[chilove]

Hi all,

I'm interested in living very near the beach and ideally in a more progressive city or town. I'm very into natural health and healing and would also love access to health food stores, juice bars, vegan restaurants, etc... I'm open to both coasts. I'm also hoping to find a more affordable area.

Thanks so much!

[kyle19125]

I'd recommend either St Petersburg or West Palm Beach. St Pete neighborhoods like Historic Uptown/Grand Central District, Kenwood, Allendale-Five Points or the neighboring town of Gulfport would probably be the best options. In WPB check out neighborhoods like Northwood, Grandview, Flamingo Park or the neighboring town of Lake Worth.

[TD*]

Tallahassee.

[aewan68]

Originally Posted by kyle19125

I'd recommend either St Petersburg or West Palm Beach. St Pete neighborhoods like Historic Uptown/Grand Central District, Kenwood, Allendale-Five Points or the neighboring town of Gulfport would probably be the best options. In WPB check out neighborhoods like Northwood, Grandview, Flamingo Park or the neighboring town of Lake Worth.

Problem is she said "Affordable" you have to take off West Palm Beach off of that list when you factor in high housing costs/rents, high insurance rates (car, home & health) and etc. along with average incomes being quite low in comparision to the high cost of living.

If money is no object, then you can add it back to the list, but anyone that say's "Affordable" does not often fit this demographic.

Also living a Vegan lifestyle, filled with juicebars, Whole Foods/Wallet and buying organics, is not exactly "Affordable" there is a premium associated with that especially in WPB, it often cost more to live there and afford that premium.

[AustinTraveler]

Originally Posted by TD*

Tallahassee.

This is really getting ridiculous. Tallahassee is NOT a beach town.

[AustinTraveler]

You might look into Pensacola since you need affordable. There is, believe it or not, a growing younger community of progressives, especially in the downtown area. Pensacola Beach is close by and a gorgeous place.

[kyle19125]

Originally Posted by aewan68

Problem is she said "Affordable" you have to take off West Palm Beach off of that list when you factor in high housing costs/rents, high insurance rates (car, home & health) and etc. along with average incomes being quite low in comparision to the high cost of living.

If money is no object, then you can add it back to the list, but anyone that say's "Affordable" does not often fit this demographic.

Also living a Vegan lifestyle, filled with juicebars, Whole Foods/Wallet and buying organics, is not exactly "Affordable" there is a premium associated with that especially in WPB, it often cost more to live there and afford that premium.

"Affordable" is a sliding scale and outside of Florida the cost of living in most desirable areas is well above what it would cost to live in West Palm Beach. I'm also pretty sure given the desire for organic foods the OP is well aware of the additional cost which to the unenlightened is due to higher production values and lower yields, and not just because...

[aewan68]

Originally Posted by kyle19125

"Affordable" is a sliding scale and outside of Florida the cost of living in most desirable areas is well above what it would cost to live in West Palm Beach. I'm also pretty sure given the desire for organic foods the OP is well aware of the additional cost which to the unenlightened is due to higher production values and lower yields, and not just because...

Point you are missing, there is "Florida" then there is "South Florida", affordability between both is not apples to apples and often when you will earn in WPB vs other areas of the US, where the cost of living is higher, will be out of balance since you will earn more, subtantially more in those locales if you are in the right field.

[kyle19125]

Originally Posted by aewan68

Point you are missing, there is "Florida" then there is "South Florida", affordability between both is not apples to apples and often when you will earn in WPB vs other areas of the US, where the cost of living is higher, will be out of balance since you will earn more, subtantially more in those locales if you are in the right field.

Not missing it all as a native of South Florida. I think the point you're missing is that you're presenting the "high cost of living" through your Florida perspective. Coming from elsewhere where it's likely more expensive it can be and often is seen as a bargain. It's all about the perspective..

[City Guy997S]

Originally Posted by AustinTraveler

This is really getting ridiculous. Tallahassee is NOT a beach town.

Sure it is! Just get in the car and drive 80-100 miles to the beach!

For the record, West Palm Beach isn't a beach town either.......they don't actually have a beach, Palm Beach does!