Moving to Florida..New Job (Orlando, St. Cloud: rentals, houses, job transfer)

[moving2fl4]

I just got a job transfer to Port St.Lucie area and Im looking to rent. I need a 5 bed house. I noticed the rent is expensive. Will a commute from st cloud be an issue on the turnpike? I don't mind the drive but wondering about the traffic.

[quattrohead]

Looking at it on google maps, around 1.5 hours and that is center to center as per the map so add extra time to get out of your neighborhood onto the main road.
There are not many houses with 5 bedrooms, they are going to be expensive.

[moving2fl4]

Originally Posted by quattrohead

Looking at it on google maps, around 1.5 hours and that is center to center as per the map so add extra time to get out of your neighborhood onto the main road.
There are not many houses with 5 bedrooms, they are going to be expensive.

Thanks for the reply. 1.5 doesnt sound too bad I'm doing that now in SoCal. Does the turnpike have a lot of traffic between those areas?

[DanielAvery]

I'd try to find something closer than St. Cloud, unless there are other factors that make it attractive as a destination. The traffic on the turnpike isn't much trouble, but the longer distance you drive, the more chances you'll end up stopped or delayed by accidents. They don't have frequent off-ramps like I95 has, so an accident in the "right place" (a BAD place) might leave you stuck in that place for hours with no way to get around or out.

This is a tough time to find any rentals, since we're about to enter 'season' when the Snowbirds flock down from the North, but I would not expect it to be such a tough market that you'd have to live all the way in St. Cloud.

[moving2fl4]

Originally Posted by DanielAvery

I'd try to find something closer than St. Cloud, unless there are other factors that make it attractive as a destination. The traffic on the turnpike isn't much trouble, but the longer distance you drive, the more chances you'll end up stopped or delayed by accidents. They don't have frequent off-ramps like I95 has, so an accident in the "right place" (a BAD place) might leave you stuck in that place for hours with no way to get around or out.

This is a tough time to find any rentals, since we're about to enter 'season' when the Snowbirds flock down from the North, but I would not expect it to be such a tough market that you'd have to live all the way in St. Cloud.

Thank you for your response! The price is the main factor. The size we need is very expensive in that area. I guess the other option would be north palm beach area. Plus we have family in the Orlando area. Is taking the I95 an option would that be better regarding traffic and accidents?

[HarryWhom]

What do you consider a good price? I saw a 5bd 3 bth in PSL for $2500. Seems reasonable for that size house.

[City Guy997S]

Originally Posted by moving2fl4

Thank you for your response! The price is the main factor. The size we need is very expensive in that area. I guess the other option would be north palm beach area. Plus we have family in the Orlando area. Is taking the I95 an option would that be better regarding traffic and accidents?

What is your time worth? 1.5 hrs each way is 3 hours a day, 15 a week/60 a month.

Lets imagine you save $1000 in rent but blow $17 a day in gas (200 miles/25 mpg). $17 X 20 work days is $340 just in gas plus the 60 hours. Now your driving to save $660, essentially valuing your time at $11 a hour.

Find a better job, pay the higher rent or get a few bunk beds and double up some bedrooms......all will be better than 60 hours on the road each month

[moving2fl4]

Originally Posted by HarryWhom

What do you consider a good price? I saw a 5bd 3 bth in PSL for $2500. Seems reasonable for that size house.

Thank you I'll check it out

[moving2fl4]

Originally Posted by City Guy997S

What is your time worth? 1.5 hrs each way is 3 hours a day, 15 a week/60 a month.

Lets imagine you save $1000 in rent but blow $17 a day in gas (200 miles/25 mpg). $17 X 20 work days is $340 just in gas plus the 60 hours. Now your driving to save $660, essentially valuing your time at $11 a hour.

Find a better job, pay the higher rent or get a few bunk beds and double up some bedrooms......all will be better than 60 hours on the road each month

Thank you for the breakdown. I've been commuting for 1.5 hrs for 11yrs. My real concerns are how bad the traffic is. I'm looking in the area but i want to cover all my bases just in case.

[FlaLadyB]

There arent many 5 bedroom homes for rent in Port St Lucie but why live here when you work in St Cloud? Have you looked there or contacted a Realtor in that area?

The one house for rent at $2500 is fully furnished only and no pets.

Going further south of here will cost you MORE money in rent, not less!

When are you moving and do you have pets?

You may have to go to a 4 bedroom instead.

You will be expected to have gross income that is 3 times the amount of the rental and most likely need first, last and security up front.