[humboldtsgt]

I plan on pulling the plug in 4 years and retiring/leaving California. The climate of Florida appeals to me as I enjoy riding my motorcycle more than 3 months of the year, boating and raising my grandson (who will be entering 7th grade at this time). So my question, as broad as it may seem is can someone point me in the general direction of an area where there is/are lake(s) near that are consistent with family boating (skiiing etc..) but is also near decent schools (high school and colleges).

I see the Ocala area appears to have quite a few lakes in the area (leesburg etc...).

I guess its pointless to say that I desire a lower crime area, I am from Northern California (pretty rural) but would like to be close enough to a city where my grandson will be able to take advantage of sports and advanced education.

With such a list for a large state such as Florida, I am sure that I will get alot of suggestions. I can rule out the southernmost part of the state and probably the panhandle (heard it was very humid there).

Anyway, thanks for any and all help.

Matt

[jambo101]

You may want to focus on an area thats within the triangle of Palatka, Gainesville to Northern Orlando, definitely plenty of lakes in the area.

http://maps.google.ca/maps?f=d&sourc...8,1.766052&z=9

[kyle19125]

I'd recommend checking out Lake Mary and Oviedo in Seminole County, which are the north/northeast fringe suburbs of Orlando. There are three major lakes nearby (Lake Monroe, Lake Jesup and Lake Harney) plus excellent public schools (among the best in the state). These areas are quite safe as well. You'll find a pretty good variety of low density housing options also.

Oviedo Schools - Oviedo Florida School Ratings - Public and Private
Lake Mary Schools - Lake Mary Florida School Ratings - Public and Private

[TampaKaren]

Hi Matt. I don't know enough about the entire state to compare, but I can point you to a resource for your research. The University of South Florida has a water atlas program where the lakes, rivers & streams are logged and tracked. A good portion of the lakes, rivers & streams are also part of a larger watershed and the water tables are maintained by Florida's Water Management Districts. From what I know, the challenge is finding a ski-sized lake. Sad to say that a lot of the lakes are too shallow for skiing. Here's the link and good luck --> wateratlas.org | Welcome.

[faithfulFrank]

Like California, Florida is a LONG state, with a big difference between the northern part and the southern part.

I"m no expert, but I think the decision tree would be like this;

1) Decide what climate you want. Despite what others may say here, there seems to be a bit of a change of seasons here. Summer is hot, winters are less hot to cold. (Not cold to my NY standards, but cold to neighbors, etc.) The northern part of Florida I believe has been known to even get snow flurries and harder frosts in the winter. Where I am in Central Florida, (about 30 minutes northeast of Orlando), we have had harder winters here the last 3 years or so. I have lost some plants and some fruit trees. Below Orlando/Tampa it is more temperate. WPB, Miami would be much warmer.

2) The decide how close you want to be to the coast. Wherever you decide, you are no longer then an hour or so to a coast. Living close to the coast has advantages, but higher homeowners insurance rates. For me, the beach is a nice place to visit, but I do not need to live there.

3) Then pick size of community, do you want to be in or close to big cities, or rural.

I am in lake county...home of the Leesburg bikefest, (you mentioned having a bike) and hundreds of lakes, etc. The Harris chain of lakes is nice. I have a nice year round spring fed pond in my backyard. Folks call it a lake, but it is a pond. I'm 30 minutes from Mickey, but not close enough to be touristy. The Ocala national forest is close, as well as a lot of other nice places.

As said by others.....there are many very nice communities around. If you can get away, I'd visit several. Good luck!

Frank

[gypsychic]

Originally Posted by faithfulFrank

Like California, Florida is a LONG state, with a big difference between the northern part and the southern part.

I"m no expert, but I think the decision tree would be like this;

1) Decide what climate you want. Despite what others may say here, there seems to be a bit of a change of seasons here. Summer is hot, winters are less hot to cold. (Not cold to my NY standards, but cold to neighbors, etc.) The northern part of Florida I believe has been known to even get snow flurries and harder frosts in the winter. Where I am in Central Florida, (about 30 minutes northeast of Orlando), we have had harder winters here the last 3 years or so. I have lost some plants and some fruit trees. Below Orlando/Tampa it is more temperate. WPB, Miami would be much warmer.

2) The decide how close you want to be to the coast. Wherever you decide, you are no longer then an hour or so to a coast. Living close to the coast has advantages, but higher homeowners insurance rates. For me, the beach is a nice place to visit, but I do not need to live there.

3) Then pick size of community, do you want to be in or close to big cities, or rural.

I am in lake county...home of the Leesburg bikefest, (you mentioned having a bike) and hundreds of lakes, etc. The Harris chain of lakes is nice. I have a nice year round spring fed pond in my backyard. Folks call it a lake, but it is a pond. I'm 30 minutes from Mickey, but not close enough to be touristy. The Ocala national forest is close, as well as a lot of other nice places.

As said by others.....there are many very nice communities around. If you can get away, I'd visit several. Good luck!

Frank

Can't top this advice! ^^^ Good luck to you!

[humboldtsgt]

Wow! Thanks to all for some great info and good leads to get keep me busy. Faithfulfrank, you make very solid points and I agree. Again thanks.

[sunnykiol]

so much good infor,so useful.