moving to seven oaks wesley chapel (Tampa: bank owned, short sales, real estate)

[goodbye NJ]

We are looking to move from NJ to Seven Oaks, Wesley Chapel. We have two children ages 7 and 9 and would like to know a little about the schools... are the staff and kids friendly to newcomers, how are the classes? We would also like to know if the people in the development are friendly too. We have been there and love it but it was summer time and could not go into the school to peek around. Thanks for your input.

[annaegel]

I cannot comment on the schools, other than moving from NJ (Fair Lawn) 6 years ago, I noticed the schools are about 1 1/2 years behind. The education was better in NJ.

I can't say anything more about the schools for Seven Oaks, because my experience has been for Tampa Palms (New Tampa). I do know several people who either have lived or currently live in Seven Oaks. They love it. They have many activities for children and adults. The people are very nice and friendly. Those who have left, felt sorry they did. The CDD fees are a bit high as many newer communities.

Florida is a very transient state. People are constantly coming and going. In the classrooms, there are cliques and it is sometimes hard to get in. I have found the kids nicer in NJ. I met others from NJ down here and say the same thing. This has been my experience. Your kids may have a completely different experience.

My suggestion is to rent a place first. If you find Florida is not for you, you can leave. If you buy, you may have a very hard time selling your house and may even take a loss. I have met northerners who hate Florida with a passion and I have met northerners who love it here and have no desire to leave.

[bentlebee]

I own a home in Seven Oaks and rent it out and every tenant I had loved it over there. Some bought a home afterwards in the same community, that says enough IMO.

The community is so big that you easily will find nice people, so don't worry and with the developments that are going on in the area, this is such a desirable community.

My home hasn't been empty for more than a few days and I keep getting calls if it is available. House values have not gone as low as else where and values are even going up there..., maybe not much but you can't go wrong buying there as long as you don't buy close to the interstate since they are going to widen I-75 and otherwise you will regret due to the noise. So buyer be aware where you buy

[goodbye NJ]

thank you for your input!

[njtofl]

Originally Posted by goodbye NJ

We are looking to move from NJ to Seven Oaks, Wesley Chapel. We have two children ages 7 and 9 and would like to know a little about the schools... are the staff and kids friendly to newcomers, how are the classes? We would also like to know if the people in the development are friendly too. We have been there and love it but it was summer time and could not go into the school to peek around. Thanks for your input.

My family is also looking to move to Seven Oaks, we have two children the same age. Have you found a home and are you happy? Are their alot of forclosures?
Thanks and good luck

[newyorker24]

Education anywhere in FL is behind the northeast. I know this because I moved from NY to FL when I was in middle school (15 years ago) and instantly noticed the difference. If you are that concerned, there are some great private schools in the area. With the lower cost of living here versus the north you can probably afford it.

[goodbye NJ]

Originally Posted by njtofl

My family is also looking to move to Seven Oaks, we have two children the same age. Have you found a home and are you happy? Are their alot of forclosures?
Thanks and good luck

We have not moved yet, we will move in July. There are several short sales and some bank owned. The bank owned homes are easier to buy. Good luck to you!

[bentlebee]

Originally Posted by goodbye NJ

We have not moved yet, we will move in July. There are several short sales and some bank owned. The bank owned homes are easier to buy. Good luck to you!

I agree, but many people don't know that the warranty deed that you get with a foreclosed home is not as good as from a short sale. You better have a Real Estate lawyer check it otherwise you can end up like many....with debt that nobody reported and all of sudden you get that letter in the mail and now you have to pay for that.

[Displaced Floridian]

Originally Posted by newyorker24

Education anywhere in FL is behind the northeast. I know this because I moved from NY to FL when I was in middle school (15 years ago) and instantly noticed the difference. If you are that concerned, there are some great private schools in the area. With the lower cost of living here versus the north you can probably afford it.

The schools in Florida do not measure up to the Northeast, because we follow the Northeast and the employees are paid very low. At the same time, the Midwest and texas are chasing Florida and trying to model Florida's education. I am a teacher who has taught in both places and I can tell you the Midwest is way behind Florida and Florida is behind the Northeast. So do not sell Florida short. For the amount of tax money spent, Florida is getting an outstanding deal on education.

[bentlebee]

Originally Posted by Displaced Floridian

The schools in Florida do not measure up to the Northeast, because we follow the Northeast and the employees are paid very low. At the same time, the Midwest and texas are chasing Florida and trying to model Florida's education. I am a teacher who has taught in both places and I can tell you the Midwest is way behind Florida and Florida is behind the Northeast. So do not sell Florida short. For the amount of tax money spent, Florida is getting an outstanding deal on education.

I agree with you and on top of that many of kids friends have gone Out of State to very good Universities and would graduate from them if their education would have been lousy in the first place...!