I love the beach, but I’m not a sun-worshipper, nor a beach voyeur. Sometimes Susan and I go to the shore to stroll along the border between earth and sea. Other times we bring chairs, sun umbrella, and a chilled bottle of sauvignon blanc to kick back and unwind. Sanibel’s 15 miles of beaches offer us peace, quiet, and often solitude. This suits us now.
But not always. When I was in my 20’s and lived in Miami, I enjoyed the action and scene on Miami Beach. Crowded. Colorful. Commercial. Fun. Trendy bars and hip hotels. Impossible parking. As I grew older and life became more stressful this scene lost some appeal, and we seldom fought the crowds to stake our temporary claim in the Miami sand.
Sanibel and Miami Beach – these two places are near polar opposites, except they share sun, sand and surf. For us, the buzz of Miami Beach makes a fun weekend, but not a lifestyle.
Most Florida beach communities sit between these two extremes. Some heavily developed with highrise condos, others more pristine.
When you imagine beachfront living, what do you desire?
Florida boasts a diverse array of beach communities that cater to different tastes. Some, like Miami, are known for their luxury high rise condos, catering to those who relish the cosmopolitan lifestyle and the convenience of city living. On the other hand, you’ll find communities that are untouched by heavy development, where residents savor the natural beauty and serenity of the coast.
