R U thinking of moving to OCALA,FL? (Tampa, Spring Hill: low crime, how much)

[KathyA11]

That smiley face looks like laughter and another insult aimed at New Jersey, hence my correction of a widely held misconception, dear.

[FlyersFan]

Originally Posted by KathyA11

Not in the Wildwoods or in Cape May.

While it may be true that Cape May or Wildwood don't have beach fees the fact of the matter is that the cost of everything is higher at Cape May because of the victorian atmosphere than most other shore points which makes up the difference. Wildwood also may not have beach fees but I have had the opportunity to stay at Wildwood and walk the boardwalk at night.....its inhabited by mostly low life South Philly thugs in summer that seem to be just itching to create trouble.....purposely bumping into you on the boardwalk and then turing to see if your willing to fight over it.....your talking two extremes.....one far too costly in comparison with outher shore points and the other just filled with classless low life. Even if the beaches are free I'll pass on both but still wonder why they even have the nerve to stick their hand out for yet another fee thats just a black eye for New Jersey for out of state vacationers to write home about. And finally, yes its true that some other states have personal income taxes but the cost of living in New Jersey is out of control especially when you consider as I stated before that New Jersey has 17 of the top 25 highest counties for property taxes. There are 788 counties total in the US and NJ has 17 of the top 25 for highest property taxes......no other state even comes close to that levying that type of outrageous tax burden on its residents. I don't care what the state offers theres absolutely no defense for that type tax burden and the debt mismanagement has created in NJ.

[jenbug]

Originally Posted by KathyA11

That smiley face looks like laughter and another insult aimed at New Jersey, hence my correction of a widely held misconception, dear.

Well of course it looks like laughter...i am not aware of the sarcastic smiley that can be used. If you know of one, please let me know and I will be sure to use it so that people do not get confused.

[kshe95girl]

Originally Posted by jenbug

Well of course it looks like laughter...i am not aware of the sarcastic smiley that can be used. If you know of one, please let me know and I will be sure to use it so that people do not get confused.

the sarcastic smiley face would be this one:
One of my faves!

[jenbug]

Originally Posted by kshe95girl

the sarcastic smiley face would be this one:
One of my faves!

hahha thanks! i will use that one for my sarcastic posts

[whitemysterytaz]

i am young my husband and i have to leave new york because of his problem we were thinking of ocala i will have my vet ass segree soon what do you think we are moving to florida and r looking at different areas ocala is one

[Honeycrisp]

Not sure what you mean by 'his problem' in NY etc - it's difficult to understand your question as it's very rambly but w/ the economy the way it is, esp. thruout FL, wouldn't move anywhere w/o a definite job, not just job prospects, unemployment is extremely high - would sharpen your job skills, send out resumes and go for interviews before making any move anywhere

[FLdyingfast]

I understood your post whitemystery, do yourself a favor and take your hard earned degree somewhere else that will appreciate you and where you feel safe raising your children. The schools are horrible in Marion/Ocala. The jobs (few that there are), pay very little and work you only part time.

[flsouthbound]

so...I have read so many reply's to the unemployed welder for weeks and read all the bickering, but some people come here to truely try to understand what it might be like to buy in Ocala, live in Ocala, have their children go to Ocala schools and get a job in Ocala. I keep coming back to this thread but nothing has changed. I skip straight to 7 or 8 just to read something new. I really want some informed info on Ocala.

My questions are: What schools, spacifically middle and high schools are a good place to start to live near, what part of Ocala is a good place to buy, and what parts should I avoid? What about taxes, utility bills, and cable and internet. Why are some streets not paved? Sounds primative or very rural... Where is the most crime?

I will be flying there in March or April to check out the town and need to go straight to where I plan to look and avoid. Anyone know a good realtor? Someone who knows their stuff and can help an out of towner... a single gal with two school age kids? I want to live near my mother in The Villiages.

With all the opinions, should I really avoid moving there at all, or are there just negative people on here? I've considered moving near Tampa also. Someplace a little more to offer in regards to beaches, nightlife, fun for kids, concerts, etc. I would appreciate it so much to have a view of Ocala, the schools, and the life there. Thankyou. :-)

[flsouthbound]

ok... well I just read the next thread and Ocala is seriously underwater! With a 14.6% unemployment rate, Ocala is just about dead as I read it! How sad for so many that would have loved to live there...............