[NHtoFL]

It seems like there are a ton of homes for under 100k in FL that are on the market. Good homes. 3 bedroom, 1700 sq feet, etc.

Question: With a wife, 2 kids, and a love for the ocean or large lakes, where would you go? I am self employed and can work anywhere. However, decent school systems are a consideration, good safe areas, activities, nice community, etc

Got any opinions?

Thanks!

[FLBob]

You may want to look at North Port in Sarasota County. There was a lot of speculative building and it is possible to find 3/2/2 nearly new homes well under $100k.

North Port is about 25 minutes to the beaches on Manasota Key and Venice Island. Situated near Charlotte Harbor it's also a good location for boating and fishing.

Because of the period of rapid growth new schools have been built in NP. The shopping district on 41 also saw a lot of upgrades, so most of your needs can be met without having to travel.

You could also look to an area called South Venice, the homes under 100k would tend to be older than in NP, you'd be minutes from gulf beaches and the shopping district on Venice Island.

[NHtoFL]

I have heard a lot about Venice. Nice areas, etc.

I use to live in Boca years about 15 years ago. I took a recent trip down there and I didnt get the same sense of "sparkle". It seems like things were tired, faded, seen their day. Dont get me wrong, it is a great area, but it just didnt grab as "Postcard Florida"

[annerk]

Consider not just the price of the home, but also the cost of insuring it. Insurance for a home in a coastal area could be very steep. You might want to look further inland. There are parts of Lake County that you can find a home in your price range, and as far as being on or near a lake, they don't call it Lake County for nothing.

[mr&mrssunshine]

definitely North Port
check out the Sarasota sub forum

[MovedfromFL]

You should also search for a thread on city data having to do with the chinese drywall problem. It seems that homes were built in FL (2006 especially) with imported drywall which is now causing all kinds of problems. (it turns the copper wires black behind the outlets for one) So be careful if you see a price that is too good to be true. You need to get a good inspector to look for any issues. There are also videos on You Tube.

[bearz]

Originally Posted by MovedfromFL

You should also search for a thread on city data having to do with the chinese drywall problem. It seems that homes were built in FL (2006 especially) with imported drywall which is now causing all kinds of problems. (it turns the copper wires black behind the outlets for one) So be careful if you see a price that is too good to be true. You need to get a good inspector to look for any issues. There are also videos on You Tube.

That was very informative thanks so much for bringing that up.

[SoFLGal]

Yeah, North Port is where you want to look for deals. Also the Sarasota school system is very good. I live in North Port and love the area