[needsomeuv's]

Thinking of buying vacation condo with plans for retirement in ten years. Like the beach and mid-size city life--a place to meet folks over fifty and fun place for family to visit...opinions?

[compelled to reply]

Tampa for mid-sized city life and Ft. Lauderdale for beach. I would consider the St. Petersburg area (Pinellas County, across the bay from Tampa) over both for retirement age.

[Wilshire81182]

You may consider Fort Lauderdale midsized city, but it is lumped into a much denser area with more amenities, people, better dining, shopping, venues, nightlife, etc.

I think Tampa is more low key and possibly a better place to retire. The two both have beautiful beaches, so it will all be about how often you want to go out and how many big city amenities you would like to have at your fingertips.