Hi anyone,
I am wanting to relocate to Florida, but dont know which town to chose. I would prefer good schools and neihbourhood, within one hour to beach( not priority 1) and in a place relatively safe from Hurricanes. And newer or new homes.If any one here knows Florida well please help.Thanks

My finding is that Florida has a different "feel" to each section. The Miami area has a New York City/ international feel to it. The Jacksonville area has a more "country" feel and then the West/Gulf coast has a more relaxed feel.

What are your criterion besides beaches? Budget and land will greatly restrict your choices.

Shoot me an email if you want at ed @floridarealestate411.com (remove the space before the @ sign).

Ed

www.floridarealestate411.com
www.robot-japan.com

In addition to the "feel" of various parts of the state, I'd spend some time at the public library.

If it were me, I'd start by looking at county statistics. I'd look at such things as education levels, employment, crime, growth rates, etc. Education level is (I think) a really important one and tends to affect other criteria.

This could very well narrow your search down to several counties (perhaps in different parts of the state). From there, you can start narrowing down to municipalities.

A lot of the info will be in the World Almanac. The librarians will be happy to find other sources for you as well. A couple of hours sifting through this rather dry material might save you years of grief from a bad decision.

In my experience, this kind of information is far more objective and useful than "glossy" advertising info you might get--although those might have some benefit as well.

And remember--as I've often said on these boards--wherever you are, you "buy" the neighborhood. Location, location, location!

And this research won't guarantee the 'perfect' move. Relocation is a difficult experience. Uprooting, trying to fit into a new community and find new friends, etc., it ain't easy! But good luck! In the long run it can be a broadening experience.

BTW, hopefully Handyman will chime in; I think he's a FL man!

Regards,
-k2 in CO

Moderator, Miscellaneous Forum

http://www.bobvila.com/BBS/Miscellaneous

Agreed. An almanac is a great way to go. Then a better idea yet occurred to me-- VIST Florida on a vacation. Take a road trip. I'd be happy to help on the Gulf coast.

Ed
www.floridarealestate411.com

www.floridarealestate411.com
www.robot-japan.com