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Old 09-03-2010, 07:04 AM
 
6 posts, read 16,768 times
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We (family of 3 now) are looking to buy on the gulf coast for a vacation home/second home. I was wondering what area you would suggest for a family friendly vibe.. great beaches (dont want to walk on shells)... things to do..
and warm weather season that is much longer than we have up North... would want to rent until we retire.. Not worried about school, but honestly am about crime ect. Oh and we were thinking about a place that houses/condo under $250 are feesible but close enough to walk to the beach (course being on it would be great!!)

Anyone who could help.. I would greatly appreciate it..
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Old 09-03-2010, 10:09 AM
 
Location: Palm Island and North Port
7,511 posts, read 22,930,209 times
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You might want to try the Sarasota area. Very laid back vibe, they have a wonderful downtown area with great shops, a Sat morning farmers market and delicious restaurants. Sarasota also has a great school system and the world famous Siesta Key beach.

Good luck with your search!
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Old 09-03-2010, 12:32 PM
 
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Is siesta key a shelly beach?
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Old 09-05-2010, 03:15 PM
 
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Indian Rocks Beach has a soft white sand beach and is one of the few overdeveloped strips of Gulf coast beach. It's a beautiful area with plenty to do and accessibility to the big city entertainment of Tampa and St Petersburg. It's very safe as well. You'll have many choices in your price range, as well as being all low-rise housing since it's not an overdeveloped wall-of-concrete highrises. Plus it's the home of Keegan's, a great place for seafood!

Pinellas County Park Department - Virtual Tour
Indian Rocks Beach, Florida - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Best Seafood on the Gulf Beach of Tampa Bay
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Old 09-05-2010, 04:55 PM
 
17,537 posts, read 39,154,399 times
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Quote:
Originally Posted by bitirish View Post
Is siesta key a shelly beach?
No, Siesta does not have shells. There are more shells down south on Siesta Key at Turtle Beach, and Lido Beach has shells. Are you looking for shelly beaches or soft clear ones?
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Old 09-05-2010, 07:29 PM
 
Location: Palm Island and North Port
7,511 posts, read 22,930,209 times
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Quote:
Originally Posted by bitirish View Post
Is siesta key a shelly beach?
Like Gypsy said, there are very few shells. The sand is 99% pure quartz and cool on the feet. It's constantly on the "Best Beaches in America" lists. There are some condos out on Siesta that are under $250k. Most are built in the 1960's & 70's.

If you wanted a more "shelly" beach than maybe Sanibel would be an option. It's a little farther south.
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Old 09-05-2010, 07:40 PM
 
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just got back from Siesta Key, amazing Sand, but more public beach feel. If your thinking about longer term retirement and good deals, Venice FL, is my family's favorite secret.
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Old 09-05-2010, 07:42 PM
 
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The whole Destin area also has very soft sand. I am looking at buying too, but not sure 250 gets much around Destin
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Old 09-06-2010, 05:57 PM
 
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Thanks to all who responded.. am thinking of soft white sand.. ^-^
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Old 09-13-2010, 11:59 AM
 
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I am closing on a gulf view Destin condo this week. Bought below $250k.
Bank owned so has been a nightmare to close and required large down payment.
But.. I am still excited to be able to aquire a condo on the beach!
Never though I would be able to own gulf front.
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