (in Orlando and yes, it's my choice for now) - I would choose Ocala. It has some beautiful, unspoiled country, is within driving distance of the beach and is far enough inland to avoid most of the hurricane issues.

[FL_TN_Nana]

Originally Posted by spunky

Ugh, I totally disagree. . Clermont has major problems. . traffic is horrific and most people commute to Orlando (a hard commute), there are indeed tons of new houses and people moving in but with a major lack of ammenities. There are problems with services such as fire departments, water, there are a lack of jobs except service industries (thus the commute into Orlando). Clermont use to be pretty but all the orange groves are gone and the developers have built a million homes with no trees etc. It is not in my humble opinion a great place to move to.

Ok, the drive to Orlando at 7:30 a.m. can be a pain. But the originator of this thread has a homebased business that wouldn't require driving to Orlando every day. I am not aware of the problems with the services you mention. I live outside the city limits and we've seen great responses by the fire department. Our water bill is downright shameful at about $25 for a 2 month bill! And it's good water. We still irrigate with our well. Clermont is very pretty compared to some areas of development. And the reason the orange groves are gone is because of freezes and the losses the growers took finally resulted in their selling their property, which was then developed. It may not be the greatest but it's still a nice respite from some of the bigger cities and their bigger problems.

[TRoshy]

We live in Lake Mary -- north of Orlando -- beautiful city -- very up to date - has everything -- never have to drive more than 5-7min to get where you want. It is a bit costly to live so it would depend on your income -- but if you can afford it -- definitely move here.

[Christian11]

Originally Posted by ladylydia30

Hi all,

Thinking of moving with hubby and two young kids from Mass. Our problem we are having right now is where in Florida??? We have a home run business that we can move anywhere, so that's not a factor. Our kids are one and five years old, so we would like to move somewhere with other kids in the area. My main concern is the weather. Most people say go to Orlando (but that gets some bad reviews), my husband seems keen on Jacksonville (but some say high crime) I'm afraid of the coastline due to the weather.

Where is the best place to live in Florida that is not or rarely effected by hurricanes???

Any info would be great.

Thanks,

Lydia

PS Moved to the states from Ireland 13 years ago. Lived mostly in Mass (spent 6 mths in New Hampshire bg mistake!) We really love America and we have worked very hard to be where we are today.

Move anywhere but Orlando, Jacksonville, and Miami - Dade county.

You have been warned.

[dreamofmonterey]

Originally Posted by Christian11

Move anywhere but Orlando, Jacksonville, and Miami - Dade county.

You have been warned.

You may also want to avoid Broward County/West Palm. Broward has gone down the tubes in the last 20 years.