It's all in what you're looking for, bobcathy1. The truth is that you can find areas to suit most any need or taste down here - so long as you realize that everything you or I mentioned is also the truth But I swear, I've never met anyone from Vermont down here - and that tells me something
I hope you find what you're looking for. And if you do, you can join in the "bitch" sessions with the rest of us
If you want water, Sarasota is beautiful. We lived in Tampa for years and loved it. For more solitude, but close to Tampa and reasonably priced, try Bradenton.
look into treasure island and the surrounding area also. within reasonable driving distance of Tampa.
States I never meet anyone from down here either.... Vermont Utah Arizona Oregon Oklahoma I guess they must like where they live?
Somehow I feel like a key deer and it is hunting season, so I hunker down in my den and only come out at dawn when the tourists are asleep...... This year so far, I have hardly ventured out of the boat! Might be why I haven't met tourists from those states!