1. "...the upkeep around salt-air and ocean winds and storm is something else..."

I have the feeling a lot of people completely overlook this until they learn the hard way.


2. Ah, "Youth is a wonderful thing. What a crime to waste it on children."
- George Bernard Shaw

I understand what you are saying,but this old thing does not fly with many retirees. There are still a lot more people staying near the beaches then leaving. Many have a second homes down here and do understand the risks. I am not a retiree,but I know many who are and just go with the flow. Yes,having money does help.

As an update prices in many area have fallen like a rock. We chose Apollo Beach beacase it is close to Tampa International and cultural events. I had lots of frequent flier miles.

It is impossible to give you advice with the information you provided.

Here is the problem...while your price range fives you great flexibility from South Beach to Clearwater, what I cannot tell is what sort of lifestyle are you after. I have moved 8 times in south florida until I finally found what I liked. Even in Miami, one neighborhood can be RADICALLY different from another just 5 miles away.

Personally I could not imagine living anywhere outside of South Beach...but that is me. I finally found my heart in Bal Harbour...quiet at night, but within 8 minutes of South Beach.

A 900 sq' condo on the ocean in Bal Harbour will cost you 600k...for the same money you can probably get a 1400sq foot in Delray Beach...but if it were me, I would rather commit suicide then live there!

So my advice...since this is a HUGE investment...is rent a condo in a few places that you think you might like and try it out.

The condo market is SO OVERSOLD right now, there is thousands of units that people are DYING to rent out on almost any terms just to pay the note on it!

It is a great time to buy...but the last thing you want is to end up with a condo somewhere you do not want to live, and then have a hard time selling it.

Mark...I just want to pass by that comment
one more time.
You would rather commit suicide than live in Delray Beach?
Have you been here recently?

Ohh I know...Delray has CHANGED big time...but still I need to be around the "center of gravity" south beach...kind of like a moth around the flame....so like I said...dont read anything into what I said except that there are many many neighborhoods that will in one way or another be a good personal fit.