[pattiv]

Could someone give me an overview of living in both areas.

We are moving out of NJ [finally] and are not sure where to go.
We have no kids, so I was wondering if anybody could give an idea of the major differences in living, crime, quality of life for the above areas.
My husband is retired and I will need to work for benefits for us.
Thanks!

[richkat]

I prefer Palm Harbor but it can be crowded and crazy - especially during snowbird season. Further north would be quieter - too quiet for me. But if you're retired, you may want a little quiet and more affordable housing.

[pattiv]

Thanks,
Thats what I was told.
We live on a penninsula now and I am trying to duplicate that without spending a fortune.
We are very active, and maybe Palm Harbor or Dunedin may be a good choice.
What do you think about Dunedin?

[richkat]

Love Dunedin, too. The Causeway is so awesome. When we lived in Palm Harbor. I would drive out there and walk the trail, walk the beach or just sit in my car and stare at the water. Gorgeous!!!

[SunShell]

Dunedin and Palm Harbor are great. SUPERB school district. But like the other person said it does get crowded. Everything is close by. You have the beaches, shopping, and alot of free stuff to do. Springhill is way out there and 5 years ago you could buy at a decent price but now the price is way too high for that area. Keep in mind the taxes and homeowners is high and from what I hear from friends and family there, there are alot of houses to choose from. It's a buyers market right now. We visited the area last week and in our old neighborhood, I was amazed at all the houses for sale. Good luck. I think Palm Harbor/Dunedin/Countryside area is EXCELLENT! My husband wishes we never left our small house in Countryside. We recently moved to TN. Big mistake. Florida is a wonderful place to live.

[pattiv]

Thanks for the info!
I have to research Countryside also.

I can deal with with the crowds, the developers in NJ are building everything on top of each other. You can hand a cup of coffee out your window to your neighbor. Amazing!!

[fyremedic]

Also, check out Safety Harbor, it's really one of the best kept secrets!

[MTFRED]

One of the nice things about Spring Hill is that you don't need to buy a home with a pool. Just wait for a sinkhole to appear, then line it with concrete, a nature dug enjoyment. Check out the "Hernando Forum" for direct info.

[pattiv]

Thanks, Fred! will do-a pool is one of my requirements, LOL!

[may]

Spring Hill has come a long way from when we first moved there 18 years ago. Hardly any shopping or restaurants then. Now everyone seems to have discovered Spring Hill. Have to tell you, though, there are sinkholes all over FL. We're a peninsula built on sand. With the Suncoast Parkway, driving to Tampa isn't such a pain, BUT if you want to go to Clearwater to the beach, theater, restaurants, it's a long haul. And traffic is unbearable at times.

I love Palm Harbor, as long as you're not scared of driving in traffic. If you are, PH isn't the place for you. Palm Harbor is located close to Clearwater. I agree that Countryside is wonderful. Check for homeowners insurance rates first!! There is also am "over 55" community in Palm Harbor called Highland Lakes that is a terrific place to live.