[nomad0]

We plan to move to Florida next year, but we are unsure about what city to relocate to. Would anyone be willing to share their opinions? Here is our wish list:

- Not too conservative and/or religious (Panhandle is probably out).
- Strong Chinese community.
- Nice mix of great restaurants, especially Asian food (Thai, Japanese, Korean, Chinese, etc.)
- The option to buy a home within a top notch school district.
- Beaches are a nice plus, but not mandatory.
- A thriving job market is not really necessary because we both have online businesses.
- Reasonable real estate prices (Miami is probably out).
- Low crime

We are visiting Tampa and Sarasota in November. What else should we check out? Appreciate any response. Thanks!

[robertobaggio]

West Palm Beach

[folkguitarist555]

good luck finding somewhere in FL that has low crime...imo

[kyle19125]

Check out the Fort Lauderdale suburbs of Weston, Cooper City, Davie, Coral Springs and Parkland. Broward County is the "bluest" county in Florida, has a significant Chinese community with a good mix of Asian restaurants, top notch schools in affordable neighborhoods (under 300K) and fairly low crime rates. Weston, Coral Springs and Parkland are planned communities with more of an HOA feel while Cooper City and Davie are much lower density with smaller subdivisions and more quiet, which many looking for more family-friendly areas find appealing in South Florida.

[nomad0]

Thank you for the responses so far. Useful information.

[projectmaximus]

Just speaking towards the Asian aspect, Tampa and Orlando have the strongest options. To be honest, I feel like Miami holds its own just from being so large, but its not really concentrated and of course the vibe is overwhelmingly hispanic.

Jacksonville Chinese community is decent but by and large the Asian cuisine is weak. Of course you'll have the beaches and super low cost of living/ real estate.

Sarasota will probably feel a bit too small and slow (and not terribly diverse)

[kyle19125]

Originally Posted by projectmaximus

Just speaking towards the Asian aspect, Tampa and Orlando have the strongest options. To be honest, I feel like Miami holds its own just from being so large, but its not really concentrated and of course the vibe is overwhelmingly hispanic.

Jacksonville Chinese community is decent but by and large the Asian cuisine is weak. Of course you'll have the beaches and super low cost of living/ real estate.

Sarasota will probably feel a bit too small and slow (and not terribly diverse)

The OP is Chinese and most of the Asians in Orlando and Tampa are Vietnamese or Korean.

[Crane's Rooster]

Originally Posted by kyle19125

The OP is Chinese and most of the Asians in Orlando and Tampa are Vietnamese or Korean.

Although this is true the strongest Chinese communities (Asian community in general for that matter) will still be in the Tampa Bay and Orlando areas. In sheer numbers the South Florida area has comparable size but like someone else mentioned, it's such a small percentage of the population and so dispersed that you will not feel the influence as much as Tampa Bay or Orlando. The best areas to buy for great schools and affordability in the Orlando area are Seminole County, Winter Park, Dr. Philips and South Downtown area. I don't know enough about Tampa Bay to give you informed recommendations but I'm sure others on here can. Here's a good reference to start with.

:: Asia Trend Magazine :: Online Issue :: - Asia Trend

[kyle19125]

Originally Posted by Crane's Rooster

Although this is true the strongest Chinese communities (Asian community in general for that matter) will still be in the Tampa Bay and Orlando areas. In sheer numbers the South Florida area has comparable size but like someone else mentioned, it's such a small percentage of the population and so dispersed that you will not feel the influence as much as Tampa Bay or Orlando. The best areas to buy for great schools and affordability in the Orlando area are Seminole County, Winter Park, Dr. Philips and South Downtown area. I don't know enough about Tampa Bay to give you informed recommendations but I'm sure others on here can. Here's a good reference to start with.

:: Asia Trend Magazine :: Online Issue :: - Asia Trend

The OP was also looking for areas that weren't too conservative or religious, which eliminates much of Central Florida. I didn't get the impression the OP needed to feel surrounded by Asian culture 24/7, but rather have it accessible when needed. Broward County will allow that without the pitfall of religious and conservative overtones.

[nomad0]

Thank for the useful conversation regarding Chinese communities in Florida. For the record, only my wife is Chinese, but we both enjoy Asian food.

We found out that both Tampa and Orlando have Chinese schools for kids to attend on the weekends:
Tampa Bay Chinese School
??????? The Chinese School of CAACF, Inc

Orlando and Tampa are slightly liberal according to recent presidential voting history, although probably not so much in the suburbs. More and more we are leaning toward Tampa, but we also plan to visit Orlando and Fort Lauderdale.

Thanks!