Where to Look between Pinellas and Pasco? (Clearwater, Palm Harbor: for sale, condos)

[Suejoy]

We are looking for a 2/2 condo (over 55 OK). We will eventually be snowbirds (we live in a suburb of Cleveland, OH) but not for a few years. We were thinking of somewhere between Clearwater and the New Port Richey area. We do not have to be "on" the water just within a 1/2 hour of a good beach. Good being clean and safe. We'd want a condo that has a heated pool in the development, all this for under 100,000. There are many condo's for sale that meet these criteria, however I have no clue as to what the different areas are like. What are the pros and cons of Pinellas vs. Pasco counties. We don't need to be near the nightlife but would like an "active" community. We are going to the area at the end of June prepared to look and possibly buy. I've heard mention of "Top of the World" in Clearwater, The Wilds in NPR, Beacon Lakes, yet these are all just names. Any info would be welcome.

[benn324]

there are also some nice condos in the east lake area, just in between the gulf and the bay (about 1/2 an hour to either). Like pine ridge, deer hollow, el pasada, east lake woodlands, but most have a mix of over 55 and under 55, but all are nice. Good luck.

[cariad]

Highland Lakes in Palm Harbor has some very nice condos in that price range. Has pools, golf courses, Lake Tarpon access and lots of activities.
10 min from Honeymoon Island, 20-25 min from Clearwater beach.
Top of the world is also nice-more busy condo complex look to it, as it is all 2 story condos(highland lakes is a mix of sf, condos and villas). The nicest condos there were well over $100K when we looked last year.
NPR also has some nice complexes, but is a much different environment/atmosphere than Pinellas County. It's greatest drawbacks to me are the distance to the beaches, and the fact that the direct Rt to the South(beaches) is the nightmare that is Rt 19.

[new2pinellas]

I just moved to Palm harbor, I have family in Wesley Chapel. I need to find a nice mid way point so neither of us have to travel the entire distance. Any suggestions would really be appreciated!