[NeedToStartOver]

As my name implies it is time for me to be realistic and try to find what I need and can actually afford. This board has been helpful in the past so I'm hoping you can help me out with ideas.

Situation: Will probably lose our home because of career change.

Family: Family of 3 including one toddler, 1 dog, 2 cats.

What I would like in a town:

1. Walkability would be awesome.

2. Someplace that has apartments (not expensive) in the middle of a downtown area. A downtown area that is thriving not someplace scary and lonely! If not downtown someplace where we wouldn't be isolated by acres of land.

3. We have 2 cars but if it is possible to get places by a efficient bus system that would be great.

4. Someplace that has jobs in entry-level medical facility such as a hospital. We would hope to work someplace with good health insurance even if it means taking a cleaning position or something like that.

5. Someplace that has events or activities that don't cost a lot.

6. Someplace that has parks or outdoor activities.

7. Someplace with a "Main Street" that is nice to visit.

8. We are not picky about where in Florida. In Central Florida would be a plus but we aren't in a position to be choosey.

9. Someplace that does not have high-crime or a lot of sex offenders.

10. Someplace that is great for our child to grow up in.

I'm not sure that there is a place like this out there but I sure hope so....

[DailyJournalist]

Try Tallahassee:
One moment please...

[FLBob]

I think you might look into Venice. The dog/cat will make the apartment hunt a bit challenging. I've never checked to see if the apartment district properties have pet restrictions. There are numerous apartment and duplexes on the Island, The hospital and many doctors offices are in walking distance from anywhere on the Island.
Sarasota county has mass transit, though I have not used it.
The beach is free, we have numerous street fairs and shows. Live concerts, and holiday parades. The elementary school is on the island, so very walkable or an easy drive.

[Strel]

Originally Posted by NeedToStartOver

As my name implies it is time for me to be realistic and try to find what I need and can actually afford. This board has been helpful in the past so I'm hoping you can help me out with ideas.

Situation: Will probably lose our home because of career change.

Family: Family of 3 including one toddler, 1 dog, 2 cats.

What I would like in a town:

1. Walkability would be awesome.

2. Someplace that has apartments (not expensive) in the middle of a downtown area. A downtown area that is thriving not someplace scary and lonely! If not downtown someplace where we wouldn't be isolated by acres of land.

3. We have 2 cars but if it is possible to get places by a efficient bus system that would be great.

4. Someplace that has jobs in entry-level medical facility such as a hospital. We would hope to work someplace with good health insurance even if it means taking a cleaning position or something like that.

5. Someplace that has events or activities that don't cost a lot.

6. Someplace that has parks or outdoor activities.

7. Someplace with a "Main Street" that is nice to visit.

8. We are not picky about where in Florida. In Central Florida would be a plus but we aren't in a position to be choosey.

9. Someplace that does not have high-crime or a lot of sex offenders.

10. Someplace that is great for our child to grow up in.

I'm not sure that there is a place like this out there but I sure hope so....

Tallahassee.....

[SoFLGal]

I would agree with FLBob on suggesting Venice and all of his points. The only thing that might be a deterrent to Venice is the fact that the average age is around 68. Since you mentioned having a little one I wanted to point that out.

If that's not a concern then Venice might be a good fit for you.

[luvthatmouse]

Celebration

http://www.celebration.fl.us/towninfo.html

[compelled to reply]

Since everyone is recommending their home towns, I'm going to recommend Weston. Actually, I would never have the audacity to recommend Weston to you. I suggest Tallahassee.

[airbucket]

LOL

(i do not recommend the Ft Myers area, where i live, id scratch it off the list, no walkability, little culture, poor school system. coconut grove in miami is GREAT but costly)

Originally Posted by compelled to reply

Since everyone is recommending their home towns, I'm going to recommend Weston. Actually, I would never have the audacity to recommend Weston to you. I suggest Tallahassee.

[FLBob]

Originally Posted by SoFLGal

I would agree with FLBob on suggesting Venice and all of his points. The only thing that might be a deterrent to Venice is the fact that the average age is around 68. Since you mentioned having a little one I wanted to point that out.

If that's not a concern then Venice might be a good fit for you.

The statistic is median age of 68. Which means that half the population is younger than 68 the other half is older.

While some people may have prejudices against the elderly, I see the fact that this area has an elderly population as a positive. It reflects the quality of life we have here in Venice. The quality of life that attracts retirees and families, the quality of life that helps to promote an active friendly neighborhood.
If your looking for a neighborhood where people talk to one another. Where people look out for one another. Where men and women and children feel comfortable walking the streets and the beach then Venice may be a good fit.

[Strel]

Well there isn't much in the way of decent public transportation anywhere in Florida really...you can ride the bus if you like, and sit next to the guy from that Jethro Tull song...

But at least Tallahassee is green and dotted with parks all over the place.