I think we finally got it right-it's SARASOTA!

[DoctorRain]

Originally Posted by tonilee

People in FLorida are wonderful, they really are...just look at the responses to most of the Florida posts! My husband and I just got back from Cancun on Saturday (we've been to Mexico a lot...husband loves the Caribbean waters...I do too...and we both love the Mexican people and culture...so warm and friendly). Anyhow, we are both convinced that the sun, swimming, warm weather, salt water, outdoor activity, blue skies and all the rest one gets with a warmer climate definitely makes for happier, more-outgoing and friendlier people.

Thanks for all the tips about housing and neighborhoods. One thing we did in Mexico was pick up a few more resort weeks (like 100-YIKES), so we can perhaps "bundle" them in the future and stay at resorts in the SWF or Sarasota area for several weeks at a time. By doing this, we thought that we could take a good look-see prior to jumping in a buying a home right away (which is what we had to do when we moved to Michigan...jump right in).

I'm really feeling what a few others have stated...owning two houses is WAAAAAAAAY too much work for my husband and I and way above our financial means (or desires). I do not see that happening for us, which is probably a good thing! Change is good!

Thanks again for all the helpful advice and feedback! I appreciate it so much!

Like people anywhere else are not??? This sounds like you are in idealistic mind with rose colored glasses on. There are nice people on this board YES but do not confuse it for what the main roads and living atmosphere can be.

[Peter the Brit]

I spent 12 years in Gods waiting room and am now in St Augustine. I have met more normal people in six weeks here than in years in Sarasota. If you are retired and like to find things to do with fellow retirees then you will enjoy Sarasota but if you want to live in a mixed community with great weather look in the next Florida boom place NE Florida and the Panhandle.

[gypsychic]

Originally Posted by Peter the Brit

I spent 12 years in Gods waiting room and am now in St Augustine. I have met more normal people in six weeks here than in years in Sarasota. If you are retired and like to find things to do with fellow retirees then you will enjoy Sarasota but if you want to live in a mixed community with great weather look in the next Florida boom place NE Florida and the Panhandle.

Wow - that is pretty condescending - "normal people?" Well guess what, we live in Sarasota and consider ourselves and everyone in our neighborhood and that we know here "normal." Sarasota has a lot more than retirees here - maybe you should have gotten out more?

[PixiStix]

Originally Posted by Peter the Brit

I spent 12 years in Gods waiting room and am now in St Augustine. I have met more normal people in six weeks here than in years in Sarasota. If you are retired and like to find things to do with fellow retirees then you will enjoy Sarasota but if you want to live in a mixed community with great weather look in the next Florida boom place NE Florida and the Panhandle.

Funny, we are in our 30's & have had no trouble finding younger people here in Sarasota. And there is always something going on for the kids to do. The median age here is in the 40's I believe...not exactly retirees. Now Venice is another story....