retirement in florida
 

My wife and I are considering a retirement in Florida. Duh, I know the whole world wishes the same. We are not familiar with the differences between the gulf side and atlantic side as well as the keys. We are young, active but mostly want a somewhat quiet area. We love good clean beaches, dance clubs ect. but do not like a heavy night life - not intersested in the bars scenes or kids on spring break, ect just looking for fun social activities probably in a retirement type community where the age is a little older. We would apprciate any information on the advantages, ect. and which side of florida might meet our needs the best.

We retired to NE FL....for the diversity in life. <BR>First of all the weather is unpredictable living on the ocean. <BR>We live 20 miles from St. Augustine, 30 from Daytona and about 50 from Jacksonville....all cities that offer many choices. <BR>The part that appeals to me is we are not surrounded by nothing but retired people.... <BR>I love the ocean being a daily part of my life. It is always with me in sight and sound.

The best advice I can offer is to choose a few different places and visit for as long as you can to decide if it's got the mix of activity and serenity you desire. We decided to invest in a second home that we rent out during the season in preparation for our eventual move. That's allowed us to spend plenty of time to get to know the area we chose (near Delray Beach on the atlantic side) and are very happy with our decision. We currently live along the NE corridor and like a larger urban area's activity and amenities. If you're from a more mid-sized town or a rural area, you may find it too built up for your taste. Suggestions would include looking at the Naples area, Sarasota area on the gulf side; for the Atlantic side, consider areas near Jacksonville, Vero Beach and something further south - ie, Boca, Delray, or somewhere nearby. You should see significant differences & will have a better idea of what's right for you & your wife. Best of luck in your plans.

Since we off the topic of travel..... <BR> <BR>I'm looking for a really tasty beef stew recipe. <BR> <BR>Please share yours. <BR> <BR>Thank you.

My suggestion would be to travel all around the state to get a feel of where you ideal spot would be. Naples and the Fort Meyers area a wonderful suggestion as the above poster mentioned. The Keys are very expensive for housing, food and gas and are extremely crowded. The West Coast seems to be more laid back and the East Coast gets a faster pace. West Coast water is flat and calm where the East Coast has the constant waves. I suggest you visit in the summer so you can make sure that the constant heat and humidity is something you can take. The rest of the year is so beautiful but July, August and especially September can be brutal.

To give a broad brush opinion. Been living in Palm Beach County (yes, chadland)for 20 years. The East coast tends to be populated by a NE migration while I've heard the West coast gets more of its transplants from the Midwest area. Depending on where your from this may translate into a mix of people that suit you. Anything South of our area I consider very crowded but along with that comes activity. Our area has a growing cultural presence and great accessible, free beaches and all the golf you can ask for. As noted, you really need to visit, perhaps rent and find your mix. <BR>Would totally stay away from the Keys. Nice place to visit once or twice LOL <BR>Good Luck

Gary: <BR>Why do you assume the 'whole world' wishes they could retire in Florida? Have you visted any other retirement havens? While I recognize that Florida has its upsides, I detest Florida and am glad that not everyone wants to retire in San Diego or Scottsdale or Santa Barbara. <BR>As for your question, the answer has been given: the character of the two coasts and Keys is unique to each. Only you will be able to tell which area suits your tastes best. But I agree that the Keys are probably not what you're looking for based on your criteria. And certainly not the south Atlantic coast. Spend some time along the Gulf coast then north Atlantic and you'll likely discover which suits you best.

If I could retire to Florida I would retire on Sanibel Island - dreamy, dreamy, dreamy...... some of the best shelling beaches in the country, quiet, not zoned to death with chain establishments, environmentally friendly and responsible.... to go into "the city" hop on the causeway to Ft. Myers and Naples, but live in Sanibel.

First..to the person who thinks we're off topic...I don't think so...I think this is a very interesting question...many are thinking the same thoughts... <BR> <BR>The NY Times has a special retirement section today regarding retirement. One couple retired to Mexico. They suggested that Florida was a destination people retired 'to die'...while I don't agree, their take on retirement living sounds like yours, except for the FLA part. It's a very interesting read and I suggest you get on line and take a look... <BR> <BR>Regading the Keys...I absolutely love Key West. There are many nice condos and homes one could look at regarding retirement. It's diverse and has a good mix of different lifestyle options. The only problem with Key West is HURRICANES....that would be a big problem with me. <BR> <BR>In the end I think all you are asking for are recommendations of what people think are good areas of Fla to retire...i.e., but I believe FLA is evolving into a more diversified mix of people. With technology replacing industry, I think more and more people from all age groups will be migrating down there. <BR> <BR>I know I am thinking of getting out of the NE and I''m not even 50 yet! <BR>

Maggie & Gary, housing costs in Key West are very expensive, plus you have to deal with mosquitos, hot, hot, hot in the summer and droves of tourists in the winter months. Key West is fast becoming a popular cruise ship stop and that means more crowds. <BR> <BR>I personally like Ft. Lauderdale. There are a number of companies there, great restaurants, clubs, pro teams and lots to do if you are active. <BR> <BR>

Thanks to all who responded. We have planned to spend some time traveling the state but wanted a general overview from some folks knowledgable prior to crusing around. thanks for your time.

So..... Gary is married to Chuck.... <BR>Did I miss something in this thread? <BR>

Gary, Be sure to check out the Tampa Bay area. Lively dance clubs when you want 'em, gorgeous beaches (I live in a stilt house on Treasure Island a half block from the beach). Nice mix of ages, we moved here in our twenties and raised a family here (still in the process!). It's great to come home from a day of work or shopping to our "little beach paradise". <BR> <BR>Stay away from Naples area. Growth out of control, and much higher cost of living (gasoline, housing etc.) <BR> <BR>Joan

we are not retired, but we were transferred to Jacksonville about two years ago. We reside in PonteVedra, just a little south of Jacksonville; between Jacksonville and St. Augustine. We absolutly love it. I would also highly recommend the Georgia Coast--Jeckyll and St. Simons Islands which are also very close to Florida and are extremely beautiful. Good luck in your search.

TO DIANE in Ponte Vedra: <BR>Have been watching TPC which has us thinking <BR>about Ponte Vedra. How long does it take to drive from Jacksonville airport <BR>to PV? Any rec's for 5 star accomodation?

suggest gulf side - much quieter