OT where should we go.

We want to move to florida, and do want to go where the Hurricaines are,  We would like to be close to the beach and frendly people. As little crime as posssible. We Live in AZ and are sick of the wild wild west. Would like to have decent weather and not too expensive. please request me as a friend if you are interested because we are coming there not knowing anyone. We are starting a new adventure. We hope to get there by the end of the year.  Moira P   

Don't want hurricanes?  Come to Northeast Florida.  That would be Clay, Duval, Nassau and St Johns Counties.  We have not had a major hurricane hit in over 30 years.  We DO get the outer bands of the storms that hit south and west.  

Our property taxes are low, the cost of living is low.  You would be less than a 45 min drive to any beach since all of these counties have beaches.... yet on the other hand we have beautiful oak lined waterways and what we refer to as the "uplands."  It can get cold here, but never too cold.  We have maybe 10-15 "freezing" days a year.  

We are "Florida's First Coast"  Lots of history, culture and recreation of all kinds.  Sports, well Daytona is just a hop, skip and jump down the road.  Jacksonville has an NFL team.  

Healthcare is good.   A Mayo Clinic is nearby, as are several GREAT hospitals including one connected with the University of Florida.   

Schools----several private universities, community colleges and the University of North Florida.   

What we DON'T have---overgrowth of South Florida.  We don't have that balmy climate either.  If you want all palm trees---then head further south.   We are less "touristy" than Central or South Florida is.  BUT Orlando is just 2 hours away if you feel the need to go see Mickey and Minnie.

I agree with Sandyfeets!  I live near Gainesville and I love it here.  If I could though, I'd live in St Augustine.  Beautiful!

I lived in jax most of my life I have been in alabama though for the last 15 yrs...would love to move back home.

Thanks a bunch We are getting ready to put our house up on the market here and the info you have provided is very helpful. It was where we were thinking. I havent been in Florida for 30 years so it will give us a good start. Thank you very much  Moira

Hi There, I just moved to Sarasota, Bradenton ARea. I live 9 miles from the beaches. Love it here. I heard that there hasnt been a hurricane for 53 yrs here. I just love it here. Prices arent to bad. We rent a 2 bedroom 2 bath house on a decent lot for 1,000.00 a month. We even park our RV on our driveway. We have a prestiges shopping area St Armonds Cr nearby Lido Beach. LongBoat Key. We are 2 hr from Naples, hour and a half from Ft Myers and Ft Myers Beach. We are on the Gulf Side.  I moved here from Colorado in Augest. Carla Klein

Moira, I am laughing as I read your note. We have property in Tucson AZ and are moving there in about a year. We live in Tampa and really it is pretty good here for the hurricane situation. Tell me all about Tucson if you know and I can tell you about here.  Gail

I'm a real native of Florida. I was born and raised right here. I have lived in the Cocoa Beach area, all of my life. I love this area. It's very tropical and we are only 50 mins from Orlando.

Is it expensive to live there?

Just as much as everywhere else in Florida. To be honest. I don't live on the ocean....I live in a neighboring town called Merritt Island.