US News & World Reports just rated Sarasota as "#1 best place to retire" in US.
Sarasota was also ranked #16 as best place to live for all ages.
If you're consdering the shoreline then that seems to be a good place to visit.

Zippy - Did you also propose your question to the residents of Sarasota (like a next door neighbor site or equivalent of TOTV) ? Of course that would be the best way to get of a getting a fair evaluation. I would be interested in their replies.

We didnt even consider anyplace but SE coast of Florida because of the weather being much better than Central Florida. Cooler in the Summer and warmer in the Winter. After the hurricanes we moved to The Villages and dont regret the decision. But do miss the beach.

Good grief, don't be influenced by people who have never lived by the beach. At your age and single, go for it. Buy something simple, not in a FEMA flood zone. Even better, rent a condo and spend the rest on a boat. Florida's crown jewel is its shoreline. Can be a life changing experience. Doesn't have to be forever. Save The Villages for when you are ready to slow down.

Ron (Long Island, North Palm Beach, The Villages)

We had a house in Key Largo for 14 years. As we got closer to full retirement we spent more and more time down there. While we were still working it was great. Relaxing fishing, diving, fun bars and restaurants. But that can only keep you so busy. We visited friends in The Villages and were sold on the amount of physical activity. After 2 years in The Villages, we sold the house in Key Largo. We bought another boat and keep it at Crystal River so I can still fish. When we want a beach day, we go to Clearwater. Building in The Villages was a great decision for us, absolutely no regrets!!

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simple answer. Do #1>

1) Move to TV get a house and cart and make lots of new friends and commence with having fun.

And simply wait for some time, perhaps a decade or two. If the Global Warming folks are correct, The Villages will be prime Florida beachfront (both Ocean & Gulf) properties

2) Move to the shore area to enjoy what makes FL special, the awesome beautiful beach communities that put you in that everyday vacation spirit.

So is sinkhole insurance!!!

If you are thinking of the coast here are some suggestions: Stuart (we lived there 20 years), Port St Lucie, Fort Pierce, Sebastian, Jupiter, Melborne, Sarasota.
Honestly, while we love The Villages, we were shocked when we drove through the Leesburg area 14 years ago at the dumpiness of the area outside The Villages. Its improved since then a little but do miss Stuart.

More bang for the buck here in The Villages, that's why I made the move here. If I could afford more, The Villages would not be my first choice.

Edited:

The single life for a mid to younger 60's male is not all that's cracked up to be here....that is ...unless you are into "mature" "single"?? women a decade or two older. The truth hurts!

If you really love the beach rent for a month or two to really get a feel. Siesta key, Naples, between St Pete and Clearwater or many Atlantic coast area’s then rent in TV for 2 months. Nothing like the feel of looking out over the water and going for the walk on the beach. But community, activities, ect in TV is hard to beat. Traffic and people are everywhere especially winter. Or buy in TV and spend a couple weeks a quarter at the beach. Singles are everywhere and easy to meet. That depends on you. Wish you the best!

I lived in Sarasota back in the 80s but not on any of the keys. But it was a 15 minute drive to Siesta Key Beach. It was nice but I don't know what I'd do there now. Back then we were raising kids and working so it was a different life.

I take it you don't consider I-75 or the Turnpike major highways????

Sarasota has become an overcrowded area. I remember when University Parkway from 41 was a 2 lane road up to I-75. Now it's an 8 lane divided highway with mega malls on either side . We have friends living about 10 minutes from SR41. It takes them almost 50 minutes on any given day to get to St. Armands Circle.

Only run north and south as most major highway in Florida except I-10 and I-75 across Everglades. Fine in you’re going north or south.

I can vouch for that. The reason I'm not in the Villages year round is because the winters are waaaay too cold in the Villages. (This winter is an exception because I'm remodeling). And summers too hot. Southeast FL's climate is much better those two seasons.