[Beach2112]

I lived in Pinellas County for 3 years and Pensacola a few months- where in Florida ( if anywhere ) is there a true, mellow, layed-back "island vibe"? I like certain things about FL but everywhere is either too crowded or just plain unfriendly! Key West has the reputation of being layed back on "island time" but isn't it really crowded now? And what is it like to live there ( rent, pay, crowds, attitudes, etc. )
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[ferret111]

Key West is probably the first thing in mind, but it is extraordinarily expensive to live down there. I'd assume that a lot of the island types have been priced out by the rich or foreign money, but I don't know.

You can find a few laid-back places here and there, but you'll probably have to pay extra. St. Pete Beach is pretty laid-back, as is Cedar Key and Apalachicola. St. Pete Beach will probably have the most tourists out of those three places, but I've had nothing but good interactions with the locals in all three of the places I mentioned.

[kyle19125]

Did you ever make it to Gulfport? It has the feel you're looking for. You might also check out Key Largo, Hobe Sound, Sanibel Island/Captiva and Flagler Beach (which might be your best choice of these four).