Possible move to Tally... (Miami, Tallahassee: for sale, real estate, to rent)

[01sesedan]

Hello everyone,

Great forum. Long time lurker, don't post much but here goes. A possible opening work might become available in about 6 months or so in Tallahassee. I've shown interest in moving if it does.

I've been searching and have found some information that was helpful but some post are older. I was hoping you guys can provide current input.

We will be moving from North Miami. We have 2 kids, 14 yr old going to 9th grade and a 7 yr old going to 2nd grade. My primary goal is to find a good school. After searching the forum, most indicate that the Chiles High School seems to be the best. I hope to find an elementary close to it that is also good. Could you please let me know which is the best high school and elemenary?

Based on the school district, I will begin the search for a home. But first I plan to rent for about 6 months or so to get familiar with the area.

In a couple of weeks, I plan to visit Tallahasse for about 3 days. I'm going to check out the location of the work office. Also plan to visit different high school locations based on your feedback.

Thanks for your help,

Joe

[WellShoneMoon]

As a former Miamian, I can tell you that Tallahassee is a MUCH better place to raise kids.

Here is a link to the Leon County Public Schools page that shows the grades achieved by the various schools: http://www.leonschools.net/newLCShom..._2010-2012.pdf

You're right that Chiles is the best high school, although Leon and Lincoln aren't bad either. If you rent a house in the Killearn Lakes area, you'll be where you need to be for Chiles H.S. and also for one of the best elementary schools, Deer Lakes.

Depending on where you'll be working, you may have a lengthy commute from Killearn Lakes, but if you're accustomed to Miami commuting you'll think this is nothing up here.

[01sesedan]

Thanks for the link. That'll help a lot. I found a link posted by someone on the forum. The school district covers a large area. http://www.tlcgis.org/schools/hschzones_8x11.pdf

As for distance from work, I googled from Killearn Lakes (not specific address) to E. Park Ave and S. Blairstone Rd. It shows about a 30 min drive. I'm not sure how accurate that it with school and rush hour traffic. If 30 min is accurate, it's not bad.

We plan to drive around a lot when we visit. Check out the schools, see the home in the area. Get somewhat familiar with it.

I'm planning to check the price of homes before making the visit. Also going to research taxes, utility cost, ect. I want to get an idea of insurance for home and auto. Hope it's not more expensive than down here.

Thanks...

[TD*]

No, you should be paying less, especially for insurance because your property is not coastal.

I think you will love it.

The great thing about Tallahassee is it has rolling hills, and so many trees. Very beautiful city.

I have known about 10 people who have moved from south florida up here, and they stay because its a great place. They say how did i ever live down there.

[WellShoneMoon]

When we moved here from Miami, our car insurance was cut by half. As for homeowners insurance, it really depends on the company. Some companies just aren't writing homeowners insurance anywhere in the state.

The drive from Killearn Lakes to Park & Blair Stone should take about 30 minutes or less.

[01sesedan]

Thanks for the input. I've been searching houses on zillow other real estate sites. Down here a new town house goes for $189k. Houses I've located in tally go for less and have some property. Most new houses in south florida, if you can find any have zero lot. Don't even have to own a lawn mower. How sad....

Taking the kids on our 3 day recon trip. Now I have to find something for them to do also. Maybe a park with spring they can get in, possibly canoe and bowling at night. Just want to surprise them so they don't think it's a boring.

Any suggestions?

Thanks,

Joe

[WellShoneMoon]

Wakulla Springs State Park. I always take out-of-town visitors there. Take the boat ride, see the wildlife, including lots and lots of alligators. There's also a swimming area, but the water is usually cold, and I've never been convinced that the alligators know to stay on their side of the river. Welcome to Florida State Parks

[TD*]

For bowling check out FSU Crenshaw lanes, its on campus, and a nice facility.

Its cheap also!

If they are closed, you can try Seminole Bowl, or Capital lanes.


For canoeing there are tons of rivers... Take your pick.


Also, Tallahassee Museum is nice also, its a Small museum, and has local florida animals in it, (like a small zoo)

It also has a zipline course which is fun.

[01sesedan]

We will definitely check those places out.

Thanks for your input...

[01sesedan]

Update...

We spent 3 days driving around, checking different areas. First stop was Southwood, it was nice. Newer area but I didn't like how close the homes were. Next stop, Killearn Lakes, really different from Southwood. Nice, quite lots of trees. He agent from Southwood also recommended Piney Z. Wife liked that area best, but home were a little higher than what we were looking for. We began driving fur there east and south of I10. Home had larger property. We found an area south of 27, close to Old St. Augustine. 2000+ sqft, 5 acres for less than $170k. Seems pretty cheap, not sure why. That's on home that we liked most. But the school is Rickards, I here that's is not a good school.

Once the relocation is confirmed, I plan to visit again and check out some more locations. My priority is to find an nice home that falls in a very good school district.

The strange thing is there are so many homes for sale. My wife was concerned and is wondering why that is. She feels strange about that. Down here, hardly any homes for sale in most areas. Does anyone have an idea what that is?

Thanks. .