[danissa2408]

My wife and I are wanting to move to florida, havent really decided where yet. we have 2 girls, a 7 year old and an 11 month old. we are wanting a nice neighborhood and an apt with an alarm or gated access. would like for the neighborhood to have kids that are around the same age that their parents just dont let them run around and not take care of(want the kids raised right(good kids)). we would like something around $500-$600/month. we are currently in jasper, in and paying $450/month but our cost of living is less then florida. any suggestions? pros and cons about the areas would be great. still debating about florida or cal.

[RMD3819]

Do you have jobs?

If yes, where? This will narrow it down considerably.

If no, what career field?

Start with the job, then find housing. If you try it the other way it will be much, much tougher.

In any event, that rent is going to be tough. We need more information.

[MovedfromFL]

I don't think you will find a good apt for that price range, let alone something gated. In FL, you get what you pay for and it seems that many low rent apts have trouble makers running around. (I had a friend who lived in one and his middle school boy ended up with some really bad friends at the complex)

Given the job situation in FL and CA, I think your best bet would be to wait and see if things start to bet better in say a year or two.

[GloryB]

I also think you will have a hard time finding a good rental in that particular price. You might find one....but you wouldn't want to live there. It will cost at least twice that amount for what you are describing.

I also agree it would be best to secure jobs first. Jobs are a little sparse right now.

[TXRyan23]

Originally Posted by danissa2408

my wife and i are wanting to move to florida, havent really decided where yet. We have 2 girls, a 7 year old and an 11 month old. we are wanting a nice neighborhood and an apt with an alarm or gated access. would like for the neighborhood to have kids that are around the same age that their parents just dont let them run around and not take care of(want the kids raised right(good kids)). we would like something around $500-$600/month. we are currently in jasper, in and paying $450/month but our cost of living is less then florida. Any suggestions? Pros and cons about the areas would be great. Still debating about florida or cal.

[chaotix]

I wonder if some of these people and posts are genuine.??!!

[Moderate Guy]

Originally Posted by chaotix

I wonder if some of these people and posts are genuine.??!!

I'm sure that there are a few false identities/posts on every forum but I think that sometimes outsiders to an area are so naive about actual circumstances that their criteria seem mind boggling to residents.

This isn't peculiar to Florida only but exists in major cities across the country.

[TXRyan23]

Originally Posted by Moderate Guy

I'm sure that there are a few false identities/posts on every forum but I think that sometimes outsiders to an area are so naive about actual circumstances that their criteria seem mind boggling to residents.

This isn't peculiar to Florida only but exists in major cities across the country.

The last time I personally saw that low of a rent in a "good" area of Tampa, I believe the eldest Bush was in office...

I would think if the OP wanted a gated community for $600 a month he/she should try looking in areas of the plains states and upper mid-west.

[Moderate Guy]

Originally Posted by TNRyan23

The last time I personally saw that low of a rent in a "good" area of Tampa, I believe the eldest Bush was in office...

I would think if the OP wanted a gated community for $600 a month he/she should try looking in areas of the plains states and upper mid-west.

Agreed! Even in Minneapolis, where my niece lives, it's a tough call.

[chaotix]

Originally Posted by Moderate Guy

I'm sure that there are a few false identities/posts on every forum but I think that sometimes outsiders to an area are so naive about actual circumstances that their criteria seem mind boggling to residents.

This isn't peculiar to Florida only but exists in major cities across the country.

Yes, we encounter naive people in all walks of life. It's just somewhat difficult to take questions posed in this fashion seriously, especially when the OP does not respond.