I have been debating for a while now on whether or not i should move to Florida. I'm actually starting to really lean towards it. however i have absolutely no idea where I would want to live. I was hoping some of you guys can give me insight on what city would have the best living conditions for a 23 year old single male that rides bikes, likes clubbing, building cars and with plans on opening a business in the near future.

I dont want to ask too many questions and put everyone to sleep. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks.

 

I just got down to Fort Walton Beach a few weeks ago and I love it so far. Cant really give you any insight as to what part is best though. I would imagine the panhandle is the cheapest cost of living though.

 

Orlando.... or Central Florida area.

 

i love clearwater so far. Honestly i went for a week and visited 5 major parts on Florida with my 2 room mates and we prefer the gulf side but i would at least visit a place or 2 for a weekend and check it out before you make the decision. Good Luck oh and i am 24 if that matters

 

As a native Floridian, (YES, there are some) I may be able to help. If you have $$, go to the SE; Ft. Lauderdale, Boca, Miami. From Sarasota South along the West coast it's pretty much a retirement community. It's a lot less expensive in the panhandle, but it is called the Redneck Riviera. Orlando area is cheap, but LOTS of traffic.

As someone else already said, take a few trips down to the different areas before moving.

 

I am with Gingervitis526. I moved here about 8 years ago from Orlando. There is no way in Hell I would go back to Orlando.
Ft. Walton, Destin, Panama city. That's the place for me now.

 

^old guy

Yes the Panhandle area is nice, inexpensive, and fun. What type of business are you looking to open up?

 

Tampa is where its at

 

You think? I lived on Harbour Island for 3 years. Guess it just wasn't my scene.

 

whatever you do, don't live more than a few miles from the beach

 

Lived here my whole life (Tampa now)...I'm looking for a change in scenery myself, but I did grow up in clearwater which is nice. Winter's are nice, summer can be brutal.

Since you are 23 and into clubbing...Ybor City could work but you'd probably be better off in the Miami area. Road biking can be dangerous anywhere in FL. What kind of business are you looking to open?

Also be aware the housing market is severely depressed here with home values expected to drop another 7.4% this year. Un-employment rates are higher here as well as insurance rates.

 

^ bingo.

it all depends on how much you want to spend on the house and yearly taxes or the house or if your lookking to rent.. If ur into srsz buzness clubbing then miami, but we have ybor city here and its usually crazy..alot of bar and nice resturants. but i mean what city dosent, expect plant city lol..

alot of ppl are in brandon area as well, if you gotz the money then south tampa is where its at... everything is approx 15 mins away.u name it its here

 

You could look in too Tallahassee. Its not too populated like Orlando or Tampa with all the traffic.. You have FSU so if your into partying, you wont find any better. Plus the cost of living is relatively low compared to the other cities. Plus its about 1:15 from Panama city. 2 hours from Jax. 3.5 from Orlando. You have 45 minutes to the beach, and only 4 hours to Atlanta.

 

I regret living in the Miami area. I work in Miami. Everyday it's traffic everywhere, and shootings almost every night. It's ridiculous! Don't move to southern Florida!

 

Born in New Orleans, but been in the Florida Panhandle all my life. Pretty quiet around here, but great beaches. Can't beat Panama City/Fort Walton Beach area during spring break! I also ride bikes ( street and dirt ). Plenty of places to ride with good scenery.

 

So far I've gathered, lack of work, value drop on housing, shootings??? lol, and more negativity. Besides the weather as appose to new york, what are other advantages. Right now, i work for comcast and have plans on opening a meineke.

I think i will make a trip down to FL maybe next month and check out the area.

 

Interesting thread.. I'm a bit older, but I've debated this for years. My thought was Tampa outskirts and work in the city. I haven't researched it yet though. Im looking for the late 20' early 30 something's single crowd at the moment if I were to go.

 

I'll shoot you a pm. I'm your age, lived in CT for most of my life and in Tampa for the past 5 years. Rather than write a novel I'll shoot you a pm. I liked Florida but the job market, friends/family and the way of life I was used to brought me back to CT recently

 

great pm, thanks.

 

i moved to the south east side of florida from NY a few years back and have never looked back since.. best part of florida right hereeeeeee