Future move to gulf coast--college info./cost of living questions, please.. (Miami: rental, house)

[donaldgage]

Greetings from TN--

Our family will possibly be relocating to the Gulf Coast early next year, & I had some questions/concerns regarding schools, rental costs, etc.

I am moving to be closer to the school I am currently attending online, as well as nearer to better teaching opportunities. We have 3 daughters, and so I am wondering...what is the cost of living like in the area? We would have to rent at first. Would I be able to find something decent (a 3/2) in a family-friendly neighborhood?

For those who would know...are private school salaries comparable with those of other cities in Florida (or higher)? Is it a good time to rent a house in the area?

Also...does anyone have any info. regarding Florida Theological Seminary? How close is this school to Ft. Myers (doable on a weekend?)

I may be in Florida for a visit this summer or fall, and was wondering what neighborhoods would be worth looking at (by name, if possible).

Oh, also, we would be looking at income in mid-40s; I'm assuming this area is more affordable than other South Florida cities (Miami, for example). Is this a correct assumption?

Hopefully, this isn't info. overload, but...we moved to mid-TN last year, and now feel stifled and confined during the cold months; and the more I research, there are higher-quality schools for my field in Central and Coastal Florida. Without being funny, weather does play a huge role in our ultimate permanent location.

Any thoughts or advice (or specific information) is GREATLY APPRECIATED!