Considering to make the move to Florida from Kentucky (Sarasota: spring break, rental)

[KentuckyWildcat]

I have kind of drug this thread into a couple of different directions.

My options are kind of open regarding the area, or so I've been told by my company in the last couple of days.

Another option has been opened is St. Pete. This seems like it would appeal to me more than Venice, but is it much better than Bradenton? I guess it's hard to determine what's better because everyone has their own opinion and personality, but how does it compare to Bradenton?

[sware2cod]

Originally Posted by KentuckyWildcat

I have kind of drug this thread into a couple of different directions.

My options are kind of open regarding the area, or so I've been told by my company in the last couple of days.

Another option has been opened is St. Pete. This seems like it would appeal to me more than Venice, but is it much better than Bradenton? I guess it's hard to determine what's better because everyone has their own opinion and personality, but how does it compare to Bradenton?

St Pete is a lot different. It's pretty much part of the one big metro Tampa area. Bigger city, more crowded, more traffic, less open space(by far). It has more restaurants/things to do, many more jobs nearby - not only in St Pete but also Tampa, Clearwater, etc. Also it's got more young folks, some areas with a hippy/trendy vibe. It's very close to Tampa and all the city life there. Although you can stay in St Pete and have all the city life you would ever need, IMO

It's in Pinellas county which is a large county with many Tampa suburbs, St Pete being the largest city in the county. It has beaches but also many areas inland. I wouldn't say it's better or worse than Bradenton, just very different. If you are more into city life/things to do/trendy areas, then St Pete might be better for you.

[davery5872]

Comparing Sarasota to St Pete is a little like comparing Lexington to Louisville. Sarasota and Lexington are going to have more cultural activities. St Pete and Louisville will have the younger, hipper vibe. IMO Sarasota compares very well with Lexington. Both tend to have higher housing prices than surrounding areas. Both have many cultural activities. Both downtowns are walkable at night and vibrant.

[KentuckyWildcat]

Update!

So I accepted the position in Bradenton. I've been in Punta Gorda since Tuesday. I thought I had a condo lined up in Holmes Beach, but it fell through. People with my company say there are only a few decent/good areas in Bradenton, and have mentioned that I look around - Sarasota, Ellenton. I'm trying to stay under $1000 with a 1-2 bedroom. The condo was directly on the bay for $850 for a 1bd so I'm very disappointed.

I'm looking for a nice area. Any help would be greatly appreciated. I start Monday.

[blueherons]

Originally Posted by KentuckyWildcat

Update!

So I accepted the position in Bradenton. I've been in Punta Gorda since Tuesday. I thought I had a condo lined up in Holmes Beach, but it fell through. People with my company say there are only a few decent/good areas in Bradenton, and have mentioned that I look around - Sarasota, Ellenton. I'm trying to stay under $1000 with a 1-2 bedroom. The condo was directly on the bay for $850 for a 1bd so I'm very disappointed.

I'm looking for a nice area. Any help would be greatly appreciated. I start Monday.

You are going to have to up your budget for a two bedroom in a nice area. One bedroom maybe.

I've never even heard of a waterfront in Sarasota for that cheap.

Did you look in the University area?

[KentuckyWildcat]

Originally Posted by blueherons

You are going to have to up your budget for a two bedroom in a nice area. One bedroom maybe.

I've never even heard of a waterfront in Sarasota for that cheap.

Did you look in the University area?

The waterfront was on Holmes Beach on AMI.

We're perfectly fine with a one bedroom.

[Ladywithafan]

Originally Posted by KentuckyWildcat

The waterfront was on Holmes Beach on AMI.

We're perfectly fine with a one bedroom.

There's an apartment complex on Perico Island ~ the name has changed but you can probably google apartment Perico Island & see if it pops up. Good luck, I don't have much to say for Bradenton so I will keep a lid on it.

[Ladywithafan]

It's Perico Apartments on Bristol Bay Drive, Perico Island. I lived there when we first moved to Bradenton in 1991; worth a try as it's one of the best locals to be in if you're not on Anna Maria.

[Sunshine Rules]

I live in southern Manatee county and have a Bradenton address. Bradenton, like most older towns, has a few neighborhoods that seem to have a majority of the issues, but much of the area consists of older, reasonably priced homes mixed with lots of condo communities in the western portion (except near the water, which is more expensive) and new construction neighborhoods to the east (such as Lakewood Ranch).

The cheaper condo rentals will be in west Bradenton as those are older complexes. You might try Villages at Townpark in Lakewood Ranch for a one bedroom, Sabal Key on 45th is another newer community that has a lot of rentals. Palm Aire on University and The Meadows south of University in Sarasota also have quite a few one bedroom condos that sometimes come up for rent. Both beautiful communities that get little publicity.

There is a new apartment complex that is just starting to lease units at I75 and SR70 -- Ranch Lake Apartments. Prices start at $1000 a month for one bedroom apartments.

[Cardiff by the Sea]

The snow birds will be going home soon. Things will open up then. You can probably get an April through Dec lease pretty reasonably. People who rent to snowbirds want the high Jan-Mar rent and don't like year leases, but are real happy to have someone who wants to rent just for the off season.

You said you wanted to rent for a year before you bought. Since you are planning to buy, if you can make up your mind quicker than a year, then a shorter lease should work for you.

You should be able to find something on a shorter lease if you can wait a month to 6 weeks to move in.