What Are the Best Up-and-Coming Cities in Florida Close to a Major Metropolitan Area?

Alrighty, here's my dilemma. I lived in Florida for a brief time in 2005 (6 months to the day, to be exact). I had moved to Melbourne, intending to relocate there permanently. Unfortunately, for reasons beyond my control, things just didn't work out and I had to move back home. Now, about 2 years have passed since the events, and I'm looking to give the Sunshine State another try. I've recently gotten engaged, and with the high cost of living in California (which is where I live now), it's about that time again. I've spoken it over with my fiancee, and of everywhere in the US she wants to go to Florida (the similar weather, cheaper cost of living, and overall climate). I don't know where to go, though. I want to stay as far away from Brevard County as possible, but still in a nice up-and-coming area with an overall cheap cost of living. I'd like to buy a house in 5 or so years. I'm at a loss for exactly where to look, but I'd like to live in the burbs of a major area. Thanks!! The kicker here is that we're an interracial couple, so we're looking to move somewhere where we won't be bothered with the overrall ignorance of most of America (it's easy to say ignore it if you're not in the same situation yourself). We'd like to relocate here permanently, so someplace with a promising future that's a great place to raise a family. Those of you that live in Florida would be most helpful in my decision making. I've so far looked at Lake County. How about suburbs of Jacksonville? Penscola? Gainesville? or Orlando? Any advice is greatly appreciated. I should probably also mention that I'm not looking to live in a large city - I'm looking for a specific suburb that will cater to my needs. Thanks!

Public Comments

1. Orlando would be a good choice for you. Orlando is a rapidly-growing area with a generally strong economy, a low unemployment rate, and plenty of availiable housing in and around the city. There are also nice suburbs that surround Orlando that are very popular residential areas for local residents. Here are a few links to some websites that might be helpfull to your relocation: City of Orlando http://www.cityoforlando.net Orange County Government http://www.orangecountyfl.org Orlando Sentinel (Local Newspaper) http://www.orlandosentinel.com Good Luck.
2. If you can stand the tourist area, you might want to consider Clermont. This is the newest hot spot in the Orlando/Kissimmee area. Not on the doorsteps of Disney but within a 10-20 minute ride to Disney. They are building lots of new homes where there use to be orange groves. The cost of the homes are also reasonable at the moment but I believe as it becomes more popular, the prices could go up.
3. I am not too familiar with some of the cities you mentioned but do know several interracial couples in Jacksonville area and Orlando area and noone had problems with it as far as they were aware. Altamonte Springs which is just east of Orlando is being built up and is an suburb. The prices on homes in the town have been bottoming out lately (I'm keeping my own eye on things LOL) so at least it's another option to consider :)
4. You might look into Sarasota. It is a beautiful city on the gulf. There are a lot of things to do in Sarasota all year long and the beaches of Siesta Key and Longboat Key are unbelievable. With USF's New College and the Ringling School of Design, there is a liberal atmosphere there that you would probably enjoy.
5. cape coral rite near ft myers is great!!!!