[joec22]

With the recent bust in real estate down in Florida, we've opened up to the idea of buying a vacation/home condo on or near the beach anywhere in the state basically from Orlando south, west or east coast. We're looking for a town that's not a Miami in terms of size or population, but that isn't filled with well, senior citizens, either. We're from New York, and have two teenagers, both 15, who would also use the home/condo.

Something near the Coral Springs area would be great, as my mother lives in the area.

We're looking for a family friendly, youthful, vibrant beach town that is safe and close to things to do. Open to Clearwater/St. Pete, SW Florida, Sarasota, and the East Coast from Daytona to Miami.

[RoseDaniels]

I haven't see it but may be there is on good place where you can move.

[melodies_broom]

I hear Jupiter is nice, but not sure where it is located in proximity to where you want.

[medic51]

Jupiter or Melbourne. Both are pretty safe beach town areas. They also get pretty decent surf (for Florida anyway).

[tonyff67]

On the west coast, any beach towns will be safe. The west coast is pretty easy to figure out. Generally speaking. The further south you go, the older the people get. None of he beaches are super young but, the pinellas county beaches will be among the youngest on the west coast and to the extreme south, Marco Island will be about the oldest.
Look at the pinellas beach towns. There are about ten on them on the coast. Each one is actually very different. Clearwater will be busier, with bars and restaurants, young people, but also more traffic. Bell air beach I believe is strictly residential and has No commercial property. I believe it's Indian rocks, that has quite a few, quaint Ma and Pa, bars, restaurants, coffee shops and stores. He south end of Pinellas is St Pete beach. It is actually very family oriented and walkable, especially for a Fl town. It is a little touristy though and can get crowded, but mostly with families. It is not near as crowded as Clearwater though.
Just north of St Pete Beach, is Treasure Island. Family oriented hotels, though the residents are older. It has a small commercial corridor, with bars and restaurants and about the nicest beaches on the west coast. It tends to stay quieter than st Pete or Clearwater, but you can definitely see an increase in traffic during tourist season.

[LIFL]

Jupiter would work. By pass the West Coast, you will die of boredom.

[kyle19125]

Originally Posted by tonyff67

On the west coast, any beach towns will be safe. The west coast is pretty easy to figure out. Generally speaking. The further south you go, the older the people get. None of he beaches are super young but, the pinellas county beaches will be among the youngest on the west coast and to the extreme south, Marco Island will be about the oldest.
Look at the pinellas beach towns. There are about ten on them on the coast. Each one is actually very different. Clearwater will be busier, with bars and restaurants, young people, but also more traffic. Bell air beach I believe is strictly residential and has No commercial property. I believe it's Indian rocks, that has quite a few, quaint Ma and Pa, bars, restaurants, coffee shops and stores. He south end of Pinellas is St Pete beach. It is actually very family oriented and walkable, especially for a Fl town. It is a little touristy though and can get crowded, but mostly with families. It is not near as crowded as Clearwater though. Just north of St Pete Beach, is Treasure Island. Family oriented hotels, though the residents are older. It has a small commercial corridor, with bars and restaurants and about the nicest beaches on the west coast. It tends to stay quieter than st Pete or Clearwater, but you can definitely see an increase in traffic during tourist season.

Indian Rocks Beach is a great option. It has an old-Florida feel with no highrise buildings, a beautiful beach, has a good selection of quality restaurants and is for the most part walkable. It's quiet in the evenings without much traffic or loud bars to deal with, yet is close enough to that if you want it.