where should we move in Florida? (Jacksonville, Sarasota: insurance, condo, houses)

[countrykaren]

I've posted before about my hubby and I retiring from NY and possibly moving to Fla. We live on a farm in the boonies now and think we may want to live in a city for retirement. (though not necessary) This way we are closer to medical care (closest hospital now is 12 miles), shopping (again 12 miles), etc. We thought that maybe a small city would be good for us. Anyone have any insight to St. Augustine, Sarasota, Pt. St. Lucie? We would consider other cities as well. We will not be working, so employment is a non issue. We want safe, as safe as a city could be, with things to do, shopping, dining options, etc. Either coast is fine but really would not like inland. We want a walkable city if possible. Our housing budget is $150,000- $160,000 range. Thanks.

[Restrain]

Take a look at the St Augustine area. Alternately, Punta Gorda on Charlotte Harbor has a neat walkable downtown with restaurants and galleries.

[motordavid]

OP: Similar thread of yours, different day...
You might delete this one and toss it into the general Florida forum, so you can get a couple dozen new, different ideas on 'what is the best place in FL to retire to'.

[Cardiff by the Sea]

Originally Posted by motordavid

OP: Similar thread of yours, different day...
You might delete this one and toss it into the general Florida forum, so you can get a couple dozen new, different ideas on 'what is the best place in FL to retire to'.

Excellant idea. I suspect than many on Sarasota Manatee forum do not know much about the other areas.

[Florida or Bust....]

Originally Posted by Cardiff by the Sea

Excellant idea. I suspect than many on (the) Sarasota Manatee forum do not know much about the other areas.

Are you drinking with BeninFl? j/k Or are you typing on your phone?

[ByeByeLW]

I had nixed the idea of Mt Dora because it's inland. However, it feels more like home than where I am now, so I will probably give up the beach to move there.

There are plusses-cheaper insurance and (usually) less danger from hurricanes inland. Living by the coast can be unnerving. The insurance can be a real chunk of change.

SE Florida is becoming a real madhouse with the nasty attitudes and traffic.

You won't get much by the coast in your price range unless you want a small condo. But of course it depends on how close to the beach you want to be.

Remember that the Mt Dora area is full of large lakes- an inland beach with gators lol.

[rekfan59]

Originally Posted by countrykaren

I've posted before about my hubby and I retiring from NY and possibly moving to Fla. We live on a farm in the boonies now and think we may want to live in a city for retirement. (though not necessary) This way we are closer to medical care (closest hospital now is 12 miles), shopping (again 12 miles), etc. We thought that maybe a small city would be good for us. Anyone have any insight to St. Augustine, Sarasota, Pt. St. Lucie? We would consider other cities as well. We will not be working, so employment is a non issue. We want safe, as safe as a city could be, with things to do, shopping, dining options, etc. Either coast is fine but really would not like inland. We want a walkable city if possible. Our housing budget is $150,000- $160,000 range. Thanks.

how about somewhere in ohio or indiana?? we're full, just passed new york in popuation........

[Harpaint]

How about Gulfport. It's clean and safe and has a fantastic Senior Center with very nice people and lots of activities. Houses are within your range easily.

[Peter the Brit]

Having lived in both Sarasota and St Augustine they are 2 totally different places
Colder in ST Aug seasonal snowbirds in Sarasota Gulf cf to the Atlantic
My main reason for preferring SA is Sarasota is too far south and easy to get out of Fl where we live In Georgia in 40 mins
Your budget is best suited to St Aug as well Go on the Jacksonville forum for some info

[snowtired14]

What does everyone think of St. Pete? Been there a couple of times and it seems real nice, mostly city and high rises, but nice and walkable. BTW- Did they close the Pier?