TOWN SHORES, OVER 55 COMMUNITY GULFPORT

http://www.townshorescommunity.com/the-amenities Town Shores is a large over-55 community located in the middle of the pictu...

http://www.townshorescommunity.com/the-amenities

Town Shores is a large over-55 community located in the middle of the picturesque village of Gulfport.  Gulfport borders St. Petersburg's southwest neighborhoods as well as the largely retirement town of South Pasadena. Built in the 1970's Town Shores inccludes 18 separate buildings  with about 1300 individual condominiums.  The buildings are either mid-rise or highrise, and each has its own HOA and separate finances.  The entire complex is governed by the Town Shores Master Association. Gulfport Beach located a few blocks from Town Shores Town Shores is nestled on the edge of Boca Ciega Bay which affords superb water views for many its condominiums as well as proximity to Gulfport Beach. Town shores of Gulfport offers all the amenities--and more----of other large complexes including a large central club house with an auditorium, billiard room, library, lounge, poker room, 2 bocce ball courts, 11 shuffleboard courts, 28 boat slips, 1 tennis court, and 4 heated pools.  One of four heated pools for year-round swimming fun Town Shores Gazebo on shore of Boca Ciega Bay For being located in such a scenic marine environment, condominiums in Town Shores are moderately priced.  They are listed in a range as of November 2016 from $93,000 for a large one bedroom, 1 bath of 1100 square feet with no special view to $280,000 2 bedroom, 2 bath unit with, to quote the MLS listing, "breathtaking views."  You can expect to pay $250-280,000 for am updated 2 bedroom 2 bath unit of about 1200 square feet that offers good marine views.   Those units that have not been updated or don't have any water views will sell for as much as 50% less. View from Florida room, 3rd floor condominium in Manchester House, Town Shores Open Water View of Boca Ciega Bay from living room, 8th floor condominium Manchester House, Town Shores                         GULPORT-- OLD FLORIDA MEETS HIP ARTSY AND                     THEY GET ALONG!  What makes Town Shores exceptionally appealing to many Baby Boomer retirees is its location near the center of the picturesque, artsy village of Gulfport. Beach Dr. is the main drag that offers a wide variety of locally owned dining establishments, galleries, and charming little shops. Moreover, the Gulfport 1930's style Casino (now used primarily for dancing) and Pier--is at the foot where Beach Dr. meets the edge of Boca Ciega Bay. Outdoor waterfront taverns that face the Bay--with a very diverse clientele-- are almost always busy. During the regular Art Walk held twice a month on Beach Dr. you are likely to spot several Gulfport denizens sporting t-shirts or blouses emblazoned with a favorite local slogan, "Keep Gulfport Weird". What is scarce in Gulfport proper are big box stores or even national chain stores other than a Walgreen's.  There is a McDonald\'s, the only mass market fast food eatery in town but it is located on Gulfport Blvd., a major thoroughfare some distance from the Arts District and Beach Dr.   Link to Huffington Post article about Gulfport: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/visit-florida/gulfport-is-quirky-quaint_b_4178278.html?slideshow=true#gallery/323441/0 Gulfport was first established as a fishing village on Boca Ciega Bay. Indeed, Gulfport still combines the ambience of a sleepy Old Florida waterfront town and a  laid back but hip artist's haven. Known to be a very LGBT-friendly community, Gulfport certainly is one of the most politically progressive towns of central Florida. Some have even dubbed it "Key West North",but it is less touristy and far less expensive. Gulfport is certainly far less geographically isolated than Key West. Just a few miles away are the urban shopping venues, cultural events, healthcare facilities, and entertainment centers of St. Petersburg and Tampa. http://mygulfport.us/--link to city of Gulfport website Gulfport is also notable for what community facilities it offers seniors, all located less than a mile from Town Shores.  There is a Multi-Purpose Senior Center that offers many excellent services, a community library, and a theatre that offers locally produced shows and concerts. For those retirees who look to a possibly automobile-less future, there is Gulfport Extended Mini-Bus Service (GEMS). After paying a relatively small annual fee of $50, over 55 Gulfport residents are eligible for van (even a wheel chair van) service around town and to shopping and medical appointments in nearby St Petersburg and South Pasadena. Unfortunately, the GEMS service does not run on weekends. Given the great expansion of Uber and Lyft in Pinellas County, that probably does not remain so much of an issue as before.  Town Shores is indeed one of a handful of active, over-55 communities in Pinellas County where one can live without a car. Perhaps I can best sum up Town Shores and Gulfport by making this point of comparison: People attracted to The Villages in the north central interior of Florida as a retirement haven will probably not be impressed with Town Shores and vice-versa! Advantages of Town Shores:     Central Gulfport location Well integrated into the local community Fabulous water views for a relatively modest price Walking proximity  to artsy village, beach, pier Offers varied and good recreational facilities Residents could exist without a car Potential Concerns: Many don't like 1970's "institutional look" of so many of the buildings.  Gulfport itself does not even have a proper super market. Restrictive including some no-pet policies in many of the individual buildings. Prospective buyers with pets need to check carefully. Most units in these high rise buildings at Town Shores have one  under foor parking spot assigned

Posted by Ton