Moving to Florida

I lived in Fort Meyers for a year. I loved it. My brother has lived in Naples for almost 20 years. He loves it. My brother in law lives in north port. He wouldn't move back to Illinois for anything lol.

So where in Florisa did you choose

Palm Beach Gardens. We lived in West Palm and loved it. PBG is more family friendly.

I'm from Miami originally which I love but wouldn't want to go back there to live with kids but I have heard that the Wellington in the north side of South florida (closer to West Palm area) is supposed to be really nice... we also have friends in Broward county that like it there as well. Miami is a great place to visit and it is home for me but don't think I would want to go back and raise my kids there.

good luck!

Hi! I am planning a move to FL next summer! I am originally from FL, so moving back.
I also recommend Central Florida area, NOT South Florida. If you have to live in S Florida, Plantation, Ft Lauderdale, etc are the best. More of North South Fl. But in the Orlando area, Lake Mary is the best. Great schools,voted one of the top cities to live in the USA. My brother is a real estate agent who lives in that area. Send me a message if you would like to contact him.
I plan to move to South Tampa. Great schools, love the area right around bayshore. Little bit more on the pricey side and you have to make sure you are zoned for the right schools so not ALWAYS the lowest crime. Older homes from the 1920's. Also, have a friend who lives in Lithia, about 30 minutes outside Tampa. The best schools, you don't get more family friendly than that area. I feel like it is a little "out there" for my tastes, but I am really a city person. Worth checking out. I would be happy to give you my friend's email if you are looking in this area at all. She just moved from Atlanta to Lithia. Schools are all ranked 10's, tons of parks with pools, the whole area designed for families.

My husband's family moved from PA to Sarasota/Bradenton, FL about 4 years ago. They love it. It's close to beautiful beaches. We always enjoy our visits there. Can't tell you anything about the schools because his aunt put their middle/high school age son in private school there. She was pleased with the school though. My husband would move there in a heartbeat!

Good Luck!
W. in Carrollton

Hello, I concur that Central Florida is more family friendly. However, if you need to live in S. Florida, I would live in Broward or Palm Beach County. I lived in Miami (before kids) and it's great when you're in that stage of life. Miami is not a great place to raise kids-many negative influences, the best school districts are very expensive, such as Coral Gables. There are quite a few good public school districts in PB and Broward-you can google the grades that each school gets (A through F) based on student academic achievement, etc. Many of these districts have A rated elementary schools, but by middle school, they have a D. We lived in the Pembroke Pines school district and that was our situation. Recommended districts-Coral Springs, Douglas, Parkland, Weston, your kids can go up to high school. If you are open to private school, there are also some great ones in Broward including University High and Pinecrest. Good luck!

Look in Central FL! I'm from that area. Depending on what kind of area you want. There's merritt island, Melbourne, palm bay, titusvile, port st John, kissimee, vierra ( very new has been up and coming for awhile it's gorgous!) all within 30 - 45 mins from Orlando and the attractions.

I was born and raised in South Florida. When we left, we were living in Davie. There are lots of great communities in that area, but if you want to get more for your money, I would look into Palm Beach County. There is a new development (I can't think of the name), just west of the Turnpike passed Atlantic Boulevard. I have a friend that lives there and she loves it. Good luck on your move!