advice from people who have been to florida (Des Moines, West Des Moines: relocation, real estate)

[millyp]

Hi, I'm a 20 yr old trying to leave iowa for a few years...i want to go to florida..i would like to know where people from up here liked...didn't like.....know anyone under 30 who moved down there and had success?

[Yorkie_Mom]

Originally Posted by millyp

Hi, I'm a 20 yr old trying to leave iowa for a few years...i want to go to florida..i would like to know where people from up here liked...didn't like.....know anyone under 30 who moved down there and had success?

You could post this in the Florida forum, you may get more answers down there. Either that or I can move your post down to the Florida forum.

[millyp]

Yorkie_mom..........i already have a post in Miami and in Orlando forums........I was just looking for an iowans perspective

[Luke9686]

I know a lot of people are moving out of Florida, so that makes you wonder if there is anything to that. From what I have heard, everything is overpriced, taxes are high, the real estate market is crashing, and it is overcrowded.

[Yorkie_Mom]

Originally Posted by millyp

Yorkie_mom..........i already have a post in Miami and in Orlando forums........I was just looking for an iowans perspective

Good idea, it doesn't hurt to get all the help and ideas that you can. Good luck!!!!! Yorkie

[bch7]

Recently moved to CR, I'm originally from rural farm country south of Buffalo, NY and moved to Jacksonville, FL at the age of 19 for a tour in the Navy. It took about two years to grow familiar with the crazy city and surrounding areas but the military was a catalyst for making friends and I had a great time. Clubs, spring break, racing cars, Bike Week, Daytona 500, and endless road trips to Pensicola (sp?), Daytona, St. Augustine, Orlando, and Tampa.

Keep in mind this was nearly 10 years ago before the realestate boom when you could buy a house in a safe neighborhood for 50k. I've known several young adults (some were even close friends) who were going to move to FL and make a life for themselves only to find that wages are notoriously low and there are few "good" jobs even if you have a degree.

I've often thought of returning to FL because I love the water and still have friends down there but as a 30 something father of one, I cannot think of a better place to raise a family than Iowa.

Bottom line...don't go without a plan and others to help when times get difficult...and they will. As with any relocation, financial stability is key.

[crashcop]

Originally Posted by millyp

Yorkie_mom..........i already have a post in Miami and in Orlando forums........I was just looking for an iowans perspective

Jacksonville area with the intercoastal waterways, Atlantic Beach, Neptune Beach and Jacksonville Beach are nice areas. My Uncle and his grown kids all live in the Beachs area. The Tampa area is also very liveable. Your young with no one to hold you back, go for it. I left Iowa for KCMO when I was 23, and had nothing but my car, clothes, and an old TV. Have fun before you get committed.

[Chase2U]

Being 20 and trying to move anywhere that far away from home could be difficult. But I've done it on more than one occassion. You do really just need a plan of what you'll do once you get there and make it work because no one well do it for you. I went to college for a year at the University of West FLoirda and had a blast only because of the friends I made. Pensacola is really just lower Alabama with a beach and not to much on the scenic side enless your at the beach. Florida really becomes FLorida when you get south of Gainesville as far as I'm Concerned. Now as for the others, Orlando is really just Disney world where everything is over priced for no reason that I can figure. Miami is a beautiful city full of pastell colors, but you better be street smart. For a bad situation can find you in a second in that city. One of my best friends is from there and refuses to live there again due to crime and numerous other things, oh and its also expensive. I actually like tampa, and I wish I was still there, but I was alittle to young at the time and moved back home after falling on my face. Me and my girl just went down on vacation in Feb. and are looking on moving back. It is an area thats growing and no matter what anyone tells you you can live in an apartment with WAY MORE AMMENATIES than you can find in west Des Moines for the same price. I'm talking swimming pools, and fitness centers. I think West Des Moines forgets its in Iowa sometimes... Its also the most beautiful 20 min. drive to the beach down in clearwater. So you get both, the city and the beach. Now everyone has a different opinion but thats mine so good luck. Florida really is my home away from home, that well hopefully be home again

[tamale6961]

Okay, I don't normally write on here, but will do for another Iowan! I have lived in the South for 16 years, and have LOVED it. Currently we live in the Navarre Beach area (between Ft.Walton Beach and Pensacola). We have also lived close to Tallahassee and liked it over there-mostly due to friends-but really ANY town is what you make of it, that way.

Pensacola is probably a little less expensive than some other places, but since I don't know where in Iowa you are coming from, it is hard to make a comparison that way-you can always do that online, though. Frankly, this area has GROWN by leaps and bounds and is no longer just Lower Alabama! There is always a lot to do around here and we are also only about 25-30 to Destin, and lots to do there-especially for those your age. But really you can find all kinds of restaurants, concerts, malls, etc. in any of the towns I mentioned and the overall area is really beautiful. Just can't BEAT the local beaches-absolutely GORGEOUS!!!
We have the best of both worlds, we don't have the crime that the penisula has and the people are really friendly! I really think you will like the western panhandle-come for a visit and see for yourself-then decide!
Hope this is helpful!
Go Hawks!!!

[TommyG]

We're in the process of moving from western IA to the Orlando area - we're hoping to be in, settled, and enjoying a warm fall/winter no later than Oct 1.