Question Tell me the TRUTH.....

[Underboss]

Being near family is important and I think worth more than anything else. I think starting in Miami will turn you right off of Florida. If I were ever to want to be in Florida I would pick Cocoa Beach, Melbourne area if that is in the area that your family is choosing, it is peaceful in that area compared to other areas I’ve been to. Orlando area is crazy for traffic. If you think you would ever want to return to CA and you sell, going back may out price you so I’d keep the house but if you think you will be moving and that’s it, sell it and use the money for your new abode. Whatever your choice enjoy the journey.

This is my area, I chose what you are suggesting for exactly the reasons you state. Plus the fact that we are close to 95 and can get out of the state within a few hours. Close enough to Orlando if needing to go but far enough to have zero traffic.

 

[Vint]

I think any large metro area would turn most folks off from living close to.

It is similar to trying to find a decent and reasonably priced campground in Florida near the Fort Myers area, or anything near either coast. But, move inland 30-40 miles, and there are some wonderful family-run places at rates most can afford.

 

[Raydawg]

Being near family is important and I think worth more than anything else. I think starting in Miami will turn you right off of Florida. If I were ever to want to be in Florida I would pick Cocoa Beach, Melbourne area if that is in the area that your family is choosing, it is peaceful in that area compared to other areas I’ve been to. Orlando area is crazy for traffic. If you think you would ever want to return to CA and you sell, going back may out price you so I’d keep the house but if you think you will be moving and that’s it, sell it and use the money for your new abode. Whatever your choice enjoy the journey.

Understand we are landing in Miami because that airport offers the best selection of incoming flights for us. All the other airports I looked at had layovers and nothing direct from SeaTac with the airline I have tons of points and other discounts that are substantial.
We land with enough daylight to spare, get a car, and scoot up the east coast, thinking maybe Pompano Beach..... just off 95 to catch some rest, get up and head north, going as far as St. Augustine, which is high on our list of possibility right now. Then cross over and check out the Clearwater area, and fly out of Tampa Bay. I think, I HOPE, that gives us a good idea, and with June I think we might also get to sample some heat

 

[AuntieDodo]

I am sure you will be fine Miami is nice enough it’s just the traffic that’s crazy. Neat place to visit but would not want to live there. Pompano is nice but still on the busy side. Further north as you go it gets slower paced. I have not been to st Augustine but definitely want to make my way there some day. I liked Fort Myers too but it’s getting busier down there too. Have a great time and wish you well on your search. Come back and report your findings.

 

[Vint]

Leaving Feb. 25 to St. Augustine for a month's stay. It is really beautiful around St. Augustine, with a much slower and quieter lifestyle than Miami. Go inland 35 miles or so to the town of Palatka or Hastings, and you feel like you're in the country, but less than an hour's drive to St. Aug, and just a little more to Jacksonville.

Fort Myers and Cape Coral, where my BIL bought his beautiful condo is really getting overcrowded. Traffic from AM to early evening is heavy. Plus, according to my BIL, Fort Myers has approved the construction of an additional 2000-plus new apartments.

 

[Raydawg]

I just wanted to say THANKS AGAIN EVERYONE, your sharing is greatly appreciated and I would like to say constructive.
I am also on a photography forum with lots of people from around the world.
I asked for input if any folks lived in Florida and if they could share their experiences with me.

GOODNESS, the replies I quickly received were people warning me of all kinds of bad stuff, but none lived there..... HHmmmmmm.

Well I haven't actually received any firsthand replies but I do think I am getting a better understanding as why rumors seem to satisfy a certain need in some peoples life.

 

[MemoriesByTheMile]

This is a great site, well run, with awesome people.

 

[RobertE]

Lifelong Floridian. Agree you have to follow family. My brother lives in the Tampa area - VERY congested. Tamps is a much bigger city than people may think. Very excellent medical services.

The climate change from the Pacific NW will be extreme. Summers can be rough, and it’s harder for an older person to adapt, but that depends on the individual. I guarantee the first summer here will be a shocker. It really is the humidity, not the heat. Depending on how active you are, you may find it a challenge. Not discouraging, but you do have to follow your family.

I would say be careful about the panhandle. It’s a 6-7 hour drive from Jax to Pensacola, and close to 12 from south Florida. If you were in range of Tallahassee hospitals that’s OK, but a lot of the panhandle you’re really in the boonies.

All of the east coast south of about Daytona is overpopulated and expensive to live. Insurance in FL is bad, the closer to the coast the worse it is.

Up where I’m at we consider everything Orlando and south to be a northern state. We call the panhandle west Florida.

 

[Vint]

I would say be careful about the panhandle. It’s a 6-7 hour drive from Jax to Pensacola, and close to 12 from south Florida

I don't live in Florida, but if it were up to me, I would. We both love the St. Augustine and Ormond Beach area of the state. However, DW can't be away from her kids and grandkids for more than a 6-8 extended RV trip.

I think those drive times are a little long. When we stayed at Big Lagoon SP in Pensacola last February and drove down to see my BIL's new condo in Cape Coral, errr Ft. Myers area, it took us less than 9 hours to get there. And, Jacksonville is under 400 miles from Pensacola, maybe a 6-hour drive at most, and probably less.

 

[Underboss]

I don't live in Florida, but if it were up to me, I would. We both love the St. Augustine and Ormond Beach area of the state. However, DW can't be away from her kids and grandkids for more than a 6-8 extended RV trip.

I think those drive times are a little long. When we stayed at Big Lagoon SP in Pensacola last February and drove down to see my BIL's new condo in Cape Coral, errr Ft. Myers area, it took us less than 9 hours to get there. And, Jacksonville is under 400 miles from Pensacola, maybe a 6-hour drive at most, and probably less.

I figured that you did not live here when you suggested Palatka or Hastings. On average much higher crime then other areas.

 

[RobertE]

I don't live in Florida, but if it were up to me, I would. We both love the St. Augustine and Ormond Beach area of the state. However, DW can't be away from her kids and grandkids for more than a 6-8 extended RV trip.

I think those drive times are a little long. When we stayed at Big Lagoon SP in Pensacola last February and drove down to see my BIL's new condo in Cape Coral, errr Ft. Myers area, it took us less than 9 hours to get there. And, Jacksonville is under 400 miles from Pensacola, maybe a 6-hour drive at most, and probably less.

Yeah you’re right about Pensacola I just know it’s a long trip! My point is FL is a long state. The last time I went to Naples it took me over 8 hours.

Traffic is terrible on I 75!

 

[Jabber Jaw]

Raydawg.......
We live in St. Augustine and love it.
On your way North to the St. Augustine are, if you want a smaller community, but still not to far from airports, activities, etc.....Drive up Rt. "A1A", along the ocean, and stop, look around and think about the "Flagler Beach" area. Some unique shops, restaurants, and a smaller quaint community!
Along "A1A" there are some nice areas that one could live and enjoy being close to the beach, or on the beach.
"Palm Coast" is a growing area, and is worth consideration. Some nice communities, and relatively close shopping , etc, growing, but not overcrowded yet. Maybe 10 more years or so.
There are some nice areas North of Palm Coast, along "A1A", such as Beverly Beach, Crescent Beach, or Butler Baeach, which are closer to St. Augustine.
Over on Rt.1 coming North, is a new "55+" community, called Reverie, about 30 minutes from St. Augustine, and 20 minutes from Palm Coast.
We live about 7 miles South of St. Augustine historic district,and like it because the area is not as crowded, but is growing. If along the Rt.1 corridor, you are 4-6 miles from the beach. Many, many great places to eat in and around St. Augustine proper. Tremendous history, nice beach areas, and to me, an all around great place to live!
Also, Remember that Florida does not have State Income taxes, nor Personal Property taxes on vehicles, boats, RV's, etc. And there is a "Homestead Exemption" that exempts $50,000 of your real estate value from taxation!
Some colder days in winter season, 20's to 30's, but great otherwise. Personally, I don't think the humidity is overwhelming in this area, even in the 90 degree days. Usually 8-10 days in the high 97-100 range. Last year, no 100 degree days! Always a slight breeze, up to windy conditions 5-15mph, and always 3-5 degrees cooler than the Jacksonville area. Jacksonville is about 40 miles North!
Yep there's growth here, but you can find plenty of areas to live in and enjoy,that aren't over populated!
C'mon Down!!
Allan

 

[Raydawg]

Raydawg.......
We live in St. Augustine and love it.
On your way North to the St. Augustine are, if you want a smaller community, but still not to far from airports, activities, etc.....Drive up Rt. "A1A", along the ocean, and stop, look around and think about the "Flagler Beach" area. Some unique shops, restaurants, and a smaller quaint community!
Along "A1A" there are some nice areas that one could live and enjoy being close to the beach, or on the beach.
"Palm Coast" is a growing area, and is worth consideration. Some nice communities, and relatively close shopping , etc, growing, but not overcrowded yet. Maybe 10 more years or so.
There are some nice areas North of Palm Coast, along "A1A", such as Beverly Beach, Crescent Beach, or Butler Baeach, which are closer to St. Augustine.
Over on Rt.1 coming North, is a new "55+" community, called Reverie, about 30 minutes from St. Augustine, and 20 minutes from Palm Coast.
We live about 7 miles South of St. Augustine historic district,and like it because the area is not as crowded, but is growing. If along the Rt.1 corridor, you are 4-6 miles from the beach. Many, many great places to eat in and around St. Augustine proper. Tremendous history, nice beach areas, and to me, an all around great place to live!
Also, Remember that Florida does not have State Income taxes, nor Personal Property taxes on vehicles, boats, RV's, etc. And there is a "Homestead Exemption" that exempts $50,000 of your real estate value from taxation!
Some colder days in winter season, 20's to 30's, but great otherwise. Personally, I don't think the humidity is overwhelming in this area, even in the 90 degree days. Usually 8-10 days in the high 97-100 range. Last year, no 100 degree days! Always a slight breeze, up to windy conditions 5-15mph, and always 3-5 degrees cooler than the Jacksonville area. Jacksonville is about 40 miles North!
Yep there's growth here, but you can find plenty of areas to live in and enjoy,that aren't over populated!
C'mon Down!!
Allan

Thanks Allen, exactly what I was hoping to hear!

If you have a moment could you answer a couple questions?

1. Are there communities that allow you to store your RV on your property, if yes, is it common?
2. First day there, in June, getting to Miami around 5:30PM, don't want to stay there as that isn't our thing, and want to head north, just to overnight, but in a nice area as well, could you recommend a nice area that I can reach in daylight still?

Thanks.