Where should I explore for a cycling condo?

[IBrakeforPastry]

Some people have ski condos. I think I'd like to buy a biking condo. I can retire in a few years and I'm not sure yet if I'm going to relocate. In the meantime, I thought it would be fun to have a little place to escape to and enjoy some biking weekends. Of course Florida immediately jumps to mind. There are lots of bike paths and there are lots of places for sale. And many many flights. Can anyone recommend how I can start researching? I keep thinking of the Tampa area, or Central FL. I'm not necessarily looking for a beachfront highrise (although waterfront is nice ), but something more in a community, midsize town, and of course, bicycle friendly. It doesn't even need to be Florida. I'm open to all suggestions!

[OakLeaf]

I'd suggest somewhere other than Florida, honestly. East central, central-central Florida and southeast Florida are extremely bike-unfriendly. I can't speak for other parts of the state (and it is a surprisingly big state with several distinct and culturally very different regions) - but what I read isn't encouraging. Still, I know next to nothing about Tampa, and the northeastern inland side wouldn't be too far from some of the state's best biking in Lake County.

Western North Carolina has been popular for many years with outdoors-people of all stripes. I haven't looked there in a while, but I'd have to think the real estate boom has slacked off there as it has in the rest of the country, so it might be a good time to buy. Some friends of mine in their 70s just sold their coastal Florida home and moved full-time to a condo in Asheville. Neither of them would ride the roads in Florida any more, just too dangerous, though I don't know if they've revisited road cycling at all now that they've moved.

[tealtreak]

One of my sons goes to school in Raleigh, NC and he has been thrilled with the N.C. bike friendly, outdoor oriented culture. (: (Road, bike paths, single-track, free ride, triathlon, hiking and paddling.....)...yeah...I have been wondering how he has time to study too.....

[pumpkinpony]

Denver! Denver has a huge network of bike paths, and there are plenty of reasonably priced condos within a very short ride or right on a path.

[Kathi]

Denver! Denver has a huge network of bike paths, and there are plenty of reasonably priced condos within a very short ride or right on a path.

Denver is great if you like bike paths and riding on the streets (lots of bike lanes) and mountain biking. Of course, you have lots of outdoor activities in the mountains hiking, skiing, snowshoeing, etc. You can "almost" ride year round here. Also, a dryer climate than in Florida.

My favorite state to ride is Wisconsin. Very good roads and little traffic. There are several well run tours that would give you a feel for the state.

[tulip]

Florida is very bike-unfriendly. Asheville has good cycling, both road and MTB. Real estate in Asheville never really cooled off that much--it's in high demand. Greenville, SC is another good place. Long Beach, California is very bike-friendly (and warm!).