Florida help pls
Posted by: j8hn on 25 January 2005
I'm planning a trip to Florida with a view to buying property and possibly a business which would allow me to move over there. I've heard good reports of Naples; I'd like to be by/near the sea but away from all the epcot/disney holiday throngs.
Any suggestions/help very much appreciated
Any suggestions/help very much appreciated
Posted on: 25 January 2005 by Roy T
A quick look at RealCities should give you a couple of local papers as a starting point for your quest. I find that the miamiherald is often a fun place to visit when thoughts turn to Flordia.
Posted on: 25 January 2005 by BigH47
Naples area is very pleasent. Sanibel Island is pretty special Bonita springs also. Naples will give good access to Miami if you must go there.
Merritt island on the Eastern coast has some good spots and Cocoa and Melbourne area. Handy for space launches and futrher up the coast is Daytona(only visit there).
What sort of business?
I am jealous.
Howard
Merritt island on the Eastern coast has some good spots and Cocoa and Melbourne area. Handy for space launches and futrher up the coast is Daytona(only visit there).
What sort of business?
I am jealous.
Howard
Posted on: 25 January 2005 by jayd
Sarasota is nice, on the gulf side. Weird politics, though. On the Atlantic side, New Smyrna Beach (south of Daytona) has been overlooked for awhile, but that's changing fast.
Posted on: 25 January 2005 by JRHardee
Vero Beach, a bit south of Cocoa and Melbourne, is well monied and a lot less urban. They have done a pretty good job of keeping highrises off the beach. It might be worth a look.
Posted on: 25 January 2005 by jayd
I should add that New Smyrna Beach is home of the fantastic Stavros Pizza (I believe they are in Daytona Beach as well).
Posted on: 25 January 2005 by Bhoyo
j8hn:
Could you be more specific? For example, why Florida; why the west coast; what are you looking for, exactly; what type of business; how familiar are you with living/working here; is it just you, or is there a partner and/or family; what type of property do you want - single family home, condo, whatever...
There are many great resources online for relocation. Starting with newspapers is always a good bet. For the heavily populated east, take a look at www.sun-sentinel.com (based in Fort Lauderdale), and www.pbpost.com (Palm Beach). For the west, you might try www.naplesnews.com and www.sptimes.com (St Petersburg).
Be warned: There are no real estate bargains anymore in any of the major population areas of Florida. There are many many people online and on the ground who will try to convince you otherwise; they are all after your money and are expert at detaching you from it.
Regards,
Davie
Could you be more specific? For example, why Florida; why the west coast; what are you looking for, exactly; what type of business; how familiar are you with living/working here; is it just you, or is there a partner and/or family; what type of property do you want - single family home, condo, whatever...
There are many great resources online for relocation. Starting with newspapers is always a good bet. For the heavily populated east, take a look at www.sun-sentinel.com (based in Fort Lauderdale), and www.pbpost.com (Palm Beach). For the west, you might try www.naplesnews.com and www.sptimes.com (St Petersburg).
Be warned: There are no real estate bargains anymore in any of the major population areas of Florida. There are many many people online and on the ground who will try to convince you otherwise; they are all after your money and are expert at detaching you from it.
Regards,
Davie
Posted on: 26 January 2005 by j8hn
Wow you guys are so helpful [but I knew you would be - that's why I posted.
Reason for Florida is that compared to here not only is property cheap, you get so much more for your buck. We're bombarded with ads etc. in the UK press/media. So we, my partner and I, would like to see what truth there is in the hype.
It's possible to settle in the states/florida if you own a solvent business.
Now I know some hi-end hifi executive is not going to gift me his business but my partner and I are both designers [in the architecture/product/commercial field], have run our own businesses for 25yrs so we're pretty able and capable.
We like the USA, like Americans, you speak English and the Florida climate is fabulous.
Reason for Florida is that compared to here not only is property cheap, you get so much more for your buck. We're bombarded with ads etc. in the UK press/media. So we, my partner and I, would like to see what truth there is in the hype.
It's possible to settle in the states/florida if you own a solvent business.
Now I know some hi-end hifi executive is not going to gift me his business but my partner and I are both designers [in the architecture/product/commercial field], have run our own businesses for 25yrs so we're pretty able and capable.
We like the USA, like Americans, you speak English and the Florida climate is fabulous.
Posted on: 26 January 2005 by Mick P
John
I found that California was a much nicer place than Florida, less touristy and more genuinely American.
San Diego was very nice and very civilised.
Regards
Mick
I found that California was a much nicer place than Florida, less touristy and more genuinely American.
San Diego was very nice and very civilised.
Regards
Mick
Posted on: 26 January 2005 by Derek Wright
John
I have very mixed feelings about Naples and the surrounding area. There is a vast amount of development going on - each time we visit and drive to the Corkscrew Audobon Reserve which is about 20 miles inland the urban development creeps closer to the Reserve. The developments look very smart with waterfall surrounded entrances and massive houses which on a £/sq foot are amaziningly cheap cf to UK prices. However these new houses are a relatively a long way from the beach and from what I can remember there is limited public beach access.
If you have ever played SIM City on a PC think of southern Florida. The blocks are zoned out and the buildings, shopping malls, commercial centres and golf courses follow, covering old wetlands or farmlands.
Also check on the water availability, hurricane insurance availability
Do take a visit but check on the development plans heading east and the limited beach access.
Have you read up on the visa requirements? Can you meet them
And do not forget the hurricane season from June to November
I have very mixed feelings about Naples and the surrounding area. There is a vast amount of development going on - each time we visit and drive to the Corkscrew Audobon Reserve which is about 20 miles inland the urban development creeps closer to the Reserve. The developments look very smart with waterfall surrounded entrances and massive houses which on a £/sq foot are amaziningly cheap cf to UK prices. However these new houses are a relatively a long way from the beach and from what I can remember there is limited public beach access.
If you have ever played SIM City on a PC think of southern Florida. The blocks are zoned out and the buildings, shopping malls, commercial centres and golf courses follow, covering old wetlands or farmlands.
Also check on the water availability, hurricane insurance availability
Do take a visit but check on the development plans heading east and the limited beach access.
Have you read up on the visa requirements? Can you meet them
And do not forget the hurricane season from June to November
Posted on: 26 January 2005 by 7V
Posted on: 26 January 2005 by j8hn
@ Mark & 7v
Have to admit I too love LA, just haven't been to Florida yet. I have read most of Carl Hiaasen lol
Have to admit I too love LA, just haven't been to Florida yet. I have read most of Carl Hiaasen lol
Posted on: 29 January 2005 by Roy T
House hunting in Naples, all a bit too rich for my blood but you might find something you like the look of 