Naples vs. Palm Bay (Cape Coral, Melbourne: real estate, insurance, crime)

[Hogzilla]

My husband and I may be relocating to Florida this spring. Right now we are looking at Naples or the Palm Bay/Melbourne area. We currently live in Oklahoma City but are originally from Arkansas. We are 30ish, no kids yet, easy going people just looking for a great area to call home. I'd like to get some honest opinions on these 2 areas. Housing seems about the same price-wise. Is the gulf beach in Naples nicer than the atlantic side of Palm Bay? My husband will be relocating for his job so job-hunting will only be a factor for me. Which area has the least amount of crime and nicest people? We don't care too much about the entertainment.....as long as there are a few nice places to have a drink or shop, etc. Are hurricanes less likely on the east coast? What's the difference in the weather? Of course, being in Oklahoma, we have the constant threat of tornadoes. And we welcome the hot weather. We hate hate hate cold! Thanks for your honest answers.

[kjbreau]

These facts may help you out:

Palm Bay - Nice area, more rural, less people, lower real estate cost, windier, cooler, and more risk of storms.

Naples - Higher cost of living, more people, roads are plugged solid 24/7. Ft. Myers is a 50 minute drive, 25 miles away on the superspeedway. Warmer, less storms, calmer winds. real estate costs much more here.

Either way, be careful what you buy. You will be on the coasts and afforadable insurance may be difficult to get unless the home is built in 2005 or newer.

[kjbreau]

Forgot to mention, you may want to consider Cape Coral. There are many great deals there on housing. I used an agent there by the name of Dan Starowitz. Just do a search for him. Honest and hard working.

[Hogzilla]

We were actually considering Cape Coral, but have heard some negative things about it. Bad traffic, bad school system, and overall poor economy. What's your take on this?

[justNancy]

Originally Posted by Hogzilla

We were actually considering Cape Coral, but have heard some negative things about it. Bad traffic, bad school system, and overall poor economy. What's your take on this?

Naples is so different from Cape Coral that it's hard to compare the 2 cities. The only thing I can suggest is to spend a week in Southwest Florida and make your own opinion. You will know when you drive around. They're like night & day.

[kjbreau]

Naples and Cape Coral are very different. Naples is far more upscale. if you choose Cape Coral. Southeast or southwest are the most desirable areas there.

[imagardener]

We just moved from Naples and drove around the state looking for a new home. Palm Bay was on our list becuase it's on one of those "Top retirement" lists. If you like Naples you will hate Palm Bay.
They could not be more different.

You cannot make this decision long distance. You need to drive around, see, feel, get to know an area.
No way are the real estate prices similar, even though Naples has come down in price lately.

Driving around Palm Bay told us it wasn't for us but you might think it's great.
Atlantic beaches are very different from Gulf beaches. Surfers will want the Atlantic side.
Naples beaches are well-known worldwide. Palm Bay has no beaches.

You really need to come drive around. There is no other way to avoid making a mistake in choosing where to live.