[beachmouse]

There's winter, and there's Winter. Philly & D.C. winters are very mild compared to upstate NY, Michigan, and Minnesota.

[loriszmuc]

Originally Posted by kyle19125

You might take a look at condominiums, especially in the Walt Disney World area. There are a number of nice 3 bedroom condos in your price range, just to the south of WDW in a quieter area called the Four Corners. In real estate searches use the town name of Davenport. It's very safe and quiet, yet close obviously to the numerous services that WDW attracts. A huge benefit as well to a condo since you're using it seasonally is the ability to rent it out while not there. Websites like VRBO allow you to post your property and rent it out weekly or monthly which is very popular with European tourists, and your proximity to WDW would be golden. Good luck!

I lived in Davenport for a year and it is really nice. We moved because my teenagers were bored and wanted to be closer to Orlando. We are in the Conway area now which is close to the Orlando airport. It is perfect for our kids, 12 and 15, my retired parents and my husband and I. You are close to all things that tourists love but not right on top of them. If your too close to the Walt Disney area you spend all your time at restaurants etc in line. Also, if you need to grocery shop you must do it before the theme parks close or tourists will by everything from the shelves that you need. We have lived on the West coast near Spring Hill and its too far from everything. We also lived in the Clearwater area but 100,000 is not going to even get you a place in the ghetto areas. We lived in Port St. Lucie which is very boring. I guess it depends on if you are someone who likes to do and see things or to just sit and relax. Since you will be a snowbird, I am assuming you will want to sight see and enjoy what Florida has to offer. With that being said, Orlando is really the place you want to be. It is not far from the ocean or the tourist attractions, you can get to south Florida and the keys fairly quickly too. Orlando is close to everything any way you look.

[bhoff2385]

Try the Avon Park Lakes area. It is a quiet country like setting that is close to shopping, golf, and many lakes. We live on a quiet street with great neighbors. Our home is for sale so we can move closer to our kids however we have lived in the area since 1986. Love it here.

[totsuka]

Vero Beach is expensive and very high electric rates and property taxes, but if you like that area, find a place to rent vice buying.