[DailyJournalist]

Originally Posted by CA to FL

Here is my biggest remaining concern. The most recent crime index in Sarasota is 608 (barely below that of Miami) vs. 237 in Jupiter (which is lower than almost every city I have searched). After looking at many different cities, that difference in crime rate is HUGE!

This is why a recommend Jupiter over Sarasota. In addition, I believe that SE Florida is far more exclusive with much more to offer. The crime statistics alone should confirm you made the right choice with Jupiter; and you will have the beautiful Atlantic Ocean waves.

[SoFLGal]

That was my thinking as well, Gypsychic! I would think Naples would be much lower than most any other city in Florida due to the elderly population but Jupiter and Sarasota should be about the same. I betcha Sarasota is reporting more of what's going on.

Originally Posted by gypsychic

You must remember that dry statistics on a chart just do not tell the whole or true story. Some places under-report crime, and others will report every little act of petty theft or vandalism. I can't speak for the difference in crime between Sarasota or Jupiter, most of what crime happens in Sarasota happens in one or two areas. Most of the city is beautiful and safe. You will have to visit and see how you feel about it.

[Big House]

I don't think the Atlantic Coast will hold a candle to the beaches on the Gulf Side. Make sure you check them both out though, and when you do, bring you're family and their bathing suits to Siesta Key Beach in Sarasota. - You won't want to leave!

[codfsh2]

I have been coming down to Jupiter for the past 15 years from the Boston area.I traveled all around Florida both coast and found Jupiter to be the best.Great beaches,if you like to fish the gulf stream and blue water is right off the beach,the air quality is better and not alot of Red Tide like the west coast.The Jupier area is a slower pace which I like and if you want some city stuff West Palm and Palm Beach is just a few mins. away kinda like living in Gloucester,Ma. and being only 38 miles from Boston.I have been trying to find a better place to retire and I have not found a better one yet.

[OysterCatcher]

According to many of the "Where to Retire" books I've read I can tell you these two locales are consistently at the very top of the lists. So I don't think you could go wrong with either.

But here is a bit on climate vs. the two places (Sarasota and Jupiter). And I do believe based off of weather.com data Jupiter has a distinct advantage. If you do a climate comparison you will see Jupiter is warmer during the winter months and actually cooler during the summer. I can only guess this has to do with the Gulf Stream Ocean current and the breezes coming off the Atlantic.

[CA to FL]

Please keep you input coming. I sincerely appreiciate all of the input. The subtle difference in the pointed out weather stats along with the lower crime has us leaning towards Jupiter but very open still to Sarasota. I think that it is going to come down to the feel of both places. Therefore, we have booked a trip for January 31-February 9.

We will be flying into Orlando and then driving straight to Jupiter. We will spend a few days in Jupiter visiting the restaurants, stores, golf courses, and beaches. We also plan to attend Calvary Chapel Jupiter on February 1 to get a feel for a potential new church home. I am also going to try to set up a visit to Jupiter Christian School.

After a few days in Jupiter, we plan to head to Disney World for a couple of days. Next, we will head to Sarasota to spend a few days. We will again visit restaurants, stores, golf courses, and beaches. We plan to attend Calvary Chapel Sarasota and to look into some schools.

I am also very open to any suggestions on what else I might want to considering doing on this trip to help us get a true feel for what it would be like to live in both of these cities.

[gypsychic]

Originally Posted by CA to FL

Please keep you input coming. I sincerely appreiciate all of the input. The subtle difference in the pointed out weather stats along with the lower crime has us leaning towards Jupiter but very open still to Sarasota. I think that it is going to come down to the feel of both places. Therefore, we have booked a trip for January 31-February 9.

We will be flying into Orlando and then driving straight to Jupiter. We will spend a few days in Jupiter visiting the restaurants, stores, golf courses, and beaches. We also plan to attend Calvary Chapel Jupiter on February 1 to get a feel for a potential new church home. I am also going to try to set up a visit to Jupiter Christian School.

After a few days in Jupiter, we plan to head to Disney World for a couple of days. Next, we will head to Sarasota to spend a few days. We will again visit restaurants, stores, golf courses, and beaches. We plan to attend Calvary Chapel Sarasota and to look into some schools.

I am also very open to any suggestions on what else I might want to considering doing on this trip to help us get a true feel for what it would be like to live in both of these cities.

As a poster above mentioned, both Sarasota and Jupiter are among the best places to live anywhere, you can't go wrong with either one. As far as climate - the difference is so negligible I doubt you would notice. True there may be a strong breeze off the Atlantic but we get nice Gulf breezes, too.

Sometimes there is just an intangible quality about a place that makes you know in your heart you love it. Try to see how you feel in your gut as you drive around. Also, make a list of what is important to you, (you already mentioned the golf, school and church) but also what else - do you like the history of the place, landscaping, architecture, cultural events, etc. Personally I feel there is more going on in the Sarasota area with things to do, especially for kids, but this might not be high on your own personal list.

I think that Jupiter is smaller population, and maybe Sarasota gets more part-time residents and day-trippers, which might account for the skewed higher crime rate. That is something to consider - it is VERY busy and crowded here in the "season" which is basically our winter months.

I hope you will keep us updated on your trip and let us know what you liked and didn't like about each place. I really think you won't find too much to dislike about either.

Have a happy and fun visit!

[Big House]

Do you like sun-rises or sun-sets? You cannot beat sitting out seeing a wonderful sunset over the Gulf of Mexico in the evening before you head out for a great evening out, or just staying home and having a cookout by the pool! They are amazing! I will post a couple pictures I took near Boca Grande Pass while I was there last. I have them on my computer at home, I'll get them up later.

[gypsychic]

Originally Posted by Big House

Do you like sun-rises or sun-sets? You cannot beat sitting out seeing a wonderful sunset over the Gulf of Mexico in the evening before you head out for a great evening out, or just staying home and having a cookout by the pool! They are amazing! I will post a couple pictures I took near Boca Grande Pass while I was there last. I have them on my computer at home, I'll get them up later.

I am a sunset person, myself. Florida has some of the most beautiful sunsets you will ever see - especially over the Gulf. Something magical about it, to me.

[CA to FL]

I agree that my family and I are most likely going to feel more at home in one of the two cities and that likey will make our decision. We definitely like to stay busy but we are good at creating our own activities so I am sure that either city would work for us in that regard.

The sunset issue is an important one. My house in Tahoe (Incline Village) gets awesome sunset views over the lake and mountains. My house in SoCal also gets great sunsets (through the smog ) and we love them. I visited St. Pete Beach about 5 years ago and I do remember a couple of really nice sunsets over the water.

I booked our air and car this morning and I am working on the hotel situations as we speak. I will continue to monitor the board for more input. I will also post a summary of our trip and our decision once we have decided.

BTW, we just had two earthquakes tonight (so far). My boys do not like them. I wonder how they are going to like hurricanes???