Tallahassee questions (Pensacola, Monticello, Havana: insurance, houses, neighborhoods)

[jimdc58]

Can someone tell me a little more about Tallahassee?:

Is it more of a bible-belt community, or a college community? Is it more conservative or more liberal?

Can a good small house be had for ~$130,000? Is hurricane insurance for homeowners expensive?

Is the city on an upward or a downward swing?

Any other input as to Tallahassee's desireability as a place to live would be greatly appreciated.

[nicolepsy]

i dont know the answer to any of your questions but remembered tallahassee as being very lovely on first glance. it reminded me of certain parts of the east coast because of the trees and people out running and walking on the paths besides the busy streets. it didnt have the typical florida look.

[jimdc58]

Aren't there any natives of Tallahassee who can provide input?

Thanks!!!

[gumbyfly]

I posted a lot of information a couple of pages back for more info on Tallahasse and the surrounding areas.
Here is what you asked:

Tallahassee questions
Can someone tell me a little more about Tallahassee?:

Is it more of a bible-belt community, or a college community? Is it more conservative or more liberal?
- a little of everything, but mostly a college town with a state government thrown on top of it. It is a quiet liberal town (more hippy than liberal).

Can a good small house be had for ~$130,000?
- I know it is possible here, but you would live in a trailer or something built in the 1950s...

Is hurricane insurance for homeowners expensive?
- depending on where you live in the area, it ranges from very little to very high. Ask your realtor when you start looking at homes.

Is the city on an upward or a downward swing?
- It all depends on what you do. The state just went through huge budget cuts this past year, which could continue (which makes it a downward swing if you will want to work for the state). The housing market has thousands of houses sitting around vacant, which is expected to take a long time to resolve (which makes it a upward swing for those buying homes). The city is growing, and the economy is good in the service industry (upward swing).

jim

[macguy]

Originally Posted by jimdc58

Aren't there any natives of Tallahassee who can provide input?

Thanks!!!

There is not much to complain about. Most post are from complainers. I love the Tallahassee area.

[TriMT7]

$130k for a house in Tallahassee (in any area you'd WANT to live) will be stretching it, but not impossible.

There's a new subdivision near Southwood called "Pebble Brook" off Tram Road that has duplexes starting around 140k. The area is experiencing a lot of growth, and is convenient to downtown.

[chocolateandmusic]

It's not as bible belty as panama city, or Pensacola because of the School, but it is really southern in my opinion and lots of trees and oaks with the moss hanging down...It gives it a real old south look, but it is in a large city that is fairly liberal... I've been there many times and I can tell you it is very southern but like a liberal sort of southern...But it is. Complete with barbecue, twangy people, and sweet tea.

[jimdc58]

Thanks to all of those who provided input.

Anyone else have input on the social climate issue (progressive/conservative)?

Also, what WOULD one have to spend for a nice SMALLER home in a nice area (not a subdivision!)?

[TriMT7]

There are neighborhoods all around the city. Your price range, as a poster above mentioned, might find you a modest ranch style on a tree lined street. BUT, you have to be careful.

Do a realtor.com search. Stay in the Eastern and part of the city if possible (East of Monroe). Extreme Northwest Tallahassee may also have some bargains. If you see something you like, you can ask about the particular area.

[alex3672]

Tallahassee is a great place to raise a family. Not much for singles, unless you are into college kids.

Conservative area, but with the colleges it brings a mix. The farther from the city, the more conservative the area.

Don't look at any home west of monroe and south of Tharpe. Bad area.

My favorite is East Tallahassee on HWY 90 toward Monticello.

Northwest toward Havana is good, too.

Southwood and Kilearn are nice, but the growth and appreciation is going the the other way.

Jobs have always been my issue here. If you aren't working for the state or one of the colleges, you have a tough time and lots of competition for low paying jobs.