[gracefulsista]

Good Morning All,

I am looking to relocate to Florida from Washington, DC by the end of the year and wanted some suggestions on location. I have been looking at Orlando and Tampa but will look for suggestions. I am a single 43 year old with a son in college so I am not looking to move in a neighborhood where there are a lot of children . I have a 2 year Shih Tzu who is my joy so a place to run and play will be nice as well and better yet a dog park to mingle with other pet owners.

My wants:

A diverse neighborhood that is safe for walking since I walk 8 miles about 3 times out of the week. Also living near people who are friendly along with staying involved in keeping their community safe. I don't want to be in the ghetto or near elements that are not positive. I would love to be not far from the beach but I don't want to be too close to the tornado's or Hurricane areas either...

An area that is close to the fun-life but not to close since I am active and on the go, Beach,movies, parks, theaters, malls, flea markets, good church, not too far from the airport since I travel a lot oversees and domestic. Also looking to go back to school for my Masters so a good university near by would be nice. I don't mind living near downtown since I do now in DC and I love it due too I can walk to everything and do not have to put miles on my car.

I have over 13 years in Finance so employment will not be an issue I can travel anywhere in the area if I have to. I already have offers I just need to move. I trying to get someone to relocate me but if not its cool. I am still leaving the dreary political life of DC that I am tired of.

Thanks in advance & Have a Great Sunhine Day!!

[cariad]

Safety Harbor-easy commute to airport and great for walking, especially along old Tampa Bay.
Dunedin
Downtown St. Pete

[Back Home]

Spruce Creek Fly-In is safe, upper scale private community to live. Close to Daytona Airport and one hour from Orlando airport. There is UCF campus now next to DBCC(community college). Tampa area alot of crime. Just make sure you are ready for a culture shock moving to Florida. This is VERY different, wages are low, jobs not plentiful, houses are over priced.

[Brasstec]

Originally Posted by gracefulsista

My wants....A diverse neighborhood that is safe for walking since I walk 8 miles about 3 times out of the week. Also living near people who are friendly along with staying involved in keeping their community safe... I would love to be not far from the beach but I don't want to be too close to the tornado's or Hurricane areas either...

An area that is close to the fun-life but not to close since I am active and on the go, Beach,movies, parks, theaters, malls, flea markets, good church, not too far from the airport since I travel a lot oversees and domestic. Also looking to go back to school for my Masters so a good university near by would be nice. I don't mind living near downtown since I do now in DC and I love it due too I can walk to everything and do not have to put miles on my car.

Waterford Lakes, Lake Nona, Stoneybrook East, Vista Lakes, Tivoli Woods....all neighborhoods that will give you what you're looking for.

If you're looking for ethnic diversity....my close neighbors include african-american, folks from the virgin islands, puerto rican, southern caucasion.... Strong HOA - concerned with making sure crime rates stay low/non-existent, plenty of sidewalks/paths/trails to take LONG walks. We are about 45 minutes from Cocoa Beach, but far enough inland to miss the worst of the hurricanes.

There is a park 5 minutes from our house, lots of shopping choices within 10-15 minutes....Waterford Lakes Shopping Center in one direction, Florida Mall (my wife's favorite) in the other direction. We are 10-15 minutes from Orlando International Airport, 15-20 minutes from UCF (my son is a student there). I can easily guide you to several vibrant churches close to us (I'm minister of music in one of them!).

Check out the area.

[gracefulsista]

Thanks so much everyone for your feedback. I will definitely check out all the request.

Waterford Lakes, Lake Nona, Stoneybrook East, Vista Lakes, Tivoli Woods sounds like my type of area.

[crystalblue]

old Hyde park in Tampa...

[jeanjr23]

I think naples,bonita spring, or fort myers will do it for you.

[gracefulsista]

Old Hyde Park village is a great spot. This one is on the top of my list so far.


naples,bonita spring, or fort myers....I will look into these areas. Thanks

[diplick]

Im in Orlando close to the airpot at a Golf community beatiful, a lot of nice neighboorhoods, I sell new homes at The Lk Nona area,

Email diego.hermano@meritagehomes.com

[florida1]

Estero, Fl! There is a dog beach nearby, yet the area is above sea level so hurricane flooding isn't an issue. Most developments have jogging paths that you could use. Its about 15 minutes from SW FL International Airport and 15 minutes from Florida Gulf Coast University. Two huge regional malls with pet friendly stores and designated dog areas (some stores don't allow pets so you might not be able to take the dog in every single one of them). Germain arena is nearby so you can always check out a hockey game or concert if you want. The community also has taken a vested interested in bettering itself lately. They are trying to get more cultural attractions to come to the area. The area is also very nice and has almost no crime (seriously, I have lived here for 15 years and never heard of a significant crime happening in Estero).