Hey Guys--I'm wanting to buy a place in FL and need to narrow down areas to look. I'm 36, and can live anywhere east or west coast FL due to my job. I currently live inland, near the coast, north of Tampa, so am somewhat familiar with that area and have boated Clearwater. Looking for a waterfront home or condo in the $400-600K range, or something non-waterfront in the $200-300K range. What places in FL have decent property taxes and haven't gone completely crazy $$$ wise yet? Cape Coral? Marco Island? Looking for a spot with good boating restaurants, sand bars, etc.

Check out Melbourne and the beach area's on east coast center of the state.

I have lived in Naples for 35 now, its nice because its warmer during the winter but i love St Petersburg.

I live in Clearwater and boat all around Tampa, St. Pete, Clearwater and into Sarasota waters sometimes. There's no lack of sandbars and islands to hang out at around here but our boat-up bars leave a lot to be desired I think. If you don't mind running up into Tampa the selection is much better.

Greg Cashbar to the white courtesy phone.

I agree. You would think St. Pete/Clearwater would have more boat up restaurants and bars. That, and the high real estate + property taxes in Pinella's county have me looking elsewhere.

There's a few realtors on here that can probably give you some solid insight, CashBar. I think middle state on East coast as far as real estate goes is in your price range. I don't think you'll find better sandbars than on the West coast...between Tampa and Naples. Cape Coral/Fort Myers has some nice spots on the water, might have to idle a bit to get out, but you can be on the water. And you've got the FMO club right there that you can join up with for events.

I love Anna Maria Island, Sarasota. Easy access to both Bayside and Gulf. Awesome sandbar by Beercan Island in Longboat Pass.

Thanks! I'm pretty new to Florida, so can you guys explain the pros and cons to east and west coast Florida? East coast looks to be more vacation style condos than permanent residences?

Will follow the answers you get im also starting to look. East coast is my choice because i think, or have the feeling, it is a more fun, more populated in high perf boats, and more popular places to go wether it is bimini, miami, or down in the keys... but thats just based on my feeling, and i never been on the west coast... so im not a good judge!