Quiet Florida Area With Simple Commute (Jacksonville, Pensacola: sales, homeowners insurance, home)

[Priya36]

Originally Posted by Surge0001

The closest city you're gonna find with the requirements you listed are gonna be Mobile, Alabama. Maybe you'll find it in Pensacola. Really your only 2 options

hmmmmm

I know nice people are from Alabama, but I really want to stay in Florida, especially Panhandle.

I heard about Pensacola. From some posts here, I heard one has to be careful around certain neighborhoods.

I'd like to drive little as possible (I'm one of those 55 mph drivers on the right lane), but I am more concerned about crime.

I will do further research on Pensacola.

[slduvall]

Originally Posted by Priya36

hmmmmm

I know nice people are from Alabama, but I really want to stay in Florida, especially Panhandle.

I heard about Pensacola. From some posts here, I heard one has to be careful around certain neighborhoods.

I'd like to drive little as possible (I'm one of those 55 mph drivers on the right lane), but I am more concerned about crime.

I will do further research on Pensacola.

Well in most of the panhandle the normal roads you will be driving on are not highway at all. For instance, if you were to work at Eglin you would travel on Highway 20 from Niceville, and it is literally not over 45, though it can get faster, but it isn't a highway by any means. Coming from other directions it is highway, but even on the worst days, nothing like what you may be used to.

But you do seem to be under the impression that this area is urban, when in fact it is barely suburban. There are not huge areas of anything (subdivisions, shopping districts etc) it is all mixed up, with mainly strip malls etc. Destin has the majority of the real shopping around here, at least for those living in Niceville. We have to cross the bridge to get to Home Depot, Target etc. FWB has more shopping, as does Pensacola.

There is nowhere around here where you can walk to shopping etc, zero public transportation etc. It is even tough to get an uber in Niceville!

[Priya36]

Originally Posted by slduvall

Well in most of the panhandle the normal roads you will be driving on are not highway at all. For instance, if you were to work at Eglin you would travel on Highway 20 from Niceville, and it is literally not over 45, though it can get faster, but it isn't a highway by any means. Coming from other directions it is highway, but even on the worst days, nothing like what you may be used to.

But you do seem to be under the impression that this area is urban, when in fact it is barely suburban. There are not huge areas of anything (subdivisions, shopping districts etc) it is all mixed up, with mainly strip malls etc. Destin has the majority of the real shopping around here, at least for those living in Niceville. We have to cross the bridge to get to Home Depot, Target etc. FWB has more shopping, as does Pensacola.

There is nowhere around here where you can walk to shopping etc, zero public transportation etc. It is even tough to get an uber in Niceville!

What is FWB? Is it Fort Walton Beach?

I like big open spaces. City is too cramped!

[slduvall]

Originally Posted by Priya36

What is FWB? Is it Fort Walton Beach?

I like big open spaces. City is too cramped!

Yes, sorry. We have big open spaces...sort of. You really need to come down here before you move...it may not meet your expectations at all.

[Priya36]

Originally Posted by slduvall

Yes, sorry. We have big open spaces...sort of. You really need to come down here before you move...it may not meet your expectations at all.

Why are you sorry?


This info is helpful.


I'm more concerned about crime than anything (especially where I'm from right now).

Then there is issue of conveyance, i.e. how easy is it to get from A to B (at least in the beginning).

And of course, open spaces. From Google Earth, a place like Pensacola (which seems to have more conveyance) looks more spacious than NYC.

And I notice lot of rancher homes, which is good for housekeeping (I used to live in 2 story house and vacuuming the steps is arduous!)

I appreciate you feedback

[kyle19125]

Originally Posted by Option Trader

pick another State based on what you said, maybe S GA

Originally Posted by Priya36

Only Florida, esp the beautiful Panhandle!

The state line doesn't change geography. Check out Fairhope AL and Valdosta GA. with similar geography. Both are excellent small cities with a high standard of living.

https://www.visitvaldosta.org/

https://www.livegulfshoreslocal.com/...g-to-fairhope/

[Surge0001]

Is there a particular reason why you want to be on the panhandle? A lot of what you like, you are likely not gonna find. Baldwin County (particularly Fairhope and Daphne) seems to have a lot of the needs you are looking for along with the geography as the rest of the panhandle

[_burrito]

Seems that OP has some sort of vison in their head of this area, and they will be sorely disappointed.

[JJAF]

A financial factor desiring to be in the panhandle of Florida versus across the border in Alabama or Georgia, is not having to pay state income taxes in Florida. I get that they make up money with vehicle fees other ways, but not state taxing your income, is important to me.

[Priya36]

Originally Posted by Surge0001

Is there a particular reason why you want to be on the panhandle? A lot of what you like, you are likely not gonna find. Baldwin County (particularly Fairhope and Daphne) seems to have a lot of the needs you are looking for along with the geography as the rest of the panhandle

There are some complex reasons :-)

But maybe I'll look at the other places you mentioned.

I need to put a lot of thought into moving.