Coming to sarasota next month to check out apts/condos for rent..need advice! (Bradenton: apartments) - Manatee and Sarasota Counties - City-Data Forum

Keri l. · 03-10-2011, 09:29 AM

My fiance & I are coming down to Sarasota in late April to start looking at condos/apts for rent as we are planning our move from the Boston area in August. We have a 4 yr old daughter so we are looking for areas that have GREAT schools (public and/or private), fun things for families to do, & in close proximity to beaches. We also have a 1yr old puppy so we want to make sure there are safe areas to walk her and also for our daughter to ride her bike, play, etc. We are looking to rent for a yr or so in a gated community-type place that has a pool, typically in the 1,000/month rent price range. Jobs are already secured as my fiance's co. has an office in Bradenton & I will most likely be a SAHM for the first year and after that prob just look for something PT with mother's hours. I work in the medical field, primarily admin/cust service, so I'm not too worried about finding something for myself when the time is right. Any input would be greatly appreciated

Oobie119 · 03-11-2011, 07:47 AM

Based on what you are looking for, I'd say there are some nice places in Bradenton that would suit you. Don't worry, I realize the concerns that come with the word Bradenton. We moved from Chicago with our daughter who is now 5, and we rented for 5 years. We jumped into it and ended up in a not great area. We researched many of the areas afterwards as we were looking to buy The schools were a concern too. Manatee County has some of the best rated schools out there. I taught there for 4 years so I know what goes on behind the scenes. Plus, having a dog, your options are limited. The first place is Vistana at Palma Sola. Very nice, close to beach, in a nicer, safe area of Bradenton. It is very well kept with some kids, but mostly working, middle class people in there thirties. They screen their applicants very carefully and the units are beautiful. There are lots of amenities nearby and there is Bishop animal sanctuary for nice walks, as well as the new paths in Palma Sola by the bay. They take dogs up to 90 pounds. You can also look into Tuscany apartments along University parkway, I think they are on the south side though, meaning it's Sarasota schools. In this particular area, you want a better school and could opt for school choice. University is the border between Bradenton and Sarasota. This area is very suburban like, super clean and safe,but is more south East than Vistana area. The apartments are very nice. You could look into renting a town home at Sabal Bay or Carolina Landings. These are gated town homes. Some people are renting them since the economy is so tight. Hope thisnwas helpful!

gypsychic · 03-11-2011, 08:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Oobie119

Based on what you are looking for, I'd say there are some nice places in Bradenton that would suit you. Don't worry, I realize the concerns that come with the word Bradenton. We moved from Chicago with our daughter who is now 5, and we rented for 5 years. We jumped into it and ended up in a not great area. We researched many of the areas afterwards as we were looking to buy The schools were a concern too. Manatee County has some of the best rated schools out there. I taught there for 4 years so I know what goes on behind the scenes. Plus, having a dog, your options are limited. The first place is Vistana at Palma Sola. Very nice, close to beach, in a nicer, safe area of Bradenton. It is very well kept with some kids, but mostly working, middle class people in there thirties. They screen their applicants very carefully and the units are beautiful. There are lots of amenities nearby and there is Bishop animal sanctuary for nice walks, as well as the new paths in Palma Sola by the bay. They take dogs up to 90 pounds. You can also look into Tuscany apartments along University parkway, I think they are on the south side though, meaning it's Sarasota schools. In this particular area, you want a better school and could opt for school choice. University is the border between Bradenton and Sarasota. This area is very suburban like, super clean and safe,but is more south East than Vistana area. The apartments are very nice. You could look into renting a town home at Sabal Bay or Carolina Landings. These are gated town homes. Some people are renting them since the economy is so tight. Hope thisnwas helpful!

Oobie always has great advice on this area.

Keri l. · 03-11-2011, 02:57 PM

Thanks Oobie!! I'm gonna check out the University area online now

Keri l. · 03-11-2011, 09:47 PM

Are sabal Bay & Carolinas in Sarasota? We are kind of looking to be in Sarasota..the counties are sort of confusing to me???

Oobie119 · 03-15-2011, 12:22 PM

They are in Bradenton, but literally, just across the street from Sarasota. Why are you set on Sarasota? The areas I have mentioned are beautiful, close to I75, airport, beaches and have good schools. They are near University Parkway which is the border between Sarasota and Bradenton. Taxes are 50% lower in Manatee County and the schools are better

Keri l. · 03-16-2011, 12:37 PM

ok I get it lol. The reason we had our hearts set on Sarasota is because I thought the schools were better there and I have heard better reviews about Sarasota than Bradenton. We will be down on 4/7 and I am willing to check out both areas. Thanks so much for your advice!! This process is stressful, its just soooo much info to take in at once! I know it will be worth it though