[Shak+Nish]

My wife and I are 26, both pharmacist and thinking of making a move to Florida from London, England. We would appreciate any advice on where is good place to move to. Criteria is simple: a safe place to live and bring up our new born child, a place with good schools, also preferably somewhere near the beach where other young couples reside but this isn't a must. (also some where that is affordable, taking into consideration that we are both pharmacists) thanks for any help on the matter!

[jefffla01]

Vero Beach on the eastern coast of Florida, or maybe Sarasota or Venice on the west coast of the state might be decent options.

[kyle19125]

^^^ Vero Beach is not a "young" area (many retirees and snowbirds), nor are the schools considered good.

Check out the Ponte Vedra Beach/Ponte Vedra area south of Jacksonville and north of St Augustine. It's a great area with many young families as well as excellent public schools (among the best in the state). The cost of living is quite reasonable and within an easy commute of Jacksonville employers.

[totsuka]

The "near the beach" is a problem for home insurance. Before you buy, check with the local home insurance agent. You might be stuck with the state insurance policy, (Citizens) and it is expensive and slated to get more expensive.

We have a problem with public schools You have a good profession so you can afford private school.

Hurricanes can't be tossed aside. We have been luck for 5 or 6 years, but we are still in the "hurricane alley".

[alfbroker]

Yes most areas near the beaches are flood zones but the newer the home the more reasonable the homeowners, 2005 or newer preferable. Sarasota, Venice or Englewood on the west coast. In general the west coast is more easy going, family friendly and safer if staying out of the major cities. With your occupations your income will be higher than most, private schools would be an option except the choices in smaller populated areas may be limited.

[TriMT7]

Originally Posted by Shak+Nish

My wife and I are 26, both pharmacist and thinking of making a move to Florida from London, England. We would appreciate any advice on where is good place to move to. Criteria is simple: a safe place to live and bring up our new born child, a place with good schools, also preferably somewhere near the beach where other young couples reside but this isn't a must. (also some where that is affordable, taking into consideration that we are both pharmacists) thanks for any help on the matter!

Martin County (Palm City, Stuart, Jensen Beach, Hobe Sound), just north of Palm Beach County, or the northern Palm Beach County towns of Jupiter and Tequesta.

Safe, excellent public schools. A bit of a smaller town feel, but close to civilization and much, much nicer beaches of SE Florida than anything in NE Florida.

[gypsychic]

Originally Posted by alfbroker

Yes most areas near the beaches are flood zones but the newer the home the more reasonable the homeowners, 2005 or newer preferable. Sarasota, Venice or Englewood on the west coast. In general the west coast is more easy going, family friendly and safer if staying out of the major cities. With your occupations your income will be higher than most, private schools would be an option except the choices in smaller populated areas may be limited.

I agree about the west coast, plus Sarasota area has some of the best schools in Florida. Yes we have retirees, but there are really a lot more young families these days than there used to be. I was just downtown for lunch today and it was HOPPING, with people of all ages.

[bhoff2385]

Try the central part of Florida. We live in Avon Park which is a very safe family friendly area. You may have to drive approx. 100 miles to the east or west coast or 50 miles to go to Disney but the schools are nice, and it is a nice place to raise a family.

[jdoty]

Look into Indialantic and Melbourne Beach. Both are affordable, safe beach communities and full of young families. And the Brevard County public schools are among the best in the state.