[SunLovah28]

Hello all! Hope everyone is doing well.
I am considering a move to Florida and I have a bit of a backstory so here goes: I moved to South Florida back in 2006 and lived off and on there for about 2 years. I lived in Miami, then Miami Beach, then Homestead. I really did like it down there, I especially loved the sunshine and the beaches although I did note that it was expensive to get a decent place in a decent neighborhood. At the time I was engaged, with a baby, and the 2 incomes made it possible to live nicely. However, 4 yrs later, I am in a different situation. I am now a single mom. My baby is now a 3 year old and I am back in NYC. I do not want to raise my daughter in NYC. I actually miss Florida and the only reason that I left was because my daughter's father was irresponsible. I want to move back to Florida but NOT South Florida. So here are my questions:
1. Where is it affordable for a single mom to rent? I have heard some things about north florida and the panhandle but need input in regards to the different areas.
2. Where are the good job markets for the medical field?
3. Where are the areas with the good schools?
Ideally, I would like to live in a place that has a bit of diversity and is a safe and family-oriented neighborhood where my daughter and I can feel welcome.
Thank you all soo much for reading my long story, lol and any information would be greatly appreciated!
SunLovah28

[007.5]

Your best chances for affordable housing is going to be the Panhandle. However, it may not be the best for job opportunities. Its a good thing you are in the medical field , for, that should open more doors for you hopefully. I live in Crestview, Fl. which is 45 minutes straight east of Pensacola and 45 minutes straight north of the Destin beaches . A typical 2 bedroom apartment/house in this area rents between $600-800 / mo , with a mobile home a bit cheaper . Its a family area with alot of military familes since Eglin Air Force base is closeby. I love being here from Illinois ; major highways and Interstate 10 to get you where you want to go easily, real nice big park with water on the northside of town, Walmart, Lowes, a few decent restaurants, very friendly folks, easy to make new friends, great selection of churches, and handy to explore the many beaches along the coast. In Crestview, there is the North Okaloosa Medical Center (a hospital and medical offices) and other hospitals within a 45 min. drive. Other nearby towns to consider would be Pace and Milton,Fl . P.S. We have alot of nice single parents at our large church which is Niceville Assembly of God in Niceville, Fl. on Route 85 . , and its a church that encourages getting connected with others thru a plethera of social/ family ministries -- youd be welcomed in.

[SunLovah28]

Thanks so much for the info 007.5. It is much appreciated! :-)
Also, after more research, I am also considering the Orlando area but have heard lots of mixed reviews. I want to be able to live in a nice place, affordable with rents (between 500-700 max), within close proximity of everything but not too close to all the hustle and bustle either. I have heard some nice things about various places in and around the orlando area so any info on these areas would also be appreciated! Thanks :-)

[007.5]

Originally Posted by SunLovah28

Thanks so much for the info 007.5. It is much appreciated! :-)
Also, after more research, I am also considering the Orlando area but have heard lots of mixed reviews. I want to be able to live in a nice place, affordable with rents (between 500-700 max), within close proximity of everything but not too close to all the hustle and bustle either. I have heard some nice things about various places in and around the orlando area so any info on these areas would also be appreciated! Thanks :-)

Sorry, I cant tell you much about Orlando. I did pass thru it a couple weeks ago and found it too busy for my personal liking, but, im sure theres some nice suburbs of Orlando that might fit your bill. Ive also heard St. Augustine on the east side of Florida is quite nice and right on the Atlantic.

[SunLovah28]

Thanks again 007.5! I will continue to research

[floridabound38]

Hello Sunlovah28!

I was just skimming through webistes and came across your question. I wanted to know how your search was working out. I too am looking to relocate to Orlando and am in need of answers as to the best family oriented places to go. I am a single mother with a six year old son and just recently lost my job working for the City of New York. I always wanted to move to Florida and figured now is as good a time as any. I'm trying to figure out how to do all of this from New York (finding a job, etc). I went to Exit Realty website and use this for researching townhouses, apts in Florida. I have used them in the pass when I lived in Boston for a short period. Let me know how your search is working out. Maybe we can help each other.

[kyle19125]

Originally Posted by floridabound38

Hello Sunlovah28!

I was just skimming through webistes and came across your question. I wanted to know how your search was working out. I too am looking to relocate to Orlando and am in need of answers as to the best family oriented places to go. I am a single mother with a six year old son and just recently lost my job working for the City of New York. I always wanted to move to Florida and figured now is as good a time as any. I'm trying to figure out how to do all of this from New York (finding a job, etc). I went to Exit Realty website and use this for researching townhouses, apts in Florida. I have used them in the pass when I lived in Boston for a short period. Let me know how your search is working out. Maybe we can help each other.

Finding a job from afar is next to impossible with the exception of a few specific occupations. The job market in Orlando isn't very good right now (10% unemployment rate) and the available jobs tend to be low-wage service industry positions. If you're deadset upon moving here plan to have 6 months worth of living expenses in reserve. The best family areas in Orlando are those with low crime and excellent public schools. Check out the suburbs of Oviedo, Lake Mary, Heathrow, Sanford (west side), Winter Springs, Longwood (NW side) and Altamonte Springs (NW side). Good luck!

[Where2live2011]

Depending on what you do in the medical field, check out hospitals online and see what positions are open. Compare the pay to the cost of living, then you'll be able to figure out if it's attainable or not...