Any recent families relocate from Northeast to Sarasota/Bradenton area? (Siesta Key: homes, neighborhood)

[mmstuart]

Hi,

We are a family of four with two school-age daughters, ages 4 and 8, considering a possible relocation to the Bradenton/Sarasota area from Massachusetts. Looking to see if there are any young families who have done this and what their opinions are. We'd like a more established, older, upscale neighborhood with lots of families near the coast (but not on it). Last time we vacationed on AMI we explored NW Bradenton a bit and really liked the area. Any thoughts? Was the transition easy? etc..

Thank you!

[Oobie119]

We aren't for the east but we moved from Chicago when our daughter was 5 months- she's now 6. We absolutely are happy here in Bradenton. We live further south though, rightn the order of Sarasota, about 20 minutes from NW Bradenton. Werented out that way though.

NW Bradenton seems to be very popular with families, but we liked this area. We found the homes in NW Bradenton to be a bit older, and pricier. Usually that's to be expected the closer to the beaches you are. We have a number of different beaches we can easily access, one being Siesta Key.

Overall, the transition will be harder for you than the kids. Sunshine and shorts just about all year? Plenty of outdoor fun and activities.. Our daughter would have been miserable in Chicago. She is a nature lover, marine life lover and this is where she belongs! While we aren't from the East, I have met many people from that area. They come from all over to escape the cold,especially the Eastand Midwest : )