Sarasota: good for younger crowd? (Miami, Tampa: condo, house, to buy)

[suthermb]

I am graduating college this December and I have a job offer in Sarasota. I am thinking I want to take it, but my main concern is that there won't be much for me to do as a single 22-year old. Are there a decent number of young people around Sarasota? What about things to do on the weekends such as concerts, clubs, etc?

[crystalblue]

Im under the impression its not that great for younger people.

[backtofla]

i agree crystalblue

[OREGONRAIN]

When I visited Sarasota last winter, I have visited it several times during the years this is what I noticed. There were quite a few young people in the downtown area, in clubs ,pubs,or restaurants, bistro type places, so they are there. I only talked to a few, one I remember especially was very unfriendly, so it was hard to tell with her, and the other was a nice waitress that liked it there, but said she was priced out and had to leave. I remember she summed it up like this. Sarasota was a nice place close enough to Tampa st pete for entertainment and far enough away to feel safer. She seemed happy there but said many young people were priced out or had felt the effects of apts going to condo conversion and they could not afford to buy them. Take a good look at it, and meet as many poeple your age there and see what happens. In many ways now Sarasota does seem to be or quickly turning into a place for only wealthy retirees or high income professionals.

[gypsychic]

Lived there for 17 years - it's a place for older, wealthier people, period. Young people can't get decent paying jobs and can't afford to live there - it was like that when I first moved there in 1981, and today it's about 20 times worse, cost-wise. I am almost a senior citizen myself and it's too old for me. Ten years ago, when we left, I told by 70 y.o. dad that we were moving and he said "GOOD - I never understood why you wanted to live there with all the old people." lol

St. Pete/Tampa area is much better for younger and young-at-heart, and way more affordable.

[dagator]

I am 25 and work in Sarasota but live in St. Pete. I enjoy working here and most of the people I work with are under age 35. Downtown is mostly an over 40 crowd but Siesta Key is really cool and attracts alot of people in their 20s. I also belong to a gym here and there are alot of young people there too. Its weird though b/c when I walk around town I am totally baffled that everyone is so old! All in all it really is a nice town though, you just need to join clubs and work a little harder to meet people our age.

[jplaura02]

I have lived in Sarasota for 3 years. It is definitely a place for older people. Our Rep. in the U.S. House told me he represents the oldest demographic in all of Congress. If you must live in Florida, which I don't recommend, choose a place on the east coast. Of course it is rather expensive, but the Miami area id definitely the cultural star of the state and is very lively and cosmopolitan, compared to Tampa, St. Pete or Sarasota.

[photoman_6]

Originally Posted by jplaura02

I have lived in Sarasota for 3 years. It is definitely a place for older people. Our Rep. in the U.S. House told me he represents the oldest demographic in all of Congress. If you must live in Florida, which I don't recommend, choose a place on the east coast. Of course it is rather expensive, but the Miami area id definitely the cultural star of the state and is very lively and cosmopolitan, compared to Tampa, St. Pete or Sarasota.

"cultural star"? what culture are you referring to?

[PixiStix]

This thread is 6 years old....

[photoman_6]

well, i didn't resurrect it, just responded to it. But, you're right. I think posts originated over a year before should be disabled for replies