Florida people: likes, dislikes, reality check

[waynet1]

So we're going to wait and tell him about the no-see-ums when he gets here?

We will hope the lovebugs eat them

When I Google no-see-ums, the first result is "Propane mosquito trap." That sounds both gnarly and terrifying.

I have had some exposure to the "critter" population. Is an exterminator a must-have?

Maybe we should mention the ummmm......Palmetto bugs as well. Such a clever name as a disguise.

As long as you don't tell him about the snakes and the big ass toads (luckily not here yet, those things scare the snot out of me).

I've seen a couple of those toads in my yard when I lived in Victoria Park just off Las Olas.
Yup, you have to love and respect all kinds of wild life down here, both large and small.
Have you ever seen a Florida Panther? I was lucky to have seen one, what a beautiful animal/cat.

[adrian in florida]

I saw a legislative report identifying 25 panther deaths by auto in lee and collier counties in 2014.

[geordi]

So we're going to wait and tell him about the no-see-ums when he gets here?

We will hope the lovebugs eat them

No-see-ums are the reason you'll see a lot of the outdoor areas of homes are wrapped dark netting. They (and the humidity) were the only bad things about living FL. If you are going to live in FL, live in LA.

[w0014170]

So we're going to wait and tell him about the no-see-ums when he gets here?

I brought those from Savannah years ago, then left for Texas

Property taxes in the panhandle coupled to home owners insurance negate any savings on personal income tax. The beaches never change, the tourists have ruined the local traffic flows, the military reservations (fantastic playgrounds) are closed to the public since 9/11, no more beach permits to drive in Walton County, Okaloosa County. Individuals without insurance, proper registration documentation have driven car insurance rates through the roof, not Louisiana bad, yet, but on the rise.

Good news is the Bull sharks are eating tourists or at least part of them on a annual basis now, spring break jackasses now get to go elsewhere for debauchery and the car culture is really nice, not California strong, but a good 2nd place. Great SEC Universities, teaching Hospitals attached to them, many regional trauma centers, if you're bit by a bull shark or involved in an accident involving non insured, non registered drivers. Oh yea, the State troopers are the most courteous revenue generators wearing guns & badges. Having owned a home there 30 years I have seen the changes, don't really care for them but what the hell, everything changes, there are no bull sharks in my pool but property taxes continually increase, and I slip in and out of town at night when the tourist are doing whatever tourist do. Come on down, expect lower pay scales based on retiree population size, good golf, sailing & so-so eateries.

What to you call a Yankee that's been living in the South for 30+ years?

A damn Yankee, you can tell'em but you can't tell'em much.

[JLav211]

So we're going to wait and tell him about the no-see-ums when he gets here?

I brought those from Savannah years ago, then left for Texas

Property taxes in the panhandle coupled to home owners insurance negate any savings on personal income tax. The beaches never change, the tourists have ruined the local traffic flows, the military reservations (fantastic playgrounds) are closed to the public since 9/11, no more beach permits to drive in Walton County, Okaloosa County. Individuals without insurance, proper registration documentation have driven car insurance rates through the roof, not Louisiana bad, yet, but on the rise.

My daily scan of Zillow has focused primarily in Tampa. One of the reasons I was really put off by owning a home in RI is that property taxes averaged between $7-$10K annually. Some of the bigger homes in the Tampa region ($390K and up) have property taxes approaching that number, but most of what I've been favoriting has been closer to $3K-$5K annually - and that's for an almost new property, some with pools and some with 3-car garages.

On the surface, that looks way better to me than paying $360K up here for a ranch built in 1950 that has a one-bay garage (freestanding) and needs $10K in kitchen renos and new bathrooms. Oh, and has 5 people in line offering asking price, 2 of which are full cash offers.

-Jeff

[Zieg]

Be VERY VERY Careful. When the taxes are lower and the prices are as you described you are usually far from many things you take for granted like restaurants and shopping. Florida still has a lot of vacant land that is being developed that allows builders like Pulti and Lennar to name a few to build very nice homes at a very good price point. But the infrastructure and schools are still yet to be built.

NO ONE HAS EVEN THOUGHT TO MENTION THE "SINKHOLE" problem. Especially north of Tampa in Hillsborough, Pinellas and most notably PASCO counties. Ask me how I KNOW!!!

[JLav211]

Be VERY VERY Careful. When the taxes are lower and the prices are as you described you are usually far from many things you take for granted like restaurants and shopping. Florida still has a lot of vacant land that is being developed that allows builders like Pulti and Lennar to name a few to build very nice homes at a very good price point. But the infrastructure and schools are still yet to be built.

NO ONE HAS EVEN THOUGHT TO MENTION THE "SINKHOLE" problem. Especially north of Tampa in Hillsborough, Pinellas and most notably PASCO counties. Ask me how I KNOW!!!

Valid point. Our friends who are down there have recommended the following neighborhoods - anyone agree/disagree these are good ones to keep in mind?

-Lake Magdelene
-Seminole Heights
-Tampa Heights
-Soho
-Hyde Park

[m-racer]

Be VERY VERY Careful. When the taxes are lower and the prices are as you described you are usually far from many things you take for granted like restaurants and shopping. Florida still has a lot of vacant land that is being developed that allows builders like Pulti and Lennar to name a few to build very nice homes at a very good price point. But the infrastructure and schools are still yet to be built.

NO ONE HAS EVEN THOUGHT TO MENTION THE "SINKHOLE" problem. Especially north of Tampa in Hillsborough, Pinellas and most notably PASCO counties. Ask me how I KNOW!!!

Valid point. Our friends who are down there have recommended the following neighborhoods - anyone agree/disagree these are good ones to keep in mind?

-Lake Magdelene
-Seminole Heights
-Tampa Heights
-Soho
-Hyde Park

All of those are mature areas, so less likely to run into the problems Bob mentions (which are really serious). I would favor Hyde Park and SoHo (which are right next to each other), if I were in your shoes, but that is just me. Some interesting stuff going on in Seminole Heights. They have lots of older houses, mature trees, and Hyde Park includes Bayshore Blvd (at the water). Close to downtown, restaurants, aiport, etc. 360K may be the lower end for Hyde Park, but I am guessing.

[adrian in florida]

Im partial to Northeast St pete. There are some very cool pockets of nice homes. I guess a lot of it depends on your price point. I suppose a lot also depends on your commute if your trying to build in quality of life. You have to remember that tampa is farther away from the gulf so if you want easy access you have to factor that in. You can also go south into bradenton/palmetto which provides access to st pete and tampa within 30 minutes on the interstate and comming from the south the traffic is signficantly less. Another option is Tierra Verde in south Pinellas if you have some big bucks. If you have not already you should look at a map of tampa bay and you might even consider the sarasota area. I have never been a fan of tampa because of the traffic, I have a buddy who lives on lake magedeline and the areas you mentioned are all nice but like I said I prefer St pete. The biggie on insurance is flood if you are around the water. Flood insurance is out of hand if you are directly on the water. There are many homes in florida where new flood insurance premium cost make it difficult for owners to sell the home. You might find a killer house for 4oo,ooo but the flood insurance premiums are double the debt service on a loan. The former owners have resonable flood insurance premiums because they are locked in into a legislatively mandated maximum premium increase... If your going to raise a family I would do northeast st pete or bring them down to bradenton, lakewood ranch,sarasota.

[m-racer]

Im partial to Northeast St pete. There are some very cool pockets of nice homes. I guess a lot of it depends on your price point. I suppose a lot also depends on your commute if your trying to build in quality of life. You have to remember that tampa is farther away from the gulf so if you want easy access you have to factor that in. You can also go south into bradenton/palmetto which provides access to st pete and tampa within 30 minutes on the interstate and comming from the south the traffic is signficantly less. Another option is Tierra Verde in south Pinellas if you have some big bucks. If you have not already you should look at a map of tampa bay and you might even consider the sarasota area. I have never been a fan of tampa because of the traffic, I have a buddy who lives on lake magedeline and the areas you mentioned are all nice but like I said I prefer St pete. The biggie on insurance is flood if you are around the water. Flood insurance is out of hand if you are directly on the water. There are many homes in florida where new flood insurance premium cost make it difficult for owners to sell the home. You might find a killer house for 4oo,ooo but the flood insurance premiums are double the debt service on a loan. The former owners have resonable flood insurance premiums because they are locked in into a legislatively mandated maximum premium increase... If your going to raise a family I would do northeast st pete or bring them down to bradenton, lakewood ranch,sarasota.

Love Sarasota and would have chosen that area in a heartbeat if it had not been so far from TPA. I do like South Tampa (Hyde Park). Don't know much about St Pete except what Adrian tells me with the exception of Mazzaros (great Italian market).

[JLav211]

I personally love St. Pete's (planning to be there at the end of August for our annual weekend of lounging at the famous "pink" hotel) but wasn't sure if there was much of a job market there. I'm guessing I'd be looking at commuting to Tampa regardless of where we live, as I don't really have a sense of other places beyond downtown that are commutable and have good-sized employers.

Really, we don't want to spend huge $ on the house as that's part of the reason for the potential move (cheaper COL), so we'd want to be in an area that's mature versus transitioning with a max price in the 330 range. Probably too much information but at least that's what we're bumping up against up here.

[WilNJ]

I personally love St. Pete's (planning to be there at the end of August for our annual weekend of lounging at the famous "pink" hotel) but wasn't sure if there was much of a job market there. I'm guessing I'd be looking at commuting to Tampa regardless of where we live, as I don't really have a sense of other places beyond downtown that are commutable and have good-sized employers.

Really, we don't want to spend huge $ on the house as that's part of the reason for the potential move (cheaper COL), so we'd want to be in an area that's mature versus transitioning with a max price in the 330 range. Probably too much information but at least that's what we're bumping up against up here.

The listings I found on realtor.com in Hyde Park started at $575k

[m-racer]

I personally love St. Pete's (planning to be there at the end of August for our annual weekend of lounging at the famous "pink" hotel) but wasn't sure if there was much of a job market there. I'm guessing I'd be looking at commuting to Tampa regardless of where we live, as I don't really have a sense of other places beyond downtown that are commutable and have good-sized employers.

Really, we don't want to spend huge $ on the house as that's part of the reason for the potential move (cheaper COL), so we'd want to be in an area that's mature versus transitioning with a max price in the 330 range. Probably too much information but at least that's what we're bumping up against up here.

The listings I found on realtor.com in Hyde Park started at $575k

Probably have to move outside of that area for the target price mentioned. Except for a couple of planned communities and waterfront, that is probably the most expensive area in Tampa. The areas mentioned in the thread are all likely outside of the target price. Good news is that you can get a lot of house for that price...you just may have to go a bit more towards the burbs.

[Zieg]

Hell you can buy my almost 2,500 sq ft. 4 bedroom 3 bath three car garage for a $100 grand less!!

[JLav211]

I personally love St. Pete's (planning to be there at the end of August for our annual weekend of lounging at the famous "pink" hotel) but wasn't sure if there was much of a job market there. I'm guessing I'd be looking at commuting to Tampa regardless of where we live, as I don't really have a sense of other places beyond downtown that are commutable and have good-sized employers.

Really, we don't want to spend huge $ on the house as that's part of the reason for the potential move (cheaper COL), so we'd want to be in an area that's mature versus transitioning with a max price in the 330 range. Probably too much information but at least that's what we're bumping up against up here.

The listings I found on realtor.com in Hyde Park started at $575k

Probably have to move outside of that area for the target price mentioned. Except for a couple of planned communities and waterfront, that is probably the most expensive area in Tampa. The areas mentioned in the thread are all likely outside of the target price. Good news is that you can get a lot of house for that price...you just may have to go a bit more towards the burbs.

OK - that makes sense, I suppose. I'm used to a smaller area where you effectively have one really desirable neighborhood in city limits (where we currently rent but certainly can't touch most properties for sale), which is why we have been looking for houses about 15 minutes out in a community with excellent public schools.

Are there some areas in our price range that aren't too far removed from city limits (and are safe/mature)? I don't think we mind being a little ways out, but certainly not more than 20 minutes, if possible.

We're not super into city living these days so I think trading some convenience for space would be fine with us.

[m-racer]

I personally like the New Tampa area, Wesley Chapel and there is also Carolwood. Carolwood is closer to downtown. The others are near I-75/I-275. Keep in mind that New Tampa and Wesley Chapel are newer, so the land of planned communities, not old town charm. I live in Wesley Chapel and it works for me because I am only 4 miles from I-75. Might not be your cup of tea. I was more interested in property( I have 7 acres) for my dogs and wife's horse than urban proximity. I am also about 20-30 mins from downtown and the airport (my only commute is to the airport). Depends on lifestyle stuff and your personal needs.

[JLav211]

If anyone's still reading, looking at these 2 places all I can think is Seminole Heights looks AWESOME. Love these old Florida homes. Mature neighborhoods. Lots close by. I'd go up a bit budget-wise to get into one of these:

http://goo.gl/d24jjF

http://goo.gl/T9eCSF

[waynet1]

Those old houses are certainly very attractive. They make you feel more like 'home'.
Be careful down here though with those old homes, termites here love 'em too. I think the general rule of thumb here is you tent and fumigate most wood houses every 5 years weather it needs it or not. There are some woods they really, really like.

[m-racer]

If anyone's still reading, looking at these 2 places all I can think is Seminole Heights looks AWESOME. Love these old Florida homes. Mature neighborhoods. Lots close by. I'd go up a bit budget-wise to get into one of these:

http://goo.gl/d24jjF

http://goo.gl/T9eCSF

that is the charm of Seminole Heights. I really like that area. Lots of people renovating. Location is great, Values are climbing. It borders on some industrial areas and I-275, so some parts are better than others. One of my favorite eateries is in Seminole Heights www.ellasfolkartcafe.com Killer soul food brunch on Sundays! Lots of cool restaurants and bars popping up in that area. If you Google Seminole Heights, you will find a site for the historic association and some neighborhood blogs that will give you a better feel for it. By the way, the first weekend in December, we are going to try to have a 5er event (just in the planning stages at this point) during the historic races at Sebring (about 2 hours from Tampa). Might be a good weekend to come down if you are so inclined.

[JLav211]

Those old houses are certainly very attractive. They make you feel more like 'home'.
Be careful down here though with those old homes, termites here love 'em too. I think the general rule of thumb here is you tent and fumigate most wood houses every 5 years weather it needs it or not. There are some woods they really, really like.

that is the charm of Seminole Heights. I really like that area. Lots of people renovating. Location is great, Values are climbing. It borders on some industrial areas and I-275, so some parts are better than others. One of my favorite eateries is in Seminole Heights http://www.ellasfolkartcafe.com Killer soul food brunch on Sundays! Lots of cool restaurants and bars popping up in that area. If you Google Seminole Heights, you will find a site for the historic association and some neighborhood blogs that will give you a better feel for it. By the way, the first weekend in December, we are going to try to have a 5er event (just in the planning stages at this point) during the historic races at Sebring (about 2 hours from Tampa). Might be a good weekend to come down if you are so inclined.

Wayne, agreed - I think that's why they appeal. As much as I despise everything that's old and not maintained up here and still selling for big bucks, it looks like you can get into old/charming + updated for reasonable money.

Seminole Heights - keep coming back to that neighborhood. Great to hear about the local food spots, we love those types of places/features in a 'hood. Would love to attend the meet in December! Might even get a buddy to join who has always wanted to go to Sebring.

[WilNJ]

So while its forecast to be in the 60s for Christmas, the thought of winter coming has me revisiting this thread. M-racer (Tim?) , any thoughts on schools in your neck of the woods? Lower cost of living would be significantly impacted if I should budget $25,000/yr for private schools.

[m-racer]

Sorry my friend, I don't have school age kids... So no viable info. I will be in VA for Xmas, but TPA is supposed to be 85....such is 20 degrees above normal.

[Justin_FL]

I will be in VA for Xmas, but TPA is supposed to be 85....such is 20 degrees above normal.

Yup, this is getting ridiculous. Mosquitoes are thick, too, from the rain last week. Had about a day of "normal" winter weather temps this weekend.

[RoyW]

So we're going to wait and tell him about the no-see-ums when he gets here?

There's also some big friggin' "see-ums" as I recall from my visits!?

-RoyW

[JLav211]

Sadly, my plans may be tabled for the short-term. Ironically, my native Floridian wife has no desire to immediately. She likes this thing called "seasons" which I find highly overrated.

Regardless, we'll be there for a week starting Saturday. Any meets happening so I can prove to her I already have lots of friends in the area?

[m-racer]

Sadly, my plans may be tabled for the short-term. Ironically, my native Floridian wife has no desire to immediately. She likes this thing called "seasons" which I find highly overrated.

Regardless, we'll be there for a week starting Saturday. Any meets happening so I can prove to her I already have lots of friends in the area?

Have a great time. We will be in VA for Xmas and then Nevis for the New Year, so will be out of town. Enjoy.

[a]

Ok, you got your sinkholes, swamp fauna tht likes human flesh. Bugs,bull sharks ( shit ,you can find those anywhere) Limited variety in dining. all sorts of trouble with houses. None of that is a deal breaker. Not until you sit down to a lobster dinner and you see what passes for lobstah down there.
My thermometer says it is 67F and overcast. My lawn is lush. I'm painting my house. Not too shabby for the winter solstice. We turned the daylight corner too. Everyday for 6 months we will have increased sunlight.

[m-racer]

Ok, you got your sinkholes, swamp fauna tht likes human flesh. Bugs,bull sharks ( shit ,you can find those anywhere) Limited variety in dining. all sorts of trouble with houses. None of that is a deal breaker. Not until you sit down to a lobster dinner and you see what passes for lobstah down there.
My thermometer says it is 67F and overcast. My lawn is lush. I'm painting my house. Not too shabby for the winter solstice. We turned the daylight corner too. Everyday for 6 months we will have increased sunlight.

Andy, my Whole Foods gets its lobstah from Maine! Check back in Feb. Best to you and Aaron and family for the Holidays. Best, Tim

[JLav211]

Ok, you got your sinkholes, swamp fauna tht likes human flesh. Bugs,bull sharks ( shit ,you can find those anywhere) Limited variety in dining. all sorts of trouble with houses. None of that is a deal breaker. Not until you sit down to a lobster dinner and you see what passes for lobstah down there.
My thermometer says it is 67F and overcast. My lawn is lush. I'm painting my house. Not too shabby for the winter solstice. We turned the daylight corner too. Everyday for 6 months we will have increased sunlight.

Interesting to see you're from Marshfield. A good buddy lives there and he often drowns himself in liquor listening to me complain about New England.

Had a nice visit. Got some running miles in wearing my summer attire of a tanktop and shorts. Unlike this morning, where I had to put on 3 layers just to get to the indoor track.

We didn't get down to Tampa this time (we were at my in-laws for much of the trip) but did spend a fair amount of time in Winter Park. Gorgeous area. Also went down to Flagler a few times (due to proximity to said in-laws') and jumped in the ocean. Felt like the high temp of the water up here on the hottest day in August.

[T_C_D]

Just returned from 2 weeks in the Jax. Hate the bugs, humidity and rednecks. Otherwise it's great.