[debijr]

We are relocating to Florida. Jobs are not an issue. We are interested in Fort Myers (Cape Coral), Tampa and Ocala. Any input on the differences in these areas, pros, cons, etc. would be greatly appreciated. The children are grown so schools are not an issue. We love the outdoors.

[kyle19125]

If jobs and schools aren't an issue, and the outdoor life is your focus I think Ocala would be a great choice for you. Ocala, Florida, & Marion County : Florida Vacation Planning: Ocala Outdoors (http://www.ocalamarion.com/outdoors.asp - broken link)

[debijr]

Originally Posted by kyle19125

If jobs and schools aren't an issue, and the outdoor life is your focus I think Ocala would be a great choice for you. Ocala, Florida, & Marion County : Florida Vacation Planning: Ocala Outdoors (http://www.ocalamarion.com/outdoors.asp - broken link)

Great information. Are there campgrounds next to rivers there? We like to kayak.

[daytonadewd]

Originally Posted by debijr

We are relocating to Florida. Jobs are not an issue. We are interested in Fort Myers (Cape Coral), Tampa and Ocala. Any input on the differences in these areas, pros, cons, etc. would be greatly appreciated. The children are grown so schools are not an issue. We love the outdoors.

You need to provide more info. on what you're already used to as part of your daily lifestyle -- or what your new life will look like. i.e. we like hiking 15 miles a day and saltwater fishing in the winter; in our spare time we volunteer for such causes and go square dancing on the weekends; we hope to sit outside in our backyard year-round and enjoy our garden; I only shop at Macy's; I'm used to gridlock traffic at rush hour times; we frequently dine at a Cuban restaurant; I identify with Southern culture, etc.

Hope you realize you've picked 3 different climate areas (and populations) that each have different outdoor options and lifestyles.

[debijr]

Originally Posted by daytonadewd

You need to provide more info. on what you're already used to as part of your daily lifestyle -- or what your new life will look like. i.e. we like hiking 15 miles a day and saltwater fishing in the winter; in our spare time we volunteer for such causes and go square dancing on the weekends; we hope to sit outside in our backyard year-round and enjoy our garden; I only shop at Macy's; I'm used to gridlock traffic at rush hour times; we frequently dine at a Cuban restaurant; I identify with Southern culture, etc.

Hope you realize you've picked 3 different climate areas (and populations) that each have different outdoor options and lifestyles.

Hmmm... ok, I realized Ocala was different but not that Cape Coral and Tampa were that different. I am from Montana. It's called Big Sky Country for a reason. Definitely no gridlock traffic. We like to kayak and camp. I like to bike ride. We love being outdoors. Being from Montana I don't need a bunch of different stores or restaurants. We don't have much to choose from here. Significant other is from Denver. He enjoys motorcycle riding also.

I hope I've added a bit more insight.

[justNancy]

Originally Posted by debijr

We are relocating to Florida. Jobs are not an issue. We are interested in Fort Myers (Cape Coral), Tampa and Ocala. Any input on the differences in these areas, pros, cons, etc. would be greatly appreciated. The children are grown so schools are not an issue. We love the outdoors.

Why are you moving here from Montana? Have you ever spent time in Florida?

Not only is Cape Coral entirely different from Tampa, but it's different from Fort Myers. In fact, the NW section of Cape Coral is very different from the SE section. Why did you pick those areas?

If you love the outdoors and you've been living in Montana, you might find it's too hot & humid to live here during the summer, so I suggest you rent for a while before buying.

[KathyA11]

Originally Posted by debijr

Great information. Are there campgrounds next to rivers there? We like to kayak.

You'd love the Rainbow and Crystal Rivers.

[debijr]

Originally Posted by justNancy

Why are you moving here from Montana? Have you ever spent time in Florida?

Not only is Cape Coral entirely different from Tampa, but it's different from Fort Myers. In fact, the NW section of Cape Coral is very different from the SE section. Why did you pick those areas?

If you love the outdoors and you've been living in Montana, you might find it's too hot & humid to live here during the summer, so I suggest you rent for a while before buying.

We are moving because we just don't enjoy the cold weather any longer. My BF lived in Florida before and he prefers the gulf coast. That is the reason we are checking into those areas. If someone has other suggestions, that would be great! I would love for someone to tell me the difference between all the places.

[daytonadewd]

Originally Posted by debijr

Hmmm... ok, I realized Ocala was different but not that Cape Coral and Tampa were that different. I am from Montana. It's called Big Sky Country for a reason. Definitely no gridlock traffic. We like to kayak and camp. I like to bike ride. We love being outdoors. Being from Montana I don't need a bunch of different stores or restaurants. We don't have much to choose from here. Significant other is from Denver. He enjoys motorcycle riding also.
I hope I've added a bit more insight.

Much better! Unfortunately, you've totally nixed Cape Coral and Tampa out of your equation if you're not used to congested, populated areas and gridlock traffic!

So, your only option will be Ocala, where you will find more rural living areas and wide outdoors with plenty of opportunities for kayaking, camping in the nearby State/National Parks and scenic roadways for motorcylcing (including Bike Weeks in nearby Daytona Beach ). There is also a lot of horse breeders/traders and horseback riding activities in this area.

There are also similar smaller towns you should also check out:
Ft. White
Alachua Springs
Miconopy
Crystal River
Palatka
Bushnell
Seville
Brooksville
Lake City
Wauchula
DeLand
Bartow
Ft Meade
LaBelle
Buckingham

Good Luck!

[hiknapster]

Cape Coral certainly doesn't have gridlock. Now that the housing boom is over Cape Coral has returned to an often sleepy area with very friendly people. In some areas the homes are close together but in other areas, especially the northwest section, it is fairly desolate. Cape Coral has the second largest land area in Florida with 114 square miles and more than 400 miles of salt and fresh water canals. It is also has the second lowest crime rate in the state.

Tampa is a large metropolitan city and has all the problems that come with that.

Ocala is considered to be more rural but it is actually a town of more than 55,000 people and it has a fairly high per-capita crime rate.