west coast move
 

having traveledv all over the state of florida for years.im looking to purchase property somewhere on the gulf coast south of st.petersberg.wife and i are going to relocate in approx.5yrs.i would like to know of an area thats going to remain somewhat quiet and not as congestied as other areas are becoming.i know no one has acrystal ball but suggestions are appreciated,thanks.

Too bad you wanted S of St Pete. I was thinking of Cedar Key. Have you ever checked there? Cedar Key is a city on a group of islands located 50 miles west of I-75 at Gainesville, Florida, via State Road 24, four miles out into the Gulf of Mexico, accessible by bridges and causeways. It is at approximately the same latitude as Ocala and Daytona Beach. Majority of population is over 45.

http://www.epodunk.com/cgi-bin/genIn...?locIndex=8405

Another vote is for the Sanibel area. Ft Myers is close enough for civilization if you want it.

We just spentthe last 6 years living in the Tarpon Springs area which is northern Pinnellas county,in the East Lake area.We loved it, but I always liked the Sarasota, Bradenton area a little better because it was a smaller town feel with a lot less traffic and congestion than either Pinnellas county or Hilsborough in the Tampa Bay area.It is also less ridden with bigger city crime than some other areas. We moved for family reasons or we would still be enjoying the sunshine and warm weather. I hope this helps. Good Luck!

Not knowing what you're looking for (condo, high-rise, house) it's difficult to advise but I'd suggest you check out the city of Anna Maria on Anna Maria Island. It's at the northern tip of the island so there is not a lot of traffic because the road only goes there and nowhere else.

"i would like to know of an area thats going to remain somewhat quiet and not as congestied as other areas are becoming.i know no one has acrystal ball but suggestions are appreciated,thanks."

In other words you're looking for a remote place with absolutely no charm, and nothing going for it? If not, there is no way to expect it not to become popular and congested. Let's face it, if it is an attractive place to live, then you will not be the only person to discover it.
I suggest to avoid congestion, you move as far from the water as you can possibly stand, and look for an area that is primarily agriculture -- far from any city center. I'm thinking slightly east of Arcadia for example. It will probably be a number of years before that area develops. The closer you get to the Gulf, the quicker it will develop.

Some places (like Sunset Beach where I have a house, in St. Petersburg) are passing laws to limit height and density. Growing weary of high-rises and too much traffic. But then this is an area that is already thick with development that began in the 1920s.

Cedar Key is wonderful, although a little inconvienant. It's definatly worth a look, though.

Phillyfly,
If you are hoping to be somewhat near the Gulf, I'm afraid that even my once Mayberryish town of Englewood (farthest southern town in Sarasota County) has been discovered. The growth is tremendous, however, it still remains very low key compared to Sarasota. Going east of I-75 in Sarasota County you can find large properties with a more secluded feel, but do you want to be that far away from the beach?? There are properties close in that have lots of vegetation and I've been to many that have a very private feel.

It is a special area. Enjoy your search.