Observations, weather and other; Brief visit to Sarasota

[Travlin'grl]

I'm a little worried about that.

I was standing alone outside the Blue Rooster, close to midnight last Friday, when your version of a hipster (frankly they're the same everywhere- not to offend anyone) wandered by and muttered something about the mean streets of Sarasota- in jest.
He might have been the same guy who high-fived me the night before at the Five O'Clock Club (it's been years since we went ANYWHERE after dinner).

I would no more leave my home in Oakland after dark without mace and a whistle than anything. You have no idea what a lovely thing it is to feel relatively unconcerned; although I'm always cautious

[beninfl]

Originally Posted by Travlin'grl

I'm hoping I can find something like this below (seen on our afternoon of boating) for under $1mil-
What do you think?

Attachment 133369

Only by the ocean! :-) :-) :-) :-) :-)

[gypsychic]

Originally Posted by otterhere

Can anyone tell me what the average surf is like? Although Sarasota seems to check every one of my boxes for a retirement destination otherwise, I'm just not a fan of the "calm" gulf water. I realize that families with young children favor that and the soft white sand, but to me decent wave action is what the ocean is all about. Also, given all the arts and shopping, is it "snooty"?

The Gulf is not known for wave action, however there are times when it is choppy and creates some surf. The other day when I was there, there were actually small waves and it was nice. The clearest water is when it is calm.

Some parts (and people) of Sarasota can seem "snooty" but I have lived here twice, and in earlier times it seemed way more snooty than it is today, despite more wealth here. Demographics have changed a lot over the past two decades, there are people here from all parts of the US and world which creates a nice cosmopolitan feel, although this will always be a transient area due to its reputation as a vacation destination.

That said, we live in Whitfield Estates, the northernmost part of Sarasota (actually in Manatee County) and this is, hands down, the friendliest, most NON-snooty neighborhood I have ever lived in, despite the fact there are many very wealthy people here (and many not-so-wealthy like me and the hubby) The people here care about each other and look out for each other, very few "curmudgeon" types.

Overall, the Sarasota/Manatee area is just a fantastic place to live and offers so much I could write a book. People accuse me of sounding like I work for the Chamber of Commerce; but honestly I am just a lifetime Florida native who loves where she lives.

[Avalon08]

I managed to hit the mother load of all "weather" in this short trip with
everything from a completely stormy day to a crazy rain that blew in from the
ocean

Hope you don't mind another small correction: "mother lode" not "load". ;-)

I've lived here for 8 months and haven't found the summer humidity anywhere near as oppressive as it is up North. Although, I have not worn sleeves in a few months and certainly haven't turned off the A/C.

I have been to the beach on AMI quite a few times when the waves were relentless (storms out at sea). They're not the fun "ride the waves" type of swells that you have in the Atlantic Ocean, and most people don't go in very far on those days.

My friends moved here from foggy Santa Cruz CA and LOVE it.

[Travlin'grl]

Thanks for the correction; I have no issue with this at all. I appreciate someone who sees that I've used an incorrect word. I should have noticed it, particularly since I live in California

I'd love to hear more of your friends' adjustment to living in Florida coming from Santa Cruz. My daughter lived there for a few years.