Single Woman Relocating To Melbourne Beach, FL (Kissimmee, Merritt Island: transplants, for rent)

[maevbp]

Hi,

I am considering in possibly relocating to the Melbourne Beach or Vero Beach area after a very contentious divorce.

I am 56 - very active - love the ocean - hoping to buy a home near the ocean.

I enjoy the outdoors, cultural activities, like to go out to hear live music, enjoy a great dinner, non-drinker, enjoy community type activities. I am a bit of a fashionista.

How easy is it to find new friends? And what is the dating scene for someone my age - professional, high morals, financially secure, non-substance abuser, healthy?

[jghorton]

Melbourne Beach is somewhat of an isolated area (the further south you go) with many vacation/estate-type homes. There is also very little entertainment in the area. I suppose it's possible that a group of single folks in their 50's and 60's might live in the MB area, but, you will likely find more of them and more activity in the Vero Beach area.

[chopchop0]

Originally Posted by jghorton

Melbourne Beach is somewhat of an isolated area (the further south you go) with many vacation/estate-type homes. There is also very little entertainment in the area. I suppose it's possible that a group of single folks in their 50's and 60's might live in the MB area, but, you will likely find more of them and more activity in the Vero Beach area.

Maybe, maybe not. Melbourne is a much bigger and more happening place than Vero. Melbourne's population alone is more than half the size of Indian river county's population. I'd look at beachside areas and viera

[maevbp]

Thanks - I appreciate all opinions. I am at a cross road in my life. I am looking to buy a home near to the ocean. I have 2 sons away at college and another in high school that will be living with his dad - and will be bringing with me two family pets. A white German shepherd dog and a cat. So I need a home that can accommodate a family when needed. And also some dog running areas. I also would like to get back to designing clothes - so I need some extra space for a studio area.

After coming out of a very contentious divorce I am looking forward for time and space to recuperate and heal. And when ready to start dating again. So safety and a good community vibe is a must. I am not a party girl. But certainly would love to find a companion again that is honest and a non-substance abuser. Someone who is a professional, financially secured, healthy, tall and handsome. As I have all these traits minus the handsome part.

[nomystery]

May I suggest Cocoa Beach. There are many bungalows for rent or purchase. The place has a lot more going for it (think bars, restaurants and lots of tourist activities). Plus you can always rent a place on the beach for when family visits.

[maevbp]

Thanks - I am coming down from Michigan to your area tomorrow to start looking around. I will be working with a realtor to review the various areas.

I am so thankful for all the great comments.

[maevbp]

Hi,

I did take in your area and have found to be very friendly. Lots of housing available at different price ranges. I was looking at the beach side areas.

My concern is getting use to living there year round. I found the humidity a bit oppressive - any comments from other transplants on their acclimation???

Thank-you,

[clnewman]

We recently transplanted in (Kissimmee last September and Merritt Island this March), and I am having a hard time acclimating. It's not as if it came as a surprise... I knew it before we came and we made several trips prior to the move during the dog days to get a feel for what to expect. However, adapting from a semi-desert (very dry) Southern California climate to Florida takes some getting used to. I know I'll manage. It just takes time.

That said, air conditioning is your friend, as are ceiling fans. If you have errands to run (or outside work to do), do it in the early morning hours, which tend to be quite pleasant. Toss any synthetic clothing you have, and replace it with cotton/linen. Find housing with a pool... either private or community. There's nothing more refreshing than a quick dip on a sticky day. Learn to love Land Shark beer (most refreshing "hot day" beer I've ever tried) and margaritas. Then you won't care how humid it is

[chopchop0]

Originally Posted by clnewman

We recently transplanted in (Kissimmee last September and Merritt Island this March), and I am having a hard time acclimating. It's not as if it came as a surprise... I knew it before we came and we made several trips prior to the move during the dog days to get a feel for what to expect. However, adapting from a semi-desert (very dry) Southern California climate to Florida takes some getting used to. I know I'll manage. It just takes time.

That said, air conditioning is your friend, as are ceiling fans. If you have errands to run (or outside work to do), do it in the early morning hours, which tend to be quite pleasant. Toss any synthetic clothing you have, and replace it with cotton/linen. Find housing with a pool... either private or community. There's nothing more refreshing than a quick dip on a sticky day. Learn to love Land Shark beer (most refreshing "hot day" beer I've ever tried) and margaritas. Then you won't care how humid it is

Socal weather isn't worth the other baggage that it comes with. You can live like a king here vs there on the same kind of money

[clnewman]

Not quite like a king... but close. Finance and politics were the main drivers for the move. Still, after almost 60 years in California's climate, Florida's takes some getting used to.