[RWFJR]

My wife and I are thinking of relocating to Florida, mainly for warmer weather. We are looking for a medium sized city with a good housing stock and decent cultural and academic life. We enjoy lectures on current events, performing arts, restaurants, shopping (for her), etc. Near a beach would be a nice plus. What recommendations do you Florida experts have? THX

[BioAdoptMom3]

Its so ironic that you are posting this today and asking for a warmer climate . Yeah, it is a warmer climate, but right now here in Daytona its in the mid 30's. We have icesicles hanging off the roof and had sleet and snow flurries for about three hours this morning. I am sure though its probably a lot warmer than where you are right now!

It sounds like Jacksonville or Tampa may be cities to consider, though they are considered more than medium sized cities. Orlando would probably meet most of your needs, but its an hour from both the east and west coast beaches. I am not as familiar with the cities in the southern part of the state, so you'll probably get some other suggestions as well.

Nancy

[RWFJR]

Thanks BioAdoptMom3. I realize that "warmer" is relative. I have heard that Sarasota is nice. Just south of Tampa, so we can have the best of both cities, I suppose.

[CrowGirl]

I agree with BioA....it seems like Tampa or Jacksonville would be the logical choices. I am also a huge fan of St. Augustine, which you might like to consider. It is smaller than what I would consider "medium sized" but there is a lot going on there and it is very close to Jax so you have access to the amenities of a larger city when you want them. Delray Beach may be another possibility....sinilar to Sarasota and St. Augustine it is a nice town but an easy distance from a larger city (in the case of Delray, Miami). I am not overly fond of Miami so it would be lower on my list, but it is definitely further south than the other two if you are looking to maximize heat.

[gypsychic]

Sarasota - fills the bill for EVERYTHING you are looking for. Great beaches, 3 nationally acclaimed smaller colleges, and a great vibrant little downtown. Plus, an easy drive to St. Pete or Tampa, larger cities with even more to do. Lots of cultural events here in Sarasota, after all it is known as the "cultural coast" here.

[RWFJR]

Thanks to everyone who has replied. These are all very helpful. There are clearly a number of interesting options. I wonder if anyone else has a thought?

[SoFLGal]

I agree with Gypsychic! There's always something going on in the downtown Sarasota area. Southside Village, which is the area west of US 41 and just of Main St and north of Siesta Dr. It's also close to the hospital. Right over the bridge is Siesta Key Beach or if you go over the John Ringling Bridge you have Lido Beach. There's GWIZ,Mote Marine, Selby Gardens, Jungle Gardens all within minutes of downtown. Every Saturday they have the downtown Farmers Market. Then there's the Hollywood20 Movie theater and The Burns Court Cinema, which has some really cool foreign films. Burns Court and Towles Court are neat little villages that are great to spend the afternoon catching a bite to eat or doing a little shopping. Selby Library is a fantastic library right in the heart of downtown. Then there's Van Wezel and The Asolo. Also great little organic grocery store is Morton's Gourmet Market, Southside Village, Sarasota, Florida. Marina Jack’s is always great for an afternoon out with the kids, a picnic under the trees or a leisurely walk by the bay Welcome to Marina Jack.

Here's a few more websites about the downtown area: Home
Home
Sarasota Florida Downtown | Shops Downtown, Sarasota Hotel | Downtown Restaurant | Sarasota Rental
Downtown Merchants Association of Sarasota

On the discussion of "warmer" anything south of Tampa is going to be warmer. That's where the frost line is. Typically anything under the Tampa are is more tropical i.e. palm trees, tropical foliage, etc and warmer.

Sarasota seems perfect for you. Good luck with your search

[Col.W.Deering]

While Sarasota is lovely, St. Augustine could fit your needs quite well too. I live in Sarasota, but I would buy a home in St. Augustine in a minute if I had the chance.

[gypsychic]

Originally Posted by Col.W.Deering

While Sarasota is lovely, St. Augustine could fit your needs quite well too. I live in Sarasota, but I would buy a home in St. Augustine in a minute if I had the chance.

I love St. Augustine as well, it's a beautiful little town. However, I think it is way too small to fill the needs of the OP based on their post. But definitely a place to check out if they feel there is enough going on there to satisfy their wants.

[RWFJR]

To all who have expressed opinions: Thanks. My wife has visited St Augustine and agrees that it is beautiful, but perhaps a bit too small. We will take a look at St Augustine, however. Question to those from Sarasota: if Sarasota is the better choice for us, which neighborhoods might be best? We want a relaxed and quiet life style at home, but a short drive to the "action." A neighborhood or community where the lots are big enough for a little privacy from the neighbors, but not seclusion. I would love to have a pool in the backyard. All thoughts are much appreciated.