topic Re: Anyone can suggest nice places to live in florida in Community Chat

Anyone can suggest nice places to live in florida

lucky-girl — Fri, 19 Mar 2021 20:58:50 GMT

Near the shore, A short drive,Gulf or ocean side.

Re: Anyone can suggest nice places to live in florida

amyb — Fri, 19 Mar 2021 21:04:59 GMT

Haven't been in a while and have never lived in FLA, but visited different parts at different times. Had a friend who lived in Venice, right outside Sarasota, and I've visited...was a nice area. I prefer the West Coast of Florida, and to this day people usually have nice things to say about Sarasota area.

But I bet others, who know more than myself will have other nice recommendations...

Re: Anyone can suggest nice places to live in florida

Somertime — Fri, 19 Mar 2021 21:13:32 GMT

West Coast of Florida is lovely. It's on the Gulf and very different than the East Coast. Tampa. Clearwater, Sarasota, Venice, Punta Gorda, Bonita Springs, Naples, etc. are all very nice communities. Jacksonville and St Augustine are very nice, too!

Re: Anyone can suggest nice places to live in florida

Jersey Born — Fri, 19 Mar 2021 21:14:32 GMT

Sarasota is awesome with great restaurants and shops. I have heard that Naples is nice. I also like Tampa, Ft. Lauderdale, Jupiter and Boca Raton.

Re: Anyone can suggest nice places to live in florida

Zaimee — Fri, 19 Mar 2021 21:17:45 GMT

I live in Weston, Florida. About 35 minutes from Hollywood Beach and Broadwalk. Beautiful here but I would recommend West coast and Sarasota area also. Especially if you are retired.

Re: Anyone can suggest nice places to live in florida

FrostyBabe1 — Fri, 19 Mar 2021 22:40:44 GMT

If you can afford it - Longboat Key or the northern end of Anna Maria Island. It's very, very expensive, but if being beachfront or very near it is at the top of your wish list, it's worth it if your finances allow.

If you're looking for a lower price point within a hour to hour and a half drive to the beach, the Lakewood Ranch area encompasses both Manatee and Sarasota counties and has a lot of options to choose from. Also, Northwest Manatee county/Bradenton has some lovely neighborhoods that would put you just 30-45 minutes from the beach, even at the height of season.

Just remember - the closer you get to the water, the more expensive it will be.

Re: Anyone can suggest nice places to live in florida

kaydee50 — Fri, 19 Mar 2021 21:20:18 GMT

Haven't been to FL in years BUT I do remember going to Venice and Sarasota and being impressed. If I were to live in FL--not going to happen--that would be the area I would choose.

Re: Anyone can suggest nice places to live in florida

millieshops — Fri, 19 Mar 2021 21:37:25 GMT

Both coasts of the state offer lovely settings, but for me what makes the difference is more than the geography. Nice for one person could be boring for the next, so be sure to have some idea what you want available close to where you live. it's likely to be the shore plus other options.

Some areas offer more music, or sports, or theater or museums than their counterparts, so you need to know what you care about.

Also, I think you need to know whether you're a joiner or a loner and chose a community/area that caters to your likes.

Re: Anyone can suggest nice places to live in florida

blueroses47 — Fri, 19 Mar 2021 21:39:41 GMT

Several posters have mentioned Venice, Fla., and I agree. My parents retired there and lived there for over 20 years. I visited many times and always enjoyed it.

Close to the ocean, close to some beautiful beaches the town of Venice itself is very charming, and it's close to Sarasota which has lots to offer.

I haven't been there now for over 10 years, so I don't know if it's still as nice. Also as I recall housing prices were very reasonable at that time.

Re: Anyone can suggest nice places to live in florida

vsm — Fri, 19 Mar 2021 21:51:13 GMT

Naples -- gorgeous.

Re: Anyone can suggest nice places to live in florida

Junebug54 — Fri, 19 Mar 2021 22:08:42 GMT

I've spent many, many years going to Florida. Spent more time on the east coast than the west. I have two kids down there I think it all depends on what kiind of life style you are looking for. One son lives in St. Augustine which is a very quiet but nice community. The other son lives in Fort Lauderdale. Definitely much busier and a younger crowd. I have many friends in the naples, fort myers area. Again depends on what you are looking for. Amelia Island is also a wonderul area...

Re: Anyone can suggest nice places to live in florida

Big Joanie — Fri, 19 Mar 2021 22:44:33 GMT

I live on the West Coast of Florida in Fort Myers .....I love to visit

the East Coast .. its fun .. young .. and a great time .. but for

day to day living I prefer the West Coast .... Ocean is always

warm here ....and the East Coast is only a 2 hour drive ...

Many spots mentioned here are great .. Tampa .. Sarasota etc.

Re: Anyone can suggest nice places to live in florida

Toots711 — Fri, 19 Mar 2021 23:13:28 GMT

@lucky-girl I have visited relatives in Venice, Fl, on the Gulf coast. There is a lovely downtown and nice local restaurants.

Re: Anyone can suggest nice places to live in florida

Mom2Dogs — Fri, 19 Mar 2021 23:48:16 GMT

I have a friend that relocated to St Augustine...she loves it, DH and I visited her before the pandemic hit...the traffice was WILD!

Re: Anyone can suggest nice places to live in florida

haddon9 — Fri, 19 Mar 2021 23:53:21 GMT

Sarasota is very nice and I love Naples...it is gorgeous! Very nice town.

I also like Delray Beach (east coast) but it might be a bit congested....great town with lots of wonderful shops & restaurants.

Re: Anyone can suggest nice places to live in florida

Pearlee — Fri, 19 Mar 2021 23:59:18 GMT

I have family in Sarasota and there is so much to do there. And Tampa and St Petersburg aren't very far away..an easy drive and they too have lots to offer. Love the Salvador Dali museum in St. Pete; it has a lot of famous Dali works. Also Sarasota doesn't seem to get hurricane damage, a big plus.

Re: Anyone can suggest nice places to live in florida

FlyersGirl — Sat, 20 Mar 2021 00:08:07 GMT

@haddon9 wrote:

I also like Delray Beach (east coast) but it might be a bit congested....great town with lots of wonderful shops & restaurants.

My parents had a condo in Delray. I LOVED it there and hopefully will move down there someday.Beautiful beach and (agreed) lots of great shops and restaurants. Lots to do in Boca and Palm Beach.West Palm too.

Re: Anyone can suggest nice places to live in florida

Mindy D — Sat, 20 Mar 2021 00:45:31 GMT

All of the suggested locations are very nice but you should make sure that the place you pick is not in an evacuation zone. Living right on the gulf or the ocean is great until you have to sleep in a shelter.

Re: Anyone can suggest nice places to live in florida

Growing — Sat, 20 Mar 2021 02:46:37 GMT

Amen! I lived in far southeastern Houston and went through too many hurricanes and flooding storms for my liking. Still have hurricane anxiety. Have relatives in New Orleans. Don't see how they do the hurricane watch summer after summer and the yearly damage to their home. Every place has its pluses and minuses and I think Florida is nice, just can't personally handle any more hurricanes.

Re: Anyone can suggest nice places to live in florida

patbz — Sat, 20 Mar 2021 04:29:10 GMT

Before you move to Florida, be sure and check rates and availability of homeowners insurance.