[StreetSmarts]

I like Sarasota's big tooth by the downtown area. Right in the middle as you drive, theres a big statue of some sort. As I got closer, I realized its a giant tooth!

[ShrimpandPotatoes]

Bradenton or somewhere in northern Pinellas County. Oldsmar, Dunedin or Safety Harbor.

[ChrisA70]

I really liked, and miss, Estero. Nice area with 99% no crime. It has everything close by. Fort Myers I would avoid most of. Cape Coral I also miss.

[Sweetbottoms]

Originally Posted by blueherons

This is just bunk. Outside of Charleston, SC, Sarasota, Florida is one of the most cultured small cities in the US and has excellent schools. Pineview was the top rated public school in the state of Florida and it still may be.

And yes, The Ringling Museum is a major museum.

Sarasota and the greater area is home to almost 40 independent theater companies as well as a professional opera company.

To the OP, I would seriously take a look at Sarasota. It is an amazing little town.

Also, you can get your Florida real estate license from Boston. I don't know if Massachusetts is a reciprocal state but it is worth looking into.

Sarasota is not Ft. Myers. It's over an hour and a half away. That's like saying Boston is like Portland Maine. We all know they're drastically different, yet the distance is the same as the first.

[markjames68]

Originally Posted by Sweetbottoms

Life caters to the old and rich here, many communities are 55+ or have very strick restrictions on children . One community in Naples restricts Childrens outside play to when an adult is present only, no bike riding , chalk etc .

All of which can be avoided either by living in Golden Gate Estates or reading the CC&Rs and bylaws before choosing a community. I would be extremely surprised if a community like Riverstone was that restrictive, as it's mainly families.