Husbands job is moving us from NJ to Lake Mary - where the heck to live?

[tricon7]

Although, depending on the specific neighborhood, Wekiwa and Longwood have black bears roaming the area coming out of Wekiwa State Park. Being a former zookeeper, I would tend to want to live in such an area. :>))

[ByeByeLW]

My mother and her husband love having the bears around. Also, for the past two season, mama doe and the babes have found safe haven in their yard

As long as you know how to live with them, the bears shouldn't be a problem.

[steven r.]

You know I was curious about a move to Florida myself and I'm originally from New York but have called Virginia home for the past 7 years. Lake Mary looks nice but my biggest concern about Florida would be adjusting to a lower level of income. Annually we bring in about 104K, before taxes, and I've heard so many bad things about trying to earn a living in Florida. My brother and his finance live down there, in Ocala, they just had a new baby and wanted the family closer together in which case is the only reason I see to move there. I hear Ocala is just plain horrible, but see a lot more positives about Orlando, Winter Park, and Lake Mary.

[Dee2e]

I live in Longwood, 2 miles from Lake Mary. Ocala is a do able drive from here. You'll find more work opportunities in the Orlando area than Ocala.

Wages are lower but so are the costs of real estate, real estate taxes and there are no state or local wage taxes in Florida.

If you have questions, I'll be happy to answer. I've been in Florida since the mid 80s.

[LuvOrlando]

If you can, leave those toddlers with a grandma or someone and come to Orlando and drive around. Visit these places. Go when kids get out of school and see how the neighborhood kids are behaving.

Before you settle on a house or place, visit the grocery store after people get out of work. Check out the local Wal-Mart or Target. See if this is a place you will be happy doing your errands. Drive the area at ten or eleven o'clock on a Friday or Saturday night. It's the best advice I got when I was relocating and saved me from moving to a place I wouldn't have liked.

Lake Mary is really nice. So is Lake Nona...and Windermere, etc. A lot of people like Dr. Phillips, but the shopping areas are a little too busy for my taste. Depends what you like.

Drive, drive, drive. Take notes.

Trulia is your friend, but a good realtor will help!! Get a realtor - a good one. I can recommend one when you're actually serious, if you want. She's not a shark and will be honestly happier selling you a cheaper house if she thinks you'll be happier. She's very professional and with a sound company. She's a gem! I went through three others before I found her. No way I'd recommend someone for the hell of it! (And I'm not in the business, lol, trying to make money. )

Whoever you pick, make sure they're with a company that is sound. There are many fly-by-night real estate companies and shady, part-time realtors. Choose wisely.

I was advised to have a lawyer review the paperwork before signing. I did that and he said everything was in order, so I could have not paid him at all. But you never know. Better safe than sorry, KWIM?

House hunting in a new place is a chore. Get in touch with a realtor BEFORE you arrive, so you can check houses and have some to see while you're here.

Good luck! And welcome to Orlando!!!