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possibility of returning to Florida

Discussion in 'Questions and Answers' started by USArmyFinFan, Nov 4, 2009.

  1. USArmyFinFan

    USArmyFinFan Maximum Effort

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    I am considering the possibility of returning to Florida if I am medically discharged from the Army. I do not how ever want to return to Lakeland Florida as I have no interest in living there again. So I am considering options and I am seeking advice from those that are there with boots on the ground. I love the Naples area but I know at one time cost of living there was insane. I also have turned my eyes to the east coast, but would like to stay away from the Major cities, so maybe north of West Palm Beach and south of Daytona Beach. Anyone here know this area? How is cost of living, jobs, housing and so forth. Thanks in advance for any help you can offer.
     
    opfinistic likes this.
  2. opfinistic

    opfinistic Braaaaains!

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    We would gladly welcome you back. I'm in WPB, it has grown so much in the 30+ years I've been here, I know Marty is in the Stuart(ish) area which is beautiful, and still has some of Florida's natural beauty. Nothing is cheap on the East Coast, but the housing market seems to be a buyers market at this time, so you can find a deal.
     
    USArmyFinFan likes this.
  3. HardKoreXXX

    HardKoreXXX Insensitive to the Touch

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    I've lived in the Coral Springs/Tamarac area in Broward for 4 years now and really like it.

    If you like the Naples area, have you considered Estero/Ft. Myers? The cost of living is much more reasonable than the East Coast.
     
    USArmyFinFan likes this.
  4. unluckyluciano

    unluckyluciano For My Hero JetsSuck

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    my first word of advice is to stop using phrases like "boots on the ground". Second word of advice, make sure you get a guest bedroom for when I stay with you ...... hardkore had one but he put a baby into it.
     
    finsgirlie, cnc66, Boik14 and 5 others like this.
  5. gunn34

    gunn34 I miss Don & Dan

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    The New Smyrna Beach area is pretty nice with a small town feel. It's about 20 minutes south of Daytona Beach. 45 minutes to Orlando. Houses are priced really good right now. Not far from anywhere on the east coast.
     
    USArmyFinFan likes this.
  6. Section126

    Section126 We are better than you. Luxury Box

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    Well.....I love Miami....(I live in Miami Lakes)...

    it is over crowded...expensive....the city is broke...taxes and fees are at criminal levels...but I would rather die than go anywhere else.
     
  7. #1 fan

    #1 fan Well-Known Member

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    i live in miami, and love it, but i've visisted cousins in ft. myers and i remember it being a really nice area and dirt cheap to live there (they had a three bedroom apartment for 1000 per month in a community with golf courses and nature trails).

    ft. myers is not overcrowded at all, but the city stops around 6pm at night and on the weekends. i don't know if that's too slow for you, but it was for me.
     
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  8. HardKoreXXX

    HardKoreXXX Insensitive to the Touch

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    I grew up there, and it IS dirt cheap. Ft. Myers has the luxury of having more homes/apartments than people right now due to it being the Foreclosure Capital of the US.

    There is actually a pretty vibrant nightlife in Downtown Ft. Myers on the weekends. You just have to know where and what night's to go.
     
    USArmyFinFan likes this.
  9. jetssuck

    jetssuck I hear Mandich's voice...

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    Born and raised, currently living in WPB myself......

    The area you mentioned between WPB and Daytona is the best part of Florida, IMO.....some great beaches and generally plenty to do. And while it's true it's a buyers market for housing, the job market is currently in the toilet. If you were looking to relocate somewhere in that region, I would suggest doing a lot of research on employment opportunities
     
    opfinistic and USArmyFinFan like this.
  10. alen1

    alen1 New Member

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    Come to Orlando and we'll have a beer. Or nine.
     
  11. opfinistic

    opfinistic Braaaaains!

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    In four years......:shifty:
     
    FinSane likes this.
  12. Skeet84

    Skeet84 New Member

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    Some great places between Tampa and St. Pete.
     
    maynard likes this.
  13. FinSane

    FinSane Cynical Dolphins Fan

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    The Melbourne/Palm Bay area is pretty nice and dirt cheap. Its cheap because theres not many people up that way but it is considered a growing area. Theres not a whole lot to do as its another one of those places that shuts down in the evening and on weekends but they do have a lot of great bars and places to hang out. However, Orlando is just an hour drive across HWY 192. The beaches are nice, clean and not overcrowded like down here. and you get to watch launches from JFK! Considering moving up that way myself as soon as Im ready to get my own place.
     
  14. phinnhedd

    phinnhedd Reality.

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    I live on the border of Ft Pierce and Port St. Lucie and it's a pretty nice place. It's pretty much right in the middle of Orlando and Miami and we're nestled in on the Treasure Coast. You get the best of both worlds (close to the Phins and close to the Parks) and it's relatively cheap to live. As far as jobs go right now, it's a pretty slim market, most employers are still laying off. We have clean beaches, the navy UDT SEAL museum (pretty much where the SEAL program began,) downtown Ft. Pierce has a nice theater with big named venues (Bill Cosby was here just recently) and usually friendly people.

    The school systems here are ok and there's plenty of private schools if you had kids and want them to go that route. We also have a state college (Indian River State College.) At one time Port St. Lucie was the fastest growing city in the United States, now it's the foreclosure capital lol. It's definitely a buyers market around here if you know what I mean.

    I've lived here pretty much my whole life (I moved away to Orlando when I was 20 to pursue schooling endeavors) and it's a pretty nice place to be. As far as nightlife, it depends on what you like to do. This week in Jensen there's the Pineapple Festival and in Sebastian they're having a clambake. Chili cook off is coming up I believe and that's a can't miss there. Last night was Friday Fest in downtown Fort Pierce and usually that's a blast.

    So if you're looking to move this way just keep in mind the economy isn't the best, but when it comes back I believe this is a nice place to be. Good Luck whatever you decide or end up.
     
  15. texasPHINSfan

    texasPHINSfan New Member

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    do you have any job offers lined up in florida? how about any family? i know it seems kind of basic, but i would start with that to determine where you would ultimately go - especially the family angle.
     
  16. Padre

    Padre New Member

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    I used to live in Lakeland as well (Now in NW Missouri) and I liked the area for cost of living, and the proximity to so many things to do. It was close to both Tampa and Orlando yet much less expensive. There was also the protection from Hurricanes, being inland.

    Have you considered places like Winter Haven or Haines City? Still inland yet NOT Lakeland.
     
  17. Phinvader Bill

    Phinvader Bill The all new Mr. Event

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    I'd have to recommend Brevard County. Someone already mentioned Melbourne/Palm Bay, but Merritt Island (my home town) is rapidly growing too. Plus, you're right across the river from Cocoa Beach.
     
  18. cnc66

    cnc66 wiley veteran, bad spelur Luxury Box

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    I grew up in Miami, and seriously love it but it is too crazy for me. I have lived in Jensen Beach now for more than twenty years and love it. It's not as cold as Melbourne or Cocoa, and Martin is a nice County to live and raise kids. The Port St. Lucie, Ft Pierce area is cheaper housing, but I think Martin is a better County. Apparently, folks agree, that's why it is more expensive and so many cheat and lie to get their kids in Martin County schools. Close by(twenty miles north and south of Jensen) there are 8 museums, a House of Refuge and Jupiter Lighthouse, five stage theaters, good resteraunts, great beaches and LOTS of water. Great fishing in the Indian River lagoon, and it's world class offshore. Stuart is called the "Sailfish Capitol of the World". Martin County capped it's building at four stories and there is only one structure taller.. the Hospital at 6. No tall condo's on our beaches.
     
  19. Phinvader Bill

    Phinvader Bill The all new Mr. Event

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    Cold? :huh:
     
  20. cnc66

    cnc66 wiley veteran, bad spelur Luxury Box

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    cold enough to make a pretty big diffence in what will grow. Jensen still has some tropical flora.. banyan, royal poinciana, mastic, figs, black olive.. etc.. also, many cold fronts stall just to our north and Brevard County gets the cruddy cold weather while we are still basking in warmth. Where you live, I doubt many would notice, but if you are southern Florida bred and born, it can be a lot of difference.
     
  21. finsgirlie

    finsgirlie break my Luxury Box

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    he lies....we tried calling him to do just that and his phone kept going to voicemail.... slacker...


    ya anywhere south of wpb is generally gonna be either dirty or REALLY expensive.... no such thing as a grey area down here... i live just south of hardkore but north of miami... and i pay oh... bout $1400 a mo for a 2 bdrm apt. :lol: good luck with your search!
     
  22. ToddsPhins

    ToddsPhins Banned

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    I don't know. I hear just west of Dixie Hwy in Pompano is fairly inexpensive. ;)

    Lot of neighborhood activities to keep you busy, too.
     
  23. finsgirlie

    finsgirlie break my Luxury Box

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    like drive-bys and drug deals? geez!
     
  24. ToddsPhins

    ToddsPhins Banned

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    Why ya gotta stereo type?:lol:

    I think you're being a little dramatic. I've driven by there like 5 times and have only seen :2guns: twice. That's less than 50%.
     
  25. ToddsPhins

    ToddsPhins Banned

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    Is it illegal for minors to solicit alcohol to adults? I only hear about the reversal. :dunno:
     
  26. alen1

    alen1 New Member

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    I was busy and I don't have texting. I gotta tell that to Skeet btw.
     
  27. USArmyFinFan

    USArmyFinFan Maximum Effort

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    Thanks for all the great answers guys, I may end up staying in San Antonio because of the job market which is very strong right now. I will have to wait and see closer to my EOS date.
     

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