[logybogy]

Jacksonville is the only large metro area that isn't infested with snow birds because the weather is a tad cool in the winter. Typical highs are in the 60s and lows in the 40s with multiple freezes and hard freezes possible below 28.

That doesn't mean there aren't any snowbirds but it's not as bad as south or central Florida because of the weather.

If that's too cool for you, I'd look into Martin County north of Palm Beach. It's a strict development controlled county that limits growth yet is within 30 minutes to west palm beach and all the big city amenities you need.

[gypsychic]

OP, you might check out Lakeland. We lived there for a couple years and it has a lot to offer, might fill the bill for you, especially the southside. It is not overrun with snowbirds, mostly local folks. Many fine churches.
Lakeland is on the conservative side, but not to the extreme. I found everyone to be super friendly, and happy. Everything you want is there or within the driving time you specified, except for beaches. But there are loads of beautiful parks and community lakes which almost make it feel coastal. Doesn't hurt to take a look. Good luck!

[double6's]

PGI in Punta Gorda will fill your needs..

[Sbastash]

Gainesville area.

[Jjwoll]

Originally Posted by logybogy

Jacksonville is the only large metro area that isn't infested with snow birds because the weather is a tad cool in the winter. Typical highs are in the 60s and lows in the 40s with multiple freezes and hard freezes possible below 28.

That doesn't mean there aren't any snowbirds but it's not as bad as south or central Florida because of the weather.

If that's too cool for you, I'd look into Martin County north of Palm Beach. It's a strict development controlled county that limits growth yet is within 30 minutes to west palm beach and all the big city amenities you need.

Thank you, I will look at that. I really appreciate the advice.
God bless,
Jjwoll

[Jjwoll]

Originally Posted by gypsychic

OP, you might check out Lakeland. We lived there for a couple years and it has a lot to offer, might fill the bill for you, especially the southside. It is not overrun with snowbirds, mostly local folks. Many fine churches.
Lakeland is on the conservative side, but not to the extreme. I found everyone to be super friendly, and happy. Everything you want is there or within the driving time you specified, except for beaches. But there are loads of beautiful parks and community lakes which almost make it feel coastal. Doesn't hurt to take a look. Good luck!

Thank you so much!!!!

[Jjwoll]

Originally Posted by double6's

PGI in Punta Gorda will fill your needs..

PG had been on my list, thank you for the confirmation to really consider it. Take care

[Jjwoll]

Originally Posted by Sbastash

Gainesville area.

Thank you, I'm not familiar with where this is so look forward to investigating!

[olderandwiser456]

Originally Posted by gypsychic

OP, you might check out Lakeland. We lived there for a couple years and it has a lot to offer, might fill the bill for you, especially the southside. It is not overrun with snowbirds, mostly local folks. Many fine churches.
Lakeland is on the conservative side, but not to the extreme. I found everyone to be super friendly, and happy. Everything you want is there or within the driving time you specified, except for beaches. But there are loads of beautiful parks and community lakes which almost make it feel coastal. Doesn't hurt to take a look. Good luck!

Where did you move to? Another area of FL or up north? Just curious since Lakeland sounds like a nice place.

[gypsychic]

Originally Posted by olderandwiser456

Where did you move to? Another area of FL or up north? Just curious since Lakeland sounds like a nice place.

We had an opportunity to move back to Sarasota where we had lived before and had a lot of history. Nothing bad about Lakeland at all, I was really impressed with that city. People who haven't really taken the time to go there and see what it has to offer really have no clue. Even I admit that years ago before I went there and really saw what it was about I was kind of critical. I took it all back, it rocks and was even referred to as a "small mecca of cool"

Downtown Lakeland Florida | A Little Mecca of Cool