Where to move to in Fla? (Jacksonville, Tampa: real estate, insurance, budget)

[MomInNY]

Greetings, We are looking to move to Fla in the next two years. Hubby retires, but we have a young son, now 5, so we don't seem to be wanted (haha) in any of the retirement communities, although that it was hubby would prefer. We want to move full-time and not be snow birds. We LOVE Disney, but don't care for Orlando, we're small town people. We're Christians, we homeschool, and would like to find a neighborhood where we'd fit in. Hubby loves golf, I hate it. We both love the ocean. Our retirement income will be modest, but not scraping by. We like our privacy, but not 'in the middle of nowhere'. Good fences make good neighbors. Our neighbors now , on one side are retired snowbirds, and on the other, she has 11 cats, and last I knew 2 were pregnant. Oi vey. I have contacted 3 real estate agents down there and haven't heard back from anyone. Hubby isn't opposed to a 'trailer park', but I really am. Condo living is out. Does such a neighborhood exist? We can certainly try!! We've been to Cocoa Beach / Merritt Island, and enjoyed it. We've been around Treasure Island area and the people were so friendly there. Pros and Cons of Fla?

[2bohemians]

How about Niceville / Destin area?

[Lilybeans]

I would say over the next two years drive down and put in some serious time driving different areas of the state to see what you like. Be prepared for real estate taxes and insurance expense. What kind of housing budget do you have?

[smmal]

Lake City is a great place to live in Florida. Located where I-75 meets I-10. It is a smaller community without all the issues that big cities and metro areas have. Many of the homes in our area are 1/2 acre in size and many more are one acre. We have two golf courses and are about one hour from the ocean, two hours from the gulf. Two hours from Orlando. Give us a look!

[MomInNY]

HI, Thank you, I checked out Lake City.. I think it's a bit far north for us, and maybe just a bit too small. It looks like a very community -friendly little town, the story about the young man with leukemia is touching. It's awful to see the kids when I go to Roswell in Buffalo, my heart goes out to them. I'm coming from a small town, and while we like our privacy, we just want a bit more opportunity for activity. Thank you for the suggestion.

[ny2020]

Can any one tell me about Brandon,Florida right out side of Tampa?

[williboy]

I lived 30 years in Jacksonville. Wonderful area because it is virtually hurricane free. If you like a small town atmosphere with a beautiful setting and yet still not priced out of this world you should check out Fernandina Beach. If I were to move back to FL this is where I would go. I 'm a golfer also, and Fernandina Beach/Amelia Island area has some lovely courses; windy but lovely.

[2bohemians]

Originally Posted by williboy

I lived 30 years in Jacksonville. Wonderful area because it is virtually hurricane free. If you like a small town atmosphere with a beautiful setting and yet still not priced out of this world you should check out Fernandina Beach. If I were to move back to FL this is where I would go. I 'm a golfer also, and Fernandina Beach/Amelia Island area has some lovely courses; windy but lovely.

Williboy .... just curious ... we live west of Jacksonville and love it along the Emerald Coast .... but we were wondering since you mentioned golf if you've ever traveled over our way to check out the multitude of golf courses in the northwest region ..... click here if you're interested in seeing all the options available ..... Camp Creek is just down the road from us ....

[Bette]

Northern Palm Beach County (Jupiter, Tequesta)
Vero Beach
St. Augustine
Ponte Vedra - Amelia Island
Avon Park
Sarasota area
Destin area
TONS of others....