What part of Brevard County for me? (Tampa, Destin: oceanfront, condos)

[Carrie8038]

I read recently they are widening N. Wickham. Is this going to alleviate the problem you described above or is this project something separate?

[Manuel de Vol]

I don't know, Carrie. If I could shift North Wickham to Germany and had a copy of the plan, I might be able to comment.

American driving standards [and I'm not being gratuitously rude, this is basic fact] are abysmal - the N Wickham/I 95 junction would (in Europe) be eminently fixable, but given the lack of skill. lack of observation and lack of basic common sense exhibited by the average driver around here, the chances of a simple fix [and if people followed the rules, such a system would work] are about zero.

The Average American Driver (and I've spent many years investigating this beast) thinks that he/she is the ONLY person on the road and has a GOD GIVEN right to do whatever he or she thinks (including and text messages) whenever he or she thinks it's appropriate.

I'm a UK Police trained class A. (A pursuit rider(motorcycle) or car driver). I am familiar with (and accustomed occasionally to using) speeds in excess of 150 mph.

I don't think you have people like me here. You don't need them. Most of the motorists I've encountered around here shouldn't be allowed to drive at anything above 30 mph.

Most would fail a basic competence test elsewhere.

Best advice around here?

Look out of ALL the windowa (you are allowed to run your head.

Remember this rule - it will save your life!

Use the mirror (first thing)
Use your turn signal
Then Manoeuvre


And there's another bit ... the 'lifesaver' (and if you ride a motorcycle, you'll understand why)

TWIST YOUR HEAD TO THE LEFT AND LOOK:

You are actually supposed to do this a before you move to the left.

I Wonder how many people are aware that they'e actually supposed to look where they are going?


Keep to the Right (all the time unless you're overtaking)
Keep an eye on the left hand mirror,

[Manuel de Vol]

Well Pearl - if you want to come and have a look, you can either come and stay with us or p-mail me.

I do like living here. It isn't cheap but it works.

If the roof needs fixing- they fix it.
If the microwave needs fixing- they fix it.

If you'd like to talk about it I can give you either an e-mail addy or a phone number (I'd prefer not to do the latter, because that does cost me money.

[Manuel de Vol]

Originally Posted by gardenpearl

Thank you for your feedback. I do like gated communities with HOA's, but agree they are a mixed bag; some are definitely run better than others.

I agree there is nowhere in Florida where you don't need a car, or you will be isolated and bored to death. It's actually the same where I live up north, as I am in a shoreline town here about 15 minutes from a city. But because Florida is such a huge state compared to where I live now (CT), I note things in Florida are much more spread out.

For example, last year I stayed in north Bradenton on the west coast for a month, but when I wanted to go to Sarasota, that was 20 miles, and when I wanted to go to St. Pete, that was about 25 miles. The nearest restaurant was 8 miles from where I stayed. Doctors, dentists, lawyers, etc. were all going to be about 35 - 40 minutes away. So it got to be a bit much with all the driving to do anything, and that gave me reservations about choosing that particular area. I will have to visit Melbourne and Palm Bay and other towns in the area to see how it is in comparison.

So just come and try. We've got a house. Most of the time, most of it is empty.

If you want to stay, let me know.

Do I have space? - Who knows.

2 people live here.

3 rooms

[Manuel de Vol]

But this would be where you live and it is possible to live like that.

[gardenpearl]

Thanks for all the info, Manuel! I will be visiting my brother who has a place in Jensen Beach sometime this winter, so I will have a chance to drive farther north and look around the area. I'll message you before I come down.

It sounds like your gated community was a good choice for you. Some other advantages of gated communities would probably be safety, and depending on the community, the social interaction and the chance to hopefully make some connections and friends in the area. I think communities differ in this regard though, from what I've heard.

[TN Tin Man]

If you do move into a HOA Community... Know the facts first. Not Verbal Facts... written Bi-Laws of the community. Know how many members own property in the community. Then take that "Written Bi-Laws " too a "Good Attorney " not a attorney that has any interest in that community and or real estate representing that community. Then do even more research on land - future development - and any liens on the contractors and or management firm representing that community. With all the Real Estate since 2005. It's Buyer Beware... research research research.. And be very very wary of deals that are too good too be true..most likely it's a scam.

[gardenpearl]

Having lived in condo communities up north - something I wouldn't recommend to my worst enemy - I understand what you mean. Not all boards and management companies are good. Most condo problems in the places I've lived in involve construction and repairs. Because the condos are attached to each other, residents are not able or allowed to handle outside maintenance of the condos themselves.

I am hoping that by buying into a new construction, gated community in Florida where the homes are detached, I will have more control over the upkeep of the place, and won't have to wait years for a condo board to fix a leaky roof or deck, for instance; something which is all too common up here.

[TN Tin Man]

Originally Posted by garden pearl

Having lived in condo communities up north - something I wouldn't recommend to my worst enemy - I understand what you mean. Not all boards and management companies are good. Most condo problems in the places I've lived in involve construction and repairs. Because the condos are attached to each other, residents are not able or allowed to handle outside maintenance of the condos themselves.

I am hoping that by buying into a new construction, gated community in Florida where the homes are detached, I will have more control over the upkeep of the place, and won't have to wait years for a condo board to fix a leaky roof or deck, for instance; something which is all too common up here.

Then in 5 years when you want too paint the front door a certain color and you have too have that approved by the board. Or the height of your A/C Condensing Unit which has too be a certain height when you buy a new one in 15 years. These are items you check into before even signing your name.. trees -- shrubs -- type of grass. And every year watch what is put into the bi-laws or what is pulled out of the bi-laws.. and who & whom sits on the board and what connections they have in the community.
This is all HOA / POA Condominiums -- Homes - Multi-Home Units -- Town Homes - just watch and all ways CYA !! The other item you need too watch for is the term " The Discrete Buyer "

Happy Holidays

[1sorelooser]

I work for Advanced Tree Experts in the phone book so I've been all through Brevard county.
If you want a Beautiful place to live, it's Cocoa Beach.
The beaches are beautiful in the summer with lots of tourists and more than 1 hospital!
It does seem though that there is a lot more work in the melbourne area than the Cocoa area!