But, maybe again.....you have not. Nice site to take a look at home prices around the US.

http://www.zillow.com/

Even though we would love to have a place down in Florida, it is probably not in the cards to have two homes (One Here for the Summer and One there for the Winter). But, that said.......the Winter Home or Condo in Florida is certainly becoming more affordable. Even ones on a canal with a boat dock, are more reasonable.

I am just making a General Statements here - There are many places in Florida along the Gulf Side, that would offer both a home on the water, and a place to keep your boat. Lots of places like this over on the Atlantic side as well.......but I would suspect that they are higher prices. Probably higher Taxes and Insurance on the Atlantic side as well.

General Statement about Taxes in Florida. Property Taxes.....hmmm 2 percent per year. $300,000 house or Condo - $5,000 to $6,000 taxes. Condo or Association Dues.....hmmm my guess at $350 to $600 per month. Insurance Cost - ......pretty big guess here. $2,000 per year. Really do not know.

Now I will make some General Statements about Home Values and Taxes the Kansas City area and the Midwest.

Kansas City area - $300,000 can buy you a pretty nice home here. Property Taxes more in the area of 1 percent per year. Insurance on the $300,000 home....... $1400 to $1,600. Fresh water lakes are pretty close. But, if you want to go to the ocean - 3 hour plane ride East - South or West. This past year, we flew to SRQ and TPA 3 times, with airfares ranging around $200 RT. Even though I have passes on Continental, just easier to hop on Southwest with my own ticket.

Going back to the Florida idea.....we have given a little consideration to buying a Trawler in Florida. Something like a Grand Banks 42. Then take our time Cruising the Great Loop. One advantage to this voyage, is I think our Kids and Grand Kids would join us on for parts of the Cruise.

Joe