[reddogmom1]

Hi all! We are a couple in our 50s, not ready to retire but sick of the winters in the Northeast. Spouse is a physician looking to continue working. We don't need great schools since our children are past that but appreciate the effect good schools have on home values. Would love to live in an area with great restaurants, good shopping including services such as beauty shops etc, cultural offerings such as theater (movies and live theater,) non-rural, reasonably safe (go grocery shopping at 11 at night kind of safe??,) and not need to speak Spanish in order to be understood or paid attention to! We are social, friendly, open to new experiences and people but want to feel like we are among others who share similar values and interests as we do. We would rent for a while until we got the feel of the place so decent rentals will be desired. Don't need to be on the beach or even that close since we aren't beach people but have been boaters in the past. Might want to get back into boating someday. Would prefer living within 45 minutes or so to an airport..
Hope you haven't gotten bored reading this post yet! All thoughts appreciated.

[FLBob]

In a word Sarasota.
arts -
Asolo Repertory Theatre > Home
The Sarasota Ballet of Florida Sarasota Opera - 2008-2009 50th Season
The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art at Sarasota Bay
Sarasota, Florida - Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall
Sarasota Orchestra -The NEW Florida West Coast SymphonySarasota Film Festival

misc -
Mote Marine Laboratory - Mote Marine Laboratory
Marie Selby Botanical Gardens

Great beaches like Siesta Key, even if you don't see the beach as an issue, beach access can be enjoyable.

Great shopping at St Armand's Circle

Great hospitals like Venice regional and Sarasota Memorial


And I feel that Venice, where I live is probably one of the safest cities in Florida.

I boat the area regularly and the waters here are excellent with plenty of public boat ramps.

[reddogmom1]

Why, thank you FLBob!
I will investigate the area and, in particular, the hospitals further!

[DailyJournalist]

Palm Beach would be a perfect fit:

Palm Beach County Convention and Visitor's Bureau - Palm Beach County Florida

[reddogmom1]

Thank you, Daily Journalist
There are so many towns/cities in Palm Beach County...
Could you or anyone else make any recommendations on which ones you like, and why? I've been checking out Jupiter, Wellington and Palm Beach Gardens but will read as many positive reviews as negative. Trying to avoid crazy congestion but will trade some for amenities. Any towns that would be especially stable in light of the recent housing/economic woes? Is every Florida town hit hard, now? Trying to find towns where quality hospitals are within commuting distance. Thanks.

[mental_complex]

I suggest Sunrise, Florida.. There are alot of Senior communities in the city and it's safe compared to the rest of South Florida. Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood International Airport is only 20-30 min away, you also have Sawgrass Mills Mall and a Arena within the city limits.

Downtown Fort Lauderdale which is about 15-20 mins away will fulfill the rest of your needs.

[a_fl_vol]

I would have to 2nd the previous posters answer "Sarasota". I would also throw Bradenton into the mix as well (just north of Sarasota). Bradenton would give you easy access to Tampa if need be.

[On-da-Beach]

Palm Harbor was my first thought...

[mental_complex]

I suggest Sunrise, Florida.. There are alot of Senior communities in the city and it's safe compared to the rest of South Florida. Tampa (11), Miami (9), West Palm (8) are all rate higher than Sunrise (220) and Fort Lauderdale (45) when it comes to crime.

100 most dangerous cities in the USA America states 10 20 50

Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood International Airport is only 20-30 min away, you also have Sawgrass Mills Mall and a Arena within the city limits.

Downtown Fort Lauderdale which is about 15-20 mins away will fulfill the rest of your needs for the arts, to culture, and awesome resturants.

Let's not forget Fort Lauderdale is the Venice of America, it's great if you want to get back into boating.

Outside of Miami-Dade spanish is rarely spoken as 1st language, so you have nothing to worry about with that issue.

You awesome might want to look at the city Boca Raton in Palm Beach County.

[I couldn't edit my comments so I did the entire thing over)

[DailyJournalist]

Originally Posted by a_fl_vol

I would have to 2nd the previous posters answer "Sarasota". I would also throw Bradenton into the mix as well (just north of Sarasota). Bradenton would give you easy access to Tampa if need be.

I just think these areas would not offer the OP the lifestyle, culture, and amenities they are seeking.