[keikekai]

Hi,

Need some assistance...Desperately !! Where would you suggest living in Florida (any town there) that would be a good place to raise kids ? Good schools, lots to do, excellent beaches, safe, fun, etc. ??? I know there are a lot of places that are more 'retirement' communities, and others that might not be the safest towns, so tell me what suggestions you have ?

Are hurricanes a constant problem ? What about bad humidity ? Bugs (what types do they have that I hear are a problem)?, Are the schools as bad as I hear ? What about the keys (like Islamorada) what would it be like to live there ?

I am in upstate NY now - can move anywhere in the USA, but totally confused where to move.... I would like somewhere ideally with a lot of sun year round, nice weather (not really cold/or too much snow), friendly people, good schools, fun activities, more conservative type of town, etc.

Any suggestions on Florida (or anywhere else you think might fit the bill) would be GREATLY APPRECIATED !!!!!!!!!!! Thanks so much....

[jsta_grl22]

I have asked the same questions and so far the word is Port Orange. It has low crime and excellent schools (for Florida). It's also right next to the beach, family-oriented, and not too expensive. It is really close to Daytona too.

A few people have mentioned Ormond Beach as a good place wich is also close to Daytona.

[JSnFla]

stay in upstate ny

[JimKing]

I think you should check out Jupiter. Good schools, safe, and the beach is amazing....free parking, you can play with your dog on the beach if you want.

But please rent. You can find lots of rentals in Jupiter. Single family houses rent for $1700-2500.

If you want to rent a house on a acre lot, try Jupiter Farms...about 15 minutes west of the beach.

The humidity isn't that bad there compared to some parts of Florida such as the panhandle.

[belladee]

I live in Pembroke pines. on the east side. If you have 450-500+ you can move to the west side or to Weston. Both are nice areas. they are 30 minutes from the beach and Pembroke lakes elementary is a 10 rated school. This is a very ethnically diverse area so if you are white you may be in the minority. the biggest problem with the ethnicity is that your kids might get a teacher that they can not understand because of an accent so that is Not good.

There are a TON of things to do here. You can go to a different park every day for a few months or more and there are endless classes for kids (mommy and me things) the beaches are the BEST. The weather is always hot unless it is raining.

every year we wait to see if a hurricane is coming. usually you loose trees and electricity. It is not very bad you may have some house damage but that is why we pay so much for HOI.

there are mosquitoes and water bugs and lizards and sugar ants. none are a big deal inside. just keep your house REALLY clean and you wont have a problem. the mosquitoes are a pain outside.

no place is safe. keep everything locked at all times and NEVER NEVER take your eyes off your kids. but I would say the same thing wherever you live in the world. Here in PP I have had my car stolen, broken into and our work trailer was broken into. there have also been some holdups and some murders and kidnappings, but isnt that everywhere???

I can not afford to live in west pines and out here in east pines the schools are not so great. and the homes are small and the neighborhoods just are not as nice and border on bad neighborhoods but everything is so close and there is still a lot to do.

So...We are moving to Summerville SC. I did a TON of research and the homes are very affordable and it seems like a real family town with not as much to do as here but a lot. it is 40 minutes from a nice beach and the schools are very good. it is mostly in the 70's but gets just as hot and humid as here and it is said to get cold in the winters but not for long and not that cold and never snows. Ill know more when I get there at the end of the year.

good luck with your decision i know it is hard one!

[sunrico90]

The Northwest area of the state can be a choice, schools are rated A, crime is lower than the big cities, better ratio of students/teachers, and a community that works as a team. Cities to look at Fort Walton Beach, Destin, Crestview, Panama City, Niceville, Shalimar, Navarre, Gulf Breeze. This is just a small preview of towns/cities that can fit anyones needs from the rich and famous to the one living in a budget...

[leavinFL]

tallahassee!

we moved there from south florida when i was in 5th grade and it was the best move my family did. the only thing better would have been to leave the state

you have seasons; it does get hot in the summer but the spring is beautiful and fall is nice.

there are TONS of parks and gorgeous canopy roads

you are about an hour (?) drive from some secluded beaches like alligator point, much better than the east coast beaches

[backtofla]

sounds like you like it up there, so i am not sure where "leaving the state" comes in.

[5FLgirls]

I would second the Jupiter comment but also mention the suburbs of Jacksonville.

[sunrico90]

Originally Posted by leavinFL

tallahassee!

we moved there from south florida when i was in 5th grade and it was the best move my family did. the only thing better would have been to leave the state

you have seasons; it does get hot in the summer but the spring is beautiful and fall is nice.

there are TONS of parks and gorgeous canopy roads

you are about an hour (?) drive from some secluded beaches like alligator point, much better than the east coast beaches

Great place...