[tracybaby]

Not from Florida, looking to possibly move there myself. All I can say is that we all have things that we like and dislike about our own towns. Most schools have good teachers and bad teachers. Most towns have crimes happening in our backyard. And we probably all have a child predator living on our street. As long as you choose a place that you feel is a good area, ultimately you will be responsible for your childs education, friend choices and what neighbors they are allowed to visit. I personally am looking at town population, median income and school scores. Other than that, Im trying not to over analyze any town or I think I would go crazy. So thats my advice for relocating. Just relax and you will make an excellent choice.

[rrbtexasmomof2]

Please - I need the scoop on Seminole County! Hurricanes, schools, crime, housing market - owning and leasing? We reside in Katy, Texas. I am a Texan, husband a New Yorker in the casino industry. He has been offered a position by the Seminoles - Hard Rock - We are considering on moving. I want the best and safest area for my children in which to live and be educated!!!! Our income is only 100k a year. Any advice and assistance is appreciated. Several of these posts scare me. Thanks!

[Dee2e]

Originally Posted by rrbtexasmomof2

Please - I need the scoop on Seminole County! Hurricanes, schools, crime, housing market - owning and leasing? We reside in Katy, Texas. I am a Texan, husband a New Yorker in the casino industry. He has been offered a position by the Seminoles - Hard Rock - We are considering on moving. I want the best and safest area for my children in which to live and be educated!!!! Our income is only 100k a year. Any advice and assistance is appreciated. Several of these posts scare me. Thanks!

I've been here for a long time, Longwood, Seminole County. Good schools, never had issues with hurricanes since living here except for rain and $20 worth of damages from a neighbors tree during Charlie. Housing Market has seriously dropped since the 2006 high, near by home sold - 4/3 lake front pool home in Longwood for under 200K. I love it here. I've lived in other States and parts of Florida but Seminole County is home.

If you review posts of those that posts all the "scary" posts, you might see a pattern. Some just can't be happy anywhere and blame every for their troubles.

I sure hope you aren't dealing with a huge mess in your area from Ike but I suspect you might be. The trashy election coverage is taking away from the need for help in the Gulf area.

Here's some local info:

Welcome to Seminole County Public Schools school board info
Official Seminole County Florida Government Site for Residents, Businesses, and Visitors to Central Florida county info

Florida ranks schools from A to F, be sure to check the grade for the schools where you want to move. Seminole County has excellent schools.

PM me if you have any specific questions.
Your income is above the median average, you'll have no problems with housing at that level at all.

[rrbtexasmomof2]

Dee2e,

Thank you for your information! I did a little research on my own these past few weeks and Seminole County ranks high in regard to education. Husband will work in Tampa and Seminole County per Mapquest is about 1 hour 45 minutes northeast. What "suburbs" do you recommend between the two? Thanks for the links to the websites. Housing is definitely more expensive in Florida versus Texas. We acknowledge that. For example, we own an all brick 3000 sq. ft. home on a 1/4 of an acre and pay $1,674.00 monthly, this includes the property, local City and school taxes. Can you tell me a little bit about the school, property taxes in Florida?

Thank you for your concern regarding IKE - our electricity went out immediately when IKE started making landfall late evening. We are approx. 82 miles inland, 21 miles west of Houston. Downed powerlines, lots of trees, broken windows - no flooding though! I work in corporate healthcare and our building was without power for 6 days!!!!!! School was canceled for a week. Many businesses from Galveston to Katy - shut down - it was a ghost town around here - no power for some, several days. Gasoline, food, water and ice shortages to name a few. Normalcy is returning gradually for many. We are one of the fortunate! I had visited many of the beaches hit by IKE and the images on TV are startling. There is nothing there anymore...

Any and all informarion regarding the "choice" school to attend and likewise, the counties in which to stay completely away from is very helpful.

Thank you for your assistance! It is very appreciated.

[Dee2e]

Originally Posted by rrbtexasmomof2

Dee2e,

Thank you for your information! I did a little research on my own these past few weeks and Seminole County ranks high in regard to education. Husband will work in Tampa and Seminole County per Mapquest is about 1 hour 45 minutes northeast. What "suburbs" do you recommend between the two? Thanks for the links to the websites. Housing is definitely more expensive in Florida versus Texas. We acknowledge that. For example, we own an all brick 3000 sq. ft. home on a 1/4 of an acre and pay $1,674.00 monthly, this includes the property, local City and school taxes. Can you tell me a little bit about the school, property taxes in Florida?

Thank you for your concern regarding IKE - our electricity went out immediately when IKE started making landfall late evening. We are approx. 82 miles inland, 21 miles west of Houston. Downed powerlines, lots of trees, broken windows - no flooding though! I work in corporate healthcare and our building was without power for 6 days!!!!!! School was canceled for a week. Many businesses from Galveston to Katy - shut down - it was a ghost town around here - no power for some, several days. Gasoline, food, water and ice shortages to name a few. Normalcy is returning gradually for many. We are one of the fortunate! I had visited many of the beaches hit by IKE and the images on TV are startling. There is nothing there anymore...

Any and all informarion regarding the "choice" school to attend and likewise, the counties in which to stay completely away from is very helpful.

Thank you for your assistance! It is very appreciated.

Wow, if you lived between Tampa and Seminole County, you'd be commuting a long way each day. It's not the mileage that is the biggest issue, it's the rush hour traffic that would be painful. With gas prices, it would be expensive too.

Half way is the Auburndale/Davenport area. Right now, there are many decent priced homes on the market that make it affordable, property taxes will go down on most properties due to adjusted values dropping. I just saw a 4/2 in Davenport for $114900. Price wise that would meet your payment goals. Davenport is in Polk County. Polk County Public Schools Polk County, Florida is the school board website.

With your husband working off I 4 near Hard Rock, try checking out Brandon, FL. I like the Ellenton/Palmetto areas too. However, it's more south than Brandon. However, housing is more expensive.

My cousin is moving to the Tampa area soon. I recommended he rent for awhile to determine what areas he likes/dislikes before committing to purchasing a property in an unknow area. He's only been to Tampa one time for his job interview. I think that's wise advice for folks unfamiliar with an area which may sound strange coming from a Realtor.

I'm glad things are settling down some from Ike, I know it will be a very long recovery for the Texas Coast and wish you all well. We in Florida remember the 2004, 2005 hurricane seasons very well and understand some of your pain for recovery. Stay positive! It helps.