Unless you are certain of the area you want to live...rent first..and try several spots. The lakes down here are all just a bit different...and so is the housing. You can get anything on the water from a mansion to a camper...depending on the amount you wish to spend..and your requirements for happy living. What else do you need to be near? Water is nice...but some of it is very remote. I love fresh water fishing...and loved the Lake Placid area when we had a place down there. Many lakes there to choose from..and many types of housing. But...as we aged...we needed to be nearer to quality medical care, too...so moved up to the Orlando/Winter Haven area. (Also better transportation..ie...airports. Good Luck !! Its really hard to go wrong !