[vdt1977]

Work isn't an issue. I've got offers in Miami, WPB, Daytona, Ocala, Jacksonville, Tally, just about anywhere I would want to be really.

What we're looking for is somewhere out in the country somewhat, but within say 1/2 hour drive to the city, and not too awful far from the beach. We're an hour from Pittsburgh now, and that doesn't bother us at all..but all the cold and snow does.

What are some other downfalls/hidden costs we might not be ready for/familiar with? Obviously the hurricanes worry us a bit, but everything I've read on here make me think that's not as bad as it seems. Home insurance is obviously pretty high, but I think we have a grasp on that. Housing looks to be dirt cheap at the moment, pretty well everywhere we've looked. There doesn't seem to be alot of great schools, but it seems most areas have at least a couple to choose from.

I figure I'll be making around 80K/year there, and I'm factoring on paying my mortgage here for quite a bit before it actually sells (planning for the worst). We'll probably rent for the first year or so until we can get a real feel for whatever area we end up in.

I'm thinking we should be looking more central or northern florida, but would love more input from locals, especially those in the more rural areas. Thanks in advance!

[RMD3819]

You could move to most of those areas and find something that fits your criteria.

Depending on what "awfully far form the beach" means, Tally and Ocala will have much lengthier commutes to the beach.

With that salary you have a lot of options.

[beachmouse]

Tally is reasonably close to the coast, but it's a decidedly longer haul to get to a spot where the coast is sandy beach and not swampy.