Well, it's official. House here is under contract, so we're packing our stuff and moving south. But first we have to find a new home. Looking on the gulf coast this week, mostly in the Fort Myers area. Seems like a nice place to start. My wife has her heart set on the Gulf Coast, and I can live anywhere, so we'll be travelling about the area from Wednesday through Saturday. Going to grab some time with a realtor, look at a couple dozen houses and will probably have a decision by next week. So, tips, hints, ideas of interesting places in the area? I know it's a fair amount of real estate to cover, but we're on it. My wife likes Punta Gorda, maybe Cape Coral. Anyplace else we should look? And any specific neighborhoods within those areas that are good? We don't need schools, kids are grown. I would like it to be a safe neighborhood, and I don't care if it's snowbirds or kid friendly. I want to stay out of the AE zones, but otherwise am open to almost anything. Not looking to spend a ton of money, under $300K for sure should get us more than we want or need. Suggestions? Oh, and is there a cars and coffee in Ft Myers that f-chatters go to? Dave
Wow Dave, You are really doing it! I cant blame you. The winters and even daily weather in this area hasn't been great for the past 3 years. I have a good friend moving to San Marcos CA. too for the same reasons Good Luck!
Son, what a privilege it will be to welcome you to the sunshine state. Since you're looking on the Gulf Coast, you can't go wrong with anything from Sarasota southward. That said, professor, we look forward to your constant influence in this part of the country.
My advise, although it is a more of pain is for you to rent for 6 months to a year. Each area is very different and depending on your age, and what you enjoy. I personally prefer the gold coast (south east ) west coast is older people, more retirees, and more snow birds. becomes desolate in the summer. IMHO, you asked for thoughts so there you go.
If you're down here next month PM me, there's a monthly Ferrari dinner in Sarasota. A great way to meet the guys. If there's any other way I can help let me know.
I hear ya. I'm getting along in the years and could really use some quiet desolation. The neighborhoods we're looking at have fewer snowbirds. Apparently the neighborhoods have better schools, making for more permanent residents. I'm still going to be working, albeit part time and from home mostly, but we'll find plenty to do. We will look at some rentals while we're down here. I have no problem test driving before I buy. thanks for the input, keep it coming. D
We will be down there in July at some point, not sure exactly when yet. June is probably not in the cards at this point, but who knows? Appreciate the invite, I'll figure it out at some point and drop you a PM. Dave
I'm a lot mellower than I was when I started here, but I am looking forward to meeting as many fchatters as I can. I appreciate the kind words. I'm not moving again, at least not while I'm vertical, so FL is now my permanent address. Dave
New flood zone maps are out as of March of this year. Just make sure that you are advised accordingly.
Yup. We'll need the property to clear with our insurance co as a part of the sales agreement. As I understand it, elevation is the primary issue. D
We did the same last year and moved from Northern Virginia to the Naples area. To keep costs down we moved halfway between Naples and Fort Myers to Estero. There is also Bonita Springs nearby...ended up settling in Belle Terra, a large gated community in Estero. Far from the flood zones but close to everything else. We found Estero to be a nice compromise...not as expensive as Naples, but not as big and busy as Ft Myers.
An elevation certificate is the key and can be accomplished along with the property survey. As it turns out, new Zone A determinations are pockmarked throughout central Fl and are somewhat arbitrary as well.
Dave, As a near 60 year resident, welcome to Florida! Coincidentally, we're in contract to sell our home in Ft. Lauderdale and move into our new home in the panhandle. Ft. Lauderdale is a great town but we're looking to slow down the pace a little, and are looking forward to living on "The Forgotten Coast." If there's anything I can do to help with your transition, don't hesitate to ask. Although the Gulf coast is not my area of expertise, I'd be glad to help any way I can. Jack
Get the whole property surveyed for elevation. We had a 3'x3' corner of a property that was in a flood zone by about 4" of elevation and none of the structure was in the flood zone, yet we had to buy flood insurance at $500 per year on a $89,000 property. I am sure the insurance today is quite a bit more expensive... Good luck in the search, Bonita Springs is nice, and Naples is very nice and fancy! BT
I recommend look at Lakewood Ranch, Sarasota area. If local shoot me a PM would be happy to meet up! Rob
Rent first for 6 months to a year. If you're interested in boating, look into Freedom Boat Club or similar.
Remember, There are tons of old people down in the Naples area, not that there is anything wrong with that. But if you like a more on the go lifestyle stay away. It is as hot and humid as F**K here so be prepared.
My mother had a place near Punta Gorda, and she and my step-dad sold it and moved up closer to Sarasota. After they died, my sister and I sold the place, as neither of us was in love with the area. When the time came, we ended up buying a place on the East coast ("Gold Coast" area), in a little town connected to Jupiter, just north of Palm Beach Gardens. We like the East coast, but it's kind of like the debate about which is better, a 308 GTB or 308 GTS. Some folks love the West coast, others the East. And some even love the middle of the state, Orlando and north. Personally, I like where we are because we have great amenities available to us. We are far enough south that most of the bad winter weather doesn't reach there. In the summer, it doesn't seem to get as humid as the Gulf coast, and there are plenty of beautiful sandy beaches, tons of golf courses, lots of shopping, great entertainment and restaurants, and more stuff to do than we will ever get to. To each, his own, as they say. As someone suggested, you might try renting for a while and get to know the area before you buy. We had friends in the area, so we visited a lot and spent time there before we bought. In our area, there are still plenty of great homes that can be had for under $300K. It all depends what you are looking for. Best of luck with the sale, and happy house hunting!!!! If you're getting over to the east coast and want some tips on things in the Palm Beach/Jupiter area, feel free to reach out. Steve
Guys. Thanks for all the input. I think we're going with Port Charlotte, in a gated community that's very nice, with a good mix of homes and no vacant lots/foreclosures within. I'm not gonna jinx the deal by spilling too much yet, lets just say that mrs DM is thrilled. D
That's my hometown! I'll look you up when we visit. Best of luck! Everything is literally 10 minutes away in Port Charlotte. P.S. I'm assuming you are looking at Grassy Pointe? Sent from my HTC ONE (M8) using Tapatalk
