[ayoitzrimz]

Hey everyone,

Just wondering - we currently own a home in Denver and have recently been itching to get back to the beach (we lived in Israel for 16 years, and NYC for 13)... Our plan involves renting out our home here in Denver (it's a good market here, so that is no problem) and spend a year somewhere by the beach. Florida seems like it would be a great place from our visits but we don't know the area too well. This will be for one or two years.

Here's more info:
1. I work from home, for a NYC based tech company, so local job market is of no concern
2. My wife is currently a dental office manager, but we'd like to cut costs significantly and have a baby which she will spend the next couple of years raising
3. Must live next to great beaches (Ft. Lauderdale beaches will be just fine )
4. Must be decently safe
5. I make a good enough income, but want to cut costs since we are cutting one income.
6. Schools are no consideration since our kid will not be in school age for a long time and we aren't buying yet

Here's where it gets difficult:
1. I own two German Shepherds so housing will be difficult
2. I want to keep my rent under $1500 a month and ideally for a house with a yard (basically impossible in Denver, but CO is a big state, and so is FL)

Some things I can give up on:
1. Living in a city, I have no problem living outside somewhere since I work from home and my wife will be at home
2. Things that are "happening" - we have no interest in nightlife, or partying, and can take a drive out to the closest city to get to a good restaurant.

This is mostly for exploring FL and eventually buy a home out there, so there's a lot I can give up but my "Here's where it gets difficult" list and living reasonably close to a beach are all musts, or FL will not be a possibility for us.

Thanks!

[convextech]

$1500 near a beach? Not.

[Snoogler]

You're going to be renting a dump for that price that is close to "good beaches"

Or it'll be a shoebox

Or both

[ayoitzrimz]

So inland then, within an hour to a beach. Still no good?

[Rabflmom]

You can find homes for $1500 NEAR a beach in most of Florida. ON the beach is a different story. Check out Brevard, Indian River, Volusia, and Flagler counties. Your house may not be beach side but on the mainland . Usually a lot of descent area 15-20 minutes from a beach.
Renting a house with 2 dogs may be a problem in some HOA communities, but they can be found in other areas with big fenced back yards.

Brevard County is a good location to start from. It is close to Orlando. 3 hours to Tampa, Miami, or Jacksonville areas max so you have lots of close activities. If you surf it is the best surf in Florida. Of course waves are not as big as some in California but the ocean is warm. Downtown Melbourne is becoming the club scene for the area and there are some non-chain restaurants that are pretty good. Definitely not big city living.....more down home friendly.

[ayoitzrimz]

Originally Posted by Rabflmom

You can find homes for $1500 NEAR a beach in most of Florida. ON the beach is a different story. Check out Brevard, Indian River, Volusia, and Flagler counties. Your house may not be beach side but on the mainland . Usually a lot of descent area 15-20 minutes from a beach.
Renting a house with 2 dogs may be a problem in some HOA communities, but they can be found in other areas with big fenced back yards.

Brevard County is a good location to start from. It is close to Orlando. 3 hours to Tampa, Miami, or Jacksonville areas max so you have lots of close activities. If you surf it is the best surf in Florida. Of course waves are not as big as some in California but the ocean is warm. Downtown Melbourne is becoming the club scene for the area and there are some non-chain restaurants that are pretty good. Definitely not big city living.....more down home friendly.

Exactly what I wanted! For us, we don't have to live ON the beach, and maybe I should have been more clear. Since I'll work from home and my wife will be a stay at home mom we don't mind driving an hour or more to get to a beach. Appreciate the info! I'll start my research in those towns/cities

[Arcenal813]

Originally Posted by ayoitzrimz

Exactly what I wanted! For us, we don't have to live ON the beach, and maybe I should have been more clear. Since I'll work from home and my wife will be a stay at home mom we don't mind driving an hour or more to get to a beach. Appreciate the info! I'll start my research in those towns/cities

I also recommend Brevard County.
You can find what you're looking for in and around Melbourne.

[gypsychic]

Sorry to say, the two German Shepherds will probably be a deal breaker. I wish you luck.

[ayoitzrimz]

Originally Posted by gypsychic

Sorry to say, the two German Shepherds will probably be a deal breaker. I wish you luck.

I figured as much, it is what it is - that's why we own in Denver. But money talks - while I don't want to SPEND a lot of money on rent I can certainly put down a big enough deposit (which I had to do in the past) to appease a private landlord. And if it doesn't work out it doesn't work out. We are still young (30) and have time to live in Florida. We probably won't own 2 large dogs forever, so we can always revisit this idea later on as long as I am still working from home. What I won't do is give them away, I'd rather just stay put.

[Sweetbottoms]

$1500 wouldn't get you an apt near a beach in Naples thats for sure.. More like $2000 +