[Cigarboo]

Hi. I would love to have some input from all you Florida experts out there. I'm interested in buying a little beachfront condo somewhere, preferably on the Gulf side.

So far, I'm interested in the area around Tampa and probably up to about 150 miles north and south of there. I'll be open to other places as well. I'm looking to use it for weekends and school holidays with the kids. I'll be based out of the Orlando area and I'd like to keep the drive to 4hrs or less.

Where are the best deals? Anywhere that's slightly more protected from hurricanes. I know that's pretty silly, wishful thinking, but I figure I'd throw it out there. What location has great swimmable, clean beaches? Activities? Looking for a good area that's not too run down and maybe even a little trendy.

Any other advice/warnings about buying beachfront, condos or vacation homes is appreciated.

[2bohemians]

Have you considered the Northwest Florida panhandle? In our opinion, we have some of the nicest beaches in Florida. Here along the Scenic 30a, we've got very clean beaches and emerald blue green water (thus we are called the Emerald Coast). We've got sparkling white sandy beaches, nature trails, state forest parks, rare coastal dune lakes, low crime, etc, etc. Condo prices have dropped dramatically and there are some great deals to be had if you are ready to make a financial commitment.

[Cigarboo]

I've heard wonderful things about the panhandle and would love to visit there sometime. However, it would be a little far to travel as a weekend retreat from Orlando. I think maybe it's 5-6 hours??? There are so many towns along the coast, I'm having trouble narrowing an area down to focus my search.

I am drawn to those sparkling white sandy beaches though. I wonder how far down south you can go and still get the white sand.

Thank you for your idea. I'll keep that in mind and see how manageable the drive will be.