RE Jan 2016 moving to Florida,

[Dash man]

We bought a second home in Florida ten years ago just north of Tampa and 30 minutes from Clearwater Beach. We just sold it (closing next week) since the traffic has become unbearable and new developments all over the place. We recently bought a condo right on the beach on the east coast north of Ft Lauderdale for our new winter home. It's got a direct view of the ocean and no high rise next to us on our side of the towers, so the view is remarkable! The fees are largely offset by losing the maintenance cost of the house we just sold. We're on the 8th floor with hurricane impact windows, so we should be okay as far as storms go. Our PA home has been hit by two hurricanes since Florida got their last one, though I know that won't last. The condo is 1200 square ft compared to the 2100 sq ft house we sold, but it's well laid out and plenty of room for guests and we gave a beautiful pool and direct beach access. We're also close to the major cruise ports, which we will love using for our three or four cruises a year.


Enjoying life!

[INTJ10]

We transplanted from upstate NY to Tampa about 8 months ago. We really like it. There is a lot to do if you like to be outside. We like outside activities like golf, beaches, kayaking, biking, hiking, etc. The traffic near Tampa can be bad if you need to travel during rush hour. We are still working but we have very easy commutes because we chose to live near work. If you were retired, I think you could avoid most of the problems by timing your trips.

It is usually hot. The sun is very intense so you have to make accommodations that you don't have to worry about up North (sunscreen, hats, plan for shade, etc.).

[StuckinCT]

Interesting to hear comments on Sarasota and Tampa regarding congestion, as I notice it every time I visit, BIG difference from 20 years ago in Sarasota. I really think Sarasota is overdeveloped.

[Gone4Good]

I'd consider FL as a base for when we're not traveling. Our problem is that we're really keen to live in a city where we don't need a car every time we want or need to go somewhere. That rules out most of the U.S. and much of Florida outside of Miami.

Anyone know of any good walkable Floridian cities or towns?

[REWahoo]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gone4Good Anyone know of any good walkable Floridian cities or towns?

Guess you've ruled out The Villages?

[Gone4Good]

Quote:

Originally Posted by REWahoo Guess you've ruled out The Villages?

Had to look it up but I'd say The Villages has ruled us out for at least another 10 years. We'll probably rule it out thereafter, though.

[simple girl]

Excited to join this thread! We have a contract in on a townhouse in Sarasota. We have been visiting our best friends there yearly for the past 10 years and cannot wait to move there!

For now, it will be a second home, but hoping to get transferred down there late summer/fall (hubby still working).

I think downtown Sarasota is pretty walkable, Gone4good. But not cheap. We will be living about 10 min or so from downtown.

[Gone4Good]

Quote:

Originally Posted by simple girl I think downtown Sarasota is pretty walkable, Gone4good. But not cheap. We will be living about 10 min or so from downtown.

Thanks for the suggestion.

As far as prices go, our original home and default base is the New York City area, so most places look "cheap" by comparison . . . and spacious.

[simple girl]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gone4Good Thanks for the suggestion. As far as prices go, our original home and default base is the New York City area, so most places look "cheap" by comparison . . . and spacious.

True that!