[Janemom]

Thanks all. Will look more at Sarasota, Siesta Key, as suggested. Any one like Indialantic for small town, bike riding, etc.? It looks like good schools are avail around Melbourne/Melbourne Beach/Indialantic - would anyone agree with that?

[rcsverige]

Just read your post...we lived in Melbourne for 7 years before moving back to Delaware....lived there for 6 years and now have been living in Sweden for 3 years. We are moving back to the area this summer....we have school age children. We will be living in Indialantic. As for schools all my research indicates that Melbourne Beach, Indialantic and Suntree have the best elementary and middle schools. There are many outdoor activities. We really love it there....our only concern is the scorching summer heat.

[Janemom]

Wow, rcsverige, you've really lived in a lot of places. Did you grow up in Delaware? I am amazed that it is possible to live in a nice house in a beach town for around 400K in Indialantic & Melbourne Beach areas. If it was NJ, similar houses would be a million or more. So how do you manage such a big move, from Del to FL? Do you use a mover, or do it yourself? It seems like the town of Melbourne has a lot to offer in terms of shopping, med facilities, arts & culture. Is this true? Thanks so much for replying to my earlier post!

[rcsverige]

Glad to help Janemom. Well, yeah grew up in DE....it is amazing the difference in the house prices isn't it? We totally agree. We almost moved to NJ last year....we looked at average homes that were 1 million dollars....so in the Melbourne area you get a lot for your money....assuming that the household income is the relatively the same as in NJ (the median income is much much lower in Florida in general). You'll find that beachside - Indialantic, Melbourne Beach is more expensive than Melbourne in terms of price/square foot and lot size though. We were just students when we first moved to FL, so we had a U Haul....When we moved from FL back to DE we hired a moving company....Allied I think it was....We used Wheaton to move to Sweden (my husband is Swedish in case your wondering). I hope this info is helpful....If you want ask any questions you may have....When do you consider moving? Let me know....maybe we can keep in touch?
Melbourne is a great little family town that has quite a bit to offer.....I think it is sooo laid back compared to the northeast and midatlantic states. There is plenty of shopping and restaurants....so close to Orlando....lots of outdoor activities (the beach almost all year round). As for arts & culture...can't really compare it to NY or Philadelphia but it has its moments. We are more into sports so we love having so many different sporting venues to choose from Orlando, Tampa, Jax'ville, Miami...I am sure you will have no problems finding the things you like. We will be living in Indialantic to begin with (we have a small vacation home there). I think we will prefer to stay beachside, however I have always loved the Suntree area. It is lovely, tons of shopping close to everything (although it is about 30 - 45 minutes away from what we consider the better beaches). Most of our friends live beachside so we're going to start there.

[Cleopatra0221]

You sound exactly like me! I am in NJ (close to NYC) and grew up in Bayonne. My husband has a great job opportunity in Florida and in NJ.
In fact, in Florida they are offering a considerable amount more. He is in healthcare. SO, did you make the move????????
I am suffering! I go back and forth between NJ and Fl. I am also scared of hurricanes and gators! I also will MISS terribly the stop-ins my family makes. ALL of my family is in NJ. MY husband does have some friends in Florida however. We are looking at the New Symrna / DeLand area.
I'm really curious if you moved and if you like it.
Anyone else who can add input on Fl vs NJ would also be appreciated!

[debraamanda]

I have lived in Florida since I was 23 and am now 56. I have one daughter. First of all I would not move anywhere near TAMPA!!! I know you love the beach in Clerwater it is beautiful. Tampa gets alot of storms. I would look at Boca Raton, Orlando area, like Clermont, Fl. We live right next to Clermont .Country hills if you can beleive hills. Schools are good. debra

[GLS2010]

Originally Posted by Cleopatra0221

You sound exactly like me! I am in NJ (close to NYC) and grew up in Bayonne. My husband has a great job opportunity in Florida and in NJ.
In fact, in Florida they are offering a considerable amount more. He is in healthcare. SO, did you make the move????????
I am suffering! I go back and forth between NJ and Fl. I am also scared of hurricanes and gators! I also will MISS terribly the stop-ins my family makes. ALL of my family is in NJ. MY husband does have some friends in Florida however. We are looking at the New Symrna / DeLand area.
I'm really curious if you moved and if you like it.
Anyone else who can add input on Fl vs NJ would also be appreciated!

where is the job located in florida that your husband has been offered?

[berryjuice4life]

We lived in NJ for 10 years and originally from brooklyn, we now live in Florida and are really happy...dh had a great opportunity here believe it or not, and would have been foolish for not taking it....for us it was a good move

good luck