[2thecoast]

Hi - my husband and I are researching where to move and have landed on Florida & we think, more specifically Tampa. HOWEVER, we are moving from out of state so want to be sure we pick "our best place." Since FL has a lot of coastline, I thought I'd pose my question here as well.

Here's our parameters:

1. great schools (currently elementary and prefer public. We'd want to stay in our place & not feel pressure to move once we get to HS. Recognize this is a ways off, but time flies...)
2. close to beach. In a perfect world, we could walk or bike a mile & get there. Driving = 10 minutes.
3. Minimum 3 br, 1/5 ba (we'll go small for the right location). Budget - up to $400k.
4. We both telecommute so goal is to work from home in shorts & flip flops most of the year vs. jeans & fleece.
5. We currently live in a walking neighborhood, but schools are questionable after elementary. Ideally, we'd get this again but with better schools.
6. Airport - since we telecommute, we'd need to be within an hour of an airport for travel 1-2x/month.
7. Younger crowd, more liberal than conservative, plenty of activities for the kids.

Thanks for your ideas!

[harrycrat]

Consider Miami Beach, city view for 400K...

[jghorton]

Originally Posted by 2thecoast

Hi - my husband and I are researching where to move and have landed on Florida & we think, more specifically Tampa. HOWEVER, we are moving from out of state so want to be sure we pick "our best place." Since FL has a lot of coastline, I thought I'd pose my question here as well.

Here's our parameters:

1. great schools (currently elementary and prefer public. We'd want to stay in our place & not feel pressure to move once we get to HS. Recognize this is a ways off, but time flies...)
2. close to beach. In a perfect world, we could walk or bike a mile & get there. Driving = 10 minutes.
3. Minimum 3 br, 1/5 ba (we'll go small for the right location). Budget - up to $400k.
4. We both telecommute so goal is to work from home in shorts & flip flops most of the year vs. jeans & fleece.
5. We currently live in a walking neighborhood, but schools are questionable after elementary. Ideally, we'd get this again but with better schools.
6. Airport - since we telecommute, we'd need to be within an hour of an airport for travel 1-2x/month.
7. Younger crowd, more liberal than conservative, plenty of activities for the kids.

Thanks for your ideas!

Central Florida is great! We lived in Tampa for several years (until the traffic got too heavy) -- We then moved to central Florida and ultimately to the East Coast (Brevard County) -- which meets all of the criteria you specified! -- We've actually lived ON the beach (Condo) for the past several years and love it -- Satellite Beach and Cocoa Beach and Viera high schools (and elementary) are top-ranked, college-focused schools with surrounding, upscale, family-oriented neighborhoods .

The Melbourne Airport is large, beautiful and new, but somewhat limited in destination choices ... however, Orlando International is only about 50 minutes away from the coast. - Good luck!

[vegasandre]

Jupiter would be a great choice. high ranked schools, on the beach. PBI airport 20 mins ft laud- 1 hour.