Florida Residents...
Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 16,105
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From: Canal Winchester OH
CI 3-4-5-6-7-8-9-10-11 Vet
CI X Blind Auto-X Champ
Florida Residents...
Can you give me a "realistic" opinion on the cost of living down there. I recently interviewed for a job that would let me move back to Nashville. While interviewing though, was also informed there may be a position also available in Central Florida. I've lived in Nashville before and go there often, so I'm pretty familiar with the cost of living down there.
What I want to know from you is what "surprises" can I expect if I move down there from Ohio. I'd be a District Manager, so I could move pretty much anywhere, although I'm leaning towards central Florida. I've already talked with an insurance agent in Melbourne that tells me that my car insurance will close to double....
As far as housing, I think I'd be leaning towards the rental vs the buying for now.. I hear house insurance rates aren't so good down there right now.
I currently pay $500/yr. for home owners insurance.
Any areas you'd suggest looking in as far as apartments/condos/homes to rent? Hoping to keep it in the $800 range max and get a 2 car garage and be safe all at the same time....... Is that asking way too much.
Thanks for any help
What I want to know from you is what "surprises" can I expect if I move down there from Ohio. I'd be a District Manager, so I could move pretty much anywhere, although I'm leaning towards central Florida. I've already talked with an insurance agent in Melbourne that tells me that my car insurance will close to double....
As far as housing, I think I'd be leaning towards the rental vs the buying for now.. I hear house insurance rates aren't so good down there right now.
I currently pay $500/yr. for home owners insurance.Any areas you'd suggest looking in as far as apartments/condos/homes to rent? Hoping to keep it in the $800 range max and get a 2 car garage and be safe all at the same time....... Is that asking way too much.
Thanks for any help
Safety Car
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 4,002
Likes: 1
From: It's warm in Fla!
CI 6-7-8-9-10-12 Veteran
St. Jude Donor '11
I doubt you will find anything decent for $800/mo. I'd guess you will spend $1000/mo. or more. The east coast around Titusville is probably a little cheaper and it's a 45 minute commute to downtown O-town. Kevin
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 2,305
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From: Orlando,Fl,USA
$800/mth rent ain't gonna do it for you unless its in an apt complex without garages or way out of town somewhere with a long commute. Homes in good hoods range from $1,200 plus. Insurance for owners is alot more than renters ins. Home owners runs me $1,590./yr. The cost of lvg has gone up big since the real estate boom but now that prices sort of reversed the insurance hasn't as also property taxes, gas, food, electricity, & the cost of goods in general. I honestly can't see how a young person or couple can really make it down here now unless they both work as professionals or have a going business. It really takes 2 incomes to make it now (maybe thats why the divorce rates are so high). I'm thinking that prices/rents for housing (all, condo's, homes) will eventually fall due to the oversupply & maybe next year it will be more affordable . Renting is definately the way to go for now. This place was overbuilt in both condo's & homes & the foreclosures are just starting to emerge.
Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 16,105
Likes: 7
From: Canal Winchester OH
CI 3-4-5-6-7-8-9-10-11 Vet
CI X Blind Auto-X Champ
The commute won't be much of an issue as I would be traveling to several locations throughout Florida. So far I've gotten the quotes for the Melbourne area. I keep seeing Palm Bay come up in the 800-1000 range. What kind of area is that?
Here is one house in particular I keep coming back too....
http://rentals.realtor.com/rentals/s...cnt=631#Detail
Also how is the Deltona area? My mom has a relative that just recently moved north and has a house for sale there. May consider seeing if she'd rent it to me for a year or so.
I have considered doing an apartment that either has garages available or find a storage place to store the convertibles in at least. Don't know how I feel about letting them sit outside, especially if I'm going to be away from home for a few days at a time.
When I'm looking, a "sense of security" is definately a must no matter where I end up
Here is one house in particular I keep coming back too....
http://rentals.realtor.com/rentals/s...cnt=631#Detail
Also how is the Deltona area? My mom has a relative that just recently moved north and has a house for sale there. May consider seeing if she'd rent it to me for a year or so.
I have considered doing an apartment that either has garages available or find a storage place to store the convertibles in at least. Don't know how I feel about letting them sit outside, especially if I'm going to be away from home for a few days at a time.
When I'm looking, a "sense of security" is definately a must no matter where I end up
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 19,653
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From: Melbourne Florida
Cruise-In IV Veteran
I'm in Deltona...there is a house right next door to me in a very nice part of town for rent...I will call on it tomorrow and let you know how much they want...
Deltona is an interesting city...most folks don't know it but Deltona surpassed Daytona Beach in population in the 2000 census..we are the largest city in Volusia county...let me know if I can be of any help at all...
Deltona is an interesting city...most folks don't know it but Deltona surpassed Daytona Beach in population in the 2000 census..we are the largest city in Volusia county...let me know if I can be of any help at all...
Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 16,105
Likes: 7
From: Canal Winchester OH
CI 3-4-5-6-7-8-9-10-11 Vet
CI X Blind Auto-X Champ
I'm in Deltona...there is a house right next door to me in a very nice part of town for rent...I will call on it tomorrow and let you know how much they want...
Deltona is an interesting city...most folks don't know it but Deltona surpassed Daytona Beach in population in the 2000 census..we are the largest city in Volusia county...let me know if I can be of any help at all...
Deltona is an interesting city...most folks don't know it but Deltona surpassed Daytona Beach in population in the 2000 census..we are the largest city in Volusia county...let me know if I can be of any help at all...
Pro
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 533
Likes: 0
From: Orlando Florida
Go to Nashville. I lived in Florida for over 17 years and the cost to live here keeps going up. My home insurance in 1991 was 188.00 a year and now the same house I'm paying 1600.00 a year . I'm looking at TN myself. I hear its a good place to live and the cost is much less.
Down here you looking at 300k and up for a nice house that once would cost 120k. Just my .02
Down here you looking at 300k and up for a nice house that once would cost 120k. Just my .02
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 9,844
Likes: 33
From: S. FLA :: Professional Devil's Advocate
Central florida prices are a little more reasonable but as everyone mentioned homeowners insurance and tax down here are pretty insane. Our home was recently dropped even though there were no claims just because we live within ~5-10 miles of the coast. The market in FL as of late is kind of in a state of disrepair tons of foreclosures from these ARM mortgages.
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Tech Contributor
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 14,950
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From: St. Louis, MO
St. Jude Donor '08
Send a PM to user Red Gump. He is born and raised in Sebring and has the 411 on that area. Personally I love that area - I'm from the Midwest and I feel right at home there. Too far from my work to commute though.
Prices are a little different in the center of the state I believe. Plus you can race at Sebring many weekends!
Prices are a little different in the center of the state I believe. Plus you can race at Sebring many weekends!
Intermediate
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 27
Likes: 0
From: JACKSONVILLE FL
Also there are costs in Florida for up keep of your property; unless you have the time, energy and tools to do it all yourself you will be paying the outside/inside bug guy, the termite guy(huge expense to start) and about $900 a year from there; the grass cutting edging and blowing guy; the power washing guy for when your driveway/pool deck/gutters get covered in black mold; a carpenter for fixing wood that gets eaten by wood eating fungus/mold wood boring insects. Pay the association fees if applicable, garbage trucks, water, water for the grass, irrigation, yes it is very very expensive in Florida and tehse expenses continue to rise. I agree completely wi MY93Toy on his assessment and recommendation for TN. Just my two cents;having said all that Florida has the most new residents each month next to Las Vagas, and predictions are that Florida population will double in next seven years. Come on down......life is full of these tough little decisions only you can decide..
Pro
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 567
Likes: 5
From: bradenton fl
i'd say cost of living in tn is cheaper. I have a sister in Nashville area. New house 5 acres of land for about 175K, insurance about 800 yr. That house in my area sarasota/bradenton on 1/4 acre or less about 275K. Plus ins. around 1600+. Rentals in my area for 3bed/2bath/2 car garage about 1300, Up there about the price ur looking.
I myself thinking about moving up that way as i have land in tn/nc border.
I myself thinking about moving up that way as i have land in tn/nc border.
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 10,061
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From: Slower than a speeding bullet................ Fort Lauderdale, FL
I've been living in Florida since '99.
Everything has gone up in price quite a lot since then.
I just renewed my homeowner's ins. 2 days ago. I wanted to bring down my premium, so I went with higher deductibles.
I got it DOWN to $2,600 and that's without flood insurance, which would have added almost $400.
I am in South Florida. Central FL is much more reasonable, and that house link to Palm Bay looks like a steal for that kind of $$$.
A lot of older folks are packing up and moving out of this state due to the high property taxes. It's insane, and also the car insurance is pretty expensive.
But, you gotta live somewhere !
Everything has gone up in price quite a lot since then.
I just renewed my homeowner's ins. 2 days ago. I wanted to bring down my premium, so I went with higher deductibles.
I got it DOWN to $2,600 and that's without flood insurance, which would have added almost $400.
I am in South Florida. Central FL is much more reasonable, and that house link to Palm Bay looks like a steal for that kind of $$$.
A lot of older folks are packing up and moving out of this state due to the high property taxes. It's insane, and also the car insurance is pretty expensive.
But, you gotta live somewhere !
Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 16,105
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From: Canal Winchester OH
CI 3-4-5-6-7-8-9-10-11 Vet
CI X Blind Auto-X Champ
That actually is my preference and is what got this whole process started. I lived there for 2 years and then moved back to Ohio. I've wanted to go back ever since. The job I'm looking at MAY have availability in both areas. He had asked if I'd be interested in Florida and I told him my biggest concern would be the cost of living. Pay wise I'm looking at a lateral move and know I'd be better off going to Tennessee.....
That being said, I certainly haven't been able to get the idea of moving to Florida off my mind either. I'd take the heat over the cold and snow any day of the week. I love the idea of 12 month convertible weather
. And I know many of you misfits down there 
I'm having a realtor give me an estimate on my house Monday, so I should have a better idea of what position I am in if any of moving out of this state. At least in Tennessee, if it snows, it shuts everything down for a day or so. 
and it's only an 8 hour trip to get down there to the sun and fun
That being said, I certainly haven't been able to get the idea of moving to Florida off my mind either. I'd take the heat over the cold and snow any day of the week. I love the idea of 12 month convertible weather
. And I know many of you misfits down there I'm having a realtor give me an estimate on my house Monday, so I should have a better idea of what position I am in if any of moving out of this state. At least in Tennessee, if it snows, it shuts everything down for a day or so. and it's only an 8 hour trip to get down there to the sun and fun
with everything said
CF Community Team
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 5,252
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From: Charlotte N.C.
As someone from Merrit Island I say go to Tenn. Both have advantages but the scale tips toward Tennessee. As a renter you don't deal with home owner insurance which is expensive if you can find it anywhere within 10 miles of the beach in Florida. Summers are too hot there and there's no mountain roads to play on. Both don't have state income tax. Tenn doesn't have the beach even close but the costs are less and I don't miss the beaches as much as I thought I would. Knoxville is pretty nice too.
Safety Car
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 4,002
Likes: 1
From: It's warm in Fla!
CI 6-7-8-9-10-12 Veteran
St. Jude Donor '11
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 19,653
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From: Melbourne Florida
Cruise-In IV Veteran
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 19,653
Likes: 428
From: Melbourne Florida
Cruise-In IV Veteran
OK, we had a bit of bad luck...I went next door to get the number to call and the owner was there with the person they had just rented the house to...they would not tell me for how much but did say one could easily get under $1000 per month here in Deltona...
I am going to tkae a little ride around town tomorrow and see what I can find for rent to get you an idea....
I found these on the net...I know the lady who owns this office...
http://www.deltonalakes.net/bin/web/...185388238.html
I am going to tkae a little ride around town tomorrow and see what I can find for rent to get you an idea....
I found these on the net...I know the lady who owns this office...
http://www.deltonalakes.net/bin/web/...185388238.html
Last edited by Fuzzy Dice; Aug 4, 2007 at 07:00 AM.
Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 16,105
Likes: 7
From: Canal Winchester OH
CI 3-4-5-6-7-8-9-10-11 Vet
CI X Blind Auto-X Champ
I am going to tkae a little ride around town tomorrow and see what I can find for rent to get you an idea....
I found these on the net...I know the lady who owns this office...
http://www.deltonalakes.net/bin/web/...185388238.html
I found these on the net...I know the lady who owns this office...
http://www.deltonalakes.net/bin/web/...185388238.html
That link had several nice houses for under $1,000. Kind of surprising actually... Some houses in this area are well over $1000.
Thanks for the help. Looks like Deltona could be high on the list if the Florida option is where I end up going.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 6,153
Likes: 108
From: S.Fl.
Can you give me a "realistic" opinion on the cost of living down there. I recently interviewed for a job that would let me move back to Nashville. While interviewing though, was also informed there may be a position also available in Central Florida. I've lived in Nashville before and go there often, so I'm pretty familiar with the cost of living down there.
What I want to know from you is what "surprises" can I expect if I move down there from Ohio. I'd be a District Manager, so I could move pretty much anywhere, although I'm leaning towards central Florida. I've already talked with an insurance agent in Melbourne that tells me that my car insurance will close to double....
As far as housing, I think I'd be leaning towards the rental vs the buying for now.. I hear house insurance rates aren't so good down there right now. I currently pay $500/yr. for home owners insurance.
Any areas you'd suggest looking in as far as apartments/condos/homes to rent? Hoping to keep it in the $800 range max and get a 2 car garage and be safe all at the same time....... Is that asking way too much.
Thanks for any help
What I want to know from you is what "surprises" can I expect if I move down there from Ohio. I'd be a District Manager, so I could move pretty much anywhere, although I'm leaning towards central Florida. I've already talked with an insurance agent in Melbourne that tells me that my car insurance will close to double....
As far as housing, I think I'd be leaning towards the rental vs the buying for now.. I hear house insurance rates aren't so good down there right now.
I currently pay $500/yr. for home owners insurance.Any areas you'd suggest looking in as far as apartments/condos/homes to rent? Hoping to keep it in the $800 range max and get a 2 car garage and be safe all at the same time....... Is that asking way too much.
Thanks for any help
87 Ragtop I have lived in Florida all my life and have traveled throughout the state several times. There are many beautiful things to see in Florida as well as very bad. The cost of living where I live is very expensive in Davie (Ft Lauderdale/Hollywood area ) Homeowners insurance for me is about 5500.00yr car insurance is about 1900.00yr. In central Florida you may find more reasonable rates. Something to think about is crime, it is very high not just for south Florida but also in all the large cities in Fl. Central Fl is very hot because you don't get the ocean breezes to cool you off. Get ready for bugs lots of them specially at night while driving. I like living here but I'm use to it. I don't think you will be able to find much in the price range you are looking for that is in a decent area. Good luck and stay safe.