Naples........... (Tampa, Orlando, Sarasota: sales, rent, insurance)

[B to the T]

Pros... cons... is it a good place for a single guy... any and all input welcomed... I have a job op and I may be moving out here fairly quickly when I get it

[RMD3819]

Depends on your age. If you are retired, yes. If you are 20/30, probably no.

The social scene is limited as Naples is a tourist and retirement community. My daughter is 23 and can't wait to get out. If you like big city nightlife this is not the place for you.

Pros:
-Nice weather in the winter
-Cheap(er) housing, finally. Huge selection and variety.
-Less crowded in the summer
-Huge variety of shopping and dining options
-No state income tax

Cons:
-Hot and humid in the summer. This could be a positive depending on your preference.
-Congested in the winter
-Generally higher cost of living
-Generally lower payscales-this applies to all of Florida
-High property and insurance
-Hurricaines

What is your housing budget?

What part of town is the job in? What kind of salary?

We can give more specific advice if you share some more information.

[B to the T]

Originally Posted by RMD3819

Depends on your age. If you are retired, yes. If you are 20/30, probably no.

The social scene is limited as Naples is a tourist and retirement community. My daughter is 23 and can't wait to get out. If you like big city nightlife this is not the place for you.

Pros:
-Nice weather in the winter
-Cheap(er) housing, finally. Huge selection and variety.
-Less crowded in the summer
-Huge variety of shopping and dining options
-No state income tax

Cons:
-Hot and humid in the summer. This could be a positive depending on your preference.
-Congested in the winter
-Generally higher cost of living
-Generally lower payscales-this applies to all of Florida
-High property and insurance
-Hurricaines

What is your housing budget?

What part of town is the job in? What kind of salary?

We can give more specific advice if you share some more information.

Well I am 50... look 35 (told this often and tend to date younger women) Feel young and act young yet wise because of the years, but I like a slow pace as well as a fast one... after many discussions it appears I will make between 90-110k my first year (not as high as orginally quoted)... my job will be sales and I will have from Naples to just below Tampa, and I cannot live in Tampa since it is out of my territory. Humidity will take some getting used too (Cali last 30+ years) I basically have zero bills too... but I don't want to blow my money, save it and just live comfy with an ocean view if possible... rent first, furnished even if I can find something I like... my attitude is, this will be a working vaction for the next few years, and I want to be foot loose and free... especially if a hurricane hits... I can just grab my clothes and run and not worry.

[RMD3819]

You will be perfect for Naples.

I can't speak for the dating scene as I am 46 and married.

That income will get you a decent place anywhere. If you must have a Gulf view it will take up a substantial part of your income.

If you are going to be traveling alot I would consider the proximity to I-75 when selecting housing.

[TANaples]

Originally Posted by B to the T

Well I am 50... look 35 (told this often and tend to date younger women) Feel young and act young yet wise because of the years, but I like a slow pace as well as a fast one... after many discussions it appears I will make between 90-110k my first year (not as high as orginally quoted)... my job will be sales and I will have from Naples to just below Tampa, and I cannot live in Tampa since it is out of my territory. Humidity will take some getting used too (Cali last 30+ years) I basically have zero bills too... but I don't want to blow my money, save it and just live comfy with an ocean view if possible... rent first, furnished even if I can find something I like... my attitude is, this will be a working vaction for the next few years, and I want to be foot loose and free... especially if a hurricane hits... I can just grab my clothes and run and not worry.

My husband (57) came down 3 years before I did. The first year he was here was when Wilma hit. Yep, he just grabbed his clothes and ran from Naples to Orlando.

Unfortunately, the "old girl" followed him to Orlando.

Sorry, I just couldn't resist this.

[B to the T]

After talking to a few people, I am going to focus on Sarasota... thanks for the input.