[Niccijtb]

My husband and I are looking to relocate from VA to FL in around 2 years time. We want something on the Gulf Coast but we're not sure where to look. Originally we were looking at Clearwater but discounted that as the one way in/out of the area made traffic terrible and out of season it felt deserted. Next up was Naples but we're considering discounting that as although he's retiring he'll only be 42 and we've heard its mainly 60+ ages there with little to do. We are now thinking of Venice or anywhere north of Miami and South of Jacksonville so any feedback would be great. We can both get funding for certain degree courses so can retrain for work but we are looking for somewhere with decent job opportunities (he'll be retired military and i'm an executive assistant. Thinking of retraining in paralegal studies or finance). Schools are not an issue and we're hoping to get a 3 bed 2 bath house for around $150k. Again any help would be much appreciated! Thanks!

[kyle19125]

An area with a healthy jobs outlook sounds key, as well as homes around 150K. Jacksonville (specifically the south side) is what I would recommend. It's one of four major metro areas in the state and the only one on the coast that fits your criteria and has job availability/density. The city has a lot to do, ranging from cultural events to pro sports, the beaches and much more. Good luck!

[Niccijtb]

Hi thanks for the recommendation but we didn't like Jacksonville, we preferred the gulf coast when we were visiting and Jacksonville was just too busy for us. Thanks again though!

[Jlopes26]

Sarasota will fit your bill..

[Sunny-Days-in-Florida]

Originally Posted by Jlopes26

Sarasota will fit your bill..

I agree.

I do not think Naples will be for you only being 42.

Sarasota is a huge mix of ages and of course one of the gems of the Gulf Coast beauty.

[Niccijtb]

We'll definitely look into Sarasota as his brother used to live there and said it was nice - any areas to avoid when house hunting?

[southgeorgia]

Originally Posted by Niccijtb

. . . or anywhere north of Miami and South of Jacksonville . . . .

none of those areas are on the gulf coast, if that matters to you.


if i had to move to any one city in FL right now, it would be Jacksonville. I've always liked that area.

My family is from south FL, so i've been there quite a bit, and I would never consider living there. The gulf side is more tolerable though than the south FL atlantic coast.

[gypsychic]

Originally Posted by southgeorgia

none of those areas are on the gulf coast, if that matters to you.


if i had to move to any one city in FL right now, it would be Jacksonville. I've always liked that area.

My family is from south FL, so i've been there quite a bit, and I would never consider living there. The gulf side is more tolerable though than the south FL atlantic coast.

Well they did say they didn't like Jax.

I agree about Sarasota. It's a beautiful small city with the nicest beaches on the Gulf. You can search the forums for a lot of good info on Sarasota.

[SoFLGal]

I'm going to also suggest the Sarasota area. In your price range you'd probably be best suited in the Gulf Gate or South Gate areas.

[Floridagulfvacation]

Check out Indian Shores, The Tampa Bay beaches, and the barrier island along Clearwater/St Pete.