VERY OT Florida

Depending on your marketable skills, the largest employers in the Panhandle area, at least around Pensacola area and as far east along the coast that I have been, are Health fields, Education fields, and Governmental jobs. All the rest are service industries such as hotels, restaurants, etc.

If I were to relocate along the Gulf Coast, I would probably choose the OCEAN SPRINGS, MISISSIPPI area. There, there are older homes that can be bought and restored, if you are handy. Biloxi Mississippi is only about 20 miles west. GAMBLING town.

I think the labor force, except for the Shipbuilding areas is quickly being favored to the Mexican labor force.

Contstruction jobs are available, however, again, I see a lot of contractors favoring the Mexican laborers.

Florida offers the "homestead" tax benefits. Your property taxes become lower after a year of residency. Mississippi, so I heard at the Ocean Springs Town Hall, real estate taxes are exempt until the value of the home reaches a certain level.

So, my point is, the entire GULF COAST has become "RETIREMENT" Heaven.

GOOD LUCK..... John,PA

Take a look also around Crystal River. Off water lots are available there for less than a gazillion dollars. Appalachicola is good also. Both it and Crystal River are near enough to cities to find work.

I may have made a mistake years ago moving from Florida. It's hard to get back once you've left. I envy you the opportunity.