Bradenton: housing, boating, etc. (Ellenton: foreclosures, leases, month to)

[redsox09]

So I'm looking at a job in Bradenton, actually would work out of two sites one being basically downtown Bradenton, the other Lakewood Ranch. I would like my commute to both to be 30 minutes or less at rush hour times. What would be a good area to look for housing with the following parameters:
1) Newborn child, so safety a must, but schools in 4-5 years a huge priority.
2) Fairly close to basic shopping for my wife (grocery, Target, etc.)
3) I have a boat up here in Boston. 18 foot Boston Whaler. Currently I wet slip it, ideally would be close to a marina for a slip, but would LOVE to be on a canal. Not sure if it would be realistic to find a nice, bigger house (as we plan more kids) in a good school district, on the water.
4) Budget for buying would top out around $550,000-600,000 though I would be more comfortable spending in the $450k range.
5) Realistically would have to rent for a bit while our house (hopefully) sells up here. I'd hate to sign a year lease and get shut out of a great buying opportunity though. Are month to month leases common?

[Oobie119]

I recommend renting for at least 6 months to get to know the areas well. You could rent month to month, but you will really pay as they hike up the rent in this case. I can suggest a specific area that seems to fit your needs. East Bradenton, specifically North East Bradenton has a few boating communties that may interest you. This area is closer to the Manatee River and may be just what you are looking for. The schools in the area are very good, and regardless, Manatee County offers school choice on a first come first serve basis (just keep an eye on it as they don't advertise, registration is VERY early). Witt and McNeal Elem are the schools. East Bradenton has a more country like feel, very family oriented and very quiet. Due to it's location to the river, it also tends to draw boaters. The areas I can recommend are: Waterlefe, Greyhawk landing, The Inlets, Mill Creek, Country Meadows and Rivers Edge (?). There is a shopping center nearby and even though the area is a bit far out there..there are amenties nearby.It is a very beautiful, and very safe upperclass area. Walmart is about a 15 minute drive, and the Ellenton Outlet mall isn't too far either. The areas I mentioned aren't all boating communites but for sure Waterlefe and the Inlets are. There is also Heritage Harbor, but they have had many problems with Chinese Drywall. If you are unfamiliar with this google it, its very serious and I would run the other way. Many foreclosures in the area, same goes for LWR as I did not suggest that one either. I hope this was helpful, you will get many other opinions here too : ) Good Luck!

[222muchcoffee]

I had a nice impression of the Inlets,fyi.... did not buy there because i thought it was a bit far from sarasota. Good luck!

[222muchcoffee]

Talk with SFG -- she is super knowledgable realtor on nearly all the areas from bradenton -south.

[Big House]

You should be able to find something in that price range (and maybe quite a bit less) that will suit all your needs. Your Boston Whaler is a good boat for down here. I think you will be happy with that! Fishing is great down here, and the water is much shallower than up in NE.