Seaside : Florida

What Seaside is like for active adults

Seaside is a planned, mixed generation community in Florida's Panhandle,midway between Fort Walton Beach and Panama City. It is one of the first examples of the New Urbanism style of architecture, a retrospective treatment in which houses have front porches and people are encouraged to walk rather than drive their cars. Andres Duany and Elizabeth Plater-Zyberk were the architects. Driveways and garages are usually hidden so that the town has a pedestrian orientation. Many famous architects have built homes here for clients. There are many recreational and communal activities to choose from. Seaside was the setting for The Truman Show, shot here in 1998.

Seaside is a mixed-age community, where people of all ages live together. Many residents rent out their homes; the town is often thought of as more of a popular vacation destination than a permanent community. Prices of homes can easily go into the millions. For more details see the basic listing at Seaside

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What is special about this retirement community

This is one of the leading edge communities in the country and definitely worth a visit. You can own here or rent for a vacation. Being a mixed generation community makes it more interesting than just being 55+

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What is not special about this retirement community

Many people complain that new urbanism type communities like Seaside lack imagination and soul. They aren't for everyone. Since many people use Seaside as a resort it tends to lack a permanent sense of community. It is also very expensive.

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What kinds of people like retiring here

People who love the idea of new urbanism and its re-creation of a small town community.

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Local economy is driven by

Tourism

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Climate and Physical Environment

Seaside is on the northern, Gulf coast of Florida on the panhandle.

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Cultural environment

Seaside has many activities but the nearest serious cultural activities are probably in Tallahassee

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Medical facilities

Nearest medical facilities (and airports) of any size would be in Fort Walton Beach or Panama City.

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Transportation

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Valuable Links

Seaside website
Wikipedia entry for Seaside

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Facts about SEASIDE

State: FL
Environment: Coastal,Small Town,
City Population: 10,000-25,000
Median age of Population: 45-64
Avg Jan Temperature: 41-60
Median HH Income: 60,001-80,000
Average Home Price (MLS): $300,001-$500,000
Annual Property Tax on a $200,000 house: NA
Total Crime Index: <80 (Very low)
Cost of Living Index: 111-120 (high)
Culture Index: 101-110 (slightly above average)
State Sales Tax: Yes
State Income Tax: No
Name of the Guide: jb

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