[somecrazyfairy]

Hi!

My boyfriend has family in Pensacola, and he and I are looking into moving to the area. The thing is, I've never been to Fl, and have no idea what I'm getting into. I've seen the prices to rent homes are awesome compared to where we live now. The 780 sq. ft. (1) bdrm apt we are in now goes for $675/mo.
I hate it here. I can hear my neighbors pee, crazy, griping old lady trying to trap squirrels in the 3 feet of lawn outside the back of the complex--insane sports fan next door, and church mice upstairs that expect everyone else to act the same. I'm sick of this college town, and the seasons of PA: Winter, Construction, Lots of Construction, and Almost Winter. I'm not a fan of the cold.

so enough belly-aching...

I am looking forward to finding a detached residential home in a nice neighborhood. I don't prefer to be too near the water, because I don't care to be in too much of the touristy hustle and bustle. He hasn't discussed his preferences, outside of "near Pensacola". I'm thinking we could handle it financially around September or October. My first visit to Fl will be in August.

We're 23, he drives truck, and I'll have my CDL as well by the time we move. I want to be able to leave my home and not feel worried its being broken into when we are on the road.

To sum it up....I'm scared. All my family and everything I'm familiar with (even if i don't like it) is here in central PA. This is a huge decision, and I'm uneducated on the subject.

Any thoughts, opinions, resources and/or experiences to share?

Sincerely
somecrazyfairy

[Jammie]

You're still very young. I say, "Go for it." You already have the employment that will follow you and you're also used to somewhat comparable rent. You may absolutely love it there and if you don't, you can always move elsewhere.

[CelticLady1]

Well, my husband and I came to Florida back in 1980, (I was 19 at the time), and we've been here ever since. I would agree with Jammie; you're young, so give it a try. My best friend was raised in PA, and she wouldn't go back there, if you paid her!

Visiting in August, is actually a good thing, because if you can handle the heat and humidity then, you'll be fine! Since you're not a fan of the cold, this may be the place for you. But, be prepared that in the winter, it can get colder than you might think. Obviously, not anything like PA, but this is Northwest Florida, not south Florida. We've even been known to get a snowflake or two! (I had to break the ice on my miniature horse's waterbucket a number of times, this winter, and scraped off the windshields, a few times, as well! ).


Don't come expecting it to be cheap. If your boyfriend has been keeping up with his family here, he should already know that. However, chances are, it won't be nearly as expensive as up in PA. If you don't want to live in Pensacola, then I would check out Navarre, (where I live), or the Milton/Pace area. All three areas are growing, rapidly, but there are some nice neighborhoods. Check them all out, thoroughly, while you are here, in August. Talk to some realtors, while you're here, visiting. Check out the Pensacola News Journal, (they have a website), and look at the realtors' websites, also. Also, we do have a sales tax, but no state income tax, which may appeal to you.

Do remember that this part of Florida is not, let me repeat that, is not southern Florida, (i.e. Miami, etc.). There is much more of a Southern flavor here, (although, not as strong as it once was). We move at a slower pace. Even though there has been a large influx of Northerners in the last few years, this is still the South. Get to know the people, especially the natives, and those of us who have been here almost long enough to qualify as natives! Don't come with the assumption that all Southerners are uneducated rednecks. I don't mean that as an insult to you, personally, by any stretch. It's just that my experience with many, (again, not all), Northerners is such, that some of them come down here with a superior attitude, and trust me, if you give that kind of an attitude, you'll get a Southern attitude, right quick! Come to enjoy, and learn, and live. Enjoy the beaches, the woods, the people. If you're not a church goer, be prepared, because many, if not most folks around here, are. There are churches on practically every street corner. By the same token, if you are, then you have choices galore, to pick from! Enjoy sweet tea, lazy afternoons, fishing, maybe a crawfish boil, (we also call them mudbugs!). Go see the Blue Angels, look at our museums, check out the local fairs and fesitvals. Just take it all in, as a new experience. As Jammie said, if you don't like here, you can always move elsewhere.

[beachmumj]

We live just on the other side of the three mile bridge in Gulf Breeze and I can certainly tell you it is much better here. It is only a 10-20 min. drive into Pensacola depending on what area you pick. The schools here are great, all A+ schools. Plenty of houses to rent or buy. Much cleaner than Pensacola. If you still want to live in Pensacola though, pick someplace off of Scenic Hwy. or the eastern side of Bayou Blvd. I moved here from Birmingham and I hate Pensacola because it reminds me of Birmingham City!!!

[sunrico90]

Originally Posted by beachmumj

We live just on the other side of the three mile bridge in Gulf Breeze and I can certainly tell you it is much better here. It is only a 10-20 min. drive into Pensacola depending on what area you pick. The schools here are great, all A+ schools. Plenty of houses to rent or buy. Much cleaner than Pensacola. If you still want to live in Pensacola though, pick someplace off of Scenic Hwy. or the eastern side of Bayou Blvd. I moved here from Birmingham and I hate Pensacola because it reminds me of Birmingham City!!!

Agree with beachmumj, Gulf Breeze is a very nice and has a great reputation as a town. many options depending on income and other needs. Great advise from all so far....

[MrTudo]

I like that area a lot but we've all but crossed it off our list because of hurricanes. True they can happen anywhere, however that part of the state has had THREE in 10 years and just missed a big one. Imagine spending 20-50,000 on landscaping and it all gets blown away ( insurance doesn't cover that )

But our goals are different then yours as are our ages, so give it a shot.

[somecrazyfairy]

Originally Posted by CelticLady1

Do remember that this part of Florida is not, let me repeat that, is not southern Florida, (i.e. Miami, etc.). There is much more of a Southern flavor here, (although, not as strong as it once was). We move at a slower pace. Even though there has been a large influx of Northerners in the last few years, this is still the South. Get to know the people, especially the natives, and those of us who have been here almost long enough to qualify as natives! Don't come with the assumption that all Southerners are uneducated rednecks. I don't mean that as an insult to you, personally, by any stretch. It's just that my experience with many, (again, not all), Northerners is such, that some of them come down here with a superior attitude, and trust me, if you give that kind of an attitude, you'll get a Southern attitude, right quick! Come to enjoy, and learn, and live. Enjoy the beaches, the woods, the people. If you're not a church goer, be prepared, because many, if not most folks around here, are. There are churches on practically every street corner. By the same token, if you are, then you have choices galore, to pick from! Enjoy sweet tea, lazy afternoons, fishing, maybe a crawfish boil, (we also call them mudbugs!). Go see the Blue Angels, look at our museums, check out the local fairs and fesitvals. Just take it all in, as a new experience. As Jammie said, if you don't like here, you can always move elsewhere.

Thank you all for your input, it is greatly appreciated.
I have been looking around online at the places mentioned, Gulf Breeze and Navarre--and it all looks so beautiful (but hey, thats how you sell something in pictures...right?! )
As far as southerners and rednecks: its not the geography that makes a redneck~! and it most certainly shouldn't be used as a derogatory term. I've been told I have a little pink on my neck myself. I grew up running around barefoot through the woods and the creek (I say "crick") hunting, fishing and playing in the dirt/mud or clay. I really love outdoor activities when it is warm. E. is the same--we're still just two kids running around together.
I personally do not go to church, because I have a "to each their own" sort of attitude and am more an enegry /earth-loving sort. That doesn't make me a bad person, I treat people better than what I ever expect in return...and if religion becomes a basis for being prejudice, then I don't need that persons company. As far as I understand, most organized religions promote tolerance and acceptance. Dealing with these sorts of issues is nothing new, but I do thank you for mentioning that as well.



continued....

[somecrazyfairy]

Originally Posted by sunrico90

Agree with beachmumj, Gulf Breeze is a very nice and has a great reputation as a town. many options depending on income and other needs. Great advise from all so far....

Clean is defiantly something I'm looking for--I hate driving around seeing places that are let go, and being in an area where people don't care enough about their own surroundings to keep it taken care of.

Thanks!

*continued (--I want to be sure to address everything )

[somecrazyfairy]

Originally Posted by MrTudo

I like that area a lot but we've all but crossed it off our list because of hurricanes. True they can happen anywhere, however that part of the state has had THREE in 10 years and just missed a big one. Imagine spending 20-50,000 on landscaping and it all gets blown away ( insurance doesn't cover that )

But our goals are different then yours as are our ages, so give it a shot.

Thank you sir. I've read about the hurricanes and fires in other threads here...kind of scary but like anything else, just something one has to deal with. We are thinking of renting for a year, then seeing where we are in life to discuss more permanent decisions regarding buying a home. After that, we will have had time to be in the mix personally, and to have visited many other places to explore our options. When we do have a house to call our own, we would like to build a workshop and make alterations. We both very much enjoy creating art in different mediums (I want to do more with fabric and paint, he prefers wood and leather).

I'm really excited, I'm sure this move will be a positive one. I'll see what I see when August comes!

Best wishes to all,
somecrazyfairy
*~M~*

[buddiero]

I can't really help you out. However, I am in a similar boat. I'm about to retire from the Army in the next two years and been really looking hard at the Florida Panhandle.

My sister and 2 nephews and 1 niece live in Pensacola. I have decided from my research I do not want to hand my hat in Pensacola. But I will tell you in my research Pace/Milton and if you can afford it Gulf Breeze has alot to offer.

I personally have chosen to hang my hat in Pace. For one its proximity to Pensacola but more importantly the slow pace lifestyle and excellent school system. Pace High School has a Navy JROTC program, Avalon Middle School has been A+ school the past five or six years and Pea Ridge Elem. has great reviews as well. I KNOW YOUR NOT A CHRISTIAN but they have Pensacola Christian Academy in Pensacola and its an awesome school and relatively cheap.

I wouldnt' mind sending my kids to Gulf Breeze due to all there schools being A+ but I just can't afford it. However, Santa Rosa county has open enrollment so I could still send them there. I'm interested mostly in there high school and there Air Force JROTC program and there Health Sciences program.

Yes I'm a die hard military guy. I don't necessarily want my kids to join but I think it would be good for them to go thru such programs. To include Civil Air Patrol and Navy Sea Cadet (Basically military version of Boy Scouts). All available to help educate and teach your children great stuff.

Another option you might want to consider just to the west of Pensacola is the Spanish Fort/Daphne area. I really really like that area as well. However, with being retired military I want to be close to military bases for jobs, commissary etc etc.

Anyhow not sure if I helped you any. I've been really googling the heck out of Pace/Milton and I love what I see. Good luck in your search.

On side bar. How are property taxes, insurances in Pace/Milton everybody????????/


Mahalo