[Ladywithafan]

Originally Posted by gypsychic

I agree with DJ's post above - of the 3 you would probably be happiest with Jupiter. Bradenton has become almost a slum city with high crime, and while Naples is nice, the Gulf doesn't really have much in the way of waves. If you do want to consider the Gulf Coast, however, I highly recommend Sarasota - beautiful small, cosmopolitan city with some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, lots of golf courses, great dining and shopping and lots of art and cultural opportunities.

Good luck to you!

I'd put in a 3rd yes to Jupiter. It's gorgeous over there! And then 2nd Ms. G on the SRQ factor.

[SoFLGal]

Looks like the count so far is:

Jupiter with five votes
Sarasota with three votes
St. Augustine with one vote
And Bradenton with three thumbs down

[burgler09]

I'll give Jupiter another vote, in my opinion Jupiter would be the best for your kids. I can't say the beaches in Jupiter are beautiful by any means.. but the Atlantic would definitely be more fun for your children. I have family in Jupiter and I remember when I used to come visit them for Spring Break when I was your kid's age, we absolutely loved it (i'm originally from MI). That being said, it is a quiet city and low crime.

[CA to FL]

I am starting to reconsider the Naples thing since we don't have any positive comments on the city. I am also open to Sarasota and may choose to visit there instead of Naples.

So now Jupiter vs. Sarasota-

1. Schools- Our kids will most likely end up in private school. I have done some research and I like the Jupiter Christian School for my kids. The reviews seem great. Could anyone recommend a good private school in the Sarasota area?
2. Beaches- I have read that the sand is nicer and that the water is warmer in the gulf side. Is this true? How about surfing at either?
3. Country Club / Golf- One of the things I liked about Naples was so many great golf courses. Could you recommend a good club in Jupiter and Sarasota so that I can compare?
4. Weather- I am from Southern California so 120 degree heat doesn't bother me and I actually enjoy the himidity. My wife doesn't like cold; ever. Could you share which location has the best weather and least rain?
5. Bugs- One of my few concerns in moving to Florida is the bugs. I have heard really bad stories and we do not like bugs! Will Sarasota or Jupiter have less bugs?

Thank you all again for your excellent input!

[SoFLGal]

I'll answer the questions that I have the most knowledge about.

The best school in town in my opinion is Pine View School for the Gifted. It is a public school but you must go through testing for entrance, i.e. 130 IQ or more, and many other requirements. They don't put up with any garbage at the school-if your caught with drugs, fighting, etc you have to go back to your districted school. I have two kids that go there-one in 10th and one in 5th. Here are some facts about Pine View:

Government recognition
Pine View is among Florida's 35 public schools (1.2%) to earn a top grade of "A" on every administration of the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test (FCAT) since the program began in 1999.[4]

Newsweek's Public Elite High Schools

Due to its average SAT score of 1335 for 2005, Pine View was listed among Newsweek magazine's 21 Public Elite American high schools.[5] Pine View is the only Public Elite school in Florida.[6]

US News and World Report

In 2007, Pine View was ranked 6th in the nation among the "Gold Medal Schools" by US News and World Report. This ranking is based on high AP test scores and overall college preparation.

There are many private schools in the area-greatschools.com is a website worth checking out if you are looking into schools. Two private schools that come to mind are ODA and New Gate School.

It will be warmer on the gulf side as opposed to the Atlantic side. The beach water as well as the weather. Surfing would be better on the Atlantic side due to the rougher waters. Sand much better on the gulf side. Siesta Key beach is consistently rated as one of the best beaches in the world for its powder white sand.

On to bugs, if you are going to live in Florida bugs are going to be around-just a fact of life. They would be the same on either side. Mosquitoes, palmetto bugs, etc. Just get a good exterminator and you should be in good shape.

Oh, I forgot to mention these are mostly opinions about Sarasota county.

You really are doing your homework!

[gypsychic]

One thing I will say about Gulf vs. Atlantic - if you are surfers and need waves, you will want the Atlantic Ocean side (Jupiter). The Gulf only gets waves in a storm. However, the Gulf beaches are to-die-for, and the Gulf is the coast with the gorgeous sunsets. If you live near the coast in Sarasota, you will get some nice breeze all year long - I really love the weather here. Sarasota with its keys is just sooo beautiful.

You will really need to visit both to see which you prefer. I don't golf so I can't specifically recommend a course but here is a list of them:

Sarasota Golf Courses - All Public and Private Courses in Sarasota, FL

[pavchek]

Sarasota is your best choice by far. Naples is pretty and safe.However it is also very, very snobbish and boring p place.
There is not a good access to the water. You basically don't see the beach unless going to the few beach accesses(tough to find a parking spot).
We, me , my wife and 2.5 years old daughter, moved from Naples to Sarasota a month ago and are extremely happy with this move.
Sarasota has everything here. The beaches are the most beautiful I would say. Tons to do here. It is pretty safe here as well. It is a very normal , laid back town with super beautiful places to be.Way more life here to be enjoyed.

[CA to FL]

Thank you again for all of your help. I am starting to get a real sense that Sarasota or Jupiter are going to be where we end up. The beaches in Sarasota look and seem beautiful. I also appreciate all the feedback on schools. The family that recently moved from Naples to Sarasota has all but confirmed the deletion of Naples from my consideration.

Here is my biggest remaining concern. The most recent crime index in Sarasota is 608 (barely below that of Miami) vs. 237 in Jupiter (which is lower than almost every city I have searched). After looking at many different cities, that difference in crime rate is HUGE! What is the cause for this and is there a noticable difference while living in the respective cities?

[gypsychic]

Originally Posted by CA to FL

Thank you again for all of your help. I am starting to get a real sense that Sarasota or Jupiter are going to be where we end up. The beaches in Sarasota look and seem beautiful. I also appreciate all the feedback on schools. The family that recently moved from Naples to Sarasota has all but confirmed the deletion of Naples from my consideration.

Here is my biggest remaining concern. The most recent crime index in Sarasota is 608 (barely below that of Miami) vs. 237 in Jupiter (which is lower than almost every city I have searched). After looking at many different cities, that difference in crime rate is HUGE! What is the cause for this and is there a noticable difference while living in the respective cities?

You must remember that dry statistics on a chart just do not tell the whole or true story. Some places under-report crime, and others will report every little act of petty theft or vandalism. I can't speak for the difference in crime between Sarasota or Jupiter, most of what crime happens in Sarasota happens in one or two areas. Most of the city is beautiful and safe. You will have to visit and see how you feel about it.

[Big House]

Originally Posted by CA to FL

I am starting to reconsider the Naples thing since we don't have any positive comments on the city. I am also open to Sarasota and may choose to visit there instead of Naples.

So now Jupiter vs. Sarasota-

1. Schools- Our kids will most likely end up in private school. I have done some research and I like the Jupiter Christian School for my kids. The reviews seem great. Could anyone recommend a good private school in the Sarasota area?
2. Beaches- I have read that the sand is nicer and that the water is warmer in the gulf side. Is this true? How about surfing at either?
3. Country Club / Golf- One of the things I liked about Naples was so many great golf courses. Could you recommend a good club in Jupiter and Sarasota so that I can compare?
4. Weather- I am from Southern California so 120 degree heat doesn't bother me and I actually enjoy the himidity. My wife doesn't like cold; ever. Could you share which location has the best weather and least rain?
5. Bugs- One of my few concerns in moving to Florida is the bugs. I have heard really bad stories and we do not like bugs! Will Sarasota or Jupiter have less bugs?

Thank you all again for your excellent input!

Sarasota has everything you could possibly want. You definitely need to spend some time looking there! It has all of the things you'd like, and I wouldn't let a few bugs, which are everywhere stop me! Now is the best time to find a place.

I would definitely look on the West Coast / Gulf Side! Schools have a lot of variables that come to play in picking the right school. I've attended some of the best private schools in the country as well as attended public schools when I was young. Getting a good education and upbringing will depend largely on the student - that they apply themselves and are motivated to get the most of the opportunities that they have. Parenting is important because that is what instills their motivations, and also making sure that they acquire friends with sound foundations and similar goals.