A short walk to the beach, less than 8 blocks

[BlueWillowPlate]

Fernandina Beach, Amelia Island
(Northeast Florida, north of Jacksonville)

[ConeyIsBabe]

Again, THANKS for all the suggestions. I'm going to eliminate the "islands" 'cause I'm too old to worry about evacuating during a hurricane warning. So, what I have left to research is Olde Naples, Vero Beach, S.Walton/Panhandle, Fernandina Beach, Venice, Boca Grande. Looking for the BEST upscale, safe to walk around downtown at night, great restaurants, near shopping and activities, small friendly Florida City -- near the beach.

[jbravo]

Originally Posted by ConeyIsBabe

Within a mile from shopping and excellent restaurants. More upscale than not. Population around 40k or less. Friendly people. Safe to walk around downtown after dark. Does this sound like any Florida city you know? Please tell me.

Originally Posted by ConeyIsBabe

THANKS for the answers, so far. I have to add a tiny bit of background information. I lived in Coral Gables from the mid-60s to 2001 and saw it change from a clean, safe, charming "bedroom community" with pink sidewalks and no building over two-stories tall to what it is now; still nice by Miami standards BUT what I'm looking for (for my next relocation) is more of what the Coral Gables of the 70's used to be ........ only within walking distance to the beach. I know there are many Florida cities that would fit this description only I don't know where they are. As a senior citizen now, that lifestyle is very appealing. Small town, friendly people, safe to walk around, upscale environment, shopping and services within a few miles. Thank you for all replies and suggestions.

Having lived in the Gables since the 70s, I too saw the same thing an left in 2004. I would suggest something a little closer on the East Coast; West Palm has a number of small cities that fit what your looking for. Friendly, within walking distance to beach and shopping, laid back kinda 70s feel to them. I can think of about a half dozen of these. gl.

[momma123]

Melbourne Beach, Satellite Beach, Indian Harbour Beach. All in the same area. Very nice towns

[ConeyIsBabe]

jbravo; can you give me a couple of those West Palm cities' names? BTW...... I looked as some of your Coral Gables photos and my old house is in one of them LOL. Perhaps we know each other? As I said, I lived in the same house from '66 to 2001 when I moved 3,000 miles away, as far as I could, but I'll always have fond memories of "The City Beautiful".

[sunrico90]

Destin will be a good choice....

[BlueWillowPlate]

Originally Posted by ConeyIsBabe

Again, THANKS for all the suggestions. I'm going to eliminate the "islands" 'cause I'm too old to worry about evacuating during a hurricane warning. So, what I have left to research is Olde Naples, Vero Beach, S.Walton/Panhandle, Fernandina Beach, Venice, Boca Grande. Looking for the BEST upscale, safe to walk around downtown at night, great restaurants, near shopping and activities, small friendly Florida City -- near the beach.

Um, Fernandina Beach is *on* Amelia Island.
However, this is a barrier island with two short bridges to the mainland.
It's not as if we're miles out at sea like Nantucket.
If you're looking for the BEST upscale, I'm not sure we'd fit your needs, unless you want to live at or near Amelia Island Plantation.
One of the things I like about where we live (Fernandina Beach) is that it is fairly unpretentious, but it's definitely safe to walk around downtown at night, quite fun actually.

[ConeyIsBabe]

I LOVE RECEIVING REPLIES from people who actually live in the place they are recommending and, as I suspected..... there are very many choices on both Florida coasts. I will never be able to visit them all, therefore I'm trying to narrow the choices down to a few cities that might best fit my lifestyle. THANKS AGAIN for all the recommendations. I have my list and research to work on.

[ConeyIsBabe]

BUMP!!

I still have the "dream" ! Any more recommendations from people who actually LIVE CLOSE TO THE BEACH ! Thank y'all .