[Timesaver]

Our son will be retiring from the Army this fall, after serving in Iraq and he has a wife and 2 young sons under 3 years of age. He will be attending Embry Riddle under the 911 GI Bill and is looking for a nice family friendly neighborhood in which to buy a house. He has a limited budget and is looking for a house under $135,000. It can be within 30 - 45 minute drive from Daytona Beach.

Any suggestions on areas to look into around Daytona Beach ? Also, any areas he should definately avoid living in due to crime? He has been through a lot lately and we are trying to help him and we will travel from Indiana to see some houses and help him buy the home before he returns to the states. We want him to be in an area that is safe, and that his family will enjoy. Your help is appreciated.

[annerk]

He might want to look around Deland. He definitely wants to be west of I-95 or his homeowners insurance will be astronomical. He can use his eligibility to buy a home using a VA loan with nothing down.

[Timesaver]

Thank you for the suggestion related to location West of I95 and cost of insurance. That is helpful.

[BioAdoptMom3]

South Daytona or Port Orange may also work well for them. Ormond Beach is about the same distance from Daytona as PO is, but the taxes are higher and the cost of living there is generally a little higher. He'll want to stay off of the beachside because it is so much more expensive there than on the mainland. Embry Riddle is a GREAT school!

Nancy

[Timesaver]

Any suggestions on reputable home inspectors in the Daytona Beach or Deland area of Florida?

Also, what home insurance companies that cover Florida have good rates and a good reputation?

[Sunny-Days-in-Florida]

Originally Posted by Timesaver

Our son will be retiring from the Army this fall, after serving in Iraq and he has a wife and 2 young sons under 3 years of age. He will be attending Embry Riddle under the 911 GI Bill and is looking for a nice family friendly neighborhood in which to buy a house. He has a limited budget and is looking for a house under $135,000. It can be within 30 - 45 minute drive from Daytona Beach.

Any suggestions on areas to look into around Daytona Beach ? Also, any areas he should definately avoid living in due to crime? He has been through a lot lately and we are trying to help him and we will travel from Indiana to see some houses and help him buy the home before he returns to the states. We want him to be in an area that is safe, and that his family will enjoy. Your help is appreciated.

First and foremost.

Thank him for his service to all of us.

Several posters here have moved to Deland and Palm Coast and like it.

I also urge you to spend some time in the areas of your liking, not just to check out the houses, but the schools, neighborhood etc.

Will the wife be also making the trip to Florida to pick out the home?

I believe it would be important that she and you pick a small group of towns and homes and narrow down the list by spending time at them.

I also agree, a home inspection is also a must!

Good luck.

[EscAlaMike]

South Daytona, Port Orange, or DeLand are the best options.

[Timesaver]

Thank you for the information. Much appreciated.

[daytonadewd]

The VA Clinic and Asst'd Living Center are both in the core area of Daytona Beach.

I live in a Flood Zone near the Halifax River in Daytona Beach and my insurance rates are affordable -- so I don't know what Annerk is talking about -- he doesn't live in Daytona to offer you reliable advice (check WHERE posters live first before giving them credibility)! Most important is to have a survey done with an Elevation Certificate for FEMA Flood Insurance that will lock in specific rates as opposed to "Band Rates" that are general and high for a quote. (Can save up to 80% on quote!)

If your son has children UNDER 3 and is young, the downtown area of Daytona would suit him fine as it's close to the VA facilities, daycare, the beach and other couples his age who are starting out. Daytona Beach has an excellent "First Time Homebuyer" program:
(SHIP) - City of Daytona Beach (http://www.mfhp.org/daytona.php - broken link)

Many downtown areas of Daytona also qualify for subsidized mortgage rates for "targeted areas" and in addition, you son will also qualify for the "Military Heroes" program + Daytona Beach Homebuyer program (mentioned above) Click Volusia county for these programs:
First Time Homebuyer Wizard

Areas of downtown Daytona Beach to look at (near VA + ERAU) are: (for purchase) Olde Daytona, Uptown, Taragonna/Museum area; Colonial Village; (to rent w/ strong recommendations from a local case worker first) Jimmy Ann Dr, Bill France, Clyde Morris, Beville Rd and Halifax on the River.

Good Luck!

[Timesaver]

Your email will be extremely helpful for our son. He is under a lot of stress with just 8 weeks left in Iraq and the rocket attacks on his base are picking up due to upcoming elections over there.

One additional question or two on Daytona. Is crime a major concern in the areas you mentioned?

I know the housing market is down right now and will be for a while, but once he finishes his degree (aproximately 3 years) he will want to resell or rent the property he purchases. Do you know if the areas you noted would have potential for resell or rent? We will also work with a local realtor and if you know of any that are reputable, let me know.

Thank you very much - it means a lot to have some credible information.