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Welcome to Seaside, Florida, the town that’s redefining the concept of urban living while simultaneously providing a backdrop that could rival any film set. You may know it as the main location for The Truman Show, but there’s much more than meets the eye here. Seaside is a paradox—meticulously planned yet bursting with character, balancing strict design codes while offering entrepreneurial freedom that keeps both citizens and tourists happy. Just imagine a place where every picket fence has a purpose, and the aesthetic is as flawless as your mom’s Thanksgiving turkey.
Founded in the ’80s by the visionary architect Robert Davis and a team of forward-thinking designers, Seaside has risen to prominence as a model town for New Urbanism. This isn’t just a utopia of white sandy beaches and pastel-painted homes—no, there’s innovation lurking behind every shrub. Schools here have emerged, like the Seaside Neighborhood School, paving the way for educational reform in Florida. Who knew ice cream and studies could go hand in hand? Who could resist the chance to learn while lounging on the beach?
Whether you want to enjoy quaint shops, stroll along picture-perfect streets, or even bask in the nostalgia of a movie set, Seaside is indeed a treasure trove. But let’s not kid ourselves; the master planning and design restrictions do rub some freedom lovers the wrong way. Still, the charm and community spirit of this coastal gem make it hard to resist—even for the most rebellious spirits among us. How would you feel about living in a town that feels straight out of a film?
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