[kyle19125]

Originally Posted by markjames68

i stand corrected, looks like JAX has grown since I last flew there. Still less options than MIA, MCO and TPA though.

JAX has grown considerably in the past several years and while not in the league of the other three you mention, certainly offers plenty of service to most anyone traveling.

[jwolfer]

Originally Posted by kyle19125

Of you list provided of your potential finalists I would most recommend Ponte Vedra Beach. You'll find a good value in terms of dollar per square foot, the lowest risk in terms of catastrophic storm activity in the state (NE Florida), beautiful beaches and plenty of nature, safe and fairly walkable neighborhoods (check out the Ponte Vedra Lakes area on the north side), a 30-40 minute drive to the airport in Jacksonville (with all six major US carriers and nonstop service to many major US cities) and arguably the best concentration of quality health care facilities in the state with top referral facilities like the Mayo Clinic and University of Florida-Shands along with Baptist Health which is the top regional provider in NE Florida.

Consider Jacksonville Beach, Neptune Beach and Atlantic Beach. More walkability than PVB. PVB is more suburban some resort area. If you dont mind being farther from the ocean Riverside/Avondale area of Jacksonville is another place to consider for walkabilty, closer to Jacksonville airport. Do some research and see if these work for you, i would post some websites but the moderators would remove them but not too hard to find information

[kyle19125]

Originally Posted by jwolfer

Consider Jacksonville Beach, Neptune Beach and Atlantic Beach. More walkability than PVB. PVB is more suburban some resort area. If you dont mind being farther from the ocean Riverside/Avondale area of Jacksonville is another place to consider for walkabilty, closer to Jacksonville airport. Do some research and see if these work for you, i would post some websites but the moderators would remove them but not too hard to find information

I agree, I was just alluding to the list the OP had compiled. The beach communities to the north are far more walkable and have plenty of desirable areas to choose from.

[sidewinder103]

Originally Posted by kyle19125

I agree, I was just alluding to the list the OP had compiled. The beach communities to the north are far more walkable and have plenty of desirable areas to choose from.

Though you're from Sanford you always seem to provide fair and balanced opinions on recommending other areas of Florida for folks to check out.

I travel to all the major cities in Florida for various reasons (work, leisure, etc) and I believe they all have something unique to offer. I like certain things about Tampa/St Pete, Orlando, Miami/Ft Lauderdale and the Jax/St Augustine area.

I moved from Tampa to the Jax area and at first didn't like, but as time went on I began to see some things here I prefer over the other major Florida cities.

I think your recommendation to the OP to at least check out the Ponte Vedra area is spot on. If they like golf, maybe they can time it to attend the Players Championship.

[matxutca]

Again - thanks to all that took the time to provide insights. You all have been very helpful.

[tgtguy111]

Check out Northern Pinellas County. Dunedin, Palm Harbor, Countryside(Clearwater), Safety Harbor. Might work for you.

[farmbif]

Florida is a great place if you like congestion, corruption, crime and unregulated nonstop growth

[Rebek56]

I am retiring in December and have booked a month each in two different locations for next year: Englewood (renting a little Fifties house beachside) and Ormond Beach (again, a small house in a residential area between the ocean and the river).

Anyone with experience of those areas? Anything we shouldn't miss? I look forward to lots of walking on the beach and checking out state parks in the areas. Am not much on shopping, auto racing, or golf.

[Fredesch]

I live beachside in the Ormond Beach area. Trip Advisor can tell you every thing you need to know. Here are my recommendations.

In December, you might check out Washington Oaks state park. My wife says they have a nice Christmas theme. Blue Springs State Park and De Leon State Park may both have groups of manatees and are both near DeLand about a 40 minute drive west. I don't care much for Tomoka State Park, but it is close by and is bearable that time of year. Going to the Marine Science Museum in Ponce Inlet is worth the drive. There is a dog friendly beach and light house in the same area. If you go down that far, eating lunch or dinner outside (next to the beach) at the North Turn restaurant can be pleasant.

Check out the little art museum on Granada and wander it's gardens. I can recommend the Erwan Thai restaurant and Alfies. In nice weather sit outside at Laegerheads enjoying a drink and free music. We also like Bonita Maria's for Cuban and Mexican food- go for the margaritas and Cuban dishes.

Surfing is better in the cooler months and there are miles of beaches where you will probably see your neighbors. There might be something you want to see at the Peabody theater in Daytona Beach. If you want some night life head down A1A to Daytona Beach, there is usually a crowd at Rip Tides.

[expatCA]

Originally Posted by farmbif

Florida is a great place if you like congestion, corruption, crime and unregulated nonstop growth

You can replace "Florida" with just about any State and the sentence will be just as true. Consequently a waste of bandwidth.