Are there older homes in Florida?

This might be an incredibly stupid question - no, it PROBABLY is a very stupid question, but here goes:

I am in the process of figuring out how to stay close to my retired parents in Fort Lauderdale and still have the life I'd like for myself.

I prefer rural, but as a single parent, need to be close enough to job opportunities. I like to not be within arm's reach of my neighbor's house, which is rare in Broward County, but I'm hopeful for at least a 1/2 acre.

I have an obsession with the Shakers and dream of living in a Shaker-style home, but they didn't build homes in this area. My second choice would be a Cape Cod style, and I'm perfectly aware of how far I am from Cape Cod, but still. I love Maine and New Hampshire, but I'm an only child, and this is my parent's only grandchild, so we need to stick around.

Is anyone familiar with an area of Florida that has older homes (I'm a hardwood floor fanatic) that might resemble these styles, with a little space between homes? I don't know the rest of Florida that well, and was hoping someone might have an idea of what direction I can head in.

I told you it wasn't the brightest of questions, I'm just trying to find a balance.

Thanks!


Mary

http://www.shakers.org/images/newima...istry_shop.jpg
http://www.capelinks.com/images/phot...od-house-2.JPG