Sarasota?

[Oobie119]

The snowbirds are not going to be avoided though. They bring crowded walmarts, heavy SLOW traffic AND some of the "beachy" restaurants even hike up their prices once the season hits. I can't say too much, my parents are snowbirds from Chicago-- but they are the exception! They are fast paced, and very young for their age. Plus, they only go back to Chicago in May-August. They are reverse snowbirds! Ahh so many disadvantages to living here.. snowbirds, love bugs and flying cockroaches.. Hmm is it worth it??? LOL

[b91874]

Originally Posted by jad2000

Hi all.

My girlfriend just got a job offer in the Sarasota area in the medical field, so we visited her aunt in Sarasota to check it out. We looked at the prices of homes and they seem reasonable in Sarasota and we loved the area.

Now for a few questions.

Everyone down there seems very friendly but I've noticed on these boards the dislike toward northerners. We are from CT but very friendly and outgoing. Will we have a problem once we tell people where we're from?

i'm from mystic, ct and moved down here 11 years ago and would never move back. love new england but have fallen in love with sarasota.

I know there are a lot of elderly in FL - will we be welcome as 24 and 26 year olds? I'd also hate to be the only couple our age. Is there anyone out there in their 20's who can tell us if there are any good nightlife spots?

i moved here when i was 21 and had the time of my life with many, many young people in the area. it's florida...there's old people. but i'm surprised by how crowded the bars and downtown/beach areas have been over the past few years with the younger crowds. it's definitely not all old people.

Third, how is the local economy in Sarasota? Are there lots of jobs, and if not, how commutable is Tampa from Sarasota? Is it doable?

i wouldn't commute to tampa unless you're further north sarasota like university parkway which would put you further from downtown/beaches. i don't know anyone without a job.

Is a combined income of 65k enough to own a decent home or condo near Siesta Key or downtown Sarasota?

there are some AMAZING deals on condos especially. you'd be surprised what you could get into right now with the market the way it is.

We are also considering a move to Phoenix or Boston, but you can't beat that Florida weather!

love boston but way too cold/expensive.

Thanks!

good luck on your new venture!

[AnotherDayInParadise]

There are plenty of young people around Sarasota county, sometimes I think they just don't get the opportunity to stand up and be counted.

My husband and I (both 35) were not the ONLY young people at a Branford Marsalis concert this past weekend, but we were among the few. You will learn when to go out and where, but you will find young professionals. In fact, both Sarasota and Venice have thriving YP groups, and North Port has just started their own.

Bars and restuarants abound in DT Sarasota, and are worth your time. Don't feed on the anti-northerner vibe... most here are from somewhere else (I'm from Ohio, hubby is from England).

As for home prices/SoL, 65K will work if you're willing to not live DOWNtown... and you don't eat out all of the time. It will be tight. But worth it, IMO. Because you really CAN'T beat the weather... among other things. Feel free to PM me if you have further questions.

Good Luck!

[TerriW58]

Hi! I just wanted to clarify something for the many northerners who read these boards. As a South Florida native (born in Miami), I can honestly say that most of us have NO problem with people from the north. In fact, my late parents were originally from New England. Our problem is with the northerners who come down to our HOME and constantly criticize and make sure we know how superior everything in their home states are to Florida. THEN you could find yourselves being told that the same roads and planes that got you into the state can also take you BACK and that perhaps you should give that a try. But, other than those circumstances, you will find yourselves being treated in a friendly, welcoming manner.
I get tired of hearing how we Floridians hate "Yankees" and we're "rude". It just isn't true. (However, when you DO find yourselves being treated rudely, ask that person where they're from. Chances are it's New York or New Jersey, not Florida!)

[TKramar]

Originally Posted by somboed

TKramar is only partially accurate. When you walk into a grocery store or Home Depot or Walmart, the people working there, bagging and stocking shelves, are ancient. I worry someone working there will have a heart attack while I'm shopping.

The anti-northern sentiment is quite virulent and growing all the time, as taxes and insurance rates rise. Locals blame northern speculators and northerners who insert themselves in the political system for the rising crime, etc., by bringing northern attitudes, corruption, and policies to change Sarasota for the worse.

Night life is virtually nonexistent unless you go up to Bradenton, and then you have to contend with gangs and illegals. The locals like it quiet, so the few night clubs are very closely watched and fined and sanctioned by the police for any noise or rowdiness complaints by neighbors or nearby businesses. Just read the local paper online and you'll see.

If I were a new northerner, I'd consider Tampa or Phoenix. Or just take a short hop to Boston.

The stores I've been in...most of the cashiers and stockers are under the age of 18, actually. Including Home Depot. Well, only during the day, I guess. Us overnighters are all over 18...but most of THOSE are in their 20's.