A Great Spot in Florida for Seniors: The Corner of Hollywood and Hallandale

There are certainly a plethora of communities in Florida for seniors. And you can find any kind of place from tall clean modern condos with spectacular views from high floors, or ground floor garden apartments on gorgeously landscaped lakes. Most of these developments are complete with pools, entertainment centers or clubhouses, exercise rooms and bus service to the market. But if you are around the age of Senior Citizen, (or even under or over) and you feel these age-defined communities are too confining and artificial and structured, and you want something that is in the mainstream but still gives you the easier conveniences that seniors may look for, then the place where Hollywood and Hallandale Beach meet is a great location for you. Condos are for sale or for rent and readily available in multiple buildings-both high and low-in the few mile circumference area. Ocean Drive, or A1A, is really the preferred “strip” for many reasons of convenience, beauty, accessibility, and desirability. Here are some of the attractions that this spot at Hollywood/Hallandale Beach offers for seniors (as well as those under and over the age).

1. The Ocean. Without a doubt, living, being near the ocean is a “breeze”. You get the ocean cooling air, and winds that never make it more inland. Mosquitoes and other bugs are at a minimum, even after heavy downpours. The delight of the shimmering shades of greens and yellows, blues and grays-depending on the mixture of clouds and sun is always mesmerizing. What could be better for your health and wellbeing than the inspiration of the natural ocean with its sounds and smells? Flowing water has long been touted by medical experts as a boon to health and mental and emotional relaxation. The moon rises over the ocean here, shining its changing intensities on the waves-which are magical in their daily and even hourly changes in character. Another source of contemplation and inspiration for any retirement pastimes. Recently, the city has contracted to add sand and beach to this shoreline, so that you will be assured of wider spaces to plop your fanny and enjoy by a palm tree. Down the road a little to the North is Hollywood Beach with a famous nearly 3 mile boardwalk filled with little shops, places to rent bikes and surreys and outdoor cafes. Hallandale Beach, under the famous Beach Ball water tower is a quiet secluded little spot with a friendly neighborhood type cafÃ?©.

2. Wal-Mart-. The lure of the store with anything and everything that is open 24 hours is a great inspiration for a short walk across the accessible Hallandale Beach Bridge. This bridge is nice and low, and short. It’s a pleasant little walk for exercise and watching the boats on the intercoastal. Wal-Mart always has an array of shopping carts left in its large parking lot, so even if you’re tired from the walk you can grab a cart to hold onto and wheel your way into the store.

3. Buses- If you are too tired from shopping at Wal-Mart, or have a bag or two, just across the street are buses that will take you back over the bridge in either direction.

4. Shopping and Movies. -Whether you drive or take the buses; the Aventura Mall is a hop away. By car down the street to the south a couple miles and just over the Causeway is this large mall. Buses can also be taken Ã?½ block south of Hallandale Boulevard and they will take you to the mall doorstep. There you will also find the AMC 21 selection and restaurants and stores for a complete day’s outing.

5. Salad Bars. Salad Bars are the boon to seniors who often have special dietary needs, who are picky and fussy so there’s something for everyone. They have LOTS of food for low prices; there is even a discount for seniors. The array of veggies for low carb diets is phenomenal, and you can sit and take your time for as many courses as you like in any order you like them. Just down the road on A1A South n Sunny Isles is a great salad bar with an Italian bent. They have a make your own pasta stand. But if you don’t like your carbs, you can even bring over various veggies to be tossed together in a hot melange. Just over the Hallandale Beach Bridge 1 mile in the Diplomat Mall is the neighborly Homestyle Buffet. Diagonally across the street, next to the Publix market is the Chinese Buffet that will give you your range of Chinese standards, and still everything else you can think of. They also have a Mongolian buffet where you can get you seafood, steak and salmon made to order.

6. Lunching Al Fresco. Again, just over the Hallandale Bridge via the 28 bus or by car, 1 mile is the Diplomat Mall. Despite the name, its not large and diverse like Aventura, but is a pleasant area for ice cream and light and healthy bite places with tables outside.

7. Banks, Pizza, Hairstyling. The signs are fairly bold on the northeast block of Ocean Drive and Hallandale Boulevard for banks, pizza, and hairstyling places. Each one of these establishments has long been known and loved for their friendly service, excellence in products and quality.

8. Friends and Activities. Well maybe you don’t know anyone in Hollywood or HallandaleâÂ?¦yet. Right down the road on Ocean Drive/A1A is the Hollywood Beach Community Center and a branch library. The Community Center is active all year round just about daily with a gamut of lectures, classes and get togethers. Many are free, and those that cost are inexpensive.

9. Groceries. You really have a choice in large stores, and your selection may be based on which side of the street you are on or want to be on. Just across the Hallandale Beach Bridge, is as previously mentioned, Wal-Mart. One mile further on the South side of the street is Publix. There are buses that go over the bridge past Publix from Ocean Drive. Depending on which condo or apartment complex you will reside in, many of them also have special bus services to and from Publix.

Many Seniors (and those younger and older) may think that Florida is the place to go just to escape from the cold north and still enjoy the beach. But in this great location, right on the ocean, Florida with its palm trees, and flowers, and fruits can be enjoyed all year round.