[mark9989]

I have lived in Miami for 37 years and have been fed up with it for the last 15. I don't want to leave Florida, but would like to finally leave Miami. Keeping in mind, I love the Coastal atomoshere, but would entertain anywhere, where is the best place to live based on:

1) The area still being 85-100% anglo.
2) The community still decorates and participates for Halloween and Christmas.
3) Hopefully either on or near the coast or has big lakes.
4) I love the "keys" and coastal communities if that helps.

PS NO "COOKIE CUTTER" homes.

.....although I love Celebration Fl and Baldwin park in Orlando, if they were just NOT in Orlando, I'd be home!

[Granny Sue]

Have you checked out Jacksonville? It's growing and they've spent a lot of time and money revitalizing the downtown.

Tampa is really your only other choice is you want a coastal city.

Good luck in your search!

[FLBob]

Try Venice if you want a small coastal town.
We have a great holiday parade, the island has about 20,000 people show up for the event.
The homes on the island are anything but cookie cutter, and there is a wide variety of homes. The only thing there may be a shortage of is new homes, for that you would need to look off island.
There is a nice sense of community here, and if you want "big city" then Sarasota is just to the north.
We have miles of beach and plenty of access. The neighborhood is walkable and bikeable.

[VBmom]

Try Vero Beach. A nice coastal town, not to big, not to small. Just right...

[gypsychic]

How about Sarasota? It has it's own "keys", and the most gorgeous beaches anywhere. All kinds of communities and architecture, something for just about every taste and budget. A small but vibrant downtown, and right over the bridge to St. Armand's Circle.

It has also become the leading city in Florida for "green" and sustainability in building and development. There are some great deals out there right now, check it out!

[mark9989]

Wow thanks for the quick responses! I hope the ideas keep coming. You know the reason I mentioned halloween and Christmas... the 4th etc, is because those are lost traditions in Miami. I mean Christmas is okay here, but none are like Miami of old. We get like 2 trick or treaters. We love the "keys" atmosphere, we like to boat/fish, we own a golf cart, and love southern style homes. Fell in love with celebration florida and Baldwin park but, don't like Orlando.

Were dying to be in America again! Please help.

Oh, and anything near ( 30 mins drive ) of a University would be even better.

[SoFLGal]

What about Punta Gorda? You could get a gulf access house in the 300's-less for off water homes. They have the lighted boat parade every Christmas. The downtown is small, quaint and walkable. Every year the have a huge Halloween celebration and everyone decorates their homes.

USNews just rated Punta Gorda one of the best healthy places. The town is constantly winning accolades. Punta Gorda Chamber

[BornInFL]

If it could be outside of FL: Asheville, NC.

IN FL: Vero Bch, Cedar Key, Lake Placid.

[dishing the 9411]

Sarasota

[gypsychic]

If you don't mind being inland, I would also recommend Lakeland. There are many beautiful lakes here, southern architecture and Halloween and Christmas are BIG here - it is kind of an old-fashioned yet modern family town with several historic districts. There are several small colleges here(the main one being the Frank Lloyd Wright - designed Florida Southern), and probably about a 40 minute drive to Tampa/USF.

Lots of water activities on the lakes, but you will be approx. one and a half hours to either coast. It might be worth a look.