[Cyclone105]

Hi all,

I have had a lot of interest in moving to Florida lately because of the affordability and more conservative politics compared to where I live in the northeast/mid-Atlantic; and I like how the economy looks down there as well. Two areas that interest me are Daytona/New Smyrna Beach and Melbourne/Palm Bay. I do, however, have light skin that burns pretty easily, but in the summer months I still have to sunscreen a lot up here anyway so I don't see that part of the year being very different other than the higher temperatures. What is the sun/temperature like in Daytona and Melbourne in the fall/winter/spring? Is there a noticeable difference between that of Daytona and Melbourne?

Let me know what you all have to say.

[EngGirl]

you know you can google this information, right? And compare temperatures between two.

On the side note - get ready to wear sunscreen year around

[beachmouse]

Daytona is a place that the rest of the state makes fun of; I'd go for Melbourne- the high tech sector there will often get you better neighbors.

[_burrito]

The sun is the same in both places. Lather up.

Check out Melbourne, especially Viera.

[Rabflmom]

Are you a retiree, single in your 20s, or bringing a family down to live.

If not retired, do you have a job lined up, work from home, or transferring to the same business down here?

Housing is high. Salaries are lower than in most Northern states. If retired are you living solely on Social Security?

Planning on buying or renting?

Do you want close to the beach or inland?

Schools important?

Airport?

Hospitals?

Nightlife?

Arts? Definitely lacking in most of Florida in my book.

Do you drive and have a car so you won't need to depend on mass transit?

Between Daytona and Melbourne I would choose Melbourne as the better of the two for most things I listed.

[Cyclone105]

Originally Posted by Rabflmom

Are you a retiree, single in your 20s, or bringing a family down to live.

If not retired, do you have a job lined up, work from home, or transferring to the same business down here?

Housing is high. Salaries are lower than in most Northern states. If retired are you living solely on Social Security?

Planning on buying or renting?

Do you want close to the beach or inland?

Schools important?

Airport?

Hospitals?

Nightlife?

Arts? Definitely lacking in most of Florida in my book.

Do you drive and have a car so you won't need to depend on mass transit?

Between Daytona and Melbourne I would choose Melbourne as the better of the two for most things I listed.

I am 22 and single and would be starting my career. The housing prices are actually part of what makes the areas appeal to me. (I wouldn't be buying as soon as I get down there, just so you know.) Palm Bay and New Smyrna have pretty decent housing prices from what I've seen and I would have a short commute to Melbourne or Daytona for work each day. IT is my career field, and the amount of entry-level positions I see on job sites like Indeed seem to be pretty high in these areas and not very scarce, which I like a lot. I do believe that even with the salaries I could expect to earn down there, decent homes would still be more easily attainable than in the area in the NE/mid-Atlantic where I currently live.

[Florida Paul]

I know Palm Bay gets a bad rap, but there are good areas there that you can find a really affordable starter house in. With the Space Industry exploding, it seems like a no brainer.

[_burrito]

OP, if you want IT jobs and seek an affordable, conservative life, look in the Jacksonville area. More IT there than in Daytona or Melbourne and a comparable cost of living as well.

[Travelassie]

Originally Posted by beachmouse

Daytona is a place that the rest of the state makes fun of; I'd go for Melbourne- the high tech sector there will often get you better neighbors.

I dunno, at this point I might consider looking at a place that others make fun of, if I were looking for a place that was not being flooded with newcomers being added to the throngs already there.

That's just me, though. I guess some people thrive on crowds, or are used to them.

[FL_Expert]

Honestly, I wouldn’t suggest either city despite home value being a little low. Can you tell us more about what you want? I’m guessing a smaller community?