Naples/Tampa area for 50 something empty nesters (St. Petersburg, Sarasota: to rent, condo)

[Diane91954]

We (my husband and I) are planning a move to Florida by the fall from Connecticut. I originally thought Naples was where we wanted to be. I have started looking into the Tampa area (New Port Richie & Trinity areas). We have small dogs and am finding many of the subdivisions in the Naples area don't allow pets. We are planning to rent for a year to decide where we want to be. Jobs are not an issue. Can anyone tell me if in the Tampa area we would find more people our age as opposed to 70+ which I think naples might be. Does the area get an influx of "snow birds" like the Naples area does? Also, we are beach bums and would love to be near the Gulf or atleast 10-15 minutes away. Any suggestions would be most appreciated.

[BucFan]

Not 10-15 mins from the beach, but check out Valencia Lakes. Although an 55+ community, people younger are allowed to purchase. Dogs are okay.

Luxury Active-Adult Retirement: Valencia Lakes - G.L. Homes

[hat456]

I have a cousin that lives in Land-o-Lakes, near Tampa, and loves it. Beach is a bit further. Tampa in general did not give me that beachy feel. St. Petersburg did. Gorgeous beaches. My mother used to live in Naples, which did feel beachy, but almost resort-like. Very high end, but lovely. This was not for my mother, who said they didn't have a boat and didn't golf. I envy you, and am looking to move south myself. Good luck.

[Wwanderer]

Although we're new retirees, not just empty-nesters, we've chosen Dunedin. It's very dog-friendly, although some of the 55+ condo associations do not allow pets. Downtown Dunedin is full of dogs, with bowls of water everywhere, and pet gift shops. We ended up with a no-pets condo, but decided being closer to downtown was most important. There are plenty of single family homes around, however.

[Diane91954]

Thank you for all of the responses. We are now thinking of St. Pete. I would really like to be close to the water and would like an area with decent dining. Still have Naples on the table, but St. Pete sounds great as well.

[gypsychic]

Originally Posted by Diane91954

Thank you for all of the responses. We are now thinking of St. Pete. I would really like to be close to the water and would like an area with decent dining. Still have Naples on the table, but St. Pete sounds great as well.

St. Pete or Sarasota. Two of the nicest cities with pretty beaches on the Gulf Coast.

[Innertuber]

Might look Sarasota to Tarpon Springs. Perhaps East Coast from south of Daytona to north of West Palm. I think everywhere gets snowbirds. While some drive like they are asleep overall they bring in money so it's not all bad.