Best place on where to live in Florida?
 

I am 18 years old, and for the next two years, my parents have asked of me to find a job, complete junior college and then I can move wherever I want. By the time I move out, I will almost be 21. I am saving everything I can right now, because as long as I keep up with my end of the deal, my parents will pay for basically everything.

When I complete these two years, I would like to move to Florida, for two reasons, to continue my degree in education, and to pursue a more serious career in golf. I am open to anywhere, except maybe not the far south part of Florida, because I've heard that is expensive.

Does anyone have advice? Im looking for a few things
1. Quality Apartments
2. A city where the jobs are easy to find
3. Good quality of life.
4. Proximity to the ocean (I'm from Los Angeles so I grew up near the ocean, favorite thing in the world.)
5. Close to a college where I can continue my degree in education (I want to be a teacher.)

I know that there is a slim to none chance for a pro golf career to happen, but I am busting my butt so I can at least try, and I am continuing my degree so I have something to fall back on.

Does anyone, maybe Florida residents or otherwise have any advice on where to look? I will be moving out of Denver, Colorado.

Thank you : )

Define "expensive"

OK time for a "reality check"!

1) Quality Apartments can be found in every Florida city and almost every Florida town but you'll have to pay for that quality. How much you'll pay depends upon three things: Location, Location and Location. The closer the apartment is to the amenities you desire the the more expensive it will be. Most people find employment first then look for housing nearby rather than pick a place to live then look for employment.

2) Ease of finding a job depends on what type of job you are seeking. It's not going to be much different than it is in Denver. Good teaches are always in demand but finding a job as a golf pro is going to be more difficult. There are lots of communities in Florida (especially those catering to retirees) that center around golf courses so there could be some good opportunities to find an entry level position.

3) Good quality of life - that can be had anywhere and is dependent more upon you and your outlook rather than actual location.
4) Proximity to the ocean - the closer you are to the ocean the more expensive those "quality apartments" you desire will cost - refer back to my comment regarding Location, Location, Location. You have to first set a budget for what you want to spend on housing. Once you know that you can look at what you can get for your money in the area you choose to live.

5) There are many fine colleges and universities throughout Florida (most are in or near the larger cities). Do a little reattach to determine which one(s) have the best "Education Programs" then concentrate your search for employment and living accommodations in that area.

Good luck in following your dream.

If your education is the priority, first research colleges & universities that meet your needs. Don't worry about the location for now. Your first job out of college may very well determine that. A quality education and good job in your field should always come before location, IMO.

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Vic's travels: http://my.flightmemory.com/vogilvie

The reality of a golf career is that to break into it you have to have backers for money to play in the entry circuits.
Why Florida--when you are from California and would qualify for in state education. And golf is certainly present there.

And for golf availability, how about Myrtle Beach. Coastal Carolina University?
I think you might widen your horizons and do a "business plan" for the best route to follow.

Agree there is no reason to go to FL to pursue a career in golf you can easily do that in CA and qualify for state-supported education tuition. (And real estate near the ocean in FL won;t be any cheaper than similar in CA.)

A career in golf is extremely difficult even if you are talented enough - and practically impossible to get on the tour without a sponsor (since at the beginning you typically earn nothing). And to build a career at a club pro they usually expect you to have some experience on the tour.

So you need to find a job that will help you build a nest egg by living on a very tight budget (not spend it on a luxury apt - since juniors on tours typically stay at the cheapest motels to be able to travel even in a clunker and pay entry fees.)

If you are serious about golf suggest you do a lot more research about the requirements and the life styles - unless you are Tiger it is a very difficult one.)

Step 1... get a job in the Golf industry... often Country Clubs and major courses will allow their employees to play free ... that will save you thousands of dollars...

that will determine where you live and go to college...