Relocation Process -- Need Advice! (Tampa, Sarasota: truck rental, for sale, real estate)

[Chris3]

Hello,

I want to get some feedback from people who have relocated to the Sarasota area and make sure that I understand all of the steps that are involved in such a big transition.

-I am 22 years old and my girlfriend and I have been to Sarasota several times and have been wanting to move there for some time now.

-We are hoping to move within the next 6-12 months and we will have money set aside to cover some living expenses for the first few months upon moving, though we do not want to move if we are both unemployed.

-We both have college degrees (I have a BBA in Finance and plan on completing my FL Real Estate Classes and she has an Associates in Radiology). We want to begin searching for employment in the Sarasota area, and were wondering if it might be a good idea to get a PO Box with a Sarasota address, so that employers take us more seriously and recognize that we have a Sarasota address. If someone has done this, can you please elaborate?

-We will be coming from Ohio (probably with a large rental truck and 2 vehicles --- we'll have some family help in getting things moved). What were some costs that people had regarding a long distance move (How much did it cost you?)

-We know that Sarasota has a diverse population ranging from children to college-grads to families to retirees, but we love the area. We love the weather, beaches, venues and overall atmosphere that Sarasota offers. Question is, where would some of you recommend that a college-grad couple live? We would like to be close to the beaches and want to stay south of Fruitville. We'd like to be close to Siesta Key or Longboat if possible and would like to keep rent under $1,000 for a 1 BR.

-In the coming months we plan on applying, applying, and more applying for jobs and want to come down in December for interviews and hopefully apartment searching. Smart idea?

Sorry this is so long, but I need some help! Thank you all!!

[TamRE]

I moved here from Syracuse, NY. We got a Penske rental truck and towed my car behind. We found Penske to be the cheapest. Back in 2004 it cost us $2,000 to move. Not sure what the costs are now. But if you get a AAA membership you get a discount on the truck rental and it is cheaper if you book the truck online at Penske. Penske Truck Rental, Offering Nationwide Moving Truck Rental and Commercial Truck Rental.

I have a Florida Real Estate license. I took courses at Ed Klopfler School of Real Estate in Sarasota on Cattleman Rd, but they have other locations in FL too. Their web site explains the details of getting a license. You must take the course first and then take the state exam. http://www.edklopfer.com/

Jobs are hard to find. Here are some web sites that are helpful. There are jobs that fit both of your skills and experience. www.employflorida.com, www.jobfocus.com, www.indeed.com, www.simplyhired.com, www.yoursun.com.

There are many threads posted on city data on areas/communities in Sarasota to live. The Economic Development Corporation is a good resource for information on Sarasota County. http://www.edcsarasotacounty.com/

If you want more affordable housing try North Port. It is located in southern Sarasota County and has a median age of 38.7. www.cityofnorthport.com
It is 20 minutes to the beach and has two exits to I-75 if you get employment in Sarasota.

Good luck! You will love it here.

[hotdawg]

I am leaving the area and moving North. Here is what I found in both my move down and up North.

1. Moving truck. UHaul truck @ 15 ft was $1800 for a 1 way. Penske 15ft was $1200. Budget 15 ft truck was $1075. I am guessing gas for the beast will cost close to $850+. Oh yeah, if your under the age of 24 you will pay extra for being "under age". But you can drink, smoke and buy porn!

2. Jobs. The job situation is not good in the Tampa area. It took my wife 1.5 years to find professional employment. She spent most of the time working retail and volunteering. I would be very wary of moving here without having a job or a spouse who is working full time.

3. Apts. I am renting at SummerCove Drive off of University. About 15min drive to Lido Key. Rent at Summer Cove for me is $940 for a 2 bedroom with dishwasher, in unit washer/dryer, trash pickup at the front door, 2 pools and fitness room. They required $200 down. Most of the Apt complexes do not require 1st month/security deposit. Most just want $200-400 to reserve a unit. I found most decent places to run from $900-$1200 a month. Also try property management companies....they usually represent people who are renting their houses/condos.

4. Car. Car registration in Florida is usually cheap compared to up North. BUT.....when you transfer your car to Florida.....they will charge you $400 per car. Not cool. No car inspection. Woot.

5. Utilities: Fairly cheap. In summer we spend $80 a month on Electric. Water is $20. Cable/Internet runs about $80 for basic service.

6. Real Estate jobs. No idea if people are making money in Real Estate or not. The housing market tanked here and there are tons of deals on the market. From co workers who are trying to sell their houses......they have not had luck moving their property. Tons of inventory and low demand. When you come down.....get the Trulia app for smart phones and take a drive. You will be amazed at the number of homes that appear that are empty and have no for sale sign in front. I guess Venice is worse off.

7. Car insurance. Very high. In New England I paid $60 a month for full coverage. In Florida I pay about $100 a month for the same coverage.

8. We decided to live in the North part of Sarasota. We live on the border of Bradenton and SRQ. We are about 10 mins from I75. With the job market sucking we felt it would be best to be near I75 so we could get to Tampa or St Pete. Both are about 45-60min drive.

9. No income tax. The difference in pay between here and New England for me was $8k. So I made $58k up north. For the same job in Sarasota I got paid $50k. I bring home the same amount of money as up north but make $8k less.

Good luck with the move and finding a job. The beaches are awesome and Sarasota is a great area to live in.

[Chris3]

WOW! Great information TamRE and hotdawg! Thank you both very very much!

I guess it does come down to the job situation. I am already taking RE classes online and would ultimately love to get involved in the RE industry, but I know times are tough. I have mainly looked at sales jobs or financial advising jobs.

My girlfriend is in the medical field and from what she has heard, it will not be as difficult for her to find a job doing x-ray or MRI. Also, does anyone know of some good radiation therapy programs in the area? Ultimately, she would like to do that.

I love Sarasota more than any other city I have ever been to. I have been to Sarasota over twenty times in my life and love it more each time. I just want to make sure that when I move, that I do it right the first time.

Also, does anyone have feedback on a PO Box? Would it make sense to get one...?

Thank you all so much!

[TamRE]

On the PO Box - no you don't need to get one. It is better to be truthful about where you currently live and that you are looking to relocate. I had a friend that wanted to move down here from NY and used my address in FL, but it didn't make any difference. When I spoke with a Career Counselor they said it is better to use your own address. I used my NY address when I was moving down here. I was a teacher then. I interviewed over the phone and then came down in person and got the job.