[surfbluesurf]

I’ve been on many vacations to the US, mostly to Florida and loved it – so much so I’m planning on selling my apartment here in Scotland (UK) and moving there on a permanent basis. The thing I'm having most trouble with is which area to move to. There's been a few places I’ve considered, investigated and for one reason or another, decided against.

I’m looking for somewhere that has low crime, where the property is reasonably priced, things to do to occupy myself in my spare time, nice places to eat and socialise (I'm 35 years old if that helps!), low(ish) taxes and insurance and last but not least, friendly and welcoming.

I’m only looking to buy a 1 or 2 bedroom apartment, preferably in a complex for extra security.

The area I’m currently looking at is in the North East - Fort Walton Beach, Pensacola, Destin etc, but I’m completely open minded about where in the State to relocate to – just looking for that perfect place to live – if it exists!!!

Mostly been looking near the coast, but if there is somewhere more inland, then I would consider that too.

Any advice or pointers that anyone can pass on would be very much appreciated.

Many thanks

[bale002]

If you are looking for the beach but with relatively low insurance costs, then the northeast may be the place, but all the places you mention are in the northwest which is more hurricane prone.

Candidates in the northeast are St. John's County (St. Augustine) and parts of Duval County (Jacksonville).

Another possibility is the Atlantic Coast north of Palm Beach County but south of Daytona.

Prices in southwest Florida have come off significantly recently, but it is, generally speaking, retirement country with a relatively weak local economy.

Speaking of which, you do not mention what sort of economic activity you will be pursuing, that may also influence your decision. In any case, the pound is still relatively strong to the dollar so that should help you make a hefty down payment or buy outright cash which would put you in the driver's seat now that the bottom has fallen out of the credit market.

Low ball'm!

And good luck!

[lee]

You do'nt say how you intend to live in Florida.

Have you looked into the visa situation because it's not possible to just sell up and come live over here.

It took me 12 years to get my green card and that was with my brother sponsoring me who is an American citizen.

Hope all goes well for you but do alot of homework before you sell up.

[surfbluesurf]

My mistake, I meant the North West, not North East!

Thanks for that info, it's very much appreciated - just need to make the right choice, it's a big decision!

[riveree]

Originally Posted by surfbluesurf

I’m looking for somewhere that has low crime, where the property is reasonably priced, things to do to occupy myself in my spare time, nice places to eat and socialise (I'm 35 years old if that helps!), low(ish) taxes and insurance and last but not least, friendly and welcoming.

I’m only looking to buy a 1 or 2 bedroom apartment, preferably in a complex for extra security.

I'd recommend taking a look at Jacksonville.

It is a young city, younger than many in Florida. In fact, you're a little on the "old" side ! Just kidding, the median age is 33, so you'd find plenty of people in your age group. Plenty of nightlife for you, beach culture, lots of natural beauty and if you like being ourdoors there are endless pursuits. The restaurant scene is suprisingly good for a city of its' size.

We have some of the lowest property taxes and insurance in Florida and while our housing prices have gone up here dramatically, like everywhere else it seems, it's still relatively affordable.

Crime comes with the territory. It's an economically diverse city with a fairly large population, so you will have some crime. The crime tends to localize itself here though, so you can avoid much of it if you avoid certain areas of the city (it's such a spread out city that it is easily done).

St. Augustine, to the south of Jacksonville, was mentioned, and while lovely, as a single 35 year old I think you'd be a bit bored. The population is predominantely young families and retired folks. I lived there for a few years as a single person and found it not to be a good fit for singles. Same goes for another popular county in the region - Clay county.

Hope that helps .

[surfbluesurf]

Thanks a million for that info, Jacksonville sounds like a great prospect and one that I've not considered until now. I'll be making a point of visiting soon to check the area out and get a feel for it.

Once again, thanks

[Sunshine1308]

I see your post was over 4 months ago, but if you're still considering Jacksonville, it's a great place. I've lived at the beach there for over 3 years after moving from the North and I love it. Mind you, that's the beach- there are areas of Jacksonville to stear clear of. As far as safety, I'm a girl in her late 20s who never feels ill at ease walking to the pubs or living alone. Lots of sunshine and surfing with a laid-back lifestyle. What's not to love?

[Sueilp]

Originally Posted by lee

You do'nt say how you intend to live in Florida.

Have you looked into the visa situation because it's not possible to just sell up and come live over here.

It took me 12 years to get my green card and that was with my brother sponsoring me who is an American citizen.

Hope all goes well for you but do alot of homework before you sell up.

You havent answered lee's question - how do you intend to live over here and what visa are you planning to come over...it isnt easy comign over here...it took me 3 years to get my Green card (I am a nurse).

It is a long drawn out process to get here so please do your research and plan carefully.....
Good luck...

[momix5]

My cousins wife is from Scotland and told me that Tarpon Springs has a high scot population, I am not sure it is true but maybe check it out.