Monday, March 21, 2011

Best Places to Live in Florida

Yesterday my brother and I were having that conversion that comes up from time to time - where to live when we get older. I asked, 'Do you think you'll stay in this house forever? Had any thoughts on where you might want to live when you retire?' His response didn't really surprise and it reminded me that the more things change the more they stay the same. He said at first he was worried the kids might be upset if he sold the house but after discovering they really didn't care it got him thinking he might just make a move one day. Where to Live? Florida - he said the idea of living somewhere that the weather is nice would always be important to him but what really attracted him to Florida was the warm gulf waters. Now that makes sense to me and it got me thinking,

Florida Drive By Sunset

Where are the Best Places to Live in Florida?

Here's what I learned - every American knows that Florida is a world famous southeastern state . That infamy comes from a lot of different places - surely world famous Disney World is one but also the unique features of this place have attracted people long before Disney was around. Did you know the Atlantic coastline on the east side of Florida is over 1,200 miles long? Of course like my brother the warm water of the gulf is matched only by the attractiveness of the sunny warm climate. It's called the Sunshine State for a good reason. Oh and did I mention the beautiful beaches? Florida also has a low crime rate, its a great place to be active and sports lovers are drawn to the sate for everything from Golf to Baseball to Fishing. Yes, there's a lot to love about Florida and I'm sure it will remain one of the best states to live in. Now there there are numerous places which could be considered the "best places to live in Florida" but like anywhere it is up to individual tastes and interests. For examples people with kids need family friendly spots where by the retiree may want something completely different. Lets' look at the short list for what most would consider the best.






Tampa and the Tampa Bay Area

Tampa Bay is on the West coast in central Florida . It's known as the largest open water estuary in the states and covers more than 1031 sq kilometers. As a naturally protected harbor Tampa is safe and one of the best places for families to live. The port of Tampa Bay is an important commercial hub while the beaches and downtown area attracts many visitors as it's considered one of the Florida Hot Spots for entertainment and fun. This area offers plenty of lifestyle and community activities with festivals and events held throughout the year. Stores, restaurants, and the longest continuous running sidewalk meanders along the bay, perfect for walking, riding and roller blading. There are numerous condominium complexes that typically have great swimming pools and activity centers making this Florida place one of the best places to live for singles and families alike.




Jacksonville - northeast Florida

Jacksonville is another large and well known Florida city. The metro parts of this city are best for the young hip single crowd including students fresh business people and those who are looking for good business work opportunities. The ultra friendly people of this city really create the atmosphere and make Jacksonville one of the best places to live in Florida. Move out of the downtown and into the burbs and you'll find excellent neighborhoods for young families. Jacksonville is located on the northeast coast of Florida. One interesting fact many people are unaware of is that it is the largest city in relation to total land area in the United States.

Jacksonville, Florida

Miami - Southern Florida East Coast

Miami is located on the Atlantic ocean - the east coast of southern Florida. Truly a city that is all international, Miami is  known as 'The Gateway to the Americas'. There are numerous corporate headquarters, TV studios, educational institutes - media, music, fashion, film and performing arts abundantly spread all over Miami creating a colorful impact on life and living in this, best in Florida place. Miami is home to a very busy port with cargo and passenger shifts on a continuous move. Miami is a good consideration for younger people, students, singles, multinational executives, art-lovers... well it could be consider one of the best cities to live for just about anyone who is into the hip urban scene.




Fort Lauderdale - Southern Florida East Coast

Over the decades Fort Lauderdale has constructed an elaborate maze of internal canals earning it the nickname - The Venice of America. Although this tropical paradise looks nothing like Venice and there are no signs of the famous Italian gondolas it's true the canal system offers transportation via water taxis and a dock at almost every back door. This famous Florida city is the perennial popular Florida tourist destination. It's known for excellent dining and nigh life at numerous restaurants and clubs. Tourism is the main industry of Ft Lauderdale so those looking to live and work here are best to have education and background in the hotel, hospitality and tourism field. It's also known as a major manufacturing and maintenance port for expensive yachts and of course a major cruise ship port is located here.




Pompano Beach - Southern Florida East Coast

Pompano Beach is another beach city found north of Fort Lauderdale. Broward county is known to include a number of desirable spots to live. including Pompano. Because these beach communities are being redeveloped from mainly tourist to more residential they are considered some of the best places to live in Florida. Once only the bastion of retirees now working singles and families co-habitat these beach communities of Florida. Here people of all walks of life enjoy the ocean scenery and the multitude of active pursuits it brings. Real Estate is still comparatively expensive in Pompano Beach due the publicity surrounding it as one of the country's top vacation home markets.

Pompano Beach Seafood Fest

Tallahassee - Northeast Florida Coast

This is the capital city for the state of Florida. Tallahasse has been an anchor with history and stability since Florida became a popular destination. It's known for having good educational facilities including several universities and colleges. Florida State U; Florida A&M are both world class and world famous. Tallahassee could be considered one of the best places to live in Florida for professionals who are looking for career opportunities in education and research. Florida schools alos have a reputation for low teacher to student ratios - this contributes to a graduate base that  is bright and quickly employable. They also offer affordable education in some of the best facilities in the country.




Panama City Beach - north Florida Coast (The Panhandle)

In the later part of the last decade the student 'Spring Break' scene was pushed out of the Ft. Lauderdale area and soon found a new home in Panama City Beach. Young working adults as well as students enjoy Panama City as it's become a Mecca for socializing. If your looking for fun in the sun and work in the hospitality industry that caters to the young party crowd than Panama City Beach is for you!

Panama City Beach Florida

Although a number of Florida cities and communities may appear to be geared toward the young it still has some of the Best US Cities for Retirees - namely Sarasota and Ft. Myers - both in the 2011 top ten list of US places to retiree.   For retirees many like to live in places which are a little laid back. Calm and quiet are keywords and most love Florida for just those qualities. Since people first entered the work force the dream retirement spot has always included a warm climate, beautiful beaches, cheap real estate and low taxes - things Florida has and continues to be known for. Those who retire also want to consider health-care options including proximity to quality medical care. Almost any city in Florida offers retired folks all these things plus time and opportunity for intellectual and cultural pursuits.  And for those in the middle - a little old for the party  scene - too young to retire Florida still offers some great places to live for working singles and those who are married. For example, if you're in a business which means you  need to travel internationally metropolitan areas like  Tallahassee, Miami, Ft Lauderdale, Orlando and Tampa also offer excellent transportation hubs. The central location of Florida makes it ideal as gateway to all points North, South, East and West.





Juan Ponce de Leon, the European explorer, was the first to visit Florida way back in 1513. He named this magical place 'Florida'  which means 'feast of flowers'. Since those days millions upon millions of modern day explorers have ventured to Florida on vacation always mindful and always commenting about how the locals are so lucky to have settled in Florida. It's true Florida offers something for everyone - from beautiful white sand Beaches to hopping  bars and night clubs; from world class  universities to natural parks and hiking trails; from golf courses to museums to international corporate offices - yes Florida does in fact have it all!  When it comes to discovering the best place to live in Florida it will certainly vary from person to person but in the end there is sure to be a best place for everyone who wants to call Florida home.

75 comments:

lauren52 said...

Not sure what you are basing your 'Florida has low crime' statement on. Florida's personal crime and property crime statistics are very high, AND there is a lot of bad driving going on there. I personally witnessed five car accidents within one week in the Orlando/Clermont area. Floridians usually blame this on tourists or the elderly, but that was not my experience. It is usually aggressive teenagers and young adults who weave in and out of lanes at high speeds and cause crashes.

Pam said...

I agree with lauren52. Jacksonville has a lot of crime. Five police officers have been killed in Florida since January 2011. I love Florida but there is too much crime.

Gabby Inga said...

Everywhere is good and bad drivers, for city to live consider climate government facilities hospitals schools and things of that nature. I like a small city like Palm Coast, its not perfect but it has many pluses on those categories mentioned above.

Mike54 said...

If you can find a big city that doesn't have high crime and bad drivers please post the location so we can all go there. Any inner city in the country has high crime. Fact of life. I came to Florida from Detroit, one guess as to where I saw the most crime and bad drivers.

bigmol said...

Florida is absolutely amazing and in my personal opinion only 2nd to.. well, who can deny this--HAWAII. The crime rate in Florida is equal to its population. Its not Bucksnort, TN (pop 2022)although there are towns and cities where you can move that have better statistics. Understand what its about, and accept the danger/risk that is abound living there. Nothing is free as long as you dont limit the imagination to monetary values.

Cindy said...

I've lived in central Florida including Tampa Bay and Orlando areas for many years and have to say it's not what it used to be...the economy is really bad which has had an effect of the crime rate. The population is mostly hispanic and there are a lot of illegal immigrants. The traffic is unbelievable and the price of property has exploded to unaffordability by any middle class because the jobs don't pay well at all. If you live away from the busy city areas there are no jobs at all. The ideal lifestyle here is to live in a remote area for someone who is retired.

Ann said...

If u r looking for a place where there is NOcrime buy you an island to live on crime is everywhere some are not told on news more than others.

Ann said...

I live n jacksonville n i cannot tell where the high crime r if u think that u can find some where where there arent crime wake up r go buy u n island where there r not crime r much people.

lifeisgood101 said...

You're never going to find anywhere that is "PERFECT", al in all Florida is a wonderful place.

Erick said...

We moved to Florida and we love it. The focus on crime is overdone, except for the obvious hot spots in large cities like Orlando and Miami, crime isn`t much of an issue at all. I can mention hundreds of towns in Florida that are very safe, let me just list a few:

Lake Mary
Winter Springs
Coral Springs
Port St. Lucie
Windermere
Boca Raton
Key Biscayne
Longwood
Orange Park
Jupiter
Oviedo
Naples
Venice

Leeeesa said...

I live in Richmond, VA and Richmond has one of the highest murder rates in the country. After living here I feel well prepared for Florida! For the record drivers suck everywhere! Any time you have a lot of people and a bad economy, you will get excess crime.. just how it is. But can't live in total fear.

matthew said...

i lived on the gulf coast since 1984 and the Tampa area is a dope strickened area including the areas of st. pete and clearwater. very high crime horrible traffic so i move to bradenton sarasota area and unless you have 300,000 dollars to by a mediocre home in a suburb dont even think about it here horrible crime drug usage especially pills are out of control gangs from mexico and south american countries are here especially in bradenton anna maria island is very nice but there are alot of drugs there and we all know it leads to crime thats why all the florida jails and prisons are full they r building juvenile detention centers down here quicker than they r schools its getting to a point where its out of control. And someone said tell them big cities that dont have these problems well first of all look up the fbi stats tampa is around 241,000 not a huge city by any means but ranks higher than chicago on crime data, miami has the pork and beans and lil haiti that have murders everyday and thats not an exageration. Florida has really took a turn for the worse over the last 10 yrs but ever since 2004-05 it has skyrocketed with unemployment, crime, child molesters, priscription drug users, murder, robbery, every category florida has done horrible in overall. srry such lovely weather but horrible laws and lacking laws and drug users they put poor drug users in prison and the wealthy ones in rehab down here hell jeb bush was gov and his daughter was addicted to crack thats how bad it is!

andreaf2 said...

believe me flordia has to be better than ohio its cold here about 9 months out of the 12 here its always snowing the roads are nasty and its always dark and gloomy its so depressing i mean ohio and be a beautiful state when it wants but its not a lot of times also columbus which is about 20 mins from me is #2 in the nation for murders and my little small towm was #1 for weed in our state and some other drugs so u will always have issues no matter where u go

LovinFL said...

I live in Satellite Beach on the Atlantic side of Florida and there is very little crime here. Only a mile wide from the ocean to the intercoastal waterway, if you are a water lover, this is the place to be. I was born in CA and have lived in OH, AZ and CO. I can honestly say our little community on the beach is heaven.

Jimmiejam511 said...

where is the best place in Florida that doesn't get slammed with hurricanes?

Ailsa Forshaw's Build Your Own House, Body And Life! said...

We just moved from Los Angeles to Canada, and now we're in the middle of a snow and ice storm, so I'm online looking for a sunny and safe place to live :> lol! Florida looks so pretty... hmmmm. Will have to investigate Florida, more, but this was a really good and informative article... gives me some hope on a snowy day!

Ailsa Forshaw's Build Your Own House, Body And Life! said...

We just moved from Los Angeles to Canada, and now we're in the middle of a snow and ice storm, so I'm online looking for a sunny and safe place to live :> lol! Florida looks so pretty... hmmmm. Will have to investigate Florida, more, but this was a really good and informative article... gives me some hope on a snowy day!
buildyourownhousebodylife.blogspot.com
buildyourownhouse.ca

Lindsey said...

I am glad to read this cause I am looking for somewhere warm to move to. I live in Utah and I am tired of having more winter than summer. I hate the cold. Thanks for the info and all of you who commented to narrow it down for me. My parents are thinking of moving to South Carolina. As everyone else said drugs and crimes are everywhere and some states report them better than others. But it is one of those that you associate with the right people and stay clear of the dangers like you do anywhere else.

robinhood said...

after reading all the comments. its sound like lions and tigers and bears oh my!!!

Antonio said...

Been living in San Francisco for 20years, we have about 2-5 death citizens per week due to crimes and our own Muni bus system, mostly the elderly get hit by City buses. That is very high in an area thats only 10Sq.Miles. Now, add the rest of the bay area, add Los Angeles! and the rest of California....dont even want to think about it.

Lisar48 said...

Do your homework. Look for statistics. Compare cities and states. Lists your priorities. If there is something that you just can't try to live with/around, don't move there. I live in a small city in Upstate NY(and when they refer to upstate NY on the news, they don't know what the heck they are talking about, they're about 4 hrs south of upstate). We're 25 min from the Canadian border. We have winter 6 months, spring, summer and fall about 2 mo each. Can't stand the cold, snow and ice anymore. The trade-off is that the crime is very minimal. We have 1 or 2 murders/yr. There are drugs everywhere in the US now. Dealers are moving to the smaller cities to go unnoticed. I wish everyone luck in finding their search for happiness in warmer weather. I am considering Florida as well.

ropes said...

This message is for Andreaf2 - if you enjoy 100degree days yes Florida is warmer than Ohio, but Ohio does not have 9 months of COLD weather. Infact I have been in Florida for 7 months and cannot wait until I can move back to Ohio. I prefer Ohios weather over Florida. However, I do have to agree that Florida has a lot to offer - warm beaches, beautiful scenery, a wide range of culture. To me its a great place to visit, not necessarily a great place to live - but I am biased on that opinion because I don't like the heat and I miss the snow at Christmas time.

ropes said...

JimmieJam, the answer to your question - Jacksonville and all the suburbs there. Because it sits in a cove the hurricanes pass it. They will hit the Daytona area or head up into Georgia. Granted, they may get some of the aftermath but they usually don't get hit head on by a hurricane. Also, Clearwater/St.Pete doesn't get a direct hit that often. If you are wanting to move to Florida's coastlines (either East or Gulf coasts) you can do a search of the hurricane frequencies. But those are the two that I know the most information about.

Mike54 said...

Everyone has their own likes and dislikes. That being said I have lived in Michigan for 47 years until I moved to Florida and have been here for 8 years. I will never move back to the north. I love the weather here. When spring begins in Feb. and winter doesn't start till late Dec. what could be better that that. In Michigan spring started in late May and winter started in mid Oct. I remember not seeing any color outside for 8 months at a time. In Florida it does get hot in July and Aug. but Michigan has hot and humid days then also. You can have Ohio and I will keep Florida.

Anonymous said...

Stuart, FL is a safe place. Next to no crime. Great education. Lots of sun. Never gets to beat up by hurricanes (worst a roof or 2 comes down). Its gpt work if you actually try to look. Little bit of drugs (doesn't go to noticed). Beaches could be better and there is nothing fun to do here. But its good for old, familes, kids, maybe not young adults... Thinking of moving to Tampa.

JaneWonderfalls said...

I think what people are failing to realize is Florida has over 18 million people in the state itself. When you have that many people your going to have more crime, that is just they way it is. I'm sure the crimes happen in isolated areas as well as randomness, but for the past 5 years I have been here, I have never encountered such a thing. I think Florida also gets a lot of flack because of it's diversity as well. A lot of people are use to living in isoloated areas with one or fewer races of diversity, so it's uncomfortable for some people when they see in Florida especially your major metropolitan cities you will have that.

JaneWonderfalls said...

I think what people are failing to realize is Florida has over 18 million people in the state itself. When you have that many people your going to have more crime, that is just they way it is. I'm sure the crimes happen in isolated areas as well as randomness, but for the past 5 years I have been here, I have never encountered such a thing. I think Florida also gets a lot of flack because of it's diversity as well. A lot of people are use to living in isoloated areas with one or fewer races of diversity, so it's uncomfortable for some people when they see in Florida especially your major metropolitan cities you will have that.

Lovelly said...

I was born and raised in Florida. I'm from Orlando but spent majority of my life in West Palm Beach. I've been to every city in the state for the most part. I say that to say this. I love my state, I'm proud of where I'm from, I defend it to the fullest but for people who think Florida is some dream vacation....you might want to rethink that. Florida DOES have one of the nations top crime rates (not to mention all the murder and disappearences that go unnoticed due to gangs, mafia, cartels) We have 5 cities in the top 15 of highest AIDS rate in America. Drop out rate in school is at an all time high. The cost of living is diverse, but none the less, high (especially South Florida as a whole) yeah the beaches are nice.....if u go to only certain ones! I can go on and on.... Look, if your not from here or not bout to buy a $800,000 home on one of the islands or wealthy communities....just come to visit at a nice hotel, go see the attractions and go home. You can't handle Florida. Point blank, everyone has crime. Everyone has drugs. It's not gonna change anytime soon.

boasorte said...

Hmmm, Interesting comments.. At least no one mentioned the alligators, pythons or bugs that people try to scare me with. I was thinking to check out Miami or surrounding area to have a fresh start in a nice hot & humid place. The things written about the crime worry me a little, due to the fact I'm a young female and would be moving alone from San Diego, which has been safe for me while I've been here for 14 years.. If anyone has any input on a better area than Miami please let me know. Thanks!

RuscoAG said...

I am looking to relocate to a warm area from the Seattle area. I grew up in WA but I am ready for a change. Is there any areas by the ocean that has communites where you can rent a house with some property for a reasonable amount? I want to live somewhere with a warmer climate year round and has always something going on. Can anyone recommend any other states for young people for what I might be looking for? We like to ride our quads at the sand dunes and I work in healthcare. I am also looking to back to college. Thanks so much!

RuscoAG said...

I am looking to relocate to a warm area from the Seattle area. I grew up in WA but I am ready for a change. Is there any areas by the ocean that has communites where you can rent a house with some property for a reasonable amount? I want to live somewhere with a warmer climate year round and has always something going on. Can anyone recommend any other states for young people for what I might be looking for? We like to ride our quads at the sand dunes and I work in healthcare. I am also looking to back to college. Thanks so much!

mascmen7 said...

As for hurricanes FT Lauderdale did not have any from 1926 to 1992. Then in 2004/2005 we had 8 hurricanes so lived in the dark for months at a time and cooked barbecue and ate out of cans. Miami is dangerous. Ft Lauderdale is safer 22 miles north and you can speak English usually. Miami is a Spanish speaking city so unless you speak fluent Spanish you will be out of luck and maybe a victim of the third world crime rate.

kate said...

I am so glad to have found this site as it is very interesting and informative. My mother lives in Toronto and I think its the best city in the world. I miss it so much as I live in UK.
My mother has been thinking of moving to Florida simply because of the harsh & long winters that are hard to take at this later stage in her life.
Pls. Advise as to the most suitable part of Florida, keeping in mind the health care, facilities for the elderly, crime rate etc. etc.
Your comments would be most welcome especially from Canadians in similar situations.
Thank you very much.

kate said...

I am so glad I came across this site as its very intersting & informative. My mother is considering moving to Florida from Toronto, which in my mind is simply the best city in the world. But at this later stage in her life, the winters are very long & harsh. Pls. Advise with regards to healthcare, facilities for the elderly, best place to live, lifestyle etc etc.
Your comments would be most appreciated especially from fellow Canadians in similar situation.
Thanx Kate

lotusflowr said...

Please include Palm Coast Florida. It is less well known as it is a fairly new city, but it's growing. Being in North Florida, it's cooler. It's 10 minutes from Flagler and other beaches. It's a master-planned community, so it's beautiful. And it must be one of the cheapest places to live in Florida, or even in the USA. Please see pics at http://www.besttowntoliveinflorida.com/index.html

Mike54 said...

I have spent a lot of time at both the Atlantic beach's and the Gulf beach's. By far the beach's on the Gulf side are nicer than the
Atlantic side. The sand on the Gulf is soft and white. The sand on the Atlantic is brown and rocky. The water in the Gulf is a beautiful teal green because of the white sand. The water in the Atlantic is usually clear but lacks the color that the Gulf has. I do love to be on any beach but I love the Gulf side a tad more.

Unknown said...

Mike54, I am from michigan, the plymouth/canton area and have been considering moving to florida. Are you familiar at all with the ocala area? Good safe scools for my kids is one of the most important factors for me.

Mike54 said...

Im not familure with the Ocala area. I live in Pensacola. Ocala is south of here so the wheather is probably a little warmer in the winter and a little hotter in the summer. Regardless it will be much better than Michigan. I used to live near you. I lived in Livonia for a while. I lived in different parts of Michigan for almost 50 years. I will never move back there. I love living in the south. I love the water, the wheather, the people, the housing, and the traffic or lack of. Making a move like you are thinking of will probably be the best thing you will do your entire life.

jayrod said...

I live in Brooklyn NY and I purchased a property in Cape Coral Florida about 4 years ago hoping to move with my family.After making a few trips i realized cape coral is still very racist and as a black family it is very hard to settle, find jobs and live comfortable.I had the property rented by a real estate company and decided to visit and meet my tenants when i introduced myself upon arriving my tenant looked at me and did not believe i was the owner , my dad had to step in and try to convince him which had him in a total shock.I am still considering the move because of reasons like the weather,the clean environment,cost of living is very low and also because i want my kids to grow up in a better place than brooklyn where we can spend quality family time together but sometimes i regret purchasing this property and just want to sell and forget florida.I would recommend taking a trip and trying it before actually packing up and moving completely.

Betsy said...

Great comments and advice, especially from people who live in Florida.. I am a young professional female living in Ohio and was considering moving to FL to escape the cold winters and dreary weather. But it seems the crime is out of control down there. Any one have any suggestions for a somewhat safe but 'live' area to move to? ..Orrr none of it? I realize any city has crime and problems.. but any input would be appreciated. One person said only move to FL if you have money, and another said they've never had problems with crime. ..Thx!

paulo32 said...

Gosh... I just feel like i don't know what to do. As all of you who are looking for something better i'm very much the same. However nobody wants to jump from the frying pan into the fire! I wish there was a better way to know that after you put in all the effort to relocate if you'll actually be happy there. Its defeating to think about all the obstacles, transportation, school, work, home, ins. kids, love, .... ugh... In this economy and in our countries current status... is it better to just tough it out where we are? I read a comment one of you mentioned you were only 25 min from Canada in NY... i'm almost in the exact same location... i'm tired of the weather and the expense of heat! I want to assemble a 3 to 5 year plan ... but with so much uncertainty in our lives... what do we do?

PanamaMark said...

@paulo32

Just wanted to send you a note of encouragement and support. Don't let it get you down! Yes, with all the crap the media throws at us it can get quite overwhelming so - 'If you don't like the news - turn it off'. and then keep doing what you are doing. Be proactive and keep taking action - Research - Reach out - and keep working on that 3-5 year plan. Focus on what really makes you happy. Weather is obviously a big thing for you and many people but don't forget about all of the other things that bring you joy. Also, check out some of the other places that may be good for you. Consider this idea - you don't have to stay in the U.S. There are plenty of places around the world where life is simpler, healthier and happier. Hope that helps!

Tee said...

I used to live in Florida and there are alot of gangs and people are very hard to get to know, because everyone is transits. i love the water there and the weather is awesome. But from living in the north all my life i found that when fall came I was ready for the fall and the change of trees. So I move home and even farther home to Traverse City Michigan. It is a great place to live, not to crowded, we have awesome beaches, water everywhere-fresh water and stream and rivers, it is a great place for outdoor sports. We have so many local farmers-with cherries,apples,wineries. We are the cherry capital of the world. And yes wwe do get winter, but it is usually sunny and if you like winter sports-here we go again! Pick Northern Michigan!!!

Tee said...

I lived in South Florida and there is alot of crime and gangs. The weather and water are awesome, but when fall comes I always got homesick for the change and the colorfull leaves, football, apple orchards and so on. So I moved back to my beloved Michigan. But farther up North to Traverse City. You actually have nicer beaches. There is so many local farmers where you can get all fresh food and we are the cherry capital of the world. We have wineries and orchards-it is a very healthy living life style around here. It is small and quaint, but has a very good selection of restraunts and shopping. The views are spectacular most anywhere you drive. And you feel safe-crime rate is very low. Work is plenty and home prices are resonable. Florida is nice for vacation. But think Michigan -UpNOrth for living and retirement.

randyp83 said...

I'm in the Army and plan on applying to the Fl Highway Patrol in a couple more years. What cities/ areas would you recommend on a 34K a year?

randyp83 said...

I plan on getting out of the Army and applying to FL Highway Patrol on early 2014. What areas of the state would you suggest on a 34K salary?

P77 said...

Check out Clermont it has rolling hills a little California and itty bitty crime rate...if that's what getting a ticket is called. Little traffic and great schools.Disney is down the road and well organized area.

P77 said...

Check out Clermont fl a little California

P77 said...

Check out Clermont its not far from Ocala but that area looks old and dry

Theresa said...

These comments are SO helpful!! I am from northern Ohio and moved with the family to Florida..east, then west coast. Love the west coast. We missed the seasons and moved to NC. After finding out that every steriotype of NC is true, we realize we just don't belong here, unless we move somewhere like Durham or Asheville. So we have though seriously about moving back to Cape Coral or Ft. Myers. A huge decision!!

Theresa said...

These comments are SO helpful!! I am from northern Ohio and moved with the family to Florida..east, then west coast. Love the west coast. We missed the seasons and moved to NC. After finding out that every steriotype of NC is true, we realize we just don't belong here, unless we move somewhere like Durham or Asheville. So we have though seriously about moving back to Cape Coral or Ft. Myers. A huge decision!! Northern MI sounds nice btw.

Theresa said...

Tee...where in MI? Sounds wonderful.

Theresa said...

http://www.traversecity.com/

looks nice Tee!

John said...

Anyone who is looking for a nice little retirement community check out Palm Coast, Florida, the houses are pretty decent and not too expensive, and there is A LOT of golfing places. However if you are young and want an exciting city I would avoid it cause there aren't really any activities and the only fun place to go is a bowling allley, but none the less it is still a really nice city and I don't think I will be moving out of Palm Coast.

Traci said...

I live in Indiana and my husband has been told about a promotion in Royal Palm Beach, FL. Any thoughts?

Traci said...

May be getting transferred to Royal Palm Beach from Indiana. Any thoughts?

Mitchy.jd said...

I lived in Indiana. I now reside near Royal Palm Beach, Fl
I'll take Royal Palm any day. Most people are confused when referring to the crime in fl. Most of the crime is in the inner cities of Miami or Tampa (drug dealers killing each other etc.) Royal Palm Beach is a safe family community they have different festivals throughout the year, Parks, Bike paths. Etc. The weather is also a misconception, I guarantee that Indiana has hotter days in the summer than the east coast of fl. We never see 100 deg. The heat here is more consistent, however. From July to Sept. figure low 90's and humidity with afternoon thunderstorms. The other 9 months are glorious.

Mitchy.jd said...

I lived in Indiana. I now reside near Royal Palm Beach, Fl
I'll take Royal Palm any day. Most people are confused when referring to the crime in fl. Most of the crime is in the inner cities of Miami or Tampa (drug dealers killing each other etc.) Royal Palm Beach is a safe family community they have different festivals throughout the year, Parks, Bike paths. Etc. The weather is also a misconception, I guarantee that Indiana has hotter days in the summer than the east coast of fl. We never see 100 deg. The heat here is more consistent, however. From July to Sept. figure low 90's and humidity with afternoon thunderstorms. The other 9 months are glorious.

Unknown said...

I can tell you this: We have been to several areas of Florida over the last couple of years, and there is one thing that we keep running into: poverty. It's amazing how poor the state really is. You can see this in the shops, the housing, and the general way in which people live. I love Florida - but couldn't live there, even though we were looking. Great for vacations, but couldn't live there. Plus, the food is HORRIBLE! Must be all the retirees. Absolutely no real culture too. Odd really.

For the person above talking about how Columbus has the second highest murder rate in the country, and 9 months of winter.....have you ever even been here? lol

Mike54 said...

Chris, Where do you live where there is no poverty? Florida has no more or no less than most other states in the country. I live in Florida and yes I do see poverty. I used to live in Detroit. Now that is a city where poverty is everywhere. As far as the food. How can the entire state serve bad food. Just like the state where you live, there are good and bad places to eat. And last but not least I have been in Columbus and the comment that was made about Columbus is correct. Not only that why would you have to have been in a place to know that a city is rated to have the second highest murder rate and who doesn't know that a city that far north will have at least 9 months of cold grey dank wheather. Yes Florida is a good place to vacation but it is a better place to live full time.

Mike54 said...

Chris, Where do you live where there is no poverty? Florida has no more or no less than most other states in the country. I live in Florida and yes I do see poverty. I used to live in Detroit. Now that is a city where poverty is everywhere. As far as the food. How can the entire state serve bad food. Just like the state where you live, there are good and bad places to eat. I have been to Columbus and the comment that was made about Columbus is correct. Not only that why would you have to have been to a place to know that a city is rated to have the second highest murder rate and who doesn't know that a city that far north will have at least 9 months of cold grey dank wheather.As far as culture I suppose Columbus Ohio has more culture than Miami Florida, yea right. Yes Florida is a good place to vacation but it is a better place to live full time.

larkinule said...

I live in Michigan and have vacationed in sw Florida and have had a fantastic experience. Whsts the scoop on Englewood Rotonda West area of Fl.It seems quiet and would be a nice place to retire?

larkinule said...

What is the scoop on the Englewood Rotonda West area of Fl. Vacationed there and found it nice quiet and felt safe. Would like to retire in Fl. any ideas?

FLman said...

Are you kidding? You have picked all of the WORST places to live in Florida. I've lived all over Florida for the past 40 years, and believe me, you have no idea about where to live. High crime, high cost, and overcrowding are characteristics of every place you mentioned.

Bob Jones said...

It depends on exactly what you expect of Florida. Anywhere near the Gulf or Atlantic is pricier. South Florida taxes are outrageous. I lived in a small community called Fort McCoy. It was 20 miles NE of Ocala on the edge of the Ocala National Forest. 60 miles from the Atlantic about 70 miles from the Gulf. They've only had two hurricanes since the 1880s. Living in rural FL is cheaper rent too. I had a single wide mobile home with a porch and covered carport and storage room on about 1/4 acre of property. I was 5 minutes from convenience stores and gas and Dr.s offices. I paid $400 month for rent! I'm planning on returning there. Hopefully not everyone will find out one of the best kept secrets in Florida, northern Marion County.

Jenn said...

We are looking to relocate to FL from TX. We have two girls an is looking for a place with plenty to do both recreational and cultural. What do you recommend is a town or city relatively close to a metropolitan area in FL; with those possibilities?? Or what neighborhoods are best in the major cities??

Bobolouie said...

If thinking of South Florida, check out the West Miramar/Pembroke Pines/Weston area. Planned communities for the most part with decent schools and a short commute to Ft. Lauderdale & Miami for cultural activities - maybe 25 minutes from the beach. Great weather (except August & September - very hot & humid then)These cities usually hit a "Best Place to Live" in some magazine from time to time.

Unknown said...

I LIVE IN HARTFORD,CT these is the worst place to live and expensive everybody know you too and your business.winter is so bad here too road rage yeah it is so bad grew up here .need change moving to orange city for better of my family.

Unknown said...

i live in oakland park florida ... dont move here ,,, its horrible conditions ,,, i dont know why but is over populated by mulit wearing readnecks from like kentucky trying to get scripts for oxy contin ? .... i had an accident im on dissability i get a check for 700 but an efficiency here starts at 700 ,,, so im basically renting a bedroom out of someones house ,,,,,,, unless yur retired with good pension or have a good career dont come ,,,,

Unknown said...

it sucks hot satans balls down here

Unknown said...

Still better than frozen frosty balls up the there

Unknown said...

Still better than frozen frosty balls up the there

Thin Places said...

My family has lived in Florida since the late 1700s. A few things have changed since then, but it's got a good beat and you can dance to it.

JVT said...

Then why you continue living in Florida if you dont have anything good to say ?. Try to move to Texas or also Puerto Rico and you will see what is all crime about.

JVT said...

Then why you continue living in Florida if you dont have anything good to say ?. Try to move to Texas or also Puerto Rico and you will see what is all crime about.