[Boomba101x]

Im currently serving in Iraq and plan on buying a house when I get back. I was wondering where are some of the best places for me to live, im looking at most likley Florida or California. I want to live in an area that is not too expensive and the best area for wakeboarding and other water sports. Seeing as im 21 il want to live where there are other young people and plenty of things to do, any help is appreciated, thanks!

[FSUMike]

Orlando area for sure. There are lakes everywhere in Central Florida and watersports are very popular. Plenty of young people in the city of Orlando, suburb of Winter Park, and other suburbs as well.

[Wilshire81182]

Yeah Orlando has a young population for Florida, tons of students, a great bar/nightlife scene, entertainment outlets, and access to the outdoors and lakes for watersports as mentioned. It is about an hour to the east coast beaches, in some places less and about 2 hours to the west coast. Tampa is also another great city to consider. They also have a much more active sports scene with more venues and teams. There is also a good sized student population there.

[psouth]

Florida and California are like night and day. If you want young people and lots of activities and action near the ocean then you might be better off in Santa Monica and Venice Beach, CA. Florida is a much older crowd with not as much to do.

[gypsychic]

Originally Posted by psouth

Florida and California are like night and day. If you want young people and lots of activities and action near the ocean then you might be better off in Santa Monica and Venice Beach, CA. Florida is a much older crowd with not as much to do.

You overlooked the fact that the OP wants a place NOT TOO EXPENSIVE - that rules out your recommendations completely.

[psouth]

Originally Posted by gypsychic

You overlooked the fact that the OP wants a place NOT TOO EXPENSIVE - that rules out your recommendations completely.

Prices have fallen sharply in CA also. You never know. If CA is too expensive then maybe Ft. Lauderdale. Florida is expensive near the water also. It is not exactly cheap living here either. The OP can do the math.

[Sunny-Days90]

OP- Consider that Florida has less taxes.

We are water people also and in our 40's and want to be near Tampa-St Pete area because of the large amount of water activities within a short drive. Inland and on the ocean both are plentiful. Florida has tons of wonderful lakes to enjoy.

California is going to heck in a hand basket, they are so deep in debt they have to raise taxes out the roof soon or they will collapse.

Thanks for serving our country and good luck in finding a new place to live.

My advice is to not buy something no matter were you choose to live until you live in that area for a while. Rent first, it might save you a hassle in the long run.

[Boomba101x]

Thanks for all the help, one last thing, something I am a bit worried about are the crocodiles in the lakes, can someone tell me how many lakes are swimable and not infested by them? I lived in Minnesota for 20 years and pretty much all of the lakes there are swimable in the summer.

[psouth]

Originally Posted by Boomba101x

Thanks for all the help, one last thing, something I am a bit worried about are the crocodiles in the lakes, can someone tell me how many lakes are swimable and not infested by them? I lived in Minnesota for 20 years and pretty much all of the lakes there are swimable in the summer.

You have to worry more about the people down here than the alligators. They are just looking for food and don't usually bother people. I don't know of any lakes that are a major problem unless you jump in the Everglades or something. I could easily be wrong. I would stick to the ocean. It is more scenic and fun. Plus you will see lots of nice sights on the beach if you know what I mean. They don't call MN the land of 10,000 lakes for nothing. Beautiful lakes there and nothing could hurt you. The Great Lakes are the same also.

[Raivere]

Originally Posted by Boomba101x

. I want to live in an area that is not too expensive and the best area for wakeboarding and other water sports. Seeing as im 21 il want to live where there are other young people and plenty of things to do, any help is appreciated, thanks!

Ther are alot of nice lakes in N.C...just saying And we are getting a bomboardment of peole moving here so its never been "hick town" and there are LOTS of nice, friendly people. The pay is ok.