[RunD1987]

Hi, my SO is finishing up school. Already a nurse but advancing herself at the moment. Once she finishes up school plan to move to Florida.

Starting to make a list of places like to visit over the next two summers before making the leap.

Any areas recommend that are good for families, within 20 miles to hospital (preferably in same area living), and near higher education institutions???

Look forward to the feedback!!!

[FL_Expert]

Too many places are a match, what other considerations do you have? Budget?

[RunD1987]

Originally Posted by FL_Expert

Too many places are a match, what other considerations do you have? Budget?

3 bed 2 bath $400K or less but possibly will rent when we come down. Looking at $2200 or less for rents.

Doesn't need to be near the beach. Big parameters be a hospital in the town of city (15-20 mile radius okay), as well as a university (15-20 mile radius is okay), a YMCA, downtown area, and parks.

So far looking at Lakeland, Sanford, Fort Myers, North Port, Palm Harbor, Plant City, Tallahassee, and Oveido.

[FL_Expert]

$400k is going to be a challenge in a lot of Florida cities.

Here’s some feedback on the cities you mentioned:
Lakeland - Underrated city, but I don’t think they’ve got good schools. Check on that.
Sanford - Might be a good option.
Fort Myers - I’m not sure if Lee County really has any good schools.
North Port - Nope.
Palm Harbor - Great area for families, but far from a university.
Plant City - Nope.
Tallahassee - Maybe, but I’m not familiar enough with it. It doesn’t offer much of what people think of when they think about Florida.
Oveido - Good option if your budget permits.

Normally I don’t recommend anywhere in Volusia County, but Port Orange could be a good option since it’s relatively affordable and meets your other criteria. (University is debatable.) Melbourne is more or less the same story, but might be a better option since they’ve got FIT there.

[1200RT]

Jacksonville. Heavily developed healthcare and budget works.

[wizrap]

I would also add Gainesville to your list. The NW and SW sections away from the university are extremely family friendly. UF Health and North Florida Regional are both less than 10 miles away. UF also is less than 10 miles away from suburban Gainesville.

There’s no shortage of parks—Devil’s Millhopper, San Felasco, Loblolly Woods, Sweetwater Wetlands—just for starters. The downtown area has free entertainment during the weekends at Bi Diddly Plaza. Lots of restaurants—a French Bistro, several farm to table types, Italian, Asian, bar-b-que, Cajun, a steakhouse, bars, breweries—etc etc.

The YMCA is a bit ragged. I belong to Gainesville Health & Fitness. Cost is about $40 a month. There are some gyms that are cheaper, but GH&F is a state-of-art business—2 coed gyms, one woman’s facility, and one gym is open 24/7.

You had better pray that the housing market cools in the next 2 years when you’re ready to move, as your rental and purchase budgets are just barely in line with your wish for a 3/2 SFH in this area. Or hopefully you can increase your budget in a couple of years. Good luck.

[RunD1987]

Appreciate that. Hopefully be some cool down in next few years.

Areas considering at so far are...

1.) Fort Myers/North Fort Myers/North Port

2.) Lakeland

3.) Orlando/Oveido/Sanford/DeLand

4.) Gainesville/Ocala/Newbury/Alachua

5.) Jacksonville/Tyler/Orange Park

6.) Crawfordville/Tallahassee

7.) Land O' Lakes/Palm Harbor/Brandon/Bradenton/Sarasota

Eventually want to narrow it down to top 3 go from there

[FL_Expert]

Originally Posted by RunD1987

Appreciate that. Hopefully be some cool down in next few years.

Areas considering at so far are...

1.) Fort Myers/North Fort Myers/North Port

2.) Lakeland

3.) Orlando/Oveido/Sanford/DeLand

4.) Gainesville/Ocala/Newbury/Alachua

5.) Jacksonville/Tyler/Orange Park

6.) Crawfordville/Tallahassee

7.) Land O' Lakes/Palm Harbor/Brandon/Bradenton/Sarasota

Eventually want to narrow it down to top 3 go from there

I thought more on it and I think Melbourne is your best bet.

[RunD1987]

Originally Posted by FL_Expert

I thought more on it and I think Melbourne is your best bet.

Will add it to the list thanks!

[BobNJ1960]

Originally Posted by RunD1987

Will add it to the list thanks!

Florida IMO, makes far more sense than Ct for your family. Older population in the millions = far more job opportunities, with far less runup in costs so far.