[~Aspen]

We will be relocating to FL within a year or two. We have family in Lakeland and close family friends in Port St. Lucie. So far we are interested in the areas of Port St. Lucie, Lakeland, Tampa, and Naples...but would like to hear suggestions of family friendly areas. Relocating to an almost unknown area is very hard. We have made two out-of-state moves, but started in rentals to learn more about the areas before buying. We ended up being very pleased with the areas. This time we will be buying a home from the start.

edited to add: If it helps, we are looking for homes priced around 150,000 to 200,000. 3+ bedrooms, 2+ bathrooms, pool, rather have newer homes.

Thank you in advance!

[HarryWho?]

Originally Posted by ~Aspen

We will be relocating to FL within a year or two. We have family in Lakeland and close family friends in Port St. Lucie. So far we are interested in the areas of Port St. Lucie, Lakeland, Tampa, and Naples...but would like to hear suggestions of family friendly areas. Relocating to an almost unknown area is very hard. We have made two out-of-state moves, but started in rentals to learn more about the areas before buying. We ended up being very pleased with the areas. This time we will be buying a home from the start.

edited to add: If it helps, we are looking for homes priced around 150,000 to 200,000. 3+ bedrooms, 2+ bathrooms, pool, rather have newer homes.

Thank you in advance!

Why not rent again?

[~Aspen]

Originally Posted by HarryWho?

Why not rent again?

I will be selling a home (that is paid off) and would rather my money go toward property I own, then paying rent to a landlord. I spent far too long handing over huge amounts of money each month, year after year. Finally bought about a year ago, hopefully will never rent again.

[kyle19125]

I would look to areas where prices have bottomed out, where sales are headed back up and also a place where the schools are top tier. Since you mentioned the Tampa area, check out Palm Harbor and East Lake. The public schools are excellent and it's a safe, family-friendly area. A quick look online shows over 50 newer build 3 bedroom, 2 bath pool homes in that area.

[Broker Dave]

How about the back side of Disney, Windermere / Winter Garden area, not that long of a drive to Lakeland has great schools and new communities / construction is everywhere.

Hope this helps,

[~Aspen]

Originally Posted by kyle19125

I would look to areas where prices have bottomed out, where sales are headed back up and also a place where the schools are top tier. Since you mentioned the Tampa area, check out Palm Harbor and East Lake. The public schools are excellent and it's a safe, family-friendly area. A quick look online shows over 50 newer build 3 bedroom, 2 bath pool homes in that area.

Originally Posted by Broker Dave

How about the back side of Disney, Windermere / Winter Garden area, not that long of a drive to Lakeland has great schools and new communities / construction is everywhere.

Hope this helps,

Thank you both so much! Off to research these areas.