Florida members I could use a little guidance. Hubby and I have decided we want to move back to Florida but we aren't sure about some of the areas. So, can someone give me a little guidance regarding the gulf side? We've been looking between Fort Myers and Sarasota (or even closer to Tampa) but since we haven't really spent much time there we aren't sure about it. We want a good area, good hospitals and some things to do...not neccessarily touristy type things to do though. We also like the Clearwater (and surrounding towns) area but have only visited a few times. Any advice for that area? |
Hi there..we have a place in Cape Coral....which is right next to Fort Myers. I absolutely love it there...and if it wasnt for my parents who are up here in Massachusetts, i'd be down there full-time. But for now we go down about every 2 months or so. Its great....fort myers beach is Dog friendly. Theres usually some sort of festival or event going on every weekend. Hubby and I always find things to do...even if its just going down to the restaurant pier and grabbing a drink while watching the sunset. I LOVE LOVE LOVE it there AND prices have dropped wayyyyyyyy down, so you can find some really great deals down there! |
Hi. I live in Cape Coral/Fort Myers area. I moved here from Virginia in 2002. If you are retiring, I would say this is a great area. If you are working and still raising a family, IMHO I would move further north...but that's just my opinion.:) I can tell you the major employers here are Lee Memorial Health System which now owns all our local hospitals and the Lee County school system. We have no major industry except tourism. Here is a link to the local newspaper news-press.com | The News-Press | Southwest Florida news, community, entertainment, yellow pages and classifieds. Serving Southwest Florida, Florida If you are looking for work be aware there is definitely a "season" here. During "season" (winter) a lot of places get busy and hire but the work is temporary (employers may not tell you that;)). During the summer most places slow down to a crawl and people get their hours cut or laid off. The failing economy hit this area extremely hard. The housing market fell apart here. People are still walking away from their homes and we have a ton of brand new builder homes sitting empty that aren't selling. So you can pretty much pick up a brand a brand new 3br 2bath home for under $100,000. Property taxes haven't went down and home owners insurance is still high. Last year my premiums were $1600 for my very modest 3br/2bath home built in 04....buy an older home and you may not be able to get insurance.:cool: On the up side if you like warm weather and sun then this may be the place for you. Today was 80 degrees.:D You won't have days of gray and gloomy weather like up north. You can go to the beach all year around, there are a ton of golf courses, and if you like to watch baseball the Red Sox have their spring training camp here. There are a ton of gorgeous gated communities with golfing, swimming, tennis, and social clubs. There are some very good private schools for the kids if you can afford it. Other than that I think it's pretty laid back...definitely not city life and not much to do. I usually go over to Miami/Fort Lauderdale or Tampa.:D |
Moving back to FL The Melbourne area is not bad either. We're in Satellite Beach. Agree with the others re: house prices going but prop taxes and insurance have not. If you do move back, check with your homeowners insurance to see if they still insure in FL. Most of the bigger insurance companies will NOT insure in FL, or if they do it is very high. |
Sat Beach is on a barrier island & our ins is crazy! |
i used to live in st.pete. it was nice there. i like the indian rocks beach area too. |
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I live in the North Tampa Area... The hospitals around here are good... Tampa General Hospital etc. There is stuff to do... Ybor, Channelside, Hyde Park, etc etc. The housing market is def. a buyers market. If you have any more questions, PM me! :) |
We live near Clermont, Florida, which isn't on the coast - it is about 30 mins or so west of Orlando, but we love it here. |
I have family in Naples - it's very, very nice.... Unfortunately, the economy has hit that area of Florida really, really bad...so be-careful :( |
Not sure of your age - but if you are thinking of retiring, my parents moved to The Villages, Florida and LOVE it! |
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The beaches in Sarasota can not be beat. I love Siesta Key. If you would like to visit with my parents I could put you in touch with them. They live on Palmer Ranch - they are 5 miles from the beach. There is also a YT member, who I have not yet met in person, Gayle T - she lives near Bird Key - you might want to contact her. |
No, we haven't decided on an area yet. I think we're going to stay here full time and buy in Florida as a winter home. We were looking in the Sarasota area and when we lived in Ocala we went to The Villages several times a week and we loved it there...even though I was only 43 at the time I still enjoyed everything the retirement communities had to offer. |
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