"Where's my (east coast beach) paradise?" (divorce, federal, friends)
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In my East Coast search, I have pretty much ruled out having full cool/cold seasons, which pretty much means FL. If it is near/at the beach, it's probably going to be near I-95 between Jax and Melbourne. But note that I started that with "If". I still feel pretty sure I want to be close to the beach. But there are a few inland spots that have some appeal, a little more protection from the worst of the storm, lots of communities and potentially much lower housing costs. Winter Haven and Ocala, for example. They have some high end expensive properties, but there are also older communities with lower cost homes and fees. I might even consider manufactured housing inland. They are still the dark horse in my search; I kinda want the real sea. But there are gorgeous tropical parks and some lakefront areas (particularly in Winter Haven) that are like little beach towns. And the beach is not far away; some of the communities organize trips down fairly often. I haven't ruled out sound/inlet locations either. I really need to start making some trips. Next winter, for sure.
One thing that may be different in my search is I do want a community with things going on. I don't want to become a hermit. I want to find some regular fishing buddies, not always dine alone and maybe plays cards and shoot the breeze at night. I probably wouldn't do this if I don't find a place where that kind of activity is common.
One thing that may be different in my search is I do want a community with things going on. I don't want to become a hermit. I want to find some regular fishing buddies, not always dine alone and maybe plays cards and shoot the breeze at night. I probably wouldn't do this if I don't find a place where that kind of activity is common.
Isn't that kind of hard to predict? Not sure how one predicts such a thing. One can join trailer parks or 50+ dwellings - but other than that - how does one guarantee what you're seeking?
Maybe you mean by first trying to talk with some of the residents who live in whatever community or congregated housing units? You don't seem to be seeking something similar to a Sun City or The Villages (only smaller) which always have lots of planned activities, groups, clubs, meetings around interests, dances etc. - all held on the grounds of the housing community.
Last edited by matisse12; 03-21-2018 at 12:46 AM..
Myrtle Beach probably isn't enough of a city for me, and bunches of kids aren't my idea of a restful retirement, either. I was thinking more around Charlestown, but the market is insane there at the moment.
Isn't that kind of hard to predict? Not sure how one predicts such a thing. One can join trailer parks or 50+ dwellings - but other than that - how does one guarantee what you're seeking?
Maybe you mean by first trying to talk with some of the residents who live in whatever community or congregated housing units? You don't seem to be seeking something similar to a Sun City or The Villages (only smaller) which always have lots of planned activities, groups, clubs, meetings around interests, dances etc. - all held on the grounds of the housing community.
That's why I need to visit and maybe rent to start with. It isn't as hard to predict these days since lots of these places have newsletters and forums.
Myrtle Beach probably isn't enough of a city for me, and bunches of kids aren't my idea of a restful retirement, either. I was thinking more around Charlestown, but the market is insane there at the moment.
Yup, that's also one of my criteria. I don't want to move somewhere that has a population of people under 20 making up 50 percent of the demographics in an area. Research and demographics are important.
Yup, that's also one of my criteria. I don't want to move somewhere that has a population of people under 20 making up 50 percent of the demographics in an area. Research and demographics are important.
The demographics of residents and demographics of visitors can vary widely.
Newport Rhode Island if just ok beaches will do. Less expensive are other beach neighborhoods in Rhode Island but Newport would be the most tourist preferred.
The beaches in Newport are barely OK. Even the private ones are jammed all summer.
My favorite beach in that area is on Naushon Island on the Buzzards Bay side of Robinsons Hole in Massachusetts. You can only reach it by boat. The Forbes family allows people on the beach if you don't abuse it and you can always bring a fishing rod and they legally can't toss you off. (Massachusetts has a fishing/hunting right of access law.) Midweek, it's totally deserted. I'll often sail over, drop the anchor, and row/swim ashore for a few hours. In good weather, I'll also overnight there occasionally but the cove is wide open to the northwest.
I belong to a private beach that's a mile from my summer house. I worked there as a life guard in High School and College. It's not a surf beach. Pier. A couple of rafts. A bath house with lockers where you can change and keep your stuff. If nothing else is planned, we bike ride there at high tide for a swim. We often do picnic dinners on the beach.
I ski so I welcome the winter. If I reach the point where I give up skiing, I'll consider somewhere warmer in the winter. Florida has never been on my radar screen. My father retired to Longboat Key and it's not my thing. I'm thinking Portugal as my top choice.
That's why I need to visit and maybe rent to start with. It isn't as hard to predict these days since lots of these places have newsletters and forums.
We have been advised to do this as well. It's a big decision. If you know you definitely want to move and since it's a seller's market why not sell, rent for 6-12 months in the new location and make a decision then?
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