[breannagrooms4u]

I am a single, childless woman in her 20s. Looking to relocate south. I have done a lot of research on south Carolina, but the more I research, the more I worry Ill be bored if I decide on SC....so I'm starting at square one looking for advice. I know NOTHING about Fl and come here for help and advice. I think I would like to stay more northern in my considerations of Florida, and close to the coast.
I would consider a city, with nightlife and a young singles population, if there is outdoor recreation within a brief driving distance.
I might prefer a suburb, with a yard and a little more space, if the city is also within a brief drive, as well as easy access to outside activities.
I would like an area that is welcoming to small business, as I am a small business owner, and is friendly to New-In-Towners like I would become.
I need nature around me, and would like to continue to hike, or kayak. So if anyone knows of parks I could look into? And I would prefer to maybe to start in an area with a lower cost of living (maybe a little further from a beach? I know the coast cranks prices way up) then move to a nicer area once the finances from my move have been recompensed.
I do NOT want to be in a retirement community.
Maybe close-ish (2-3 hours away?) to an airport to fly back home to family for the holidays or emergencies.
I hear a lot of people disliking Florida, and leaving to go back north, is there anything I should avoid/look out for to ensure Ill enjoy myself if I choose to move to fl?
I'm having a brain fart right now, so as the thread gets a little attention I may remember some other things to take into consideration.
Please, input!

[kyle19125]

Jacksonville would be a great option, and would urge you to visit/do a bit of research as it fulfills all of the criteria you mention.

[deb18]

Try Tallahassee. A college town. Lots of nature surrounding it. Lots of trees and grass. More northern topography than further down south. People are nice generally and lots of small businesses. There's an airport that can be expensive to fly out of.

[Rabflmom]

Originally Posted by kyle19125

Jacksonville would be a great option, and would urge you to visit/do a bit of research as it fulfills all of the criteria you mention.

Agree...check out Jacksonville Beach area. Also think St. Augustine might be a good city to check out. My friends love it up there because it is so close to Jacksonville and it is less expensive than places farther south on the East Coast of Florida.
Lots of stores and outlets for people who love to shop, too.

[breannagrooms4u]

Jacksonville, st augustine, and Tallahassee. I will look into all three. So far you guys have been very helpful. Still welcoming more input.

[mollybygolly]

I like Tallahassee (I live very close to there but out in the woods).
Tallahassee is prettier than Jacksonville (if you like trees and gently rolling hills, and I do)
But if I was in my 20's and wanted a little more excitement in my life, I'd probably choose Jacksonville.
The airport there is great, there are beaches close, and it's more of a "city" than Tallahassee.
Tallahassee, despite being the state capital, is very much a college town.
And the airport is small and nice, but very expensive with limited options.
I think employment opportunities (and small businesses) might be better in Jacksonville, but that's a guess on my part.
Good luck with your research. I absolutely love living in Florida!

[allenk893]

The Tampa area is very good for your requirements. I would look into there. Maybe the suburbs like New Tampa. If you want to live close to the water, Clearwater is a very beautiful town. I don't know what these other folks commenting on here are trying to do to you pointing out Jacksonville and Tallahassee as options. Lol. Those are some of the most backwards cities in Florida. Definitely want to avoid those train wrecks.

[mollybygolly]

Originally Posted by allenk893

The Tampa area is very good for your requirements. I would look into there. Maybe the suburbs like New Tampa. If you want to live close to the water, Clearwater is a very beautiful town. I don't know what these other folks commenting on here are trying to do to you pointing out Jacksonville and Tallahassee as options. Lol. Those are some of the most backwards cities in Florida. Definitely want to avoid those train wrecks.

I've lived all over FL, and I promise you that Jacksonville and Tallahassee are not even close to the "most backwards cities in Florida".

[sware2cod]

I agree on both Jacksonville and Tallahassee. Tallahassee, to me, seems a bit more like a real southern town - reminds me of GA somewhat. Jacksonville feels more like Florida and I think the main reason is proximity to the Atlantic Ocean. They are both awesome areas and I wouldn't hesisitate to move to either of them. The hardest part is choosing between them because they are both awesome. Tallahassee is a smaller metro area versus Jacksonville.

You need to look into your small business and where it will fit better.

[jdblair5]

Originally Posted by allenk893

The Tampa area is very good for your requirements. I would look into there. Maybe the suburbs like New Tampa. If you want to live close to the water, Clearwater is a very beautiful town. I don't know what these other folks commenting on here are trying to do to you pointing out Jacksonville and Tallahassee as options. Lol. Those are some of the most backwards cities in Florida. Definitely want to avoid those train wrecks.

Speaking of backwards towns... Clearwater? LOL...