[raee27]

Hello,

I Am Looking Into Relocating To Florida. I Am A Single Parent And Am Not Making It Up Here Is Massachusetts. I Am Looking For Any Suggestions On To Where To Begin As Far A Resercing And What Areas Are Affordable And Safe For Me And My 5 Year Old. Also Any Help As To Where To Find Information On Schooling And Daycare Facilities And Such.

Help Don't Know Where To Begin!

Rach

[t-town]

I can help, just what particular area are you interested in? Northern Florida (Pensacola, Tallahassee, Jacksonville), Central Florida (Tampa, Orlando, St. Pete), or Southern Florida (Ft. Meyers, Ft. Lauderdale, Miami). Also include which coast you prefer.

[raee27]

Oh great! I am thinking of somewhere further north like Jacksonville, Tallahasse. Although my grandmother does live over in Fort Myers....so that is a consideration too. I guess it depends on where I can find an affordable apartment and a job. Also want to be in a decent area too. Any ideas would be greatly appreciated.

[ginny cruz]

Rach:

I'm originally from NY, and I live in the Kissimmee area. What I can tell you is this. Things have gotten very, very expensive in certain area's of Florida, so the first thing I would advise you to do, before you do anything is research everything. The school system in certain area's are simply no good and housing can be very expensive. Employment can be rough also. If it is possible for you to come for a week or two to visit, and check out things, from employment to housing. The best advice I can give is this.....Do your research before you make a move. Moving from one state to another is a big, big investment, so do your research on everything yourself. Sometimes what people may tell you isn't always the truth. I would hate to see you move down somewhere in Florida and hate it.

[Floridian]

Jacksonville has decent, upscale aparatments to choose from. I would suggest finding one along the southside blvd. up to the Butler Blvd and along the new 9A. In these areas, you are in "best" spots close to new St johns town center (upscale shopping), restaurants,theaters and close to the beaches.

[NewFloridain]

Try looking a little south of Jacksonville, and a little inward. We moved down here last year, and did our research. Towns like Starke and Waldo don't get it with the storms a lot of Florida gets. Good house prices also. Good luck, it's worth it.