[CampingMom]

Hi,

After dealing with a horrible winter here in NY(fell on ice and broke my ankle in 3 places), we are planning towards relocation. We've got family that's lived in Florida for over 35 years-so we've been down quite a bit to the St.Pete area. We prefer the west coast for sure. We are in our mid-40's. Hubby is just starting doing HVAC-R after a 21 year career change-ready mix concrete. I have a degree in hospitality and tourism. We are thinking of a time line on 3-4 years to head down-maybe 5. That'll give my hubby a good solid footing in his new line of work. We will have one child still at home-will be in either junior high or just starting high school by the time we get down there.

Any recommendations for good areas, good schools to research over the next few years? I want to do this right and take our time doing it. We've been as far north as Clearwater Beach(love it) and far south as Sanibel-love the shelling. We've been to Orlando a few times, and hubby spent his childhood visiting Key West where his grandparents lived. We know for sure that this is what we want to finally plan out and do. So fire away with suggestions, pro-cons about the areas and information about the schools. Also need input about hurricane insurance, car, drivers licenses(I have a CDL too), what hubby could expect in terms of jobs down there-salarys?- what we might expect for utility costs. Any basic kind of things.

Thanks so much!

[TXRyan23]

Hopefully in 5 years the economy will rebound and HVAC-R will be booming as well. My brother in-law is currently in that program as well.

It sounds like you love Pinellas County. I've heard great things about Dunedin and Palm Harbor. I would check out those areas but hey, That's just my opinion.

It's kinda refreshing to see someone that's being realistic and waiting until things are right instead of the typical " I'm packing up and heading down with my wife and kids without a job or savings. "

Good Luck !