Brit greencard holder moving to Florida from California
May 6th 2008, 2:27 pm
#17
Unmitigated Gall
Joined: Dec 2006
Location: it's still too dark to tell
Posts: 16,162
Re: Brit greencard holder moving to Florida from California
My hubbie and I just got our greencards (after a very long 6 year wait on an L1/H1). I accepted an internal transfer with my employer (international company) and moved to Northern California (second choice after Florida at the time)....can't wait to move as it's not all it's cracked up to be here!
So we'll be able to move to Florida early in 2009 and although we've vacationed there a lot (usual spots - Orlando, Daytona, Tampa), I'm clueless on where to move to actually live......can anybody provide any tips at all please?
I'm in my 30s, he's in his 40s, both active, open minded, discovered we like Brits more than Californians
, love the beach. I will need to continue working full-time and currently work in asset management for EDS, an IT company, so need an area with plenty of work.
We own our own home here and intend to list it for sale and meanwhile rent in Florida to be sure we end up in the right area - we envisage spending ideally up to $350,000 for a modern house with pool or with social facilites if part of a community. We love eating out, socializing and travelling. I would love to live in a area where there are lots of Brits who meet regularly and have an active social life. We don't have kids so don't want a "family" feel and are looking for low crime etc. I'm really wanting somewhere low key and relaxed and local bars/restaurants that we feel comfortable dropping in and calling our "local".
So, pretty tall order, but does anyone have any tips that might help please?!
Looking forward to hearing from you
thanks!
Julie
So we'll be able to move to Florida early in 2009 and although we've vacationed there a lot (usual spots - Orlando, Daytona, Tampa), I'm clueless on where to move to actually live......can anybody provide any tips at all please?
I'm in my 30s, he's in his 40s, both active, open minded, discovered we like Brits more than Californians
, love the beach. I will need to continue working full-time and currently work in asset management for EDS, an IT company, so need an area with plenty of work. We own our own home here and intend to list it for sale and meanwhile rent in Florida to be sure we end up in the right area - we envisage spending ideally up to $350,000 for a modern house with pool or with social facilites if part of a community. We love eating out, socializing and travelling. I would love to live in a area where there are lots of Brits who meet regularly and have an active social life. We don't have kids so don't want a "family" feel and are looking for low crime etc. I'm really wanting somewhere low key and relaxed and local bars/restaurants that we feel comfortable dropping in and calling our "local".
So, pretty tall order, but does anyone have any tips that might help please?!
Looking forward to hearing from you
thanks!
Julie
May 6th 2008, 3:55 pm
#20
Just Joined
Thread Starter
Joined: May 2008
Location: Harrisburg, PA
Posts: 14
Re: Brit greencard holder moving to Florida from California
Thanks everyone for all your replies.....very helpful, really!!! No really, this is exactly what I was hoping for....real info and not just "internet speak" on why everywhere is wonderful.
So it sounds like Tampa, Lakeland, Orlando are the fave at the mo. Only issue is I was hoping to move with EDS (and no, not to Plano thank you!) and I believe they have offices in Ocala, Jax & Tallahassee .... and now I see why! Sounds like the the one in Ocala must be very similar to the office I'm at in Chico (not far from Dead (sorry, Red) Bluff, home of the californian cowboy.
Initially I'll go where the work is, so if I get lucky and transfer, then it'll be near the office, otherwise if I end up looking outside EDS then it sounds like Tampa/Lakeland/Orlando are my current faves.
What are people's opinions about gated communities and closed communities with recreational facilities like sports/social clubs?
So it sounds like Tampa, Lakeland, Orlando are the fave at the mo. Only issue is I was hoping to move with EDS (and no, not to Plano thank you!) and I believe they have offices in Ocala, Jax & Tallahassee .... and now I see why! Sounds like the the one in Ocala must be very similar to the office I'm at in Chico (not far from Dead (sorry, Red) Bluff, home of the californian cowboy.
Initially I'll go where the work is, so if I get lucky and transfer, then it'll be near the office, otherwise if I end up looking outside EDS then it sounds like Tampa/Lakeland/Orlando are my current faves.
What are people's opinions about gated communities and closed communities with recreational facilities like sports/social clubs?
May 6th 2008, 4:17 pm
#21
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Aug 2004
Location: Tampa, FL
Posts: 3,338
Re: Brit greencard holder moving to Florida from California
Thanks everyone for all your replies.....very helpful, really!!! No really, this is exactly what I was hoping for....real info and not just "internet speak" on why everywhere is wonderful.
So it sounds like Tampa, Lakeland, Orlando are the fave at the mo. Only issue is I was hoping to move with EDS (and no, not to Plano thank you!) and I believe they have offices in Ocala, Jax & Tallahassee .... and now I see why! Sounds like the the one in Ocala must be very similar to the office I'm at in Chico (not far from Dead (sorry, Red) Bluff, home of the californian cowboy.
Initially I'll go where the work is, so if I get lucky and transfer, then it'll be near the office, otherwise if I end up looking outside EDS then it sounds like Tampa/Lakeland/Orlando are my current faves.
What are people's opinions about gated communities and closed communities with recreational facilities like sports/social clubs?
So it sounds like Tampa, Lakeland, Orlando are the fave at the mo. Only issue is I was hoping to move with EDS (and no, not to Plano thank you!) and I believe they have offices in Ocala, Jax & Tallahassee .... and now I see why! Sounds like the the one in Ocala must be very similar to the office I'm at in Chico (not far from Dead (sorry, Red) Bluff, home of the californian cowboy.
Initially I'll go where the work is, so if I get lucky and transfer, then it'll be near the office, otherwise if I end up looking outside EDS then it sounds like Tampa/Lakeland/Orlando are my current faves.
What are people's opinions about gated communities and closed communities with recreational facilities like sports/social clubs?
Obviously, Florida is a big state and, although it sounds like you are erring to the North, don't forget you've got the Miami/Ft Lauderdale metro as well as a big modern international place.
Re the gated communities with facilities, I have mixed views. On the one hand, they are generally very very well kept, with plenty to do on your doorstep.
On the other, the HOA and CDD fees can be astronomical, and sometimes the restrictions and neighborhood fun police can be overbearing.
We currently don't live in such a community - there is a HOA, but we pay a pretty nominal $160 a year for general upkeep. But, perhaps in future we might consider a gated one......or not, depending on various factors at the time. Best thing to do is keep an open mind and have a really good look round at different types of community and weigh up the pros and cons for yourself - peoples opinions and priorities are so varied it's hard to give a blanket answer.
May 6th 2008, 4:22 pm
#22
Just Joined
Thread Starter
Joined: May 2008
Location: Harrisburg, PA
Posts: 14
Re: Brit greencard holder moving to Florida from California
We currently pay $912 for our HOA here and although garbage & lawn maintenance is included, pretty much that's all it gets us. I don't mind the CC&Rs - we knew about them when we moved in and it helps (to a point) keep the dregs out of the area, but I've heard ridiculous amounts like $400 a month for gated communities?
May 6th 2008, 4:22 pm
#23
Just Joined
Thread Starter
Joined: May 2008
Location: Harrisburg, PA
Posts: 14
Re: Brit greencard holder moving to Florida from California
forgot to ask.....what are CDD fees?
May 6th 2008, 4:43 pm
#24
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 68,280
Re: Brit greencard holder moving to Florida from California
CDD fees are Community Development District fees imposed by developers to cover the cost of improvements (amenities) that would not be possible without raising home price unrealistically. Instead of building the cost of these features into the home price, they finance these amenities separately. Basically, they borrow money from the county and the residents pay it back over an extended period of time - usually 30 years.
May 6th 2008, 4:47 pm
#25
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 68,280
Re: Brit greencard holder moving to Florida from California
We currently don't live in such a community - there is a HOA, but we pay a pretty nominal $160 a year for general upkeep. But, perhaps in future we might consider a gated one......or not, depending on various factors at the time. Best thing to do is keep an open mind and have a really good look round at different types of community and weigh up the pros and cons for yourself - peoples opinions and priorities are so varied it's hard to give a blanket answer.
Gated communities are a joke ....and certainly not secure
May 6th 2008, 6:17 pm
#26
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Aug 2004
Location: Tampa, FL
Posts: 3,338
Re: Brit greencard holder moving to Florida from California
I agree, the "security" shouldn't be a reason to move into one, but they do have their good points. Whether or not those points outweigh the costs is another matter for the individual to decide.
May 6th 2008, 6:38 pm
#27
my arm aches
Joined: Jul 2003
Location: the warm waters of Florida
Posts: 2,289
Re: Brit greencard holder moving to Florida from California
Thanks everyone for all your replies.....very helpful, really!!! No really, this is exactly what I was hoping for....real info and not just "internet speak" on why everywhere is wonderful.
So it sounds like Tampa, Lakeland, Orlando are the fave at the mo. Only issue is I was hoping to move with EDS (and no, not to Plano thank you!) and I believe they have offices in Ocala, Jax & Tallahassee .... and now I see why! Sounds like the the one in Ocala must be very similar to the office I'm at in Chico (not far from Dead (sorry, Red) Bluff, home of the californian cowboy.
Initially I'll go where the work is, so if I get lucky and transfer, then it'll be near the office, otherwise if I end up looking outside EDS then it sounds like Tampa/Lakeland/Orlando are my current faves.
What are people's opinions about gated communities and closed communities with recreational facilities like sports/social clubs?
So it sounds like Tampa, Lakeland, Orlando are the fave at the mo. Only issue is I was hoping to move with EDS (and no, not to Plano thank you!) and I believe they have offices in Ocala, Jax & Tallahassee .... and now I see why! Sounds like the the one in Ocala must be very similar to the office I'm at in Chico (not far from Dead (sorry, Red) Bluff, home of the californian cowboy.
Initially I'll go where the work is, so if I get lucky and transfer, then it'll be near the office, otherwise if I end up looking outside EDS then it sounds like Tampa/Lakeland/Orlando are my current faves.
What are people's opinions about gated communities and closed communities with recreational facilities like sports/social clubs?
At least you don't have to worry about kids and schools, so that whole area between downtown and the beaches could be good for you. 
