[FLBob]

Take a look at Venice Fl, it is very much the place you are looking for. We have a very active community, beautiful beach, convenient downtown, plenty of parks, and lots of events. Look at www.horseandchaise.com or www.homeandcondo.com both companies have vacation rentals available on the Island of Venice.

[boricua70]

Finally...someone who agrees with me......someone who has seen the light.....
I actually prefer SE ....I lived in Miami Beach for 10 yrs....love it but as Im getting older I appreciated the calmer life.....so I now live in west unincoorporated Dade County near Kendall and I love it....I visist every other day the Gables and South Miami (love the restaurants and walks around University of Miami and I am lovin life....

[SoFLGal]

I'm a SW Florida native, born and raised here. I would say if you are going to look in the east coast then you need to start your search over in Jupiter. If I ever moved over to the other coast it would be the only place I would consider.

Now, that being said, I love SW Florida. The beaches are great, the schools (at least the school my children go to are great), Artsy, friendly. I really like it here or I wouldn't have stuck around so long. Sarasota county has one of the better school system over on the west coast. Pine View school for the Gifted is consistently rated the top school in the state and one of the top in the Nation.

North Port is probably going to have your lowest average age (38 yrs old) in Sarasota county and also your most reasonable housing prices.

Whether you would like the west coast or east coast better will depend on what type of beaches, schools, and atmosphere you prefer and where in the state you prefer to be located. Both areas are beautiful, as is the entire state of Florida, but both have VERY different natural settings. I think the the east coast has a much faster pace then what the west coast has. It seems to me much more laid back on the west coast.

The beaches on the east side of the state are ocean beaches. That is important to note because ocean beaches have a coarse, darker sand and often rough waves. Ocean beaches, however, are PERFECT for surfing. The waves and characteristics of the tide make it a surfer's haven. Not far from Vero in Cocoa Beach is Ron Jon Surf Shop, one of the largest and most well-known surf shops in the lower 48! People come from miles around to surf these crisp, clear ocean waters.

Sarasota is located on the West coast of Florida. It's close to major cities like St. Petersburg, Tampa and Ft. Myers. The beaches that are in and around Sarasota are gulf beaches, which have silky smooth white sand and much tamer, greenish blue waves. Not ideal for professional surfers, but perfect for relaxing and shell hunting! The calmer waters allow more boating, skiing, and scuba activities. What's important to note about Sarasota is its clean, friendly community and art-driven downtown center. Sarasota takes pride in its theater programs, art galleries and trendy boutiques.

I would highly recommend you visit both areas to get a feel for the varying types of the Florida lifestyle that can be found throughout the state!

[gypsychic]

Originally Posted by SoFLGal

I'm a SW Florida native, born and raised here. I would say if you are going to look in the east coast then you need to start your search over in Jupiter. If I ever moved over to the other coast it would be the only place I would consider.

Now, that being said, I love SW Florida. The beaches are great, the schools (at least the school my children go to are great), Artsy, friendly. I really like it here or I wouldn't have stuck around so long. Sarasota county has one of the better school system over on the west coast. Pine View school for the Gifted is consistently rated the top school in the state and one of the top in the Nation.

North Port is probably going to have your lowest average age (38 yrs old) in Sarasota county and also your most reasonable housing prices.

Whether you would like the west coast or east coast better will depend on what type of beaches, schools, and atmosphere you prefer and where in the state you prefer to be located. Both areas are beautiful, as is the entire state of Florida, but both have VERY different natural settings. I think the the east coast has a much faster pace then what the west coast has. It seems to me much more laid back on the west coast.

The beaches on the east side of the state are ocean beaches. That is important to note because ocean beaches have a coarse, darker sand and often rough waves. Ocean beaches, however, are PERFECT for surfing. The waves and characteristics of the tide make it a surfer's haven. Not far from Vero in Cocoa Beach is Ron Jon Surf Shop, one of the largest and most well-known surf shops in the lower 48! People come from miles around to surf these crisp, clear ocean waters.

Sarasota is located on the West coast of Florida. It's close to major cities like St. Petersburg, Tampa and Ft. Myers. The beaches that are in and around Sarasota are gulf beaches, which have silky smooth white sand and much tamer, greenish blue waves. Not ideal for professional surfers, but perfect for relaxing and shell hunting! The calmer waters allow more boating, skiing, and scuba activities. What's important to note about Sarasota is its clean, friendly community and art-driven downtown center. Sarasota takes pride in its theater programs, art galleries and trendy boutiques.

I would highly recommend you visit both areas to get a feel for the varying types of the Florida lifestyle that can be found throughout the state!

SoGLGal - you should be writing travel brochures!

[SoFLGal]

Originally Posted by gypsychic

SoGLGal - you should be writing travel brochures!

Haha! Thanks, Gypsy. You're such a doll!

[azurewater]

We are thinking of relocating to the gulf coast of Florida. Is the traffic and crime rate really that bad in the Tarpon Springs/Palm Harbor areas? What is the water temprature during the summer months? Can you give me an estimate of home owner insurance for a small house in that area?

[azurewater]

Can you tell me what it like to live in Pinellas County?

[Sleepless in CA]

I've been fortunate to live in the Northeast, the Southeast, Southern California and Northern California. The place I loved the best was the Southeast. I'll take humidity over 110 degree temperatures anyday. I'm considering on moving back to the east coast to Florida. I'm looking for a city near the beach. My husband and I are middled aged with no kids and we like professional sports, good restaurants, boating and basically things to do. We also like to stay in affluent areas where crime is lower. What is the best city, near the beach, in the Florida to live?

[vstarr72]

Hi There!!

I desperately need advise.

I am a young 39 year old single woman. I am looking to relocate to Fl. I have decided I like the NORTH EAST side and have family in Palm Coast, but they are raising a family and I am not interested in living in an area that is mostly young parents. Also, the north east side is a VERY big area to cover.

I am not the party all night every night type, but like to get dressed up and go out about 2-3 times a month. I am looking for a NICE one bedroom condo that is near the beach and shopping...I don't care for golf at all, so being near a range is not important to me...I have searched and searched but nothing compares to personal experience and before I plan a trip I need all the input I can get...as to not waste money (which is scarce) and time.

Oh, I really do love humidity...so that is not a concern either :-)

Please let me know where you think the best places to live for a person like me are-- If you know of some great condos, that info would be great too. Please help, I have done hours of research and am getting just about no where!!!

Also, if there is housing counseling available I am just not finding it... if you know of any and can direct me to that also would help.

[halfdollor]

I live in north mississippi would like to move to the gulf coast when i retire in a few years would like to know best state and best small town i'm looking to be about 20 mins from the beach no kids will be looking maybe to work part time thanks for your time