Gulf Coast Snowbird

by SandyG

We bought a house in Cape Coral, along with our children and have wintered the past two winters there. Has worked out with buying house with kids.

We said that whenever they want to be there, we would leave so they could have it alone; but they like coming when we are there so we can be mamas and papaw while they take a rest from the hustle and bustle of jobs and raising children.

We are in a housing development, fairly quite, with a smaller 3-bedroom/2 bath house; which needed a lot of TLC. Luckily, DH and I love projects and have skills to do many ourself. Was not prepared for all the permits needed to be DIY'er in FL. It can be costly and time consuming.

Traveled to FL for a stay and spent the time looking. Should have spent more time, but we lucked out in finding our house. We knew we could not afford beach-front or even canal-front location. We knew we wanted something with good "walkability" score and a quite neighborhood. All has panned out fairly well; with exception to quiet neighborhood. Not a major problem, but there are so many people moving in and out of the area that it is hard to keep up with who is who.

Love waking up to the sunshine, not having achy bones and arthritis pains, less allergies, and being able to either walk or bike ride everyday. We have had some family visiting and that is enjoyable.

We plan what we think they would like to do; but then leave it up to them. We are about 30-40 minutes from nice beach, attend a community church while there, volunteer once a week or more at church thrift store, go to farmer's markets for fresh veggies and produce and occasionally splurge and dine out.

I miss my grandkids while we are in FL. Love the local library and always something new to do. Have become friends with a few neighbors our age and DH helps one neighbor with his reupholstering business; such as deliveries.

We have been thinking moving full-time, but I am not prepared to be away from grandkids and do not like the hot-hot summer weather.