Looking for Semi-Rural in Tampa/Ocala (Orlando, Lakeland: appointed, real estate, insurance)

[neoh4]

I have the opportunity to relocate to Florida and work for fairly large national corporation. The only requirements would be for me to be fairly centrally located as to be able to cover the entire state as a territory.
We currently live in NE Ohio on 2.25 acres, in a very nice semi-rural area, with solid schools, where you know everyone.
I am looking for recommendations for the same type of community in the greater Tampa area. My wife and I are both 40, 10 yr old daughter that has a horse, and 15 year old son that loves baseball. Both are involved in 4-H, and we do not need a ton of things to entertain us.
I would be interested in 2.5 to 3 acres with a 1800-2200 sq ft home, with barn and pasture to keep our horse. Strength of schools, and being involved in the community are very important to me. I have coached youth baseball, and basketball for 10 years, and would still like this type of involvement wher I can make a difference in the community.
I guess I would like to stay within 45 to 60 minutes from Tampa, so we could go and get our fill of entertainment when we would desire.
These areas have to exist, however I am not familiar enough with Florida to know. Through research, I have learned of areas such as Lakeland, Leesburg, Anthony, Dunnelon, Belleview, Plant City, etc.
I am not real interested in Ocala, as it appears as though real estate it way to inflated, and I am looking for a smaller community where safety, good schools, and community involvement are alive an well.
Please send me your suggestions.
Thanks to all in advance.

[Mike Peterson]

Originally Posted by neoh4

I have the opportunity to relocate to Florida and work for fairly large national corporation. The only requirements would be for me to be fairly centrally located as to be able to cover the entire state as a territory.
We currently live in NE Ohio on 2.25 acres, in a very nice semi-rural area, with solid schools, where you know everyone.
I am looking for recommendations for the same type of community in the greater Tampa area. My wife and I are both 40, 10 yr old daughter that has a horse, and 15 year old son that loves baseball. Both are involved in 4-H, and we do not need a ton of things to entertain us.
I would be interested in 2.5 to 3 acres with a 1800-2200 sq ft home, with barn and pasture to keep our horse. Strength of schools, and being involved in the community are very important to me. I have coached youth baseball, and basketball for 10 years, and would still like this type of involvement wher I can make a difference in the community.
I guess I would like to stay within 45 to 60 minutes from Tampa, so we could go and get our fill of entertainment when we would desire.
These areas have to exist, however I am not familiar enough with Florida to know. Through research, I have learned of areas such as Lakeland, Leesburg, Anthony, Dunnelon, Belleview, Plant City, etc.
I am not real interested in Ocala, as it appears as though real estate it way to inflated, and I am looking for a smaller community where safety, good schools, and community involvement are alive an well.
Please send me your suggestions.
Thanks to all in advance.

Brooksville, about 45 minutes north of Tampa may be what you are looking for.
Rural but close enough to Tampa, about 1 hour and 15 minutes to Orlando and you can still get a home on some acreage for a decent price.

[gypsychic]

I agree that Brooksville may be the ticket for you. Also, between Plant City and Lakeland you might find something. We currently live in Dade City, which is a charming hilly town 45 min. north of Tampa, but it's gotten pricey here the last several years - still might be worth a look.

[MyHomeIsInOcala]

Dunnellon and or Anthony, although nice, will put you out more than 90 minutes from Orlando or Tampa (with no traffic jams) via the Free way.



We brought our family here from NEO and have been very disappointed in the High Schools (the elementary is ok). Our oldest actually went back to OH to finish school and the middle child is going to follow this year... They had to go to Dunnellon once we got here.

Leesburg is fine for retirees in their 55+ communities, but the city is pretty rough, it reminds me a little of some of the towns closer to Cleveland or Youngstown. (IMO)

Have you checked Dade City or Zephyrhills? They maybe cheaper.

Try to stay as central to the state as possible, if you are buying, this is due to insurance costs. You will be looking at homes in the low $320's up, for something like what you described.

Good Luck!

[daniellefort]

Of the ones you listed, Dunnellon and Belleview would be my choice. Wouldn't live in Brooksville as that town is getting pretty bad if you don't want your kids getting involved in the drugs. they are everywhere there. Though the closer you are to Ocala area, your that much further from Tampa. I live in Inverness about 25 minutes south of Ocala. Nice small quiet town with good schools and 7 lake chain in the middle of downtown. you might want to check it out. Also easy access to I-75, FL turnpike and the Suncoast parkway which will make it an easy commute to Tampa and Orlando.

[neoh4]

This information is priceless to me, and I appreciate it very much. I know ultimately it is my decision on what is best for my family, and good honest input is very much appreciated.
Being that we live in a rural area, my kids are not exposed to the pressures and influences of drugs like it seems like I hear in so many of these areas. Do not misunderstand this, I am not naive in thinking we do not have them, or that is not a problem, it just appears that the level of exposure may be greater in this area.
I am very plugged into our community as I see most of our kids quite a bit through my involvement in youth sports. I still say keep them involved, and keep them busy and they won't have the time to get into trouble, but that's another thread in and of itself.
Please keep the communication rolling, and thanks so much.
neoh4