[SCPJP]

Hello Everyone,

My family and I currently live in Charleston, SC. Some people may say we're crazy, but we can't stand it here. Charleston itself is nice. If you're into history, its great, and the beaches are ok, but nothing to write home about. That being said, we need to leave. There is zero diversity here. Along with other reasons, we have decided to move. Now here is the question...Where in FL should we move to? We would like to stay in any of the following areas: Orlando, Tampa, West Palm, and Ft. Lauderdale. I'd like to narrow down the areas, so we can focus on trying to find jobs before moving down. The number one important thing that we want is a safe neighborhood and great public schools. Don't really want to spend any more than 350k on a home. We have an almost 4 year old, and a 6 month old. We're looking to stay in this future home for quite a while, at least until the kids hopefully go off to college. We do like being close to the water, but also like the feel of Orlando. My wife works in health care, and I have a manufacturing quality manager background. Where should we move to? Please help! TIA

[Branal]

Originally Posted by SCPJP

Hello Everyone,

My family and I currently live in Charleston, SC. Some people may say we're crazy, but we can't stand it here. Charleston itself is nice. If you're into history, its great, and the beaches are ok, but nothing to write home about. That being said, we need to leave. There is zero diversity here. Along with other reasons, we have decided to move. Now here is the question...Where in FL should we move to? We would like to stay in any of the following areas: Orlando, Tampa, West Palm, and Ft. Lauderdale. I'd like to narrow down the areas, so we can focus on trying to find jobs before moving down. The number one important thing that we want is a safe neighborhood and great public schools. Don't really want to spend any more than 350k on a home. We have an almost 4 year old, and a 6 month old. We're looking to stay in this future home for quite a while, at least until the kids hopefully go off to college. We do like being close to the water, but also like the feel of Orlando. My wife works in health care, and I have a manufacturing quality manager background. Where should we move to? Please help! TIA

"Diversity" and "safe neighborhood" do not go together in Florida. Choose one or the other.

[latinlady]

Medical city in lake Nona Orlando area. Take a look.

[wizrap]

IMHO, your housing budget is too low for SFLA, considering you seek a neighborhood that is safe with good schools, unless you consider a villa/TH/ or condo. If that's the case, then look in the Bonaventure section of Weston, FL--located directly to the west of Ft. Lauderdale. Meets all your criteria--highly rated public schools, low crime, and about a 50/50 mix of Hispanic, versus non-Hispanic. But if you're looking for a SFH, your budget won't cut it there.

Maybe others will chime in about Tampa and Orlando. Good luck.

[bmw335xi]

I moved to Orlando from San Francisco. We really like it here and it’s quite diverse, even many of the nice areas. I live in Dr. Phillips, which is great, but your budget is low unless you are okay with a smaller outdated home or a nice townhouse. You could look into Waterford Lakes. That will match your budget and is quite diverse.

[cfbs2691]

Move wherever you can find jobs.

I agree with the poster who said your housing budget is too low for South Florida for what you’re looking for.

Focus on getting jobs first.

[alan west]

Have you thought about Austin Tx. Florida is crowded now.

[kyle19125]

Originally Posted by SCPJP

Hello Everyone,
We do like being close to the water, but also like the feel of Orlando.

Kind of conflicting emotions there...can you explain what the "feel" is about Orlando you like? It's more than likely that exists someplace else in the state that is on/much nearer the coast.

[843904]

What's this pre-occupation with "diversity" all about? Is Charleston too white for you? Is it too black? Because in the 843, that's what you get.

What kind of "diversity" are you looking for?

PS: Dude please! You haven't been in Charleston a full year and you're wanting to move? Sounds like someone didn't do their research properly! Since it appears you're looking to press the reset button yet again, I'd suggest doing more comprehensive research.

[AustinTraveler]

Originally Posted by alan west

Have you thought about Austin Tx. Florida is crowded now.

And Austin isn't???