Opinions Please - Confused Senior (Orlando, Clearwater: apartments, renting, HOA)

[primrosepath]

I am a single female senior (67) trying to determine where on the west coast of Florida I would be happy. I would like there to be some activity as well as to be close to the beach and shopping. Are there any other seniors starting over that could give me any advice? Should I be looking at apartments or condos? I am thinking of renting first because I am not really sure about anything. I have a small dog that must stay with me.
Thanks for your help.

[LewLew]

Originally Posted by primrosepath

I am a single female senior (67) trying to determine where on the west coast of Florida I would be happy. I would like there to be some activity as well as to be close to the beach and shopping. Are there any other seniors starting over that could give me any advice? Should I be looking at apartments or condos? I am thinking of renting first because I am not really sure about anything. I have a small dog that must stay with me.
Thanks for your help.

My mother is exactly your age and single. LOVES Clearwater and absolutely loves Venice. I think either of those places would be great for you. Close to beach and shopping. My mother likes the walking culture in Venice, and that there are people her age, but there has been an influx of younger families (which she loves). She is close to Sarasota for St. Armand's Key and other artistic, cultural areas. Very nice area. I would look at a condo if you are going to Venice. They are reasonable these days. Venice is a much safer area than Clearwater, and not so commercial. My mother has 2 small dogs, and enjoys walking them around her neighborhood. You'll meet a lot of friends that way. Good luck to you. Depending on what you like to do for fun, there are great things in Venice. Golf, parades, shopping, restaurants, beaches, church activities, small bars (they close early), Sharky's is a little tiki bar restaurant place that is touristy with live music. Venice/Englewood also has a dog beach where you could take your little dog to the beach and walk around. Sorry I wasn't a senior responding, but I have first hand knowledge.

[BucFan]

Sun City Center, FL is a great place for seniors - but not close to a great beach. Bahia is the closest (Ruskin), and Bradenton and Sarasota beaches are about 30 mins away.

But SSC has a lot to offer seniors - lots of social activities. You can buy/rent an inexpensive villa. HOA may be a little steep for a senior's budget, though. Can't tell you what that costs at SSC. They have a lot of nice clubs, fitness, pools, etc. Not your typical oldtimer's retirement center - I highly recommend you look into it. Housing is available for all levels of financial situations/circumstances.

[BucFan]

One additional word about SSC - transportation in and around SSC in addition to bus trips to various shopping centers and performing arts is readily available. I think the fees are very reasonable. This is a great deal for older folks who are no longer willing to face the challenges of driving.

[jessiegirl_98]

I don't know exactly where this is (maybe someone can help) but there is an area in Florida that people refer to as the Disney Land for Seniors. A ton of activities, great places to live..... Anyone know what this is?

[Songbird42]

I would think that Clearwater would have everything that you might want or need, fairly close to the beach,and shopping, I love Roberts Christmas World
I had some senior friends that loved Top of the World, they said they had singles clubs and lots of other clubs. Those I believe are condo's.

I have family that lived in Venice, and they had some nice beaches there but I thought it was a little too congested for me, prices are also higher as well as taxes..........either way take some time and go visit each area that's about the only way you'll know which area you like.....good luck on your search

[LewLew]

Originally Posted by Songbird42

I would think that Clearwater would have everything that you might want or need, fairly close to the beach,and shopping, I love Roberts Christmas World
I had some senior friends that loved Top of the World, they said they had singles clubs and lots of other clubs. Those I believe are condo's.

I have family that lived in Venice, and they had some nice beaches there but I thought it was a little too congested for me, prices are also higher as well as taxes..........either way take some time and go visit each area that's about the only way you'll know which area you like.....good luck on your search

Wow, I would never say that Venice is more congested than Clearwater area. However, OP check it out for yourself. I lived most of my life in Clearwater...born on the beach at Morton Plant Hospital. Venice is much more laid back.

[tonynorie]

Your dog is a lucky one....to have someone so devoted as to take him/her when moving. Good for you!

I would echo the places mentioned by previous folks......Sun City Center is a good place because it's whole existence is built around people 55 and older. There are plenty of activities (more golf carts than regular cars on the roads sometimes!) and shopping is convenient.

Good luck!

[Keeper]

There are a lot of 55 plus communities all around SW FL. Do you have an amount you want to spend? Venice is more expensive than Clearwater, I think.. Is that right Tony?

Jessiegirl, I think they are referring to The Villages a 55 plus community. In the middle of the state near Orlando

[LewLew]

Originally Posted by tonynorie

Your dog is a lucky one....to have someone so devoted as to take him/her when moving. Good for you!

I would echo the places mentioned by previous folks......Sun City Center is a good place because it's whole existence is built around people 55 and older. There are plenty of activities (more golf carts than regular cars on the roads sometimes!) and shopping is convenient.

Good luck!

Although it is not near the beach. Venice has numerous 55+ communities if that is what you are looking for, and it's on the beach. (5-10 miles off sand at most in areas). In Venice you don't even need a 55+ community as most of the neighborhoods are mostly that age, with some families and young people mixed in. That is what my mom likes about it. Not everyone is old.