jillc1

I was just offered a job based in Ft Meyers FL which is a terriotry from FM- sarasota. I lived in downtown Boston, like action, small cities. Outdoor activities. I am looking for some suggestions on where would be a good place to live.

bonniebroad

My single niece moved to St. Petersburg, close to the water, a couple of years ago, and absolutely loves it. Her daughter was in Ocala, an hour north, for awhile (gorgeous horse country), and thought it was heaven! Think Ft. Myers is a couple of hours from St. Pete.............

jillc1

If anyone has any input on Naples and or sarasota- single, no kids, great job- have to decide today! I also have a great offer in Boston. The boston job is a new co; a bit risky. The FL job is a co I ahve been with for 15 yrs with great retirmenet benefits- of which i would like to do in 15 yr.

Tandoori_Girl

I'd recommend Sarasota. It is a great place. If you check census data, you'll see that the age demographics in Sarasota are more favorable there. Average age in Naples is older, there is much more to do in Sarasota. In 15 years, you can retire to Naples.

jillc1

Thank you for your input. Would love more!

mclaurie

I have heard Sarasota is a nice city. But you started out asking best places to live and now it's to move or not. Yikes. You should go down to Fla & have a look yourself. This is too big a decision to make "on the fly" with input from people you don't know. Can't you delay the decision???

BTW, one woman's opinion, staying with a company just because of retirement benefits, esp. when retirement is 15+ yrs away is....questionable. Benefits can change...But if you like the co.,mgmt. etc., that's another story.

jillc1

I appreciate your input, but I guess I had to way everything based on the information I had at hand. The bummer is I was layed off from this co in Nov- and yesterday, when I walked in the door- I lost my 5 mos of severance that I had left. They re- hirered me. I know FL is not New England- but, I can always change my mind later. i had another job offer that came in Fri afternoon for Boston- which I know I love. It woudl have been fun but very stressful- not sure I want all the stress right now.

mclaurie

Good luck. (I would try to renegotiate the severance, but that's another issue).

You should now post a new thread- Late 30's single needs relocation advice for Ft Meyers-Sarasota area

jillc1

After all this, buying a house in Naples this past fall, I have a new job in Fort Lauderdale- Miami. I have been looking at housing and what kills me are the taxes- i just withdrew an offer in fort lauderdale because the taxes were about 13k/ yr. Does anyone have any suggestions on what other communities I may want to look with more affordable housing? I love to get out on my bike, walk, and also love to go to dinner, etc. Beach access would be great if possible. New to the area... any help would be great.

mclaurie

Have no idea if there's housing (maybe condos) but Ft Lauderdale by the Sea (FLBTS) is a popular area on this board for hotels/motels that are lowrise, affordable and on or across from the ocean.

I think Davie is more affordable but don't know it would be good for you.

michey

Weston is a beautiful area to live. Great restaurants, nice parks. And your right in the middle of Miami and Ft. Laud. And about 1 1/2 hr. from Maro Island & Naples which are great to visit. If you wanted to be closer to the beach try Deerfield Beach.

girlonthego

Jill, My sister in law, late thirties and single, just left Boston last Jan for warmer climates and men over 30. She said Boston was freezing and everyone single is under 30. She moved to the Boca area. She also likes the warmer weather. Good luck.

Wayne

People are suggesting all kinds of places that are so far away from your planned area as to be totally impractical. You said you are to be BASED in Ft Myers -- does that mean you have to LIVE in Ft Myers? Or can you live anywhere within reason?

If you can live anywhere withing the area you are to cover, I would suggest the newly developing suburbs northeast and east of Sarasota. Lots of nice homes, some of them on the water, and prices that arean't going to stop your heartbeat.

Unless I don't understand your job, I would suggest you ignore recommendations of places like Lauderdale, St Petersburg, Davie, Miami, and other nutty ideas that would have you commuting 8 hours a day.

Call the Sarasota Chamber of Commerce and ask them to send you some literature if you haven't done that already. Good luck.

OneWanderingJew

Wayne--
This post started in 2004 and looks like the OP topped it recently as she has a new job in Lauderdale...think that's why she's getting all the Miami-Ft Laud suggestions

jillc1

thank you- i too moved here from the boston area... after being caught in a blizzard on dec 1 in 2003 at 2 am... black tie event; sandles on; and 18 inches of snow and no cab to be found.... florida is ok but boston is the tops with culture and class

Wayne

OWJ--THANKS for setting me straight. I herewith accept the award for Dummy of the Month.

OneWanderingJew

Don't feel bad, Wayne. I almost did the same thing

jillc1

not to worry; i should have started a new post!