The house… Attractive, tidy, comfortable, all appliances worked fine (the central A/C in particular), 3 ceiling fans, Smart TVs for streaming, many household products, kitchen fully stocked (as if we were staying in a house that's lived in), toilets good, water hot (although would prefer more shower pressure), fenced-in back yard with deck includes large propane grill, table, chairs, umbrella. No complaints. Owner Kay replied quickly to queries and requests, was pleasant and accommodating.
The neighborhood… Modest houses, well kept with some exceptions, neighbors quiet, safe, lots of greenery, interesting back alleys, nearby small airport and active train tracks (not a bother). More upscale neighborhoods nearby, west on 23rd St past the creek and east beyond the tracks. Amazing number of attractive churches for such a small area, by design attributed to the town's founder back in the day. St Helen and the Community Church, each taking up an entire square block, are especially impressive, the latter hosting a symphony that we attended. And a surprising treat during our last weekend: a 3-day airshow featuring the Blue Angels, just a 5 minute walk to the airport's south perimeter.
The old town… Pleasant, just a 5 minute walk to active Main St. Restaurants, cafes, art galleries, antiques, convenience stores. Don't miss Kilted Mermaid, Fish Shack, Coffee House 1420, Rio Coco Café, Taco Dive. The town hosts a block party on the last Friday of the month. It was nice with live music, some food, and a number of booths
Nearby… This is a great location for many nearby activities and shopping. Within 5-10 minutes drive: Publix, Fresh Market, gourmet markets (Ryder's, Village Beach), dog stores, banks. Just across the Barber Bridge: Terrific city dog park, City Marina (rent a boat from Adam at Vero Beach Rental Boats) to tour the lagoon and its spoil islands), large Riverside Park along the Intracoastal, with Art Museum, Theatre, Veteran's Memorial Island Sanctuary, fishing, and kayaking. While here in April it hosted an impressive orchid market. Another 5 minutes along Beachland Blvd is Ocean Drive along the beach with many restaurants (the iconic Ocean Grill), Driftwood Resort and Waldo's restaurant, boutique shops, hotels, great farmer's market (Saturday mornings). Back on the mainland it's Indian River Lagoon Greenway (dog friendly trails), inland from the rental to Peterson Groves roadside market, and a short drive south to McKee Botanical Gardens. A