[Thunderbolt_Guy]

I'm not a FL expert, but visit there often. My (limited) recommendations:

Small town, with beach: Fernandina Beach / Amelia Island (NE Florida). Jacksonville is nearby if you feel need to visit a mall or a "metro" area. Easy beach access, and very near Georgia (where I live). Some small communities nearby where you can live more cheaply.

College town, rated great place to live, but not on the coast: Gainesville, FL.

Quaint/Historic town: St. Augustine is lovely... but housing is not too cheap, and job market can be spotty. Visit before you decide if it is for you. If money were no object, I'd probably be there now. Vilano Beach is close by (5 miles) and may also be worth a look.

Panhandle: Destin area (or west of Destin) is still nice, but expensive. Smaller areas like Port St. Joe and Mexico beach are current real estate hot spots, or so real estate friends tell me. I'd stay away from Panama City Beach (too many condos... in front of condos...blocking beach views) unless you want to live in a suburb. And Spring Break time sucks if you are over 30.

Orlando: Too much Mickey. No beach. Too many tourists. No thanks.

Daytona Beach: Good beach access, shopping, NASCAR. Real estate has skyrocketed, but still worth a visit, as prices may have dropped in current economy. Not sure how crime situation is, but lots of nice homes here, and St. Augustine is close enough if you get bored.


--Just my opinions... but I'm a visitor, not a native.

[Beth Anthony]

Have you considered Ocala, Florida? We are centrally located within 1 hour of beaches
Disney and other attractions. There are rolling hills, gorgeous horse farms and the price of homes here are very reasonable. We have a quite a few retirement commuities with all kinds of amenities. Ocala s still a small town but the shopping is decent and we do have a cultural museum and theatre groups so we are not too small. Mod deleted...

[wendiandjeff]

Try Lakeland, FL .. it's in the middle of both Orlando and Tampa .. within an hour to beaches and the Disney area... it's a city without being a big city .. Less taxes too.

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