Naples/Bonita Springs/ Estero for Single mom (fit in, to rent)

[Shnnoncaseyb]

Do people still use this site? I hope so. I need help. I’m 30yr single mother wanting to move to FL. I’ve been reading the forums for Naples area, as well as Bonita springs and Estero. I’ve been looking at houses on Zillow and the first section I go to are the school ratings. I also have seen some people say that Naples is great for families and others say only for older people. Where would one move to if she was 30, single and had a 5yr old in tow? Suggestions? Advice?

Cheers
Shannon

[RMD3819]

Originally Posted by Shnnoncaseyb

Do people still use this site? I hope so. I need help. I’m 30yr single mother wanting to move to FL. I’ve been reading the forums for Naples area, as well as Bonita springs and Estero. I’ve been looking at houses on Zillow and the first section I go to are the school ratings. I also have seen some people say that Naples is great for families and others say only for older people. Where would one move to if she was 30, single and had a 5yr old in tow? Suggestions? Advice?

Cheers
Shannon

Naples is first and foremost a retirement community for wealthy retirees.

That said it is becoming more family oriented especially in North Naples.

What is your housing budget?

Do you need employment? What field?

The more info we have about your situation the better advice we can offer.

[Shnnoncaseyb]

Thanks. To be quite honest it’s for a change. The housing budget would most likely 250k. It’s just us two so I’d be looking for a 2 bedroom to buy. Once down there and settled I’d be looking for admin work.

I’ll be visiting next month and hope to find something. I wanted to give the realtor some areas I’d be interested in. Obviously he/she would also know where young families are as well.

[markjames68]

You can get a decent condo in that price range. Be careful of extra costs and HOA fees. Is there a reason why you are moving without a job lined up? And why Naples in particular?

[Shnnoncaseyb]

Thanks for responding. I have been applying via Indeed but it’s tough not being there while doing so. Once my parents retire they are headed to Naples. So, this will also be a home my parents/brother would visit for vacations. I don’t need to be in Naples but being close to family would be nice. Also, Collier County was #3 for the best schools in Florida.

Yes, I have noticed some of the high HOA fees on some of the condos I’ve seen.

[RMD3819]

Originally Posted by Shnnoncaseyb

Thanks. To be quite honest it’s for a change. The housing budget would most likely 250k. It’s just us two so I’d be looking for a 2 bedroom to buy. Once down there and settled I’d be looking for admin work.

I’ll be visiting next month and hope to find something. I wanted to give the realtor some areas I’d be interested in. Obviously he/she would also know where young families are as well.

I don't want to be a downer here but we need to delve a little more into the financials....

A single parent moving to Naples for "a change" with no job sends up a red flag.

If you are coming with $250K in cash then you'll be OK for a while. If you are getting a mortgage on a $250K house/condo that is a different story.

You will need a wad of cash to move here if you have no income stream. Rents are high and jobs don't pay well.

Naples is an expensive place to live.

Trying to be helpful and not harsh.

[Richard818]

What's your rush to buy? Why not test the waters first and rent for a year in an area/school district you think might work for you before you invest in an area you know little about without a job lined up?

[Shnnoncaseyb]

Okay. Understandable. I didn’t know this site needed to know all my financial info ��. I will be getting help which is why I am able to go down with no job at first. Plus this will basically be a second home to my parents until they buy something of their own. So, they don’t want to rent. Waste of money.

I see that Collier county school systems have high ratings which is great and is needed. I just don’t want be in a location where I won’t fit in.

[Shnnoncaseyb]

Ah, my emoji didn’t show up. But it was a laughing one. I know you guys are just trying to be helpful.

[markjames68]

Take a look at condos in Heritage Bay. Good schools in the area, and a bit further out so it should hit your price point.

The problem is that the other posters are right - if you don’t want to be in a position where you don’t fit in, it’s tough in Naples. The ‘better’ areas and communities (ie closer to the beach and amenities) are outside your budget and the majority of condos are owned by snowbirds. It will probably be 10-20 more years before the demographics get more balanced and it becomes a year round community rather than one dominated by “season”.

Schools are better in Collier, but housing is more expensive and I’m not sure how exciting it will be for a single mom.

However the weather is great and if you have family around there are far worse places to move to.