USVI-On-Line

CG's cat transport question got my retirement planning juices stirred up again. We're still at least a couple of years away. We've ruled out the Caribbean or other countries. We are drawn to Arizona--the Flagstaff/Sedona area. We do also like the idea of Florida, but haven't been many places there, mostly to the Keys and Sanibel. We really don't have even general impressions of areas, towns, cities. I'd be very interested in hearing about places or areas that folks are familiar with that they'd consider a really pleasant place to retire to. Thanks.

I always thought I would retire to Fla, but now that I am older, I can't stand the heat. I did use to live in Punta Gorda and Port Charlotte back in the 70's, when there was nothing there, so if I ever make it back down there, that is where it will be.

Also, now that our son has moved to Northern California (bless his heart) , we'll probably be heading out west somewhere...maybe.

I would love to go live a year in Alaska. When we do finally sell our house, we will be nomads for a couple of years and check out Europe and the States. Fingers crossed and the creak don't rise.

I love Punta Gorda

What's Punta Gorda like? What do you like about it?

Punta gorda is a small town easy to get around it has a canal system so you can tie up your boat behind your house, not near as busy as fort meyer but you are close enough to it for the airport

Punta Gorda looks really nice. Putting that on my list for further research.

We recently purchased a small bungalo in Dunedin, Florida. We love the area. It's on the Gulf Coast just north of Clearwater.
There's a great downtown area with shops, restaurants, bars and a beautiful marina. During the winter, there is a Green Market downtown on Friday and Saturday. There is also a First Friday of the Month Art and Wine Walk hosted by the restaurants, shops and bars. We have a Mardi Gras parade and a very lively St. Patrick's Day parade. Truly a fun place to live! Oh, and there's also a 31 mile bike/walking trail that goes from Clearwater to Tarpon Springs.
Clearwater Beach is beautiful, but tends to get really crowded and touristy.
Honeymoon Island and Caladesi Island are state parks and both have outstanding, gorgeous beaches and are both in Dunedin. I'd be happy to answer any questions.

Lex,
My sister and husband built a home in Punta Gorda years ago. Built their boat dock first, then the house. They own a good size Trawler and travel across the "Lake" to the intercoastal & head up the east coast often. If they hit bad weather or need to head home for a bit (they are retired but are boat sales people)then they dock their boat and rent a car and drive back. They meet fellow boaters up for various festivals, etc. It's a great life. And they've met some really great friends.

I think they'd like to do the full circle someday and come back down the Mississippi. It can take over a full year. Anyone here done it or know someone that has?

There was a hurricane that hit Punta Gorda a few years ago, can't remember the name of it. Their home survived pretty well. Some didn't at all. But the town rebuilt and is a great community. It seemed rare to me that a hurricane would turn and head into that cove.

Check it out! Very friendly place.

I remember when the hurricane hit Punta Gorda, but I can't remember its name, either. Our friends in Fort Myers delivered trucks full of water & supplies up to them in the aftermath.

We chose Cape Coral as our "retirement" city after visiting our friends in Fort Myers several years ago and falling in love with the area. Things are very depressed there right now, and we are getting hammered to death by California, and if we stay here we will have to work at least part-time until we die! We will be able to move from our zero lot line townhouse into a single family home with a pool, and most likely on a canal with a dock, for half of what we pay now for our mortgage + association fees + HELOC. We can get rid of all of that by moving to Cape Coral and we'll never have to work again. Cape Coral + debt free = paradise.

CA Girl,
You have made a great decision! Property now in FL is cheap.

My sister built her custom home for $200,000. Before the hurricane it was valued at twice that. Now it's back down again...which makes it a great time to buy down there. But let's face it...one doesn't build or buy a home in FL to make equity and resell it, normally, do they? My parents moved there as their final place to enjoy life.

We're pretty much in your same boat as are a lot of folks.

You're making a smart move. Good for you!

Can't wait to hear about your travels and adventures. Oh and check out the "senior" discounts at restaurants, etc. Plus even the cost of food seemed cheaper.

I know you're probably not cruisers, but we have friends that live down there and drive to the ports and get a great outside cabin and cruise for a week for almost nothing at the last minute. They just hang out and get a last minute deal.

You're paving the way for the rest of us.

California Girl wrote:I remember when the hurricane hit Punta Gorda, but I can't remember its name, either. Our friends in Fort Myers delivered trucks full of water & supplies up to them in the aftermath.

We chose Cape Coral as our "retirement" city after visiting our friends in Fort Myers several years ago and falling in love with the area. Things are very depressed there right now, and we are getting hammered to death by California, and if we stay here we will have to work at least part-time until we die! We will be able to move from our zero lot line townhouse into a single family home with a pool, and most likely on a canal with a dock, for half of what we pay now for our mortgage + association fees + HELOC. We can get rid of all of that by moving to Cape Coral and we'll never have to work again. Cape Coral + debt free = paradise.

And it's five hours closer to St. John

Terry wrote:one doesn't build or buy a home in FL to make equity and resell it, normally, do they?

Well, that's not our plan. At our age (62) we aren't looking for an investment opportunity, especially in an area that will probably take many years to come back, economically. We plan to rent at first, and take time to look around and get familiar with the area. It's possible we might buy if we find our "dream home" at the right price, however!

sailorgirl wrote: And it's five hours closer to St. John

You read my mind!

Tom, now you've got me interested in Punta Gorda. It's really pretty there...and maybe a little greener, as well. I found some really pretty places for rent at extremely reasonable prices.

Decisions! Decisions!

But the down side you would have to put up with me for at least one week every year when I'm down visiting friends.