[JunoAqua]

I currently live in upstate NY, and was laid off from my previous job and have taken a menial call center job at ADT for 9-11/hr. I do have a Business Degree 4yrs and was looking at Northport or LAkeland, FL. I was just down there on vacation for 2 weeks and noticed the traffic is horrendous, but the weather is beautiful. However its all about making the bread to support yourself and family. Geico Insurance is in LAkeland,FL, but I'm not too crazy about the schools there. Is it possible to live in Northport if I am not a Doctor, Lawyer, Teacher professional. I really only have callcenter and delivery/customer service experience.

I see houses on Yahoo in Northport, FL are listed for 150K-200K whioch would be in my price range, but the HOI, and taxes are not listed. I guess my question is what do people know abourt Northport, FL or Lakeland Highlands, FL schools, affordable housing in 150K-200K range, and are there only minimum wage jobs if one does not have a professional degree? How much does Publix, pay full time in stores?

If you are a Northport, FL resident or LAkeland, FL resident what type of job do you have and does it coincide with the Cost of lving or is it not really affordable. Thanks for your help.

[Floridasunshine]

If you have call center experience Verizon is hiring, 21.75 per hr top pay, with college degree they give full credit, and all benefits paid for entire family. You could still live in Lakeland.

[mn/fl sunshine]

Personally I have never heard of any call center paying $21.75! My girlfriend worked for call centers: AAA and a Financial Services/well known Brokerage and she never made more than $15.00/hr supervisor pay.

I really like North Port. You can buy a 2169 sq ft home for $200,000. I am considering it. The builders have an excess in Inventory of new homes and are slashing prices!

It is hard to earn a decent living in Fl at first when you come from out of state. At least that was my experience in Orlando. Alot of lower class minimum wage people and then alot in upper class--not much middle class left.

If you get into sales you may be able to earn a good living.