[jsta_grl22]

I grew up California and moved to a COLD state. Big mistake. I am miserable here. So I am trying to find a nice place to live that is warm year-round. Florida sounds nice: oceans, beaches, close to attractions. But I hear so many negatives about Florida that I don't know what to do!

For the past year I have been saying "yes i'm moving there" then "oh wait no I'm not". I am going absolutely insane in my head going back and forth on the issue. I need to make a decision, maybe you guys can help?

I am open to moving anywhere in Florida besides big cities like Miami. Are there any places (maybe small/medium towns) that are truly a nice place to live? Places where there are no gangs, drugs, and little crime? The biggest issue is the schools- I keep hearing how bad they are and yet I can't imgaine that there aren't any good schools in the smaller towns. I just wish there was a nice place to raise a family. Thanks for any suggestions.

[Ladywithafan]

I raised my children on AMI...they went to preschool & grade school there. AMI is rated one of the best K-5.

Personally, I don't think your children or mine are safe anywhere...be it Florida or another state.

People on this board like to rip Florida apart because they can't get out of their own way. I have come to the conclusion that there are bad parts to every town & some just get over bad mouthed; however, it tends to be based on the experience of the hater. Crime & drugs are everywhere that you can look and the use you can't see is much greater than what's apparent. In that respect, good values & morals which can only be taught by family.

The best schooling begins at home. You will ultimately make the difference in your child's teaching....don't leave it to an educator who smokes dope in their spare time; there's plenty of that going on everywhere, not just Florida.

[121804]

ladywithafan--well put!

[Barbara Scholz]

I was from NJ and moved to FL. I feel my education in NJ was better than what my kids had initially. But then I started to investigate the schools and checked into their grading. Yes Virginia, there are good schools in FL. You have to look at the States Reports on the schools and then judge for yourself. There are also many private schools. But I do agree, the education begins first at home and with active involved parents, which from your expressed concerns, I am sure you are one. Personally, I like Forest High School in Ocala FL.

[hiknapster]

I would not trust this state's crime or school reports.

Florida economy was built on who they can attract, be it tourists or residents. There are no actual good jobs. Bear that in mind.


The state is a scam.

[wacahootaman]

Try Keystone Heights for good schools and family values.

[BlueWillowPlate]

Originally Posted by Ladywithafan

People on this board like to rip Florida apart because they can't get out of their own way. I have come to the conclusion that there are bad parts to every town & some just get over bad mouthed; however, it tends to be based on the experience of the hater. Crime & drugs are everywhere that you can look and the use you can't see is much greater than what's apparent. In that respect, good values & morals which can only be taught by family.

The best schooling begins at home. You will ultimately make the difference in your child's teaching....don't leave it to an educator who smokes dope in their spare time; there's plenty of that going on everywhere, not just Florida.

Exactly.
Our little Port St Joe (population 5,000) high school is sending one graduate to William and Mary, another to Yale, has sent two to Princeton, and many others to state colleges.
If you don't believe me, come to graduation on Monday evening.
The crime stats are in the city newspaper.

[just_being_myself]

Barbara, Forest High School in Ocala no longer exists. Forest was one of the better Marion County schools but rife with bad teachers,dope dealers,and constant fights that plague most of Marion County schools. The school is also quick to label and deem children from lower economic background 'severly emotionally disturbed'' because it brings in more revenue to the school district. The old Forest high school was replaced by Marion Technical Insitute.

[jeanjr23]

edison junior high in miami will do it for ya. lol

[Barbara Scholz]

JUST,
I was not aware of a name change, but my son just graduated from Forest last year, so it is still an active school. It was moved to Maricamp Rd, and yes the old campus was turned into a Tech school. As far as your other comments, I know the teachers at Forest, the majority are excellant, maybe you had a problem with one, but don't through everyone under the bus. Dope dealers, I find that hard to believe. We do you get your facts. Some Marion County Schools have problems, but show me a school that doesn't. Try going up in Paterson, NJ, that will so you dope dealers and violence!