Zippy, I'm a recent retiree and also single. I struggled with the same decision so I did both. I have a house in the Villages and one in southeast Florida two miles from the beach.
If you can't do both, it comes down to a decision between wanting all the activities and other attractions of the Villages, or do you want the beach lifestyle? Unless you'd like to be at the beach or on the water almost every day, my opinion is that the Villages will keep you more engaged with a wider variety of things to do in your retirement.
If you consider doing both like some of us here, you might be surprised how cheap a decent condo can be near the beach. Check out condos on or near Daytona Beach.
This also comes right to mind, in Delray Beach, a happening place in southeast Florida. You can still get a one bedroom for under $50k. But yes, condos have monthly fees. You can expect $250-600 for those, for all the amenities, water, cable, etc.
Kings Point, Delray Beach, FL Real Estate & Homes for Sale | realtor.com(R)