| Author |
Message |
    
DeborahG
Citizen
Username: Deborahg
Post Number: 1138
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Sunday, January 2, 2005 - 9:49 am: |     |
I've been spending some time in central FL, and actually found myself wondering whether it makes sense to relocate at some point. The cost of living is so much more reasonable, and although I have heard bad things about the school system, a quick Google search shows that there are some at least decent schools in that area (and with what you save on property taxes, private school is also an option). Anyway all this is just thinking out loud, but I wondered if anyone else had explored this area and if so, what they thought of it. Thanks and Happy New Year! |
argon_smythe
Citizen
Username: Argon_smythe
Post Number: 480
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Sunday, January 2, 2005 - 4:44 pm: | |
The tax situation and the cost of living situation down there looks fantastic until you start looking at the job prospects situation. As far as I can tell the best bet is to work for a big company and have them relocate you at your NY-area salary, or be self-employed in an occupation which does not matter where you live.
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DeborahG
Citizen
Username: Deborahg
Post Number: 1141
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Sunday, January 2, 2005 - 5:03 pm: | |
I am the latter (self-employed/not dependent on location), so it's really the school thing I am wondering about, plus any other big negatives.... |
Debby
Citizen
Username: Debby
Post Number: 1482
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Sunday, January 2, 2005 - 5:44 pm: | |
I have heard good things about the Tampa/St.Pete area, although I don't know much about the schools. Sarasota is also supposed to be a great place to live.
As (I think) you know, we moved to Palm Beach County a year and a half ago. My experience with the schools is that you have to research specific schools/neighborhoods. Because the school districts are done on a county basis, the statistics about a district are pretty much meaningless (i.e. Essex County has both East Orange and Essex Fells).
I did a lot of internet andtelephone research and then visited the schools I narrowed down to, and restricted my home search to those zones.
I am very happy with the schools.
In terms of cost of living - housing and taxes are obviously much lower - although there are certainly very expensive places to live as well. Restaurants are cheaper. Clothing is cheaper, and you don't need three full wardrobes to accomodate climate changes. It's basically mostly summer, and some fall. Electricity and utilities are cheaper, but for some reason gas is more expensive (I guess it's the tax structure). Groceries are also more expensive.
Aside from the big difference in property taxes (I have a 2100 sq.ft. house on 1/3 acre with a pool, and pay just over 4k), there is also no state income tax.
Please feel free to PL me. |
Soda
Citizen
Username: Soda
Post Number: 2256
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Sunday, January 2, 2005 - 10:11 pm: | |
The Oracle seems to like Boca, but I myself personally prefer Sarasota. (You oughta check it out!)
A possible retirement scenario I like to ponder: Summers in Montauk, winters in Sarasota (or maybe South Padre Island, TX), travel spring & fall.
-s.
BTW: I can dream, can't I? |
CFA
Citizen
Username: Cfa
Post Number: 1277
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Monday, January 3, 2005 - 4:51 am: | |
Debby,
Can we have your tax bill?  |
Debby
Citizen
Username: Debby
Post Number: 1484
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Monday, January 3, 2005 - 8:50 am: | |
CFA -
Please...feel free to pay it any time! You can have the orthodontia bill if you say "Pretty Please"
Deb
P.S. How's the dream house? |
thegoodsgt
Citizen
Username: Thegoodsgt
Post Number: 715
Registered: 2-2002
| | Posted on Monday, January 3, 2005 - 9:02 am: | |
I grew up in Citrus County, which is about two hours north of Tampa. I spent a little time making visits to Tampa, but that was a long time ago so I can't comment on where you might settle.
Since I've been gone, however, the state has built two highways that connect many small communities to Tampa. Look at towns along the Suncoast Parkway and the Veterans Expressway. (Like my hometown, many of these communities are populated largely by retirees.) When I fly into Tampa International Airport, I always take these highways home, and they're never crowded. If you ever have to commute into Tampa, they're a great resource. And the toll workers are actually friendly. They say hello and even smile! Can you imagine?
http://www.dot.state.fl.us/turnpikepio/Suncoast/suncoast_parkway.html
http://www.dot.state.fl.us/turnpikepio/Central_North/Veterans/veterans.htm
My wife and I may follow you down there to relocate! |
DeborahG
Citizen
Username: Deborahg
Post Number: 1142
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Monday, January 3, 2005 - 12:30 pm: | |
you wouldn't happen to know which communities down here have the best school systems, would you? I've been trying to research online and it is frustrating -- lots of officialspeak. Debby, could you recommend any resources?
PS Soda Sarasota actually looks a bit pricey these days.... |
Soda
Citizen
Username: Soda
Post Number: 2260
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Monday, January 3, 2005 - 2:34 pm: | |
'Tis, Deb, but if you want good schools, culture, dining, climate (The Gulf is also less tsunami-prone), there are few places that enjoy Florida's tax situation which can match it.
-s.
BTW: Remember: YGWYPF... |
alan
Citizen
Username: Alan
Post Number: 150
Registered: 11-2001
| | Posted on Monday, January 3, 2005 - 2:48 pm: | |
i lived in tampa area for a year and hated almost every day. the summers are insufferable and last from may to october. much worse than winter here. and the overall culture is conservative and small minded. |
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