[kellygirl925]

I can vouch for Crystal River. We live about 5 minutes away and my kids go to school there. I feel it's a cute little coastal town. Very laid back, great boat access, and there are some good restaurants and little shops. I love the Heritage Village area with the great shops, King's Bay Park with the pier and public kayak launch, Hunter Springs with the clear, beautiful water and all of the manatees! Good luck to you in your search......

[loftil]

Thanks again for all the ideas. Kellygirl925, does Crystal River have a beach or is it mostly river and canals?

I look forward to visiting these places to see what they are like.

Out of curiosity, does anyone have any opinions on Port St. Joe and what it is like to live there? I know, it doesn't have much in the way of shopping (and I'm not looking for some place with lots of big box stores), but I am trying to keep an open mind and wondering what people's thoughts are on it.

[Arcenal813]

Originally Posted by loftil

Thanks again for all the ideas. Kellygirl925, does Crystal River have a beach or is it mostly river and canals?

I look forward to visiting these places to see what they are like.

Out of curiosity, does anyone have any opinions on Port St. Joe and what it is like to live there? I know, it doesn't have much in the way of shopping (and I'm not looking for some place with lots of big box stores), but I am trying to keep an open mind and wondering what people's thoughts are on it.

It's mostly rivers and canals, and the coastal part of it is mostly state preserve marshlands. Very scenic, however. And there is a beach at Fort Island at the end of 44.

[kellygirl925]

Originally Posted by loftil

Thanks again for all the ideas. Kellygirl925, does Crystal River have a beach or is it mostly river and canals?

I look forward to visiting these places to see what they are like.

Out of curiosity, does anyone have any opinions on Port St. Joe and what it is like to live there? I know, it doesn't have much in the way of shopping (and I'm not looking for some place with lots of big box stores), but I am trying to keep an open mind and wondering what people's thoughts are on it.

Yes, like the poster above says, it is mostly rivers & canals. And I have to say, even though Ft. Island Gulf Beach is very pretty & scenic, not crazy about swimming there. Tons of seaweed to wade through before getting to the water. But we always see dolphins when we are there, so that's very cool. We love the water at Hunter Springs, it's so clear and a beautiful bluish green.