Best Area in Florida for Pool

J

JAM

AzB Silver Member
Silver Member
I've been mulling over areas in the country to move, and currently, I'm checking out Florida. My good friend Tom-Tom, who is from my area, moved there and loves it. He has been giving me tips.

Teddy Harris, another guy from my area who moved to Florida, also has made some suggestions about the area that incorporate pool as well as amenities that are comfortable. In fact, he likes The Villages.

Before traveling to Florida, I'm hoping to get a list of places to visit. So far, I have Stuart, Naples, The Villages, and Mount Dora.

My friend, the late Geese, moved to Florida from Maryland and hated it. There was no pool action where he moved, and he couldn't seem to adapt to the Florida pool community.

For this reason, I'm studying my options. I may rent before I buy, I guess.

Any Florida suggestions for moving that would incorporate pool with comfortable housing amenities? TIA.
 
Cornerman

Cornerman

Cue Author...Sometimes
Gold Member
Silver Member
JAM said:
I've been mulling over areas in the country to move, and currently, I'm checking out Florida. My good friend Tom-Tom, who is from my area, moved there and loves it. He has been giving me tips.

Teddy Harris, another guy from my area who moved to Florida, also has made some suggestions about the area that incorporate pool as well as amenities that are comfortable. In fact, he likes The Villages.

Before traveling to Florida, I'm hoping to get a list of places to visit. So far, I have Stuart, Naples, The Villages, and Mount Dora.

My friend, the late Geese, moved to Florida from Maryland and hated it. There was no pool action where he moved, and he couldn't seem to adapt to the Florida pool community.

For this reason, I'm studying my options. I may rent before I buy, I guess.

Any Florida suggestions for moving that would incorporate pool with comfortable housing amenities? TIA.
Click to expand...
Ray Martin lived in the Largo/Clearwater/Tampa/St Pete area. Might want to ask him if he liked it. Palm Harbor's Strokers I think has the best house pro (definely in the running) in the country.

But, you've mentioned a few areas that sound really good!

You need to survive a summer in Florida. Then you'll know if you can stay. Walking the dog will be a huge change. You'll need to get used to getting drenched in sweat and drying off in the AC.

Freddie <~~~ loves St Pete
 
P

pedro.botta.9

AzB Silver Member
Silver Member
Cornerman said:
Ray Martin lived in the Largo/Clearwater/Tampa/St Pete area. Might want to ask him if he liked it. Palm Harbor's Strokers I think has the best house pro (definely in the running) in the country.

But, you've mentioned a few areas that sound really good!

You need to survive a summer in Florida. Then you'll know if you can stay. Walking the dog will be a huge change. You'll need to get used to getting drenched in sweat and drying off in the AC.

Freddie <~~~ loves St Pete
Click to expand...
This is a good answer on all points...took me 8 years to get used to Florida weather...lol...I'm from San Francisco. I live in Orlando and all though there is a pool scene is an Ok one. Tampa area palm harbor capones spring Hill, they have action cuephoria in Orlando has action but not much there is also zingales in Tallahassee and Jacksonville has action but that's all I know...idk about the villages although it's a good place with everything for older or retired people (idk think) idk about the pool scene

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G890A using Tapatalk
 
P

pedro.botta.9

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Oh and mount Dora is a town with 1 Pool hall called fat cats only 8ft tables

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GoldCrown

GoldCrown

AzB Gold Member
Gold Member
Silver Member
JAM said:
For this reason, I'm studying my options. I may rent before I buy, I guess.

Any Florida suggestions for moving that would incorporate pool with comfortable housing amenities? TIA.
Click to expand...

Rent before buying is the smartest thing you can do. As for pool Tom is the man. And maybe Tony Crosby can advise. I'm sure there is plenty of action. Pool is big in Florida. And for the weather...Florida is the most hated state in the country.:)
 
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J

JAM

AzB Silver Member
Silver Member
Cornerman said:
Ray Martin lived in the Largo/Clearwater/Tampa/St Pete area. Might want to ask him if he liked it. Palm Harbor's Strokers I think has the best house pro (definely in the running) in the country.

But, you've mentioned a few areas that sound really good!

You need to survive a summer in Florida. Then you'll know if you can stay. Walking the dog will be a huge change. You'll need to get used to getting drenched in sweat and drying off in the AC.

Freddie <~~~ loves St Pete
Click to expand...

Thanks for the write-up. I know what you mean about the climate change. It will be an adjustment. That is why Mount Doro sounded appealing, as they had areas with greenery, which will be great for walking.

I remember going to St. Pete's with Geese many moons ago. For some reason, I remember there were a lot of carnival people in the pool rooms. It was definitely a trip I will remember, full of fun memories. :grin:
 
J

JAM

AzB Silver Member
Silver Member
pedro.botta.9 said:
This is a good answer on all points...took me 8 years to get used to Florida weather...lol...I'm from San Francisco. I live in Orlando and all though there is a pool scene is an Ok one. Tampa area palm harbor capones spring Hill, they have action cuephoria in Orlando has action but not much there is also zingales in Tallahassee and Jacksonville has action but that's all I know...idk about the villages although it's a good place with everything for older or retired people (idk think) idk about the pool scene

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G890A using Tapatalk
Click to expand...

Thanks for the great info. :)

Teddy said The Villages has a lot of pool league action. :cool:
 
J

JAM

AzB Silver Member
Silver Member
GoldCrown said:
Rent before buying the smartest thing you can do. As for pool Tom is the man. And maybe Tony Crosby can advise. I'm sure there is plenty of action. Pool is big in Florida. And for the weather...Florida is the most hated state in the country.:)
Click to expand...

Oh, yes, Tony Crosby is down there. Right! I will reach out to him.

There must be a reason why everybody up north travels to Florida in the winter. It would be lovely to live year-round with no FREEZING snow. :p
 
G

garczar

AzB Silver Member
Silver Member
JAM said:
I've been mulling over areas in the country to move, and currently, I'm checking out Florida. My good friend Tom-Tom, who is from my area, moved there and loves it. He has been giving me tips.

Teddy Harris, another guy from my area who moved to Florida, also has made some suggestions about the area that incorporate pool as well as amenities that are comfortable. In fact, he likes The Villages.

Before traveling to Florida, I'm hoping to get a list of places to visit. So far, I have Stuart, Naples, The Villages, and Mount Dora.

My friend, the late Geese, moved to Florida from Maryland and hated it. There was no pool action where he moved, and he couldn't seem to adapt to the Florida pool community.

For this reason, I'm studying my options. I may rent before I buy, I guess.

Any Florida suggestions for moving that would incorporate pool with comfortable housing amenities? TIA.
Click to expand...
I've heard the action at The Villages is TOUGH. Those geezers really bear-down on their case ball when their bettin' their SS checks.:D
 
phil dade

phil dade

AzB Silver Member
Silver Member
HI Jam,

I caught up with an old high school friend a few years ago that lives in the Villages. From him, and what I have heard, it is huge, all price ranges, lots of things to do, every amenity you might want. Shopping, Banks, restaurants, etc plus lots of golf courses. People go everywhere by golf carts rather than cars. It also sounds very social...plenty of drinking and parties. As for pool, Buddy Hall, Jim Rempe, Eva Mataya and either Joan Mason or Robin Bell? recently put on a round Robin exhibition sponsored by Dragon Entertainment that I think was well received. One of them could give you some insight as to the quality of equipment and the actual pool scene based on their visit and experience.

As I consider downsizing, the Villages did not sound right for me because I prefer quality socialization to quantity. I also like privacy without people just poping in. Finally, like the Jacksonville area.

Jacksonville is very nice. Ponte Vedra Beach is a suburb so to speak... a small community near the beach. I have lived in St Louis, Michigan, and CT (right outside NYC). The people in this area are the nicest I have encountered, but this goes for all Florida. The medical care here is outstanding, including a Mayo Clinic.

As for pool rooms; Jacksonville is hurting for a modern well run room.

You and Keith will love Florida, where ever you select. I have a perfect playing 9ft Centennial done by Mark Gregory if you guys ever get this way.

All the vey best,
Phil
 
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J

JAM

AzB Silver Member
Silver Member
phil dade said:
HI Jam,

I caught up with an old high school friend a few years ago that lives in the Villages. From him, and what I have heard, it is huge, all price ranges, lots of things to do, every amenity you might want. Shopping, Banks, restaurants, etc plus lots of golf courses. People go everywhere by golf carts rather than cars. It also sounds very social...plenty of drinking and parties. As for pool, Buddy Hall, Jim Rempe, Eva Mataya and either Joan Mason or Robin Bell? recently put on a round Robin exhibition sponsored by Dragon Entertainment that I think was well received. One of them could give you some insight as to the quality of equipment and the actual pool scene based on their visit and experience.

As I consider downsizing, the Villages did not sound right for me because I prefer quality socialization to quantity. I also like privacy without people just poping in. Finally, like the Jacksonville area.

Jacksonville is very nice. Ponte Vedra Beach is a suburb so to speak... a small community near the beach. I have lived in St Louis, Michigan, and CT (right outside NYC). The people in this area are the nicest I have encountered, but this goes for all Florida. The medical care here is outstanding, including a Mayo Clinic.

As for pool rooms; Jacksonville is hurting for a modern well run room.

You and Keith will love Florida, where ever you select. I have a perfect playing 9ft Centennial done by Mark Gregory if you guys ever get this way.

All the vey best,
Phil
Click to expand...

Thanks, Phil. That is very helpful. I would prefer privacy-like environment too. I can't picture myself riding around in a golf cart.

And thanks for the invite. :cool:
 
jasonlaus

jasonlaus

Rep for Smorg
Silver Member
I lived where Teddy lives for around 10 years and loved it. I can honestly say the last summer in Baltimore was worse than any summer in Hollywood FL. Housing will be much cheaper and no state income tax :) Anyway, goodluck on your search.
Jason
 
shanesinnott

shanesinnott

Follow Through
Silver Member
JAM, I will chime in with St. Augustine, Florida. I live there and it is an amazing place (about half way between Jacksonville and Daytona). Great climate, great people and ton's of culture.
 
R

Rockin' Robin

Mr. Texas Express
Silver Member
While I am vaguely familiar with the locations mentioned, I kinda like the Pensacola, Ft. Walton Beach, Panama City stretch up in the Panhandle of Florida. Intersate 10 is easy to get to.....for travelling east or west from Tallahasse to Texas,
 
bbhistorian

bbhistorian

AzB Silver Member
Silver Member
Hi Jennie,
My parents moved from the DC area to Port. St Lucie (near Stuart) a couple of years ago.
They absolutely love it, but I will say if my step-dad's health allowed they'd have been snowbirds first. The summers down there are quiet on account of all the snowbirds, and coming from DC metro they were initially a little unsettled by the lack of pace.

I went to Amy's in Stuart one night when I visited. First time I've been in a pool room alone with a custom cue and a half way decent stroke and not been approached. I found that kind of bizarre, but also kind of refreshing. They only reference I caught as to their "regular" culture was just before I left.

I was paying for my time at the counter and the house phone rang.
The house girl looked at the caller ID and said "That's (so in so) I don't want talk to him."
The guy on the second barstool said "I'l get it, give me the phone."
The caller was looking for someone to go to the casino with and wanted to stake someone for company.
The barstool guy told him he didn't think there was anyone around, but if someone wandered in that fit the part he'd let him know.

Same scene could've happened at Jack and Jills or USA or really any real pool room, now that I think about it. Anyway, it made me smile in familiarity. So, I'll second Stuart as worth a look.

Best Wishes to you and Keith!
 
JumpinJoe

JumpinJoe

AzB Silver Member
Silver Member
If you want to be centrally located Orland may be the best spot.
I lived in Clearwater so I'm biased obviously as I like it, and there's some good areas right around clearwater.

I would not live on the east coast at all, plenty of great and beautiful spots, but to much hurricane activity on that side.
 
pt109

pt109

WO double hemlock
Silver Member
If you can swing it financially, Jenny, snowbird is the way to go.
I know many people who winter in Florida.
 
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