vero beach or new smyrna? (Orlando, Cape Coral: sex offenders, crime, taxi)

[francarroll]

I was originally looking into the new smryna area because I meet people there who told me how friendly the area is and how they loved living there but my daughter who lives in orlando does not like the shark reports she hears about there. and she plans on visiting alot. Last week we went to Vero Beach and thought it was very pretty but found some alarming stats about sex offenders there. Can anyone compare the two or give me some ideas of a good beach community withing 2 hours drive of Orlando that would be a good fresh start for a 55 year old divorced female. thanks

[Lindsey_Mcfarren]

I don't know much about Vero but remember New Smyrna is pretty close to Daytona. Check the stats for sex offenders there as well, you might find they are the same there.

I don't think I would choose New Smyrna to live in but thats just me.

[NCH]

I think New Smyrna Beach beachside is a gem. It has the older Florida feel, quaint, not too overly developed. It has a couple main streets with all the necessities. Various little restaurants to try. We are 40 and take our 3 kids there every weekend. Never feel scared when we walk around, even at night. There are mature ages, but also kids at the park, teenagers on their skateboards . . . people say Hi. Going out on the intercoastal boating is great. The south end is beautiful, the north end has the state park for walking or beaching on the river, the middle has the historic Flager Avenue for strolling. You can ride your bike on the beach, or your car and take all your food and gear. Take the water taxi to Ponce Inlet for lunch or dinner. My 45 yr. friend just moved there about 6 monthes ago and said she has never felt more at peace. I've visited several areas on Florida beaches lately and they seem more touristy to me than NSB. I love how some streets are sandy. Feels like a good mix overall to me.

[seeriously]

There are shark reports and sex offenders everywhere in Florida. My theory is to get off Rt. 95 and drive east to the coast of each town. The more scruff you see on the way, the more low life you will be bumping into at Publix and Blockbuster.

[Lindsey_Mcfarren]

I would check the stats on the shark bites, I have always heard that New Smyrna has more then average but I live close by so that might be it.

I personally prefer the West coast of Florida and would like to move to the Fort Myers/Cape Coral area if I could.

[SoFLGal]

There was just a report on the news last night about New Smyrna being the shark bite capital of the world. There were 12 attacks last year and 24 this year.

[bunky3301]

Vero Beach fits well with all ages in my opinion. Theres something for everyone and I don't know what the reason for it is but sex offenders seem to migrate to Florida period. I don't think Vero has any more on average than other towns. I lived there for 15 years and it was never a problem. Crime is very low in Vero and always has been.

I don't know about the shark attack stats but I'm pretty sure that Indian River County in the most Northern County that has "year round" life guards if that eases your mind. The beaches are very beautiful and the most popular seem to be "Jay-cee" and South beach in Vero.