Possibly moving to Gulf Coast FL... any suggestions

[Big 0]

I figure this will give us a good idea how far that area is from Tampa. Not like I'd be going to Tampa regularly, but on the occasion I want to get to a larger airport, go to a show, a sporting event... it's nice to know how far that area is from Tampa.

After we discovered Sarasota when we took our daughter to a pre-college program at Ringling College of Art and Design, we spent the next two spring breaks on Siesta Key in order to scout out potential places to live, IMO you are doing the right thing. As I stated previously we chose the Palmer Ranch area due to close proximity to the lower access to Siesta Key, Stickney Point Road. The northern access is in an even more congested area close to downtown. We didn’t consider living on Siesta Key for a multitude of reasons, one of which was getting on and off the island during certain times of the year that might be a one to two hour trip just to get on the mainland.

Tampa is nearer time wise the closer one lives to I-75. It could take you 15 minutes or more just to access the freeway depending upon where you live (another reason we chose were we did). We have gone to events in Tampa, St. Pete, Naples, etc. so it hasn’t been too bad traveling up there. Both Tampa and Ft. Meyers airports are about equidistant from us, a little over an hour away. St. Pete and Punta Gorda airports are closer, but with limited flights on limited airlines.

 

[Lion84]

Yeah... I am not sure where I will end up. Most likely stay here in Delray Beach, but have thought about Jupiter area and New Smyrna/St. Augustine as well... even thought about Naples and Sarasota. For now we love Delray and Atlantic Ave. Our house is paid for and live about a mile from the beach. Here we are for now and who knows long term. My other half really enjoys it here in Delray so it would take a lot for her to move.

I like St. Augustine - Nice restaurants but a bit touristy. I know you live down there and I have been going to Palm Coast for 30 years visiting retired parents but went once in August and that did it for me for ever wanting to live there. I hate the winter up here in NEPA but at least you can put on more cloths to keep warm - there is only so many you can take off. I guess that's why people are snow birds.

 

[mrtailgate]

If you want to consider St Pete, let me know and I connect you with a great realtor there. She knows the area and lives in it, so she could tell you everything about the market, etc. St Pete is a great town with a lot of life to it.

 

[Kiber]

After we discovered Sarasota when we took our daughter to a pre-college program at Ringling College of Art and Design, we spent the next two spring breaks on Siesta Key in order to scout out potential places to live, IMO you are doing the right thing. As I stated previously we chose the Palmer Ranch area due to close proximity to the lower access to Siesta Key, Stickney Point Road. The northern access is in an even more congested area close to downtown. We didn’t consider living on Siesta Key for a multitude of reasons, one of which was getting on and off the island during certain times of the year that might be a one to two hour trip just to get on the mainland.

Tampa is nearer time wise the closer one lives to I-75. It could take you 15 minutes or more just to access the freeway depending upon where you live (another reason we chose were we did). We have gone to events in Tampa, St. Pete, Naples, etc. so it hasn’t been too bad traveling up there. Both Tampa and Ft. Meyers airports are about equidistant from us, a little over an hour away. St. Pete and Punta Gorda airports are closer, but with limited flights on limited airlines.

Thanks. I like the idea of easy access to the beach areas, but also access to highways. For me personally, the first 5-10 years I'd still maintain my business and the majority of my clients are Atlanta area, so getting to Tampa airport with relative ease about once per month for pop in client visits to Atlanta is important. My wife would like to be 3 steps to the beach, but that may not be realistic. A 1-15 minute easy drive probably is not a deal breaker for her.

Question about Palmer Ranch... It seems like a planned community?? Are there sections of Palmer ranch that are golf cart communities?

 

[bwifan]

I like St. Augustine - Nice restaurants but a bit touristy. I know you live down there and I have been going to Palm Coast for 30 years visiting retired parents but went once in August and that did it for me for ever wanting to live there. I hate the winter up here in NEPA but at least you can put on more cloths to keep warm - there is only so many you can take off. I guess that's why people are snow birds.

Anymore it seems eastern PA gets just as hot and humid as Florida in the summer. My parents still live in Doylestown and I go back to visit often. I have gotten used to it and to me really doesn't feel that hot in the summer down here as long as you stay near the water. Inland around Orlando is brutal with heat and humidity. We have had a nice sea breeze for several days here now. I do miss the mountains in PA... We had a family house in Sullivan county for 60 years and sold it not too long ago. Still have family in New Foundland, PA as well. Getting stir crazy here thinking of an late August or Sept trip to Colorado or Utah and do some hiking in the mountains.

 

[Big 0]

I lived in southern Delaware for many years. The summers there are worse than Sarasota with higher humidity and higher temperatures by 3-5 degrees. I remember going to bed at 11PM with temps in the low 80’s and getting up at 6-6:30 AM with temps in the low 80’s.

 

[PSU1985]

Thanks. I like the idea of easy access to the beach areas, but also access to highways. For me personally, the first 5-10 years I'd still maintain my business and the majority of my clients are Atlanta area, so getting to Tampa airport with relative ease about once per month for pop in client visits to Atlanta is important. My wife would like to be 3 steps to the beach, but that may not be realistic. A 1-15 minute easy drive probably is not a deal breaker for her.

Question about Palmer Ranch... It seems like a planned community?? Are there sections of Palmer ranch that are golf cart communities?

I live in NW Bradenton. About 4 miles from the beautiful beaches of Anna Maria Island. While I work from home 99% of the time, my "office" is technically in Tampa and I have to make that 50-55 minute trip 1-2 times per month. This area of Bradenton is ideal for my family. Slower pace, older Florida, but certainly getting more and more crowded. I moved down from CT 4 years ago and love it. Let me know if you have questions, etc.

 

[bwifan]

Good song to listen to while house hunting...

 

[Kiber]

So for those who know Siesta Key Beach ... I am using that as "home base" for a week or two in Nov. while we scout the areas. Any suggestions on Siesta Key Beach as far as where is a good proximity to their little town? Is there a good/bad end of the island in terms of a better beach area?

I'll be coming down with wife & two kids (15 & 16). While my wife and I are scouting, I figure kids will hit the beach. At night, would like to be able to walk to restaurants / bars. Going to try and bring the dogs too. So, would be nice to be in a pretty pedestrian type area to walk dogs.

 

[bwifan]

So for those who know Siesta Key Beach ... I am using that as "home base" for a week or two in Nov. while we scout the areas. Any suggestions on Siesta Key Beach as far as where is a good proximity to their little town? Is there a good/bad end of the island in terms of a better beach area?

I'll be coming down with wife & two kids (15 & 16). While my wife and I are scouting, I figure kids will hit the beach. At night, would like to be able to walk to restaurants / bars. Going to try and bring the dogs too. So, would be nice to be in a pretty pedestrian type area to walk dogs.

Enjoy... I have to say I moved down from PA about 6 years ago and really enjoy the lifestyle. I am so much more active year round outdoors and exercise. Plus the beautiful sun and warmth will do you well... I don't miss the nor'easters and 3-4 days of rain and cold/damp. I go back up to visit my parents and find it depressing at times, I miss the sun and warmth. When I want cold and snow I go out west skiing for 4-5 days get my fix of snow and fly back, walk off the plane and its upper 70s or 80. A lot less aches and pains the warmth does my old cranky body well.

 

[Big 0]

[QUOTE="Kiber, post: 4975850, member: 797
Question about Palmer Ranch... It seems like a planned community?? Are there sections of Palmer ranch that are golf cart communities?[/QUOTE]

Palmer Ranch is a planned community with multiple developments, most of which are gated. I’m sure you can drive a street legal golf cart in any of them. Prestancia, one of the older developments has a TPC golf course. There are a couple of other golf course communities as well.

The north end of Siesta Key is where Siesta Key Village is located. Not real large, but has shops, restaurants and bars. It’s only a few blocks long.

And if you are flying to Atlanta, Sarasota has a nice airport with a fair amount of flights to and from Atlanta.

 

[throw2oj]

Not sure if you’re particular about airlines, but Southwest is big in the Fort Myers airport for some reason. So it could be option for flying if you wanted to seriously consider anywhere further down the coast.

I flew down from Baltimore to have lunch once because SWA had like 49 buck tickets. Hopped in a rental and went straight to the water. Fun little trip.