Central FL is a good match for you. In order, Naples is the most expensive, Sarasota second, Clearwater area third (don't go to Tampa - all the disbenefits of living in Central FL(hot, humid), with none of the benefits - like water), Bradenton, Ft Myers area.

I have 3 kids in public school here. You have to look at where you're going. We have no problems in my area. PM if you want to know more. Choose your school carefully, in a nice area, and you will be fine.

Also in FL, no state income taxes, no taxes on groceries, medicine, hair cuts, or other services.

Hot as crap in the summer - no getting around that. If you like sunsets, then you watch 'em all summer long, and forget how hot it is. Lake Tarpon, near me, is the second largest lake in FL, and is great for skiing. If you don't want to go there, you can jetski and do real boating in the Gulf.

Tampa Airport is easy to navigate and very user friendly. 2 beaches in our county are in the top 5 in the country (Ft. Desoto - currently the nation's best, and Caladesi - only accessible by boat).

This is a great place to raise a family. I grew up here, moved away, and came back just for that purpose. When the kids are off to college, I'll cash in my yard and pool for a beach front condo.

Take a look at realtor.com. They have rentals in there. $2k a month will get you something decent, but not a palace. Real estate has become awful expensive.

And, the West Coast of FL is a lot more laid back than the east.

If you go to Kansas, don't plan on seeing too many of those 300 M people.

And, in spite of the Euros who think otherwise, and the foreign press, and the boneheads in charge here that sometimes do dumb things, this (the US) is a great place.

Nah, you wouldn't like Maui either We're known to have a high cost of living here. But, consider this:

- My oceanside house is in the $800 -850K range but my property tax bill is only $1200/yr. Is that ridiculous or what?

- No need to aircondition or heat your dwelling. The tradewinds are mo bettah

- No armani suits, no silk ties, no sweaters, no shoes (?) to go to work. That's right, my work clothes are aloha dress shirts and dress shorts with birkenstocks (I'm a Realtor)

- Gas is radically high ($2.81/gal) but I hardly go more than 1200 miles/month

-$2000 for rent - believe it or not, you can still get a 1 BR condo with some oceanviews or one that's one to two blocks from the beach.

-Finally, the slow pace of life here will drive you bananas!

Lived in Toronto for 30 years and when I told my co-workers that I'm moving to Maui, not a single person suggested that I was "crazy"

Kaefer makes a great point about Charleston--real estate is off the charts. ylwjacket sounds like he has great advice on schools. Something to think about--beaches are easy to access and there is a lot of water access via the intracoastal, and we don't have those high oceanfront bluffs like NSW, and, you will be going through two hurricane seasons renting a home about 2m (if that above sea level. Perhaps a slightly inland area might be an option--ask ylw about Hyde Park area in Tampa. Downside is Tampa is a bit of a sprawl. Appears like Sarasota keeps getting mentioned. Until recently, it was home to a clown college, so it can't be all bad. Make sure you rent a modern energy efficient home with a high SEER A/C system or you can add another $500 a month for utilities in the summer. Hot. Rent a cabin in the Carolinas in August.

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Seconded on Charles-town. I live in Beaufort (about 1hr drive south). The other "bad" thing about Charleston is the bugs. The "no-see-ums" can drive you nuts.

In the last few years, the housing market here has gone INSANE. You should see how small and crappy the houses you get for $200k are. Blech!

I do like the area though. The people are great, and there is a lot to do. Good luck with your decision!

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wow that's acutally not bad. I was pay $2300 a month for a one bedrrom bachelor with a two car garage in Cardiff by the Sea from 1999-2003. I loved it there but the living costs are ridiculous!