Relocating to Pensacola (Job) (Pace, Jasper: rental market, insurance, crime)

[Mad_Jasper]

Written offer forthcoming, it appears that we are heading to Pensacola. We are in our late 40s and the kids are grown. We currently live in the Albany, Ga area.

I've only been to Pensacola once and that was for the in-person interview. I like the small-town vibe with some bigger city amenities (the only big cit amenities that Albany has are crime and corruption) and the beach. I liked what I saw.

We are currently leaning towards Pace initially. But that may change. Thoughts?

[AnsleyPark]

Originally Posted by Mad_Jasper

Written offer forthcoming, it appears that we are heading to Pensacola. We are in our late 40s and the kids are grown. We currently live in the Albany, Ga area.

I've only been to Pensacola once and that was for the in-person interview. I like the small-town vibe with some bigger city amenities (the only big cit amenities that Albany has are crime and corruption) and the beach. I liked what I saw.

We are currently leaning towards Pace initially. But that may change. Thoughts?

Hey Mad_Jasper! Funny coincidence - I grew up outside of Albany (about 30 minutes away) in rural Sumter Co. on the Lee Co. line. You're unfortunately right - Albany has really gone down hill. Looks like they are crawling back, but such a long way to go. Anyhow, after 35 years in Atlanta, we've moved to the Pensacola area. I think you'll like Pace a lot. We live on the Alabama side (Orange Beach) which we really like - close to Pensacola. However, while I've been there time a time a two, Pace seems to me to be a great spot.

[EscAlaMike]

Originally Posted by Mad_Jasper

Written offer forthcoming, it appears that we are heading to Pensacola. We are in our late 40s and the kids are grown. We currently live in the Albany, Ga area.

I've only been to Pensacola once and that was for the in-person interview. I like the small-town vibe with some bigger city amenities (the only big cit amenities that Albany has are crime and corruption) and the beach. I liked what I saw.

We are currently leaning towards Pace initially. But that may change. Thoughts?

Pace is basically a bedroom community for Pensacola. Lots of military and civilian DoD families. That area is a bit transient for my liking, but if you're only planning to rent there for a while to get a better feel of the area, it will be just fine.

[Mad_Jasper]

Originally Posted by AnsleyPark

Hey Mad_Jasper! Funny coincidence - I grew up outside of Albany (about 30 minutes away) in rural Sumter Co. on the Lee Co. line. You're unfortunately right - Albany has really gone down hill. Looks like they are crawling back, but such a long way to go. Anyhow, after 35 years in Atlanta, we've moved to the Pensacola area. I think you'll like Pace a lot. We live on the Alabama side (Orange Beach) which we really like - close to Pensacola. However, while I've been there time a time a two, Pace seems to me to be a great spot.

My daughter attends GSW now! At least until this semester is over.

I was surprised at how tight the rental market is for 4 bedroom homes, but we found a nice place. Similar to our house and neighborhood. It's only about 20 - 25 minutes away from our new employers and UWF so I think it will be a good move for us. After we sell the house and get to know the area, we can buy or build at that point.

[Mad_Jasper]

Originally Posted by FSUMike

Pace is basically a bedroom community for Pensacola. Lots of military and civilian DoD families. That area is a bit transient for my liking, but if you're only planning to rent there for a while to get a better feel of the area, it will be just fine.

We did find a nice home and neighborhood similar to ours. We will be moving in later this month. I will be satisfied with renting for 1-3 years as we get to know the area.

Our kids are 20 and 21, so our family dynamics will likely change quite a bit between now and then. Ultimately, I'd like to be closer to the water.

[southernnaturelover]

Originally Posted by Mad_Jasper

We did find a nice home and neighborhood similar to ours. We will be moving in later this month. I will be satisfied with renting for 1-3 years as we get to know the area.

Our kids are 20 and 21, so our family dynamics will likely change quite a bit between now and then. Ultimately, I'd like to be closer to the water.

You won't want to be closer to the water when you start paying those insurance premiums.

[AnsleyPark]

Originally Posted by Mad_Jasper

My daughter attends GSW now! At least until this semester is over.

I was surprised at how tight the rental market is for 4 bedroom homes, but we found a nice place. Similar to our house and neighborhood. It's only about 20 - 25 minutes away from our new employers and UWF so I think it will be a good move for us. After we sell the house and get to know the area, we can buy or build at that point.

Congratulations! I think you are really going to like it down here in this neck of the woods! We moved down here last April from Atlanta and haven't looked back.

[Mad_Jasper]

Two-month update. We love it here. We love the beach. We have tans. Best decision we have ever made!

[slduvall]

Hope you feel the same way post pandemic! Traffic etc will change. Glad you like the area.