[kellynla]

Thanks. What areas on the West coast do you recommend? Although we may be forced to go to the East Coast. Jury is still out.

[dawn53]

Lived on the west coast most of my life. The thing I like about the west coast is you're always minutes from the beach, fishing, etc. without the high cost of housing that proximity to the water seems to bring on the east coast.

I like Pinellas, but Manatee and Sarasota counties are nice too.

Don't know anything about schools because I homeschool.

[Betty Jane]

We lived north of Tampa Bay, New Port Richey, for about 10 years. It is for the most part suburban, although if you go 10-15 miles east it is rural. Tarpon Springs, Safety Harbor, Dunedin, Holiday are all nice. Going north of where we were is Spring Hill which is a new housing area.

You can find houses from $45,000 to 300,000. You need to have a pool. You can use it daily from April to October. The kids will use it even longer. When the relatives come in February, they'll be in heaven.

We found the people warm and wonderful. I was sorry to leave.

[TruthNtegrity]

Over the past 6 years, I have visited friends in Inverness, Citrus County, and recommend it highly. It's not on the coast but a short drive from it. Schools are good, people are friendly, crime is low, everybody speaks English, folks range from young to old instead of a preponderance of retireds, and Churches are active. FReepmail me if you want more details.

OTOH, as I write this, I am preparing to move from Virginia to the panhandle, and am in the process of gathering more information myself, which is why I'm reading this thread. Good luck in your search.