[stevenayla]

Hello everyone:

I am looking to purchase a condo/home in either Naples, Fort Myers, Fort Lauderdale, or Tampa, and am unsure of where to invest, as I am not familiar with the cities. Could someone provide some insight on which is the "nicest" for someone that, while not rich, is used to the metropolitan areas and the "better things in life".

I look forward to hearing from everyone that has some insight.

[compelled to reply]

What do you mean by "invest"?

If you aren't "rich" but looking for the "better things in life" than you would probably like FTL the best, followed by Tampa. Naples has it, but very expensive, think "Rich".

[HockeyMom72]

Originally Posted by compelled to reply

What do you mean by "invest"?

If you aren't "rich" but looking for the "better things in life" than you would probably like FTL the best, followed by Tampa. Naples has it, but very expensive, think "Rich".

especially in Naples, the 3rd most overpriced area in the country.

[compelled to reply]

Originally Posted by HockeyMom72

especially in Naples, the 3rd most overpriced area in the country.

Agree. FL is a place to rent and sit right now, not to "invest" unless you like losing money and putting yourself in a trap. As a place to live though, which would you pick (he seems to be looking for that too)?

[mrs1885]

I agree with the others. Although prices have fallen drastically in the last few years, Naples is still very expensive. And I'd never recommend to anyone to take a loan on a property that you'd use as an 'investment', which would be my guess as to what you meant by 'not rich'. If the cash isn't in your pocket, don't use real estate as an investment. Way too many people learned that the hard way. And Naples is way expensive, so unless you have a bundle, I'd steer clear.

If you're looking for 'the good things in life' Naples has it. But again, it's not for the common working man to invest in. Ft Myers has some shady areas and some fabulous neighborhoods. It's a pretty spread out town. Can't tell you anything about the other two.

[stevenayla]

Thank you for the replies. I should clarify a bit. I am looking for a modestly priced property (say under 200,000) which I would rent, whenever possible, and use for my own vacation use, when not rented. Given this description, where would be best? I think the bundled golf communities in Naples/Bonita/Estero/Fort Myers look good, especially to rent short term, however, Lauderdale and Tampa look like really nice metropolitan communities. Which has the best lifestyle and investment opportunities, if not looking to rent long term, and enjoy myself when there. I know it is subjective, but, the more the read, the more you know.

[compelled to reply]

Originally Posted by stevenayla

Thank you for the replies. I should clarify a bit. I am looking for a modestly priced property (say under 200,000) which I would rent, whenever possible, and use for my own vacation use, when not rented. Given this description, where would be best? I think the bundled golf communities in Naples/Bonita/Estero/Fort Myers look good, especially to rent short term, however, Lauderdale and Tampa look like really nice metropolitan communities. Which has the best lifestyle and investment opportunities, if not looking to rent long term, and enjoy myself when there. I know it is subjective, but, the more the read, the more you know.

Weston, outside of Fort Lauderdale (where I live) has some opportunities for your price range. The Bonaventue area is a known golf resort area with plenty of sub 200,000 condos that have been subleted/rented out. The community has great golf and the city is known for it's light traffic, very low crime (go look it up on CD), lush landscape, and well heeled, yet very diverse population. We are about 30 minutes from Fort Lauderdale, and the metro has a surprising amount of culture (for a beach city anyway, we don't even have a symphony orchestra, but we do have a world class theater venue and museums), great opportunities for boating, almost any type of cuisine, upscale shopping, and of course beautiful beaches. Very good place to vacation, but I STILL wouldn't buy anything for a couple of years. Weston has a couple of timeshares that you could consider for the time being.

[IRDotCom]

I've lived in Tampa, Fort Lauderdale and Ft. Myers. Naples is beautiful but expensive, Tampa and Fort Lauderdale traffic is a nightmare. I like areas of Fort Myers. Last night I looked at a Condo...2/2...in the Whiskey Creek area, Wyldewood Lakes. It is 5 minutes from Barbara B. Mann theater and 15 minutes from beach and close to everything. I think a flipper had bought it and took to long to redo it and the market hit bottom. There is a golf course, tennis and pool it was $179,900. and I am probably going to make a outlandish low offer on it.

I looked at one in the Gateway area as well but didn't like the traffic and it seemed out so far, but so far it has been my second choice.

I've looked at about 15 condo's so far and am looking for a deal as I have seen some real steals out there. I told the realtor to look for short sales or
deals only, you might try doing the same.

Good luck...it's fun though isn't it?

[kroeran]

after scouting the southeast, I just picked up a new vacation townhouse in Paseo, Fort Myers, for 188K, half off original list price. not on a golfcourse, but amazing facilities and 5 minutes from the airport.

google paseo fort myers

[Angel Calzadilla]

Well right now is time to buy Florida. Inventory of properties for sale is shrinking considerably and mortgage interest rate is 3.8% for those with exellent credit, so if you are one of them, Stevenayla, I suggest that you should hire a realtor and start hunting for properties suitable for your criteria and possibilities. Prices are stabilizing and increasing slightly. Buyers market is turning into sellers market in many areas of south Florida.