[ConnieK]

Spring Lake comes to mind. Population count in 2000 was 327. Spring Lake is in Hernando County (sort of inland) south of Brooksville. I drive past a house for sale every day that is just south of Spring Lake. It sits on about 5 acres and is priced at a little over 300 K. Bill Bellamy Realtors has the listing. Plus it's not too bad a drive to get to 75. - about 5 miles.

[dynamic8]

I live in the city of Port Saint Lucie. The city's population goes dar beyond your liking. However, the city of stuart is located in the county south of us. The city has that small- town component, yet you still have the modern conviences available at all times. I will give you two links to this city:
TCPalm
Martin County Fla official tourism site for the best family beach vacation in Florida.

[Mike1306]

Originally Posted by ConnieK

Spring Lake comes to mind. Population count in 2000 was 327. Spring Lake is in Hernando County (sort of inland) south of Brooksville. I drive past a house for sale every day that is just south of Spring Lake. It sits on about 5 acres and is priced at a little over 300 K. Bill Bellamy Realtors has the listing. Plus it's not too bad a drive to get to 75. - about 5 miles.

That property is actually in Pasco County.
It is a nice area though.
The house is $335,000 built in 1955.

[PeteU]

High Springs comes to mind. It's sufficiently out in the country, but close enough (20 minutes or so) to Gainesville and all the convenience and ameneties that can be found there. You are in a great area in terms of scenery, being right off the Santa Fe River. And you are close to some terrific springs if you like to swim: Poe, Blue, Ginnie and especially Ichetucknee.

[Strel]

Originally Posted by macguy

If you don't care about the beaches, I would suggest Chipley. It is in the panhandle. It is a really nice little town. I love the small change of seasons in the pan handle without the snow. Also you don't feel like you live on an island. You are just a few hours drive from other more northern cities and states. Cheaper cost of living. Taxes in the county of Washington are around .15 mill more if you live within the city limits of some of the towns but still reasonable. It's worth looking into you may like it. There are other towns in the same area also worth looking at.

//www.city-data.com/city/Chipley-Florida.html

I would add that it is in a really beautiful area too, and still relatively unspoiled.

[doni]

Niceville is slightly larger than you mention ( pop. 12,000.00) in NW Fl. Close to Eglin AFB. 20 min from beaches of Destin. 50 miles from Panama City and
Pensacola. Airport within 20 min. Great A+ schools. 4 year college. Low crime,
diverse population, very clean. This has been the best place ever to raise our kids. Also Fyi---getting ready to market our lakefront home. 4bd, 2 bath, totally upgraded - new roof, new windows ,airconditioned oversized 2 car garage. all bdrms are large, new tile , granite and marble in kitchen , dining rm and bathrms, crown molding, recessed lighting in living room and kitchen,
fireplace is gas, but can be wood(originally was wood burning) open floorplan
range hood over island gas stove imported from Italy. New carpet,paint, front door,
garage door, 2 patios. Landscaped yard with sprinkler system, Parklike setting, Lake stocked with bass, catfish and brim. Fish from your own backyard. $258,000.00. Good neighborhood. The only reason we are selling is are kids are grown and we no longer need such a large place.

[FLGEMini]

Note that some of these listed small villages are totally tin huts - not a real house to be had.