Conference 7.286::golf

    Jim,
    
    Get this weeks U.S. News & World Report.  Has devoted the issue to just
    that subject....homes and markets.  Could be a good basis of info for
    you.
    
    SCD

    Re:                   <<< Note 1492.0 by DNEAST::STEVENS_JIM >>>

    Jim,
    
    My in-laws  live  in  a  relatively  new  town  in  West  Palm called
    Wellington.  It  has  3  clubs  in  town, The better know is the Palm
    Beach Polo and Country Club, also the Wellington  C.C.  and last one,
    I am not to sure of the exact name,  but  is  something like Coveview
    C.C.    (Shame  on  me,  because  that's  where my father-in-law  has
    membership).  Couples is the touring pro of the P.B.    Polo and  his
    wife plays polo there, so  I  think  they  live  in  town.   Chrylser
    has/had a tour stop here.
    
    Anyway, it is a  very nice, well kept community and the Coveview C.C.
    is  not as expensive as  the  other  clubs.    Is  is  not  an  adult
    community, so there is a good mix of ages.

    It  has all ranges of housing,  from  large  fairway  side  big-money
    houses to condos.   My in-laws live in a new, very nice single family
    two bedroom house that I think is in the $85-95K price range.
    
    The town is less than 15-20 minutes west of PB airport and about 1 hr
    to Lauderdale and less than 2 hrs to Miami, so it is well located.

    There are many other good courses around, like PGA and a Nicklaus one
    that I don't remember the name.
    
    This is the only area of Florida that I more or less know, so I can't
    compare it with anything else, but I think is something to look into.
    
    Tavo
    

    I chose the Naples Florida area.  Excellent climate, healthy economy,
    reasonable real estate market, golf par excellence, on the Gulf of
    Mexico away from the hustle and bustle of Greater Miami-Tampa-Orlando.
    
    Bought a house on the 10 th fairway of a semi-private club (means you
    can join the club for a decent rate because its also open to the
    public).  Rent the house which pays the mortage and taxes or rent
    seasonally so you can still use it.  AND its tax deductible (See an
    accountant for details and whether it makes sense for you as the tax
    laws vary dependent on your income, the use of the house or condo.)
    
    As stated earlier the golf in the Naples area is fantastic.  See some
    earlier notes in this confernce on Naples-Fort Myers golf.  Good luck.

One more "IF",

My wife wants to hit all the Red Sox games during Spring Training.
SO Ft. Meyers, may be the place...


Interesting...

Thanks..

Jim

    
    
    I just got back from a 2-week vaca in Florida....I stayed in Naples.
    That is a beautiful area....anyplace north or south of Naples is too
    built up.
    
    I played both Bonita Springs and Hunter's Ridge golf courses.  $36 for
    18-holes of golf with cart....$25 after 4:00 and you can walk the
    course...I'm not sure if you can do that during the day...both are
    narrow courses and flat courses..heck what isn't in Forida.
    Hunter's has lots of waters..and I heard there was a gator sliding 
    around the course near one of the little ponds.
    
    

    re .4  Fort Myers is the Spring Training camp for the Minnesota Twins. 
    I don't know where the Red Sox do spring training.

         God, you don't look old enough to even think about retiring!
    I did hear they have good retirement package at SUGARLOAF and we
    all know how much you enjoy playing that course.....you better get
    to the flat lands of Florida. What did you do fall into some money?
    Didn't you just buy land at Mingo Springs? Digital must be treating
    you right!!!! Catch ya later buddy!
    
    GORDI

    red sox will be spring training in fort meyers,
    beginning next year.

As -.1 said, the Sox are moving to Ft. Myers next year.


Gordi, DEC treating me right !! Not bad, but right ?? 

Our plan is to winter in Florida, summer in Rangeley. Retire in
12 years... So why not scrimp and be in debt now, then when
retirement comes everything will be owned free and clear.


To all:

Thanks for the tips... Looks like Naples may be the place...

Jim

    
    
       Another vote for the Naples - Ft Myers area....
       Have a couple of old Cambridge buddies that moved  there
        and love it.  And some of my soon to be SERP retirees going
       there..I'm checking it out in August plus Clearwater/St Pete
     area.
                 Ang  - "go Bosox"
    

    Try checking out some golf magazines.  My parents retired to 
    winter in Sun City Ctr Florida and summer in Laconia NH.  They
    chose Sun City Ctr by going on an inexpensive weeks vacation to 
    the area thru an add in Golf Magazine.  This is a great area,
    3 golf courses on the grounds, houses range from about 25K up
    to 300K.  Great club house with every kind of entertainment you
    could imagine.
    
    A must is to own a golf cart, eliminates the need for a second car.
    You can use the card on the roads in the community and also to go
    to the local shopping ctrs.
    
    Location near Bradenton, which is west coast between Tampa and
    Clearwater.
    
    If you love golf Sun City's the place.
    
    Judie