Cruise Lovers looking to be snowbirds in FLL area -- any suggestions for areas to?

Hello,

My husband and I are close to retiring and would like to be snowbirds beginning next year, and we also love cruising! We've taken a little break with two daughters getting married within 6 months of each other and now are ready to get back to it! :) One of ours daughters and her husband currently live in Fort Lauderdale and we are starting to become more familiar with Fort Lauderdale and the surrounding communities. We want to be closer to her and the added benefit for us is that we would be closer to the cruiseports and the airport. We would like to start out by renting a two bedroom place and are looking for suggestions from local residents on nearby towns, and areas/apartment/condo complexes within those towns. Folks on these forums are always so informative and helpful and we could use some advice.

Last January we did a little exploring around and drove as far north as Hutchinson Island which is too far north for us. We are visiting again in March and would like to spend some driving around and concentrating more within the Fort Lauderdale area up to 20-30 mins or so away. We love the Riverwalk area but feel the condos might be a little too pricey for us initially unless we rented only a one bedroom. If we love the area after year one of renting and all goes well, we are considering selling our home up north and relocating to Florida or reversing it and renting for the summer and early fall months in the north and buying a home and becoming Florida residents. We are playing this by ear but first are hoping for some advice and suggestions on which areas to look at in March! We loved the dog beach in Jupiter and plan to visit again in March!

We are familiar with Wilton Manors and Victoria Park and the Las Olas area. Are there any specific areas or nearby towns we should take a look at while we are there and what might be a range of rental prices? We are not stuck into living in Fort Lauderdale and are open to all suggestions but not yet ready to contact a realtor. We have a 10 pound dog, and are looking for a safe, pet friendly, walkable community where we can walk to a Starbucks or local coffee shop, farmer's market, and maybe a few restaurants (which is why we like the Riverwalk area).

We would be most appreciative for any information and suggestions you can provide.

Have a great day!

Nancy