Moving to Florida? (Orlando, Gainesville, West Palm Beach: foreclosed, homes, to buy)

[cscarew]

I work in the medical field(Radiation therapy), and I'm interested in learning as much as I can about the economy...jobs,housing,cost of living,schools, etc. as I can. I'm pretty sure I would be living north of Orlando, but south of Ocala. Anyone have any tips for a current Midwestener, I've lived in many states S Carolina,Georgia,Virginia,Indiana,Ohio, Michigan, and Arizona. I'm looking for a permanent home state with warm weather, limited racial issues(like SC nad GA) and a lower cost of living than AZ. Thanks

[OTownHelper12]

What do you consider a racial issue?

I have a friend who is a realtor in Beverly Hills FL...she could tell you about that area it is between Ocala and Orlando and may be to your liking. She loves it there. I try to get her to move to Orlando but she won't. Unlike Orlando the pace is slower and there is no congestion there. Maybe an area that you would find interesting.

[cscarew]

What I mean by racial issues.....my husband is multi-racial, as are our children, I wouldn't want to raise my children in any state that is still so racially segregated like SC and GA

[naturemom]

Dont go south of West Palm Beach....very segregated. Its a great time to buy in Florida- lots of nice homes being foreclosed on and great prices!

[Wilshire81182]

Florida is not considered a true southern state by many, especially south of Gainesville/Ocala/Daytona. The racial segregation common in SC, rural GA, AL, MS is not something I think you would experience here. Once you look around, especially in Orlando, you will realize many people here are from up North, the midwest, and Puerto Rico.I think people here are pretty open to diversity and interracial relations, different lifestyles, etc. Congratulations on your move and welcome to Florida!

[cfIfan]

I can only offer advice on where i live, and im in Winter Garden. In terms of multiracial, i am from the UK and have an english accent, but i am also half arab, and my wife is a blonde American. Where we live we have never experienced any problems, whilst im sure there are some bad areas which this would be an issue, i cant say it is where we are.

If Schools is a high priority for you, Winter Garden has some excellent schools, but Seminole County is regarded as having the best schools, but then this isnt your area as it is more East Orlando.

Good luck