Snow Bird - Move to SW Florida

[Jeff L]

My NJ home goes on the market on May 1st.. Expectations are that it will go within 90 days.
Youngest heads to college and the other is heading out on his own. My wife and I would finish out the summer on our 42 Sedan (full time living) in LBI, NJ. Winters in SW Florida where we are looking for a 2-3 bedroom town - (must have a dock and water view on the intercostal)
I also have a 24 Deck boat that we will trailer down for the Winters .. Beach, day-dinner cruise and raft up. The 42 will stay in NJ for our summer living..

We had zeroed in on the Treasure Island, Maderia beach and Tierra Verde..
We kinda liked Tierra as more of a quieter (less congested and touristy)
Concern with Tierra would be the weekend traffic to Desoto Beach ?? Drawbridge ??
Is that a concern ? For me, I am a national traveler so TPA needs to be within 45 mins..

I am looking for some SW Floridians to provide some advice.. with regards to:
1. Location
2. Boating
3. Traffic concerns
4. Other concerns that I might need to consider..

I appreciate any "words of wisdom"

 

[MikeBravo]

My NJ home goes on the market on May 1st.. Expectations are that it will go within 90 days.
Youngest heads to college and the other is heading out on his own. My wife and I would finish out the summer on our 42 Sedan (full time living) in LBI, NJ. Winters in SW Florida where we are looking for a 2-3 bedroom town - (must have a dock and water view on the intercostal)
I also have a 24 Deck boat that we will trailer down for the Winters .. Beach, day-dinner cruise and raft up. The 42 will stay in NJ for our summer living..

We had zeroed in on the Treasure Island, Maderia beach and Tierra Verde..
We kinda liked Tierra as more of a quieter (less congested and touristy)
Concern with Tierra would be the weekend traffic to Desoto Beach ?? Drawbridge ??
Is that a concern ? For me, I am a national traveler so TPA needs to be within 45 mins..

I am looking for some SW Floridians to provide some advice.. with regards to:
1. Location
2. Boating
3. Traffic concerns
4. Other concerns that I might need to consider..

I appreciate any "words of wisdom"

Jeff,
I'm a realtor in Treasure Island. The area is great and has beautiful beaches. Winter season has a lot of traffic, but you learn how to deal with it. From my house , on a canal leading to Boca Ciega Bay, I can walk to many restaurants and bars as well as the beach. Boating is fun with a lot of boat up bars and restaurants as well as sand bars. Heck you can even take your boat to the local Publix and pick up your groceries. As stated there is a fair amount of traffic in the winter, but manageable. Tierra Verde is quieter but also away from the action. Tierra Verde does have a lot of townhomes with good water access. Please feel free to PM me and I'll provide my cell if you have further questions.
Mike