[ev314]

Greetings,
We are a family with an 11 year old daughter. Originally from NY, we have been in Phoenix, AZ for 5 years and are looking to get out. We're considering Florida to be near the ocean. We are unfamiliar with Florida (except for Disney World). We are looking for a family friendly place to live, near the water (not necessarily on the beach). Must have good employment and lots to do (Phoenix is super-boring!) Any suggestions? Thanks!

[Michael A]

Stay out of Dade, Broward, And Plam Beach Counties. Taxes, insurance, traffic, cost of living and home prices are very high. Public schools have big problems. Look North of Palm Beach to move to. Areas are growing. Good luck.

[sunrico90]

Take a look at the towns around Orlando, such as St Cloud, Melbourne, Merrit Island, etc. This might be an hour drive, but is a bit less expensive and still close to the beach and attractions/things to do.

Another place that is very unique is St. Augustine. Is the oldest town, close to the water, lots of things to do and close to Jacksonville (less than 45 minutes).
Lots of night life ande heavy in tourism. Check the following site:

http://www.oldcity.com/

[LGaudette]

Hi,

I moved to Tampa, FL in 2004 (from very cold NH) with my husband and three children . They are now ages 14, 11 and 5. I highly recommend that you research the Tampa area, specifically the area of New Tampa and Wesley Chapel. We are 45 minutes from the beach (closer to the Bay) and only 1 hour from Orlando. There is so much to do in Tampa for families and I am very happy with the school system. My children have adjusted very well and love it here. Moderator cut: No advertising - please read forum rules.

[Need_affordable_home]

Wow to live near the ocean would cost at least half million! What is your budget for a house? I must warn you they dont go cheap here!

[SunnyDog]

Focus on Metro Miami-Ft. Lauderdale-W.Palm Beach (Dade, Broward, Palm Beach counties). It has the state's highest wages and highest concentration of quality jobs, the most nightlife/entertainment/special events, plus it has the warmest winters and coolest summers outside of the Keys. Good employment, lots to do, water everywhere. Beware of the small towns if you have to make a living, they're more for retirees and burger flippers.

[Need_affordable_home]

This means Ocala wouldnt be a good choice?

[SunnyDog]

Originally Posted by Need_affordable_home

This means Ocala wouldnt be a good choice?

Not if you have a college degree and want to make over $20/hr. Not that's impossible to make good money in a small town like Ocala, but there's more opportunity to do so in the Miami/Ft. Lauderdale/WPB area, or in any larger metro area for that matter.

[Need_affordable_home]

This explains why houses in Ocala are a little over half the price of houses down south and the land is like 5 times cheaper! $20 an hour is decent for Ocala. Get a roomate or girlfriend and combine the salary and with the dual salary, a house should be affordable in Ocala.

[rkumar3]

I have to agree with earlier post that if you are young, want to make a decent wage, have friends, want some night life, travel etc.... South FLorida has it all. Yes housing is comparatively expensive but market has been settling and now is certainly a good time to look for bargains in the housing market.

Please free to IM if you want more info on the area and I can certainly help and even give you an idea of how far your housing dollar would go in various areas of South Florida.

Good luck