[doogie88]

Working from home, I have some opportunities to work where I want.
My best friend lives in Orlando. My girlfriends family is looking to move to Tampa.
We have a two year old, so not only do I want good schools, but I want somewhere, where there is opportunity for him and even me. I mean when he's older, I want him to have a chance to really be successful. Coming from a smaller city, we really have limited options, and there really isn't a ton of money around here. I want him to have all the opportunities possible.

I'd prefer a younger city, that's growing and safe as well.
Was looking at Palm Harbor north of St Pete, but wondering if there are other growing areas that would be ideal? Would be looking around $350-$450k for a house.

I like quiet town, but at the same time, I don't like the small town feel. I like to be around people, big box stores, restaurants, etc.

[bmw335xi]

-Dr. Phillips (Orlando)
-Lake Mary (Orlando Area)
-Heathrow (Orlando Area)
-Celebration (Orlando Area)
-Windermere (Orlando Area)
-Winter Park (Orlando Area)
-Wellington (West Palm Beach Area)
-Palm Beach Gardens (West Palm Beach Area)
-Boca Raton (between West Palm Beach and Fort Lauderdale)
-Weston (Fort Lauderdale Area)

[chopchop0]

I'd add Brevard county to your list, specifically the beaches, west Melbourne and viera. Brevard county has good schools and is reasonably close to Orlando while being on the water

[doogie88]

Thanks.
Curious if the Orlando area is a general consensus or bmw336xi is just familiar with the area?
I was looking into Orlando a few years ago when I was offered some work there, so I'm familiar in researching those areas. But then I also heard a lot of negative about Orlando (which I later learned is common in every area in FL). So I wondered if Orlando was lower on the lists of places to live.


I've looked into Boca Raton recently, it looks nice. But I also read some reviews that it's heavily a retiree area.

Can anyone give an opinion on the Tampa area compared to the rest of Orlando? It's hard to get an opinion from those that live there because there are going to be some that love it, and some that hate it, but not many that can actually compare to other areas.

Thanks.

[bmw335xi]

Originally Posted by doogie88

Thanks.
Curious if the Orlando area is a general consensus or bmw336xi is just familiar with the area?
I was looking into Orlando a few years ago when I was offered some work there, so I'm familiar in researching those areas. But then I also heard a lot of negative about Orlando (which I later learned is common in every area in FL). So I wondered if Orlando was lower on the lists of places to live.


I've looked into Boca Raton recently, it looks nice. But I also read some reviews that it's heavily a retiree area.

Can anyone give an opinion on the Tampa area compared to the rest of Orlando? It's hard to get an opinion from those that live there because there are going to be some that love it, and some that hate it, but not many that can actually compare to other areas.

Thanks.

I lived in Orlando (still own the house), Boca Raton and Daytona Beach. Orlando has been growing a lot for awhile now, so there are a lot of family orientated communities. Orlando is quite large, so the good areas are good and the bad areas are bad. If you live in the good areas, it's rare to come across crime. I always left my garage door open all day and doors unlocked. Boca Raton has two universities, so it is definitely not a retiree town. It's mostly upper-middle class families that want a safe environment to raise their kids. It's a really great area with beautiful beaches and tree lined streets. This pretty much goes for Weston, Wellington, Palm Beach Gardens too.

[doogie88]

Thanks. I have been to Orlando a few times, visiting my friend, rather than tourist, and I've always had a good time. But also heard some negative stuff, so made me consider other areas.
Boca Raton from what I've looked at, looks really nice as well.
Haven't checked the other areas out.

Any opinions on Tampa or surrounding area?
Thanks.

[bmw335xi]

Originally Posted by doogie88

Thanks. I have been to Orlando a few times, visiting my friend, rather than tourist, and I've always had a good time. But also heard some negative stuff, so made me consider other areas.
Boca Raton from what I've looked at, looks really nice as well.
Haven't checked the other areas out.

Any opinions on Tampa or surrounding area?
Thanks.

I don't like Tampa, it truly is the arm pit of Florida lol. Clearwater and St. Pete are nice, but not that great for families in my opinion.

[Obrero]

Suggest the Lakewood Ranch area south of Tampa...

[kyle19125]

Originally Posted by doogie88

I'd prefer a younger city, that's growing and safe as well.
Was looking at Palm Harbor north of St Pete, but wondering if there are other growing areas that would be ideal? Would be looking around $350-$450k for a house.

I like quiet town, but at the same time, I don't like the small town feel. I like to be around people, big box stores, restaurants, etc.

Palm Harbor is an excellent choice with top-rated schools and in a beautiful, well kept up area that's safe for miles around versus Orlando where you can be half a mile from a seedy area in your 350K-450K house. Orlando's crime rate is also among the highest in the nation. Palm Harbor has a lot of nice restaurants and shops nearby, plus easy access to Tampa for work/social life if need be. Palm Harbor doesn't have the mindless sprawl of Central Florida either being in a planned area and life near the coast is a plus in terms of recreation. I personally find the people in that area (I have a friend I visit in Safety Harbor often) much friendlier than what I encounter here in the Orlando area. My friend suggests that it's probably due to origin of transplants as the Tampa Bay area seems to attract more Midwestern residents versus Orlando which seems to get more Northeasterners and a fair amount of South Floridians who don't embrace racial diversity.

[doogie88]

Thanks a lot. Appreciate the input.