Moving from new jersey to florda (Boca Raton: sales, foreclosures, rent)

[bmako]

I need some help. My wife want to move to the west palm area. We have lived in NJ all our life and dont know what to expect living in florida. We are approaching 50 and have 2 kids 15 years old. Does anyone have any input or suggestions about our move? We are planning to move within 6 months . Thanks, Bill

[Bobstar]

Just from my own personal experience, for what it is worth, let your kids finish HS in NJ, then move.

[Swimmom32]

We moved from NJ to NC when my son was 7th grade we then moved here to Boca Raton last summer he was 14 and starting 9th grade High School and it was the best decision we ever made...He loves his High School and has some really great friends...he is also on the Swim Team and will be in DECA where he will meet more kids...It depends on the children...my son is 15 and will be a Sophmore...

[bmako]

I wish I could stay here, but my business is failing and I cant afford where we have a home anymore. The bills are astronomical and we HAVE to sell and move. I spent all my life in jersey and for the first time I find myself scared.

[deadhead948]

South Florida is packed with people from all over the northeast which will help you feel right at home when you get here. The home prices have gone back to where they were well over 10 years ago so if you're planning on buying you can get a really good deal around here. Just be careful with where you move to. All of south Fl. is really spotty when it comes to nice areas and not so nice. Go over the different threads and you'll find plenty of talk about where people would rather live around here. Are you going to have to find work when you get here? If you are, I have to warn you the job market is nowhere near as good as the northeast and a lot of people are having an impossible time finding employment in Florida.

[Swimmom32]

Originally Posted by deadhead948

South Florida is packed with people from all over the northeast which will help you feel right at home when you get here. The home prices have gone back to where they were well over 10 years ago so if you're planning on buying you can get a really good deal around here. Just be careful with where you move to. All of south Fl. is really spotty when it comes to nice areas and not so nice. Go over the different threads and you'll find plenty of talk about where people would rather live around here. Are you going to have to find work when you get here? If you are, I have to warn you the job market is nowhere near as good as the northeast and a lot of people are having an impossible time finding employment in Florida.

Excellent Post

[sweatyhotviolentwestpalm]

I moved here from Morris County NJ 20 yrs ago.While I don't mean to grouse about West palm area & S.FL in general it has changed for the worse in the past 5 yrs.While some do not agree,we can agree to disagree. so from your local troll (as dubbed by others) Here goes.
If your coming from morris,essex,somerset,sussex counties & sell your home you can get more house for your money here,keep in mind Homeowners ins will be at least triple here,then flood ins if needed.
There is no State sales tax however Ga$ is more expensive as is food & tax on clothing.
FPL rates are outrageous & the A/C runs 24/7/365 with exception of last winter,that was unusual you may,may turn it off 10 day's out of 365.
Crime is very high in relation to Morris,sussex,somerset counties.
S.FL as you know was home to Madoff,as well as home to other fakes,frauds,phonies & scammers.
The highest in Mortgage fraud,one of the highest in foreclosures and now one of the highest in unemployment.
I work for myself,while business has slowed I am staying steady,alot of my competition is gone.
Take it from one who moved from Morris to essex County @ the age of 15 (Livingston) think of your kids it sucks moving at that age & the S.FL schools are terrible & alot are very violent,and they could be bussed to another school 15 miles away.
Personally I look to see if you can rent in NJ & look for another Job.I know it is very expensive to live in NJ & property taxes are high,this place isn't getting any cheaper.
Maybe you can statrt a business here?? what kind of business do you have???
I want out & hopefully will sell within a yr headed to >>Allentown/Bethlehem area. Good luck to you.
P.S. It's ok to be scared,don't let fear hold you back.
"It's better to try something & fail,then do nothing & succeed"

[SAKIRAV]

I agree. Better to try. BF is 75, only regret , he says, is never trying anything new. He's living in the same home he was born in. Too afraid to try a new lifestyle.

[bmako]

Thanks for the reply. I am in the printing business and have owned/run this business for the past 30+ years in nyc. It has steadily declined and this year has been the worst. I dont want to go into a sob story with my wife and kids, but its time for a change. Not that I want it. I am being forced to move since I cannot afford the house we are in now. It's been a good and rocky run, but its over now and i'm pretty scared of all this. See, I hate change and now I have to change everything. I have never had to look for a job since I worked in a family business and now I dont know where to turn. Im at my wits end and at 50 years old, I dont know where to go or turn. I can take a lot of pressure/stress but this is overwhelming. Any suggestions or help from those who have gone through this would be greatly appreciated!!!

[summer56]

I have to differ about South Florida Schools.
I have 2 children who went to college on full Bright Future Scholarships.
I also have 2 more coming up the line.
Florida schools are not what they were 20/30 years ago.
2010 Newsweek Top Schools - Boca Raton Community High - No. 62 in the country.