We own property in Destin but are having second thoughts on retiring there. We are looking for a more neighborly cozy area with cute shops and restaurants close by with less traffic and congestion.

Does anyone know anywhere in Florida or in a warm weather climate similar to this? I'd appreciate your suggestions. Thanks.

If you think anyone knows of a neighborly, cozy town with cute shops and restaurants which the hoardes haven't discovered yet, you must me joking.
There are roughly 10 million people looking for that very thing as we speak.
Naples used to be that -- but it was just what a million of those people were looking for.

You might like Mt. Dora, Florida. It's in the center of the state, so no easy beach access...but it is on a lake. The "downtown" area makes you feel like you stepped back in time. It's very quaint, and loaded up with boutiques, art galleries, antique shops, and restaurants. It draws some visitors from the surrounding areas who like to stroll around on weekends, but there's really not much in the way of traffic congestion there. Anyplace near the Gulf or ocean will be built up, busy and traffic-snarly...so if the beach is what you want, you're not going to be able to avoid it (unless you're very wealthy...then I would suggest you retire in Sanibel/Captiva).

Have you looked into Seaside Beach or Seagrove Beach, Florida? Both are about 30 miles east of Destin and are nice areas with beautiful beaches that aren't very crowded or touristy.

Gee ...... I don't think that Hillsboro Beach would work for you either.

Venice FL, just south of Sarasota. It's mostly a retirement community and fairly small (under 20,000 within the city limits). If you choose to live on the island of Venice you can walk to many small shops, restaurants, public beaches, etc.

I hear Deland, Florida is very nice!!

;-)

Deland is a college town and is very nice still. There are several state parks very close by...lots of bird and gator watching. There is a St. Joe community there, and even one section is only for seniors - Victoria Park. We had checked it our for some realtives and it is beautiful. Prices are climbing fast though!

I have lived in Florida for a number of years and had never visited Mt. Dora, until this past week. A quaint town with nice restaurants, boutiques, antique shops and bed and breakfasts.

We stayed at the Grandview Bed and Breakfast. A charming place with two wonderful hosts...try it, you'll like it.

Siesta Key, Lido Key, or Longboat Key ... all places near Sarasota.

Dunedin, perhaps? Naples it ain't, but it's artsy and has a surprising array of restaurants, walkable "downtown", on the water...

Fairhope, Alabama is very quaint and is where several family members are retiring. They love it! Ride bikes to the post office daily. They actually live in Montrose - beautiful property along the water.

If you've done the attractions in Orlando and are looking for small quiant towns, try Sanford, off 1-4, if you go east it's Sanford and west it's Mt Dora; both great small towns. Sanford is on the St John's River, great for a stroll. Residential and historic districts are on the National Register. Budding artist colony with working artists. 1st weekend in Dec is a fabulous home tour in the residentail district. See the Historic Sanford Welcome Ctr on 1st street for info.