Reply With Quote1st choice would be Niceville for saltwater fishing off Destin, if you have to have crappie(speckled perch) 2nd choice would be Quincy and Lake Talquin, both have good shopping not too far away.
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Trophy King II
Need some Florida info
My wife and I will be re-locating to Florida after Christmas of this year. I'll be putting my house up for sale here in Louisiana around October and getting things ready to go.
This will be a semi-retirement for us and we intend on living in Florida for approx. 5-6 years. We have no set destination in mind and most of the real estate market looks good for buyers all over the state with a few exceptions.
I figured I'd ask here where the best place is Florida is for fishing and enjoying the beaches? I know I'll get some varied responses but I would love to hear your opinions? If you could live anywhere in Fl. where would you move to?
I enjoy crappie fishing but I also love saltwater fishing too. I was thinking of western florida near Sarasota but some friends of mine are trying to convince me to move to NW Fl. near St. Augustine. Then I been hearing some great reports from southern florida as well so I don't know where to move to, lol.
I want to live somewhere near a big city but far enough away from it that I'm in the country so to speak. My wife has to have a big city nearby so she can hit Wal Mart and all the other big retailers once in a while.
If you have any preferences on where the fishing action is in Florida please let me know. I'll be doing a lot of research over the next several months and might make a couple trips down to scout out potential areas to live.
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1st choice would be Niceville for saltwater fishing off Destin, if you have to have crappie(speckled perch) 2nd choice would be Quincy and Lake Talquin, both have good shopping not too far away.
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Crappie.com 1K Star General
I would think that Deland would be the ticket. This is near the St. John's River and its lakes. Some folks don't realize how good the speck fishing is on the lakes that are connected to this river. Deland is also within 20-30 minutes of the Beaches(Daytona, New Smyrna). There are ample shopping and dining opportunities in these areas. Deland is a small town, but not too small either; it does have a small downtown area.
Finally, Deland is also on the cusp of Lake County in Central Florida(this is where I reside). There are so many lakes in this area that your will not be able to fish them all in 5-6 years. I have been here most of my life and I haven't been able to fish half of the available waters.
I think the Deland area can offer you both fresh and salt water fishing. It is also a small town that is only 30 minutes from Orlando too. Your wife will also have copious options to explore as well.
Hope this helps.
"If you do not change direction, you may end up where you are heading."
Crappie Wall Hanger II
A lot of people in the Niceville area (Okaloosa & Walton County) fish Talquin its close enough as well as Seminole .. The Choctawhatchee River has some good Crappie Fishing as well & their is a bunch of other places as well... note you have the bay for saltwater fishing as well.Originally Posted by shuorc
2 cents worth
JSC
JSC On The Choctawhatchee
Keeper
The Gainesville area is nice. Good hospitals, easy to get around town and plenty of shopping for the girls. A hour from the gulf. A 1/2 hour to several lakes and rivers. 1-1/2 hours St. Augustine beach. Another nice area is Ocala.
Slabmaster II
IF you don't need a job ...
WARMER + SALTWATER = BONITA SPRINGS
WARMER + SALT AND FRESH = PORT ST LUCIE
COOLER + SALTWATER = NAVARRE
COOLER + SALT AND FRESH = PALATKA
If you need a job, think twice and if you insist ...
JACKSONVILLE ... it is about the only part of the state equipped to survive the general recession. Florida has REALLY been affected, especially in construction and tourism, leaving most of the state in less than favorable condition. Jacksonville is the original "city" in Florida and it has a very large seaport, military bases and industry to keep it running - although with a limp.
Jim -
Crappie.com 1K Star General
Palatka was my second choice, but it may be too far from civilization. My wife wouldn't like it there because its too far from Jacksonville. But I love the St. John's Lakes in this region a lot.
And it does satisfy the requisite of having salt/fresh water.
"If you do not change direction, you may end up where you are heading."
Trophy King II
What Jim said about Jacksonville. The big thing you got to watch is local taxes. Florida doesn't have a state income tax which is a good thing but you need to check out the local governments of the places you are looking at. Some of them (i.e. Gainesville) have some liberal city council members who love all kinds of taxes. For example, gas is lot higher in Gainesville than Jacksonville. Also, see where you are going to be regarding home owners insurance.
One other thing is that Jacksonville has been pretty immune to hurricanes over the years. That can't be said for any other part of the state. Good luck and welcome.
Crappie.com 1K Star General
Better pick Jacksonville for the salt water fishing. When the time comes it will be the last place in florida to get the oil slick.
THE BEST TIME TO FISH IS WHEN IT'S RAINING AND WHEN IT'S NOT RAINING
Slabmaster II
You know ... I actually forgot about that issue. Louisiana has the lowest property taxes in the country. Florida is going to be a serious wakeup call in that respect. Our property taxes are approximately 2% of the assessed value - per year. In other words, buy a $250K house (cheap in Florida) - pay about $5K per year.
We also have pretty stiff homeowner's insurance ... on a $250K house, expect to spend another $2-3K if you are NOT on/near the beach, a river or a lake. If you are on/near water - it isn't going to be good, especially since you aren't going to be in $250K house, water costs extra.
Food is inexpensive, we grow a ton and it shows at the stores. We have the lowest grocery costs in the country.
Electricity isn't bad, but municipal water bills can kill. My water bill has NO possibility of ever being less than $100. If I am irrigating (hot months without sufficient rain), make that $150+.
Florida USED to be inexpensive, that has ALL changed. This is especially rough on those that are currently unemployed or underemployed.
Not trying to discourage anyone, just adding to the facts. Florida is a pretty place to live ... but like anything else, there are some "ugly" parts.
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