tonyinstpete
New Member
- Location
- Madeira Beach, FL
I am a retired college teacher and administrator and for many years before retirement in 2007 I explored many different locales in the U. S. for retirement. My decision to move to the greater St. Petersburg area nine years ago was made after careful comparison with other areas that offered: a. consistently warm weather b. sandy beaches with warm water for swimming and boating c. a lower cost of living d. still close to urban attractions but with a somewhat laid-back lifestyle None of these seemed to apply(at least anymore) to my native California. We finally decided to move into a town home community on the edge of beautiful Madeira Beach. This has been my first experience living in a community governed by an Home Owners Association and it has generally been a very good experience. I currently serve on the Board as Treasurer of my HOA.
For the last nine years I’ve enjoyed a second career as a professional Realtor focusing on other mature folks as clients. My initial period as a realtor from 2008 through 2012 happened to coincide with the great real estate meltdown. It certainly taught me a lot about the real world—the ups, downs, and potential pitfalls—of Florida residential real estate. I also came to realize what a great choice for active retirees the already existing highly diverse condominium and town home communities in this area offer. Critically important is the fact that most are modestly priced, certainly in comparison to other parts of the country. Any one interested in finding out more is welcome to visit my blog at: retirestpete.blogspot.com
Much of my time and energy in the past eighteen months has been spent fighting throat cancer and have been through every kind of experience in the health care system. No, I didn't ever smoke! Sometimes (especially as one gets on in years) the warranty on your body parts wears out! After radiation in 2015 and then two surgeries in 2016, I apparently am now cancer free and feel pretty good. The surgery was a total laryngectomy which means I joined the relatively small group of "neck breathers" without vocal cords. The unfortunate part is that I will never swim regularly or boat in a small boat again. The good news though is that I'm here, free to walk our beautiful beaches, and still enjoying life though I have a less than highly reliable voice. :sentimental:
For the last nine years I’ve enjoyed a second career as a professional Realtor focusing on other mature folks as clients. My initial period as a realtor from 2008 through 2012 happened to coincide with the great real estate meltdown. It certainly taught me a lot about the real world—the ups, downs, and potential pitfalls—of Florida residential real estate. I also came to realize what a great choice for active retirees the already existing highly diverse condominium and town home communities in this area offer. Critically important is the fact that most are modestly priced, certainly in comparison to other parts of the country. Any one interested in finding out more is welcome to visit my blog at: retirestpete.blogspot.com
Much of my time and energy in the past eighteen months has been spent fighting throat cancer and have been through every kind of experience in the health care system. No, I didn't ever smoke! Sometimes (especially as one gets on in years) the warranty on your body parts wears out! After radiation in 2015 and then two surgeries in 2016, I apparently am now cancer free and feel pretty good. The surgery was a total laryngectomy which means I joined the relatively small group of "neck breathers" without vocal cords. The unfortunate part is that I will never swim regularly or boat in a small boat again. The good news though is that I'm here, free to walk our beautiful beaches, and still enjoying life though I have a less than highly reliable voice. :sentimental:
