Considering a promotion to Tallahassee from Austin and wanted some input. I'll be working on the NW side of town near I-10 and 263. Can ya'll please advise what the most sought after area would be within 30 min of that location? My budget is pretty decent at say 500k-750k. I would like to get some land with the house, but not a necessity. How's that Lake Talquin area? I'm also looking south at Crawfordville. Is that too far?

Crawfordville means you have to drive through Tallahassee traffic twice a day[. I'm browsing the area too, just not on your budget... sucks being a poor.

Your budget is big enough for a nicer neighborhood here.  

With that budget, look at neighborhoods off of North Meridian Rd, Ox Bottom Rd, Maclay Rd, Rhoden Cove, etc. In that general area.

If your kids aren’t in school then consider Havana or Monticello.  Cheaper property taxes and property.

Crawfordville wouldn't be bad if you're going to I-10/Cap Circle NW.  The further south you go into Wakulla Co, the worse the commute will get, though...there are only a few arterial roads going to Tallahassee out of Wakulla Co, so you're commuting with most of the county.  Schools are good in Wakulla, and it's very conservative down there.  Not a lot of fancy neighborhoods, but lots of decent sized parcels to find.  70+% of the county is state or federal land.