Moving from Palm Beach County to SWFL Need Help (Tampa: 2015, home)

[BenG577]

2 Kids, 5th and 7th grade. We currently live in a 3800 sq ft 6/5 3 car garage GL community in western Boynton. Picked here because it was so family centric, all the kids go to the same schools, 100s of kids in the neighborhood, you know all your neighbors well (for better or worse). Wife's job is taking her over to that area and I work from home. She does not commute during normal 9-5 so any "traffic concerns" are not really concerns. Price range I would say 500-900K Priority is

1- safe family centric neighborhood, we are fine with HOAs
2- safe schools, good public option close by
3- not buying at the penultimate height, would rather find something lived in, and needs updating than pay for something that is likely 20% over valued, but it is not THE deal breaker
4- home bodies, so want some space in the house, and only need a publix nearby, not big on going to beach or nightlife not important either

So that being said. I would say Orange Tree in NE naples through Babcock ranch all East of 75 are in play. Ideally 3200+ sq ft, 5/3.5 and bigger. Ideally not zero lot line. Ideally nice walking paths, people outside, neighbors who say hi and are in the "it takes a village" mindset.

We see some nice new communities in Estero off Corkscrew, (the Place, Verdana Village). I like to play tennis, indoor tennis in Verdana is intriguing. But they are either really pricey or still very early stages of being built, and we don't want to wait 3 years to enjoy the amenities as our plan is to move once the kids finish high school, so it is like a 6-8 year play then downsize.

Saw some nice communities in Gateway, prices seem WAY less, but why? I know they are older...but? Are there particular neighborhoods in Gateway that are more ideal than others? I see they have a new high school.

Saw some near there new build just east. What's the story there?

Then you go a bit north to like Ft. Myers shores area, some new builds there.

Alva? What's the story here?

Then Babcock. I am pretty sure it is off our list as just being too far off the beaten path, but not totally against it.

Someone help me narrow this down who knows the area well, has kids, understands the schools and neighborhoods, ideally our home stays at the $ we pay or maybe even a bit better, thoughts?

[KirstinMoll]

Are you still looking to make the move?

There's a lot to unpack here but would love to help out.

Gateway is cheaper because there is not much out there. It's underdeveloped yet. Same with Alva. Naples, Ft. Myers, and Cape Coral is where it's at. Cape Coral is super safe and so is Naples. Ft. Myers has it's spots that you'll have to stay away from in terms of safety. Babcock ranch is incredible but it's a little far out if you want beaches. Some people don't care about that though. For family, I think Cape Coral is the best area. Ft. Myers is a close second. Naples is a pricier and more snowbirds than young families.

I'd love to connect and help you narrow down your search. I'm a realtor here and moved from Missouri in 2015 so I know how daunting it can be to move to a new place. I'd love to help!

[chiluvr1228]

I lived in Gateway back around 2016 and it has grown and added a Publix nearby. The best part of living there is when the power went out due to hurricanes Irma and Ian, Gateway didn't lose their electricity because of the underground utilities. I would move back there if I could except I don't want to deal with an HOA.

[Tanya121]

Im curious about south of Tampa as well. I recently moved north to Weeki Wachee. I think I might have to stay for a while before I sell. My situation has changed. My fiancé has passed away. My brother feels I should go into a community and move south. Any suggestions? I have a few friends in Lakewood Ranch, I have friends that recently moved to Cape Coral but not in a community. I saw Babcock Ranch online... Any insight??

[chiluvr1228]

My boss's daughter lived there and loved it. They survived the hurricanes with almost no damage and they didn't lose electricity either.

However, racist acts against minorities in their High School have made the local news quite a few times so keep that in mind.