Cruising home base ???Where??

[thorJ30]

hi
here the question. I am looking to go crusing sometimes in the next 10 years ....

we currently have a J 30 which we intend to cruise the first couple of years and than get a bigger boat.

I like the idea of having a base / homeport, either to continue to work there, during the summer , and maybe rent over the winter months, ( while we are cruisng )

Punta Gorda is way to expensive ( sailboat access ) and a little to snobby as well...
I am looking for the secret place to go . doesnt need to have boat on property ( would be nice. but $$$$ ) a good affordable marina nearby ( close distance ) however is needed.

Dont hold back with ideas. Even as far back inland as lake ocechobee ????

brings me to the second question, can you traverse Florida on the ICW with the mast up ? ( 49 feet ) Is Lake okechobee to shallow for our 5.3 draft boat ? ??

Ok bring it on, I want to hear the best places to look
Thanks Thor