[bamboosmom]

Punta Gorda does have it's poorer section of town, Cal. You get that in alot of different places.
The night life is quaint and quiet. The streets fold up at 9pm!!! When we go out for some fun we head to Fort Myers Beach! Its about 45 min. away from where we are. Sarasota is another favorite. We are inbetween alot of nice places but come home to peace and quiet!

There are not that many things for the kids yet. They go bowling, the mall,
hang out with their cars in the LOT...
There's a new comedy club on Kings Highway and btw cal, the owner is from New York. The more young people move down, the more there will be to do eventually. This area was basically for the retired people. They hate change like you mentioned. But it is happening everywhere. Even in the Carolina's.
People are flocking there from all over. Bet the locals aren't to happy about the new transplants there either.
But what can you do?? You either love it or leave it.
Rt. 41 in Port Charlotte has alot going on!! Everything is looking good too!
It is a pretty nice place and not to mention, SAFE too!

Here's Fishermen's Village! Lots of great restaurants in there. There is one Italian Restaurant and the owners are from New York and make the best pizza ever!!!

[RAINBOWWAVES]

Definately Port Saint Lucie..

[juju]

Is Boca Raton considered south florida? does it get hit by hurricanes? Does it have the bug problems i have been reading about? HELP!

Originally Posted by LauraerieL

Lulu,
This is sooo true. Funny to think that I didn't have any problems in Florida, but then I had lots of crime issues in NC. I know its probably coincidence. But I had my average car, locked, broken into twice in just a few months in Greensboro, NC. Guess Florida is home to me. I miss it and can't wait to move back. And I'm not much for snow and crazy cold temps as when I lived in upstate New York. I'd rather live somewhat near the ocean and travel to the mountains for vacation, then the other way around.

Just my opinion - a wonderful location would be anywhere in the Keys, surrounded by water and lots of snorkeling and scuba diving activities. But I couldn't see living there because of possible storm damage and insurance rates...anyways... living near the ocean would be a dream. I love being able to watch a sunrise and drive a couple hours to watch a sunset as I did when growing up in South Florida.

Overall, I'm a beach gal moving back to Florida with my new degree in Accounting. Just one in a new generation of accountants. I grew up in South Florida, so I'm a little biased. Grateful for anywhere within a few hours from what I consider to be my home.

That is one of the reasons why people love Florida ~ it can be a different world in each distinct location, having enough umph to please almost anyones unique taste. Florida is truly diverse.

Again, this is all in opinion as each and every person has a different perspective and experiences living in seperate areas, as well as overall differences as to what they enjoy in life.

[mich2fla]

Originally Posted by juju

Is Boca Raton considered south florida? does it get hit by hurricanes? Does it have the bug problems i have been reading about? HELP!

Yes, anything south of Orlando is south FL. My now deceased grandparents lived in Boca Raton for years. My wife's grandparents currently live in Punta Gorda on the gulf side. Personally I prefer the gulf side. You will have to check it out for yourself.

Don't worry about the bugs. You will get used to them and you will know when to stay indoors.

[Momto2]

What's the real deal about Weston? We (me, husband, two small kids) may relocate to FL. His new job would be in Bal Harbour - so we are checking out areas less than 45 mins away. Went to see Weston this past w-end and kind of freaked out. We're from No. Suburbs of Chicago and what a difference. Beside the obvious (weather) - it looked so . . . bleak - houses all look the same. But - the area - ie school and rep. of people seemed top notch. Maybe I need to get over my love for Chicago. Any other areas - suggestions?

[rkumar3]

Momto2... You will have to leave your Chicage love when/if you move to South Florida. Most of the housing here is planned sub-division (aka Track homes) so they all look same, on top of that HOA mandate you keep them same ie. you are limited to color selection, fence selection, drive-way and what not....

Weston is certainly nice but is too far from Bal Harbour. You may want to look some where closer like Aventura, Hollywood, Cooper City etc. Let me know whichever seems more appealing to you and I can give you an idea of housing costs in that area.

[bamboosmom]

We have friends in Weston and I think it's really beautiful there. Nicely kept homes, lots to do. Alot of young families also. It's not far from Rt 75 and you can get to where you want to go in a pinch. Traffic though is crazy during rush hours!

[RAINBOWWAVES]

We avoided the gulf side of Fl as that is where hurricanes happen the most. The water is always warmer there so best for hurricanes. It was very rare to get hurricanes on the east side and we had 2 one yr and 1 the next. But i wouldn't live on the gulf for free.

[bamboosmom]

As far as hurricanes, the west coast had the least over the past 40 or so years compared to the east coast. I believe before 2004 the last hurricane was Donna back in 69.
It all depends on that Bermuda high.

[Rosario]

OK, Another Post for Ocala! We are so close to everything and yet can get away from it all - we are small town atmosphere but not really small town anymore - I am 90 minutes from Orlando, Tampa or Jacksonville, 60 from Daytona, I can make it to South FL (Broward) in 4.5 hours, and out of the state to the Georgia line in 2.5 hours.