Where to buy in Florida?

[Adam Craig]

Hi All -

I have been looking long and hard for where to buy a second home that we might spend about 2 months a year at on average when we escape the Cleveland winter - So many places my head starts to spin so hopefully you can help narrow down my list.

My budget is 200-275K - We want to be within a 10min drive to the beach (closer the better... a walk would be great!) - get a 3BR 1.5BA minimum - Pool if possible.

We are not picky at all but I am looking to get the best bang for my buck because I might plan on renting somewhere down the road.

What markets fit my criteria because we are going down in August to buy?

[Doug Merriott]

Something else to consider in your search is flood insurance. This will be a key part of your holding cost math. You would use the FEMA flood zone map search, to search the address and check the code. Flood zone X is okay, no flood insurance needed, AE is not good from an insurance standpoint and can cost you some serious money, VE is coastal and if I recall a home has a 24% chance of flooding in the course of 30 years.

@Daniel Miller you forgot to mention the boogeyman and the ghost pirates...