Waiting for a job in Central Florida, got priced out of the real estate market here in south Florida, insurance etc way outta control, can anyone feed back on Gainesville or Lakeland my 2 first choices or Daytona Beach or Deland my two final desperate choices. Tell me what real estate values are and general quality of life issues. Any feedback would be appreciated.

Just bought 5 acres in Alachua (Gainesville) for $62,500.  Will be building a house there this summer.

I love the area.  I've been in Florida since 1968 and think that area has the most to offer:

1) away from south florida
2) close enough to everything and yet far enough away from tourists
3) limited spanish speaking people (I HATE THAT IN THIS COUNTRY)

If you have any interest in that area, IM me and I'll be glad to forward you the information on my realtor so you can get info for yourself.

Deland isn't too bad yet.  Daytona Beach housing market is going through the roof.  Average 3/2 going for $230k on the low end and $380k on the high end.  Average wage per family in Daytona $23k, Holly Hill $20k, Ormond Beach $70K, Port Orange is $52k.  Don't know about Deland.

IM me for more info.

Quoted: Just bought 5 acres in Alachua (Gainesville) for $62,500.  Will be building a house there this summer. I love the area.  I've been in Florida since 1968 and think that area has the most to offer: 1) away from south florida 2) close enough to everything and yet far enough away from tourists 3) limited spanish speaking people (I HATE THAT IN THIS COUNTRY) If you have any interest in that area, IM me and I'll be glad to forward you the information on my realtor so you can get info for yourself.

God bless you at least for #3, you cannot even put a monetary value on that

Quoted: Deland isn't too bad yet.  Daytona Beach housing market is going through the roof.  Average 3/2 going for $230k on the low end and $380k on the high end.  Average wage per family in Daytona $23k, Holly Hill $20k, Ormond Beach $70K, Port Orange is $52k.  Don't know about Deland. IM me for more info.

I would commute a little if I had to work at Daytona Bch, I dont wanna live close to the beach anymore, further inland, further inland I have to keep repeating to myself. I have seen some cheap realestate in Deland.