[SoFLGal]

I'm a SW Florida native, born and raised here. I would say if you are going to look in the east coast then you need to start your search over in Jupiter. If I ever moved over to the other coast it would be the only place I would consider.

Now, that being said, I love SW Florida. The beaches are great, the schools (at least the school my children go to are great), Artsy, friendly. I really like it here or I wouldn't have stuck around so long. Sarasota county has one of the better school system over on the west coast. Pine View school for the Gifted is consistently rated the top school in the state and one of the top in the Nation.

North Port is probably going to have your lowest average age (38 yrs old) in Sarasota county and also your most reasonable housing prices.

Whether you would like the west coast or east coast better will depend on what type of beaches, schools, and atmosphere you prefer and where in the state you prefer to be located. Both areas are beautiful, as is the entire state of Florida, but both have VERY different natural settings. I think the the east coast has a much faster pace then what the west coast has. It seems to me much more laid back on the west coast.

The beaches on the east side of the state are ocean beaches. That is important to note because ocean beaches have a coarse, darker sand and often rough waves. Ocean beaches, however, are PERFECT for surfing. The waves and characteristics of the tide make it a surfer's haven. Not far from Vero in Cocoa Beach is Ron Jon Surf Shop, one of the largest and most well-known surf shops in the lower 48! People come from miles around to surf these crisp, clear ocean waters.

Sarasota is located on the West coast of Florida. It's close to major cities like St. Petersburg, Tampa and Ft. Myers. The beaches that are in and around Sarasota are gulf beaches, which have silky smooth white sand and much tamer, greenish blue waves. Not ideal for professional surfers, but perfect for relaxing and shell hunting! The calmer waters allow more boating, skiing, and scuba activities. What's important to note about Sarasota is its clean, friendly community and art-driven downtown center. Sarasota takes pride in its theater programs, art galleries and trendy boutiques.

I would highly recommend you visit both areas to get a feel for the varying types of the Florida lifestyle that can be found throughout the state!

[bruceox1962]

Daytona Beach the world's most famous beach is awesome!!!!!!!!

[FromCTtoFL]

Originally Posted by bruceox1962

We moved from Virginia to Daytona Beach 1 year ago and it is awesome,freaking awesome,the best.

So thrilled to hear it! Love to see positive post like this We can't wait to move out of CT. This was definitely our last winter here, hopefully ever.

[OptimusPrime69]

Tampa down through Naples is gorgeous. Not too crowded, a littlr quiet, but still quite nice.

As far as the east coast goes i agree with a previous poster: Palm Beach Gardnes, Boca/Delray and Weston.

Also, I wouldn't rule out Sunrise, Parkland, and maybe Coral Springs on the east coast as well.

[kyle19125]

Originally Posted by OptimusPrime69

Tampa down through Naples is gorgeous. Not too crowded, a littlr quiet, but still quite nice.

As far as the east coast goes i agree with a previous poster: Palm Beach Gardnes, Boca/Delray and Weston.

Also, I wouldn't rule out Sunrise, Parkland, and maybe Coral Springs on the east coast as well.

I agree, good choices and would add Cooper City, Davie and Coconut Creek to the South Florida list.

[oh2pa]

Thanks everyone. This is definitely helping us out a lot!

To SoFLGal: great info. We are definitely not surfers so the white sands and calmer water as well as the more laid back temperament of the west coast is still pulling us in that direction.

We do not want to live in an apartment. What would we be looking at in terms of prices for two bedroom homes/condos in or around the tampa/sarasota area. We rent a nice/small 2 bedroom house now but buying is not out of the question.

[HarryWho?]

At your age, and accounting for a 5 year sabbatical, I'd be researching Hawaii.

[Papillons2]

You've gotten some outstanding suggestions and information and your biggest problem (a nice one to have) may be sorting everything out and making a decision.

If you have a nothing-ventured-nothing-gained philosophy, you might want to take at least a quick glance at Fort Lauderdale. The nicer eastern areas are pricey, but you're close to everything and if your combined incomes match what you're earning up north and you're skilled at budgeting, the financial situation can be managed. If nothing else, there are two Primanti Bros. here (one of which is on the beach) and a few huge Steelers/Pittsburgh-centric bars, so you won't totally be leaving Pittsburgh behind.

The other southeast Florida suggestions are spot-on. As far as the west coast of Florida, friends of ours who have moved to the Sarasota area have been sending back positive reports.

[SoFLGal]

Originally Posted by oh2pa

Thanks everyone. This is definitely helping us out a lot!

To SoFLGal: great info. We are definitely not surfers so the white sands and calmer water as well as the more laid back temperament of the west coast is still pulling us in that direction.

We do not want to live in an apartment. What would we be looking at in terms of prices for two bedroom homes/condos in or around the tampa/sarasota area. We rent a nice/small 2 bedroom house now but buying is not out of the question.

You'd probably be looking at around $1300+ per month for a decent condo or home in the Sarasota area.

[smarino]

I like that the "We Want To Move To Florida"! thread is right next to the "Don't Move Here"! thread. Yin and yang I suppose.