Howdy Hive...I'm talking with the wife about possibly retiring from Vegas to southwest Florida maybe in a few years.
I'm a fireman and I'm now fully eligible to retire although I won't fully max out my retirement for another 4 years, give or take a few months. I'm about fed up with Nevada going full-on demotard, and I'm missing being close to the water (born and raised in SoCal by the beach). Tired of 116 degree summers and sometimes below freezing winters, and the dry-ass air (we always feel so good going anywhere there is humidity).
Here's what I'm thinking:
Buy a lot on the water and build so we can have a diveable/fishable boat with a lift and Sea Doos, with close direct water access to the southern gulf waters/Keys.
I was a scuba instructor for many years and grew up water skiing, surfing, snorkeling and boating. Getting back to the water is becoming more of a priority. I'm thinking the southwestern waters in Florida will offer us what we are looking for.
I've been looking on Zillow for real estate to wrap my head around certain areas. Please tell me pros and cons of the following areas:
St Pete
Cape coral
Fort Meyers
Punta Gorda
Port Charlotte
I have travelled extensively in the Caribbean and have lived in the country of Jordan for 2 years, and have been in Vegas for 22 years. I know heat and humidity!
We have 2 sons ages 8 & 11 so schools are obviously a factor.
Fire off some advice and give some feedback on other areas I might be overlooking or haven't heard about yet.
Thanks!