[andreaandjoe]

We are a young couple looking to move from massachusettes to florida and we'd like to know what cities are good for raising a family and are affordable

[Texan]

I suggest you pick a different state. Affordable as an what?
Housing has been increasing, insurance has been increasing, taxes -most of the counites- have been increasing....salary not increasing.
I am not sure why you picked FL, but if it's for the weather; there are other states less "expensive."
And good luck.

[andreaandjoe]

What other states would you suggest?

What states in your opinion have warm weather, jobs and cost of living is affordable?

[OneBadApple]

Texan is right. Florida is fine, but the best areas have already jumped out-of-sight for young people. I live in one of them (near Orlando), but our kids are up and gone, so we've being traveling the country for the past year to see where it might be smart to go from here (and perhaps best for a young couple wanting to escape freezing, tax-choking Mass).

If you want to remain in the Eastern Time Zone, you might want to check out western South Carolina or northern Georgia. They are both scenic, growing, and have all (ok, most) of the amenities that you'll find anywhere else. Winters are very mild. Housing is still relatively affordable, and you can buy WAY more in those areas for, say...$175,000 than you can anywhere nice (and fun for young people) in Florida.

The area with the most job potential seems to be around Greenville, SC

Best wishes to your family....

[nk0171]

I live in FL and have to agree withTexan and One Bad Apple....NC is where we are going to live next.

[Texan]

Well...I guess if your main reason is the weather taking in consideration that water -boating...etc- is not a factor, check out Arizona, Texas.
Also, I totaly agree with OneBadApple and nk0171.
Louisiana is the least expensive. I would suggest to stay away from the Big Easy. I know people who moved to Louisiana and purchased nice homes for much less than in Houston...Ah! adive stay away from big Cities.
Feel to ask me about Texas, I have been long enough to to say "Don't Mess With Texas"
Best of Luck.

[Jewels36]

Try KY. We have 4 distinct seasons, but winter is not bad. It is beautiful here. Great place to raise a family. Lots of small towns all around Louisville and Lexington. Lots of lakes and outdoor activites. Cheap cost of living and friendly people too.

Also agree with NC, SC, and GA. I was just recently checking out homes in Lakeland, GA. They were very cheap. New homes in the mid $150's. I do not know anything about the area though, or where you would go for employment (it is a small town).

Texas is also good. Lots of home for your money.