Beach house/second home
 

If you wanted to buy a beach house (small single family home OR condo/townhome) within about two hours of TV where would you look and why?

Thanks in advance for your input.

kathy

First what side do you want bay, or Ocean. We used to have a place near St Johns pass, condo on the water, just down from the Don. As long as you could walk on the beach to where you wanted to go, it was great. Traffic was a nightmare. Now in SC on barrier. Great escape in the summer, still traffic, but the summer weather is worth it

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The best and most interesting place I found was a gated community Gulf Island Beach & Tennis Club condo group at 6000 Sea Ranch Drive in Hudson, Florida. It’s about 2 hours away and right on the Gulf shore. When I was looking a year ago, there were over 20 units for sale. Today, I only see one or two for sale. I preferred the units that where 1,200 plus square ft. units rather than the smaller units in the other condo association. The fees were reasonable and a year ago I maybe should have purchased one but was facing an open heart operation in July so I decided to wait. Now, only a few are listed for sale . I have provided a Zillow link and you can see what has been sold in the last year. Maybe more will be coming up for sale in the future.

Hudson FL For Sale by Owner (FSBO) - 1 Homes | Zillow

this is one of the 1,200 sq ft units that was sold or maybe still for sale ??

6035 Sea Ranch Dr Hudson, FL, 34667 - Apartments for Rent | Zillow

and maybe this one - the best - maybe I sill should purchase one??

6035 Sea Ranch Dr UNIT 904, Hudson, FL 34667 | MLS #W7831776 | Zillow

If you purchase one, how about letting me say in it for a week as a finders fee.:icon_wink:

We go to both the Atlantic and Gulf beaches from time to time for a getaway. However, we just rent and don't want the cost nor responsibility for a second home (been there done that). That said, the gulf side is my personal preference, more activities and the ocean is calmer. The prior posters gave some good areas. Anywhere much north of Tampa becomes more remote, but perhaps that's appealing. Best wishes.

I like the Atlantic side because there is more wave action. I particularly like the Flagler Beach area because there's only one monstrous condo building. The rest are beach type homes like I remember from childhood. Also dogs are allowed on a lot of the beach in that area. We go there a few times a year to a '50s style motel--old but clean and dog friendly, nice restaurant next door. The beach is quiet, not crowded, and peaceful.

We grew up going to the NJ, Maryland and Outer Banks shores. I wish Florida's Atlantic coastline had waves as big as up those, but we'll take what we can get.

Open to either. Wintered in Pinellas County for several years so more familiar with the Gulf.

Do you worry about hurricanes in SC? That area seems to get hammered at times. Beautiful, though!

Thx.

k.

Beautiful area. Traffic did always seem heavy but we were usually there during snowbird season.

Thx.

k.

Looks like a great complex. Prices are reasonable, too, relatively speaking. Hubby misses sunsets over the water from when we spent winters in Pinellas County. The views would definitely appeal to him!

Thx.

k.

"Dog friendly beaches" is not a selling point for me, I'm afraid. Not a dog person. I have been afraid of dogs since I was a little kid. But "quiet/not crowded/peaceful" sounds good!

Thx.

k.

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That is a beautifully updated unit. The only thing that is a little disappointing is no balcony. But the price is amazing. I really didn't think condos were available in that area at that price anymore.

Thanks for the info!

k.

West coast, Cedar Key. East Coast, Flagler Beach. Lots of choices.

Cedar key

I also looked at Cedar Key for a place with a view on the shoreline. Almost purchased a unit in the complex but the other costs and insurance was high. Plus, locals warned me about the buggy season. I hate flying bugs of all kinds. And you had to climb stairs which I can do now but maybe not later. It is a fun place to visit in the right season. So, my choice would still be that complex in Hudson on the water for views and to boat.

One unit in Cedar Key that I saw
52 2nd St #A4, Cedar Key, FL 32625 | Zillow

From Venice to Englewood. Great area for Gulf Front and ICW.
Traffic is not bad. A lot of nature preserves etc.

A bit too remote for me. I love my fast food and Cedar Key doesn't look like Fast Food Heaven.

Thx.

k.

I've never visited this area. I'll have to take a look.

Thx.

k.

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For better or worse, I took my own advice and pulled the plug on the purchase of a condo at 6035 Sea Ranch. Now comes the fun part of cleaning, painting and moving in furniture. Thankfully my brother has returned for Ohio for a few weeks to help with this project as he’s a part owner. This will be an adventure again owning a second home this time looking right at the sea. As time is running short, I am pleased to have the opportunity to do this now and sorry to say there are no more condos for sale at this time in the Gulf Island Beach and Tennis Club complex for those that still might be looking.

Congratulations! Good for you. The real estate market is bonkers right now, low inventory everywhere. Glad you got your little piece of heaven. I'm still thinking about a beach place. We shall see!

k.