Please help me decide (Clearwater, Plantation: foreclosures, how much, house)

[pgans]

I am very familiar with Clearwater Beach and have been vacationing there since 1956. But my bank account does not want to live there.

Soooo, we are seriously considering Venice and Homosassa. Don't ask.

We like the old Florida feel they both are supposed to have, but we know nothing of the neighborhoods in each town.

We are retired and not very active. I would like to get to the beach easily (short drive), but if we get a house with a pool, it won't be that often.

I would appreciate any inout re neighborhoods in Venice. Good/Bad/affordable/expensive....or maybe just some info from someone who has recently moved there

Thanks

[Kkirch123]

It would really depend on how much you want to spend and what you are looking for in a house. There are many great areas in venice. You would be close to the beach within 15 minutes tops depending on where you go. We love Venice but it is def. more retired people. good luck!

[On-da-Beach]

They are as different as night and day. Climate is much different (it can get downright chilly in Homosassa). Venice does have a beach, whereas Homosassa...not so much. More retirees in Venice. Homosassa may be a bit more affordable. Check out Sugarmill Woods. I think Citrus County has a lower tax rate, too.

Good Luck!

[mr&mrssunshine]

we had a vacation in Homosassa about 5 years ago. much as i hate to say it it seemed very 'hick'. venice seems far nicer. downtown Englewood maybe ????

[mr&mrssunshine]

oh and it was also bloody cold (not just chilly)

[SoFLGal]

Originally Posted by pgans

I am very familiar with Clearwater Beach and have been vacationing there since 1956. But my bank account does not want to live there.

Soooo, we are seriously considering Venice and Homosassa. Don't ask.

We like the old Florida feel they both are supposed to have, but we know nothing of the neighborhoods in each town.

We are retired and not very active. I would like to get to the beach easily (short drive), but if we get a house with a pool, it won't be that often.

I would appreciate any inout re neighborhoods in Venice. Good/Bad/affordable/expensive....or maybe just some info from someone who has recently moved there

Thanks

Well, I don't know a whole lot about Homosassa but I can help you with the Venice end of it. Pretty much anywhere in Venice you're no more than 10-15 minutes from the beach.

The most affordable neighborhood in Venice would be the south Venice area. It also has a neighborhood ferry that shuttles people back and forth to their own private beach. The yearly fee is only $50. They also have a little boat ramp and clubhouse. Here's some more info on that neighborhood: South Venice Civic Association

I guess one of the other questions would be is do you want to be in a gated community/subdivision?

I just did a quick search with the specs you sent over and the areas in Venice that look like they will work out for you are: South Venice, Plantation, Chestnut Creek, Southwood, Venice Golf & Country Club, Venice Gardens, Lake of the Woods, Lakes of Jacaranda, Waterford, Island Walk, Hidden Lakes, and Venice Acres.

So, some of the areas are more golf oriented, some are equestrian, etc. It would help to get a better feel for what type of neighborhood you think you would like most.

[Peter the Brit]

Adding to the above there are a lot of foreclosures in Venetian Falls which has a good community center and is well located

[pgans]

Thanks for all the info.

We know Venice and Homosassa are very different and are 95% sure we will choose Venice.

After all our research, it appears to have everything we want.

[Big House]

Originally Posted by pgans

Thanks for all the info.

We know Venice and Homosassa are very different and are 95% sure we will choose Venice.

After all our research, it appears to have everything we want.

Hey pagan,
Venice is a great town. They have a lot of cool things going on there, art shows and other celebration things going on too. We like to bring our guests all around SWFL and show them some of the cool places that SoFLGal has recommended to us. Venice is one of those places. Boca Grande and thier beach is another, and so is Sarasota and St. Armands Circle, we already knew of Siesta Key as that is the place that gave us the motivation to find a home in SWFL. Check out her website, it has tons of other fun things to see and things to do. I checked out Mote Marine on the last trip too. It is a cool aquarium that has all the sea life that you will find in the local waters in the area, and where they rehabilitate some injured sea life as well.

I don't know anything about Homosassa, but I doubt it will hold a candle to Venice. I think I'll take a day trip there and check it out though since you have been considering it so much.

[FLBob]

The "old Florida" feel of Venice is found on the island of Venice. The island is very friendly with a great sense of community and extremely walkable. There are always things going on, from holiday parades to craft and art fairs, with live music in the park every Friday night, as well as a Thursday night stroll when the business owners stay open late and provide sidewalk entertainment.

The price of homes on the Island is considered a bit on the high side by some, but when considering the quality of life issues, the demand for the location hold the values.

Many people that want the beach and island proximity but want more house for less money choose to live just off island. Waterford, Capri Isles, Pelican Pointe, Venice Gardens, Venice East, Venetian Falls, Jacaranda West, Plantation, and StoneyBrook are just a few of the more popular locations.

There are a number of clubs and organization that can provide a way for new comers to meet people and make friends.