SARASOTA COUNTY, Fla. - Area residents
already know how amazing living on the Suncoast is, from the award winning
beaches, to being known as tourist destinations in a variety of publications.
Now, more local towns are being recognized nationally in one magazine's end of
the year issue.
Englewood claimed one of four spots in
Where to Retire magazine's "Best Hideaways in Florida," which is in their
November/December issue.
Englewood is a small town south of Venice
along the Gulf Coast that according to the 2010 census is the home to almost
15,000 people, with 47.3% age 65 or
older.
"We enjoy living here," says resident Carol
North. "We enjoy the lifestyle, we do like the beaches, and we like Indian Mound
Park over here on Lemon Bay. It's a nice place to go drink coffee after we get
coffee down the street here."
Those are just some of numerous reasons
Englewood stood out above other cities across the state. "If you have your
grandkids coming to visit, and it's really great. The beaches, there are so many
of them that are so easy to get to and nice little shops and it's just a good
place," said Aisha Hilton, a manager at the Mango Bistro.
Other criteria that went into the selection
include the cost of living, weather, and access to health care and other
features, which some long-time residents said is the reason they love calling
this town their home.
"Fishing, swimming, the beach, whatever, we
have it here," says Evelyn Lennard, a resident for 23 years. "We have a nice
downtown section, wonderful restaurants."
While for others, that even includes family
history. "My husband has been coming down since the mid 40's and visiting his
grandparents, they started out here and his goal in life was to retire to
Englewood and so we did," said Nancy Harper, going on her 2nd year in
Englewood.
Another area of the Suncoast that made the list is Anna Maria Island.
The other two Florida Hideaways listed are Fernandina Beach and Flagler Beach.
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