Moonpi

I'm in Polk. Be extremely cautious about buying any home without proof that the sheetrock is not Chinese. After the 2004 hurricanes, construction used this cheap alternative for repairs and most of the new construction until problems showed up. The drywall corrodes heating and AC systems, electrical wiring, and makes those sensitive to it deadly ill. Since the economy tanked, many of these properties reverted to banks, and any home warranty that may have covered costly repairs may be unenforceable. The contractors are gone.

Winter Haven has a great little quilt shop called Heartfelt, and the Patchwork Pig in Lakeland has nice stuff, too. Both Lakeland and Winter Haven have Joanne's, and there is a Hancock Fabrics on South Florida Ave in Lakeland.

If you have a lot of disposable income, FL can be a lot of fun!

texas granny

A friend of mine was talking about the Villages last week they are golfers. She said everyone drove there golf carts to everywhere. She loved the area

Beachbound

Interesting......and how do you ask about that without sounding less than PC??? :roll: Maybe I should just look at house built from 2005 & up.

Disposable income???What is this you speak of??? Actually hubby retired at the early age of 54 but after 5 years of retirement he may/will have to go back to work. Nothing corp. but enough to support our hobbies.

Beachbound

Neither of us golf anymore but it might still be an option. Thanks

Moonpi

I would insist that testing for sheetrock problems be part of your home inspection. Write in any offer that the home must pass testing. When the outlet covers are removed in affected houses, you can see the copper wiring has oxidized and the copper in AC units gets pin-holes from the corrosion.

They were using Chinese wallboard for a few years before new homeowners were taken seriously with their complaints. Along with a heavy off-gassing of sulpher, there have been some dangerous heavy metals found in the sheetrock.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_drywall overview
http://www.doh.state.fl.us/environme...spections.html state health dept. checklist

Jobs are nearly non-existant here. I took a part time job in February, and still have not found full-time work. I bet 50-75% of the warehouses and commercial buildings along I-4 are sitting empty. Tourism is way down, and that was the state's prime source of tax dollars. Instead of a state income tax, there are fees on top of fees, on top of fees, for all sorts of things.

In your favor, banks are dropping prices on foreclosed properties, and you are in a much better position than a few years ago. Orlando has much more "civilization" than some areas in the state.

EagarBeez

I used to live in Fla, many different towns, both west coast and east. It is very expensive to live there. Retirement homes, most have fees, (green fees, lawn, trash, pool) the taxes, bug spraying.
My sister lives in an area called Winter Park, it is outside Orlando. Nice area.
Depends what your looking for and if you can stand the heat.
Best to you

ginnyk

I grew up in Tampa. Everything has grown like crazy in the last 50 years. I totally agree that Ocala and Silver Springs is really an area to look at. You will think you are in KY when you see all the beautiful horses. Yet, the prices for real estate should be a bit more reasonable than on the coast areas. The weather is not quite as tropical as in the southern half of the state. Highway 301 still has some of the old Florida charm. To me, the west coast is the best coast. My family still lives in Plant City and Tampa. Good Luck in your search.

Beachbound

I just saw an amazing place listed in Silver Springs...maybe if the house sells I'll go check it out. Glad to hear that is a nice area.

ginnyk

There are generally two types of residency in FL. One is to be a full time resident and the other is what the natives call "affectionately", Snowbirds, dual residents who live there every winter. It would probably cost more to live in a "community" which is usually quite enclosed and social within themselves. The other is to become a resident of a town or more rural area, looking into pre-existing real estate. Your community would more likely be your church, civic and other activities. I talked with my DD and she definitely recommended renting for about a year until you really know the area. There are a lot of forclosure homes available.

We lived in the Dade City, Zephyrhills area about 6 years ago, and I really did not find that the overall cost of living is that much different from NW Arkansas. Gas, groceries and Walmart are all about the same. :)

finch

I just moved here in Deltona about a year ago. I would love to have you as a neighbor.I love Yorkies!! I had one once.I live in a nice quiet area about two blocks from the golf course.But yet,I can get on 1-4 and head to Orlando,Daytona etc..in a few minutes.Houses are really reasonable right now in this town.I wish you would check around this area.We could go to quilt shows etc..It would be fun.Good luck in the sale of your home.