Gulf Place is directly across from public beach access -- So is Cassine. Cassine gets quite a few snowbirds, as does BeachCrest condos, just down the street, but for the most part, Cassine is year round residents, so it has a feel of a real community, and doesn't really get crowded. During the winter, the beach at Cassine is fairly empty, like most of the beaches here. Cassine also has small lakes and Cypress stands, with boardwalks going through the Cypress swamps, and the Cassine walking trail leads directly into the Pt Washington State Forest Trail System, which is a good change from walking on ashalt along 30A. Cassine also has several restaurants and shops, all within close proximity.
Gulf Place also has many shops and a few restaurants. The Legends are fairly close to Gulf Place. You won't find that getaway escape, like you find in Cassine, but both places have their own character. I think Cassine would better fit my type of life, if I were a snowbird, as I love being out in nature and I also enjoy the feel of community.