Looking for info on Port Orange, Daytona area... (Orlando, Daytona Beach: insurance, violent crime)

[Linn310]

Any info on Port Orange area or within a 30 mile radius such as good, safe neighborhoods, plenty of shopping and jobs, etc...

Looking to relocate and have only looked in the southern portions of Florida...but find taxes, along with insurance are a bit high...

After doing some research, find these costs in the northern region so much less...don't know if the northerners get hit with high insurance such as hurricane & flood for over $4000...can anyone advise??

[daytonadewd]

Originally Posted by Linn310

Any info on Port Orange area or within a 30 mile radius such as good, safe neighborhoods, plenty of shopping and jobs, etc...

Looking to relocate and have only looked in the southern portions of Florida...but find taxes, along with insurance are a bit high...

After doing some research, find these costs in the northern region so much less...don't know if the northerners get hit with high insurance such as hurricane & flood for over $4000...can anyone advise??

You're not going to get many responses because you posted under Ocala -- would suggest you post under general "Florida" thread instead (Daytona doesn't have a "specific" subforum yet). Ocala is located 75 miles from this area and most people there wouldn't really know enough to help much.

I would suggest you do further research about the Florida economy first and jobs on CD, as you'll find the job market is pretty stale for most skills.

South Florida (generally) pays better than Central or North Florida. There is also more opportunities there (if availble now). That's WHY costs are cheaper in Central/North Florida. You make $8/hour, instead of $15.

Generally, schools are also generally better in S. Florida, with specific counties having specific program or school exceptions.

Daytona Beach and Orlando have major stores/shopping areas/malls that you won't be lacking for access to much of anything.

Homeowner's insurance is a tall proposition right now in ALL of Florida. People are holding their breaths to get renewed. Essentially, the further away from the Coast right now, the better your chances. Coverage on barrier islands is extremely high, if even available -- throughout the ENTIRE state right now. You also need to pay up front for specific inspections to have access to better rates -- only problem is if there is ANY "problem" found in the inspection, the underwriters will use this info. against you, but the possibility to save hundreds, if not thousands on your annual coverage rates are worth the risks. (A knowledgeable realtor should be able to assist you on this process to get inspections before closing as part of your contract).

If you have a relationship with an insurer/agent from where you are relocating from, your first call should be to see if they will cover your new FL property. The second call is to get the inspections so you can get the affordable quotes/discounts. Do not even think about skimping on a Flood policy as if there's a drop of water from any damage, you'd be covered. If you don't have it, forget about your company paying out!

Don't know what "normal" is for you, but the Daytona/Port Orange area has VERY low violent crime. Most crime in the area is drugs, prostitution, petty theft and some burglaries which are based on transients and special events population who eventually get caught. I feel very safe here. There's a great "community" feel.

There is also very low traffic congestion.

Your biggest issue will be finding employment, which may even take you over a year right now! (McDonalds isn't even hiring at the moment.)