Port St. Lucie (Fort Pierce: real estate, property taxes, homeowners insurance)

[NewYork]

Thanks for the info Turtle. Approx. how long is the commute to WPB. My subway commute from Brooklyn to Manhattan is about 1 hour so I figure I shouldn't have a problem with driving that distance. Plus I'll have music to keep my sanity, I hope.
I really look forward to moving down.
Thanks again.

[Turtle]

Originally Posted by NewYork

Thanks for the info Turtle. Approx. how long is the commute to WPB. My subway commute from Brooklyn to Manhattan is about 1 hour so I figure I shouldn't have a problem with driving that distance. Plus I'll have music to keep my sanity, I hope.
I really look forward to moving down.
Thanks again.

I would have to confirm with my husband, but I think it takes him right around 1 hour to get to the airport from our front door, give or take....we always allow a few extra minutes in case of traffic etc. I hear ya about music to keep your sanity, I am so thankful for my iPod! I also get to take my dogs to work with me, so I talk to them alot

[julz]

We will be moving from S.Fla to PSL in the next 3-4 months.My husband will commute to Ft.Laud.We've been back and forth several times and it is approx. 1hr. 20 min. Fortunately he works "off" hours so the traffic is minimal when he's on the road.

[tallrick]

Why would anyone move to PSL to commute 1-2 hours? That's just a waste of time in my book.

[Turtle]

Originally Posted by tallrick

Why would anyone move to PSL to commute 1-2 hours? That's just a waste of time in my book.

Because PSL is a LOT more affordable that Lauderdale or West Palm and also a lot less congestion up here compared to down further south. It's not a waste of time if you are happy where you live even if it takes longer to get back and forth. Personal happiness is never "a waste of time".

[Turtle]

Originally Posted by julz

We will be moving from S.Fla to PSL in the next 3-4 months.My husband will commute to Ft.Laud.We've been back and forth several times and it is approx. 1hr. 20 min. Fortunately he works "off" hours so the traffic is minimal when he's on the road.

We struggled with that too. PSL was just so much more affordable and much easier to deal with as far as traffic and congestion. My husband works out of West Palm and Lauderdale, and though he obviously prefers West Palm, he does occassionally go to Lauderdale, and he usually drives at off hours as well, so even though it is a long drive, there is minimal traffic. We are fortunate that he doesn't have to drive it daily, but I really think that once you get used to the drive, you just get into your "driving zone" and it doesn't even feel that long. Just my opinion, and so ya know you're not alone in your situation.

[tallrick]

PSL didn't seem all that affordable even 13 years ago when I was looking. Also the lots are tiny and construction quality wasn't good then. My biggest fear is that many people will move there and make it another Ft Lauderdale or West Palm. One friend moved there and just left for Georgia. PSL isn't a good alternative because the business climate isn't creating enough good paying jobs to support their inflated home prices.

[Turtle]

Originally Posted by tallrick

PSL didn't seem all that affordable even 13 years ago when I was looking. Also the lots are tiny and construction quality wasn't good then. My biggest fear is that many people will move there and make it another Ft Lauderdale or West Palm. One friend moved there and just left for Georgia. PSL isn't a good alternative because the business climate isn't creating enough good paying jobs to support their inflated home prices.

That's why the 1-2 hour drive for work.

I am not saying that PSL is a cheap/really affordable place by any means, but compared to cities further south, it is cheaper. It is growing really fast here, and I think over time, it will be more and more like down south, but for now, it is a good alternative if you are willing to drive. It's definitely not for everyone.

[julz]

We purchased 6 acres of land in Maine last year.Instead of waiting until we are 65 yrs. old to retire, we plan on retiring at 50.By selling our home in Ft.Laud. we are able to pay off our mortgage,buy a house (cash) in PSL and have money left to build our home in Maine.So is it an inconvenience to travel over 1 hour every day??Yes! But it fits our long term goal.I'd rather make that sacrifice now while we are young.

[TriMT7]

If you're going to commute South to work while living in Port St. Lucie, there are lots of good neighborhoods near the Turnpike (always faster than I-95), and I-95 itself. Check out the "Tradition" neighborhood, or areas near the Gatlin Blvd. area. Also St. Lucie West.

If I'm not mistaken, they are also making a new Turnpike entrance near Becker Rd.... which is a good way to get to Palm City and South Stuart.