Moving to Palm Beach County (Tampa, Lake Worth: real estate, to rent, insurance)

[librarian-inDC]

Hi Everyone,

I have been reading the posts here and everyone is so honest and helpful.
My husband really wants to move to Palm Beach. I am not so sure, especially after reading through some of these posts. He wants to work as a counselor in a rehab center and I will be trying to find a job as a librarian in a public school. We both are 54 and we like to play golf as well as other outdoor activities. He lived in the Tampa area for 15 years in his thirties and early forties. We live in Bethesda, Md. He hates it here and he is underemployed. Moving to Florida is all he talks about, however, I have a great job that I lover that pays well over 100K. We have been looking at homes to purchase on the internet and it is very misleading. Lake Worth which is described here as ghetto like is advertised on real estate sites as a cool, urban artsy place. He insists the cost of living is so much cheaper in Florida than where we live, but I will have to take a 75k pay cut. Money isn't everything and I would like to be able to enjoy outdoor activities year round. We would like to buy a house or a condo for around 150k in a neighborhood that is safe and close to the beach. My husband wants to buy a house or condo now before we have secured jobs. Is he crazy?
Thanks,
Librarian-inDC

[TriMT7]

Yes, it is crazy to purchase real estate immediately upon moving, let alone before jobs are secure.

If jobs are secure, then you can search out your options. It would be helpful to rent for a while as well, to explore the different areas and towns and neighborhoods, each of which can have their own distinct lifestyles.

[midnightfapper]

$150k will definitely get you an ok place, home values are still pretty low and it's a decent time to buy.

The thing about South Florida is you're always going to be fairly close to the beach. Lake Worthless is a fairly dumpy place, although there are pockets of somewhat nice areas. There are soo many better places to move to.

Like Tri said, you really need to get down here and get a feel for things. After 6-12 months of exploring and looking at houses you'll probably be able to make an informed decision.

[librarian-inDC]

thanks
I will be down in the spring. sounds like renting would be better than buying for awhile.

[cfbs2691]

Originally Posted by TriMT7

Yes, it is crazy to purchase real estate immediately upon moving, let alone before jobs are secure.

If jobs are secure, then you can search out your options. It would be helpful to rent for a while as well, to explore the different areas and towns and neighborhoods, each of which can have their own distinct lifestyles.

Agreed!

[BillieUSA]

Yes. He is crazy, and you are mislead too, but that does not mean you should not dream of moving.

1. It will be a miracle if you find a job as a public school librarian (here known as media specialists), even if you have Florida certification, since these jobs are considered education related. In Florida these jobs require teaching and technology expertise, and are plum jobs grabbed by insiders. If you have an MLS you could do better in a public or university library. You will definitely take a cut in pay, but it is cheaper to live in Florida. The expensive thing here is insurance, auto, homeowner's, wind, flood, for example.
2. If you can afford it, why don't you rent a tiny place that you can travel to often and leave some stuff, so you can begin to experience the lifestyle and also take time to look around.