[Packer Fan]

Well,
As usual, lots of good disinformation and rampant speculation here. I have an engineering degree, run major construction projects(all having to conform to FM Global wind shear requirements), and have 2 homes in TV. One is a 10 year old Wisteria, one is an 8 year old Jasmine so they are about the same thing, although the Jasmine is about 100 square feet more due to the bump outs. But overall same thing. Here are the facts as I see them, comparing the 2. They both have been through several hurricanes.
1. The frame house is about the same as the Block and stucco from a wind protection standpoint. They are built to the same Cat 3 hurricane standards, and the roof is wood in both, and would be the first thing to go. No difference.
2. Looking at the heating and cooling, I think the Wood frame house is a bit more energy efficient, but only by a little. Heck, with what it costs in TV, who really cares?
3. The siding is almost zero maintenance. It costs me about $100 to have it power washed twice a year to keep it sparkling white.
4. The block and stucco fades and has a few cracks, I will have to spend like $5000 to have it repainted in a few years. I also found out that if you try and cover the bottom with the original paint color, it doesn't match perfectly because the current paint fades.
5. For commercial construction, we use all 3 methods depenending on the job. Tilt up concrete is a bit less expensive, and the most durable, but you can't change anything once it is there, so we usually use curtain wall construction that can be modified more easily later.

Overall, I think all 3 are fine. The quality of the villages construction is very good. I really don't get it when people criticize it. Both my houses look almost new and they have both had many renters in them as well as my wife and I spending several months a year there. For ease of care and cost, go with frame construction and siding - it is the lowest maintenance long term. I will be keeping the block and stucco house because it has a golf cart garage and my wife and I like the look of the cement finish, more florida.
Either way, stay away from palm trees - they are high maintenance!!! (I know, doesn't fit this thread, but I just hate them so much had to share).
Ed