Posted on 02/12/2007 2:48:58 PM PST by MoralSense
When we moved to New Jersey some years back, I got great help from Freepers about places to live. Now we're looking to buy a condo in some Florida town for winter use. I'm looking for info on best places for recreation (I have two boys, 7 and 12), safety, interesting commerce/downtown culture, beaches, golf, etc. Lots of places look good, but, when I check crime rates and demographics, I have lots of questions that can only be answered by somebody who's actually there. I'll be starting out in the Tampa area, because I'm going there to get a kidney transplant, but don't necessarily have to stay there.
Thank you all.
You Who.
Wait at least 6 months. Prices in Florida are coming down and the bubble is going to worsen. Rent till then.
Just across the Sunshine Skyway and outside Bradenton is a community called Anna Maria Island. Check it out.
Highly recommend Riverview, North Tampa, or Carrollwood, where you can get a great value for your money. Land O' Lakes also has some great values.
So this may not be the best time to buy there.
Wherever you decide to purchase be sure to find out what the taxes will be once YOU take possession and also get an insurance quote before committing. Both have been rising rapidly and could easily make your dream spot a nightmare.
Home prices seem to be stabilizing a bit but the condo market may still be in for more declines IMHO.
A lot of condos in florida do not allow children. Seniors here cringe at the sight of a child in their pool or rec centers. Same goes for pets. Verbotten!!! A 2/1 in Lake Worth runs at $200k and up. Try Sebastian area. Still reasonable.
Don't forget that homeowners insurance rates have gone through the roof in Florida. If you only have the property for a few months, you will have to deal without support of Homesteaders laws. This means that you could be paying twice or more some neighbors in insurance rates.
That being said, taxes, insurance etc. all in for much of Florida should still be less than New Jersey (I live in Morris County) and work in Manhattan, so I know. Good Luck!
Use out New Jersey homeowner's policy to get home owner's insurance on your condo in Florida.
Especially true if you plan to buy within 10 miles of the coast, or any area considered a flood plain.
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