Hi all,

Accepted a transfer to Florida, was wondering if anyone had any insight on places to live. I have to be able to access Tampa and Orlando.

Just from browsing online Ive been looking at Lakeland, Auburndale and Davenport. No idea what theyre like though. Any other suggestions would be much appreciated as well!

Thanks

That sounds really nice, moving to the Orange State. Tampa seems rather nice and property isn't too expensive. Or is it ?

sorry I'm on the other side of the state... couldn't tell ya. good luck! welcome to the sunshine state

Welcome to Central Florida!! I live on the Eastern side of Orlando so don't know much about the OTHER side. I do know that within Orlando is a pretty good veg community. I wish I had the time and energy (and gas) to get over there on occasion. I would think the Tampa area is veg friendly as well.

Hi. What kind of area are you looking for? Family, party, investment, safe...? Buying or renting?

I like the Tampa Bay area. The nearby beaches are some of the most beautiful in the world. http://www.pinellascounty.org/park/05_ft_desoto.htm (My usual beach ) St Petersburg is up and coming, lots of fun urban growth there with new veg restaurants, music, arts, clubs. Very young and hipsterish. There are some crime-ridden areas, though, so you have to know which parts to avoid.

I don't know much about the area between Tampa and Orlando, but Orlando is fun. I wouldn't recommend buying real estate in this part of the state now, as the area was hit hard and there are tons of foreclosures. Similarly, some neighborhoods are ghosttowns with abandoned properties, so I'd make sure before I chose an area. Cost of living is cheap, no state income tax. Weather sublime. Today, 79 degrees, clear skies, sunny.

Hi thanks for the replies. I will be buying and living there. The project is most likely stretching to 10 years. Glad to at least see a vegetarian presence in Orlando and Tampa though. I will guess the in between part is hickville . I will find out soon enough. I should be there in May sometime.

My wife's aunt and uncle lived in Lakeland for a long time, we visited them there once. It was pretty handy to either head to Orlando or Tampa from there. Seemed okay enough, thought having a grapefruit tree in the yard was too cool. However too frikken hot and too many bugs for me ever to want to live there.

Yup it is hot in the summer. But... I have grapefruit, orange, lime, banana, and mango trees in my little yard.

If you have to access BOTH Orlando and Tampa, Davenport area is a good middle place. The worst part is traveling I-4, sometimes traffic can get really bad. Is there one city you would be in more than the other? That would make a big difference. I'm in the Davenport/Haines City/Winter Haven area.

Thanks for the input.

I would be in Orlando more than Tampa the first few years.

I did find a place to live and I ended up in Clermont which seemed pretty nice. I heard about the i 4 nightmare from serveral part time residents so being able to hit 50 / 27 / Florida Turnpike as well as I4 was a plus.

I tried out Garden Cafe in Orlando while I was there as well. Not bad. Looking forward to seeing what else is around there as well.

Glad to hear you found a home! Though my experience with the veg eateries is limited, I highly recommend Ethos Vegan Kitchen in Orlando. Totally vegan and award winning restaurant that will soon be moving to a bigger and better location in Winter Park. (suburb of Orlando) Enjoy your new home in the sunshine state!!

Welcome to Florida! Your first summer will most likely be miserable, but by Summer 2 you'll adjust to the ridiculous weather.

If you like Mexican food, go to Taco Bus when you're in Tampa. Tons of vegan options and open 24/7.

 

HAHAHAHA! I'm from Daytona Beach. and it's true! You'ld be able to handle anything ( weather wise ) one you've lived here for a bit.

I love Daytona. We used to "surf" at Sebastian Inlet nearby. :thumbup:

Hello,

I am just seeing this thread now, I am from Lakeland and I was wondering where you ended up moving to?