Parrish/Ellenton homes? (Sarasota, Bradenton, Venice: fit in, real estate market, apartments)

[FLMommy07]

We were looking to buy a short sale in Covered Bridge and then we decided to back out of our offer after not hearing back from the bank. Not to sure about the community, but I did read that there was a home invasion a couple of weeks ago. Here's a link to read about it.

I'm kind of glad we didn't end up moving into that community especially after reading about the home invasion. I know that can happen anywhere, but still. We're getting ready to close on a placee in Parrish in the next week.

[Mackeyser]

Well, as the very story you link stated... the guys were after something specific. The neighborhood played no specific role. As in, the reason for the break in had everything to do with the owner and something he owned, had on his property, specifically it seems they were looking for a cash horde of some kind. They were armed and armored. That doesn't speak to a ding on the neighborhood.... just means the guy may have been into something shady or somehow shady folks found out he sometimes keeps large amounts of cash in his house. Either thing is a recipe for crime no matter where you live. Actually, you were better off not because of the locale (I'm partial to Covered Bridge as a homeowner here), but because it was a short sale. Hmmmm short sale... perhaps the greatest oxymoron in all of real estate. Nothing short about it. Better to find a place ACTUALLY for sale that you can enter into a real and binding contract on. Best of luck to you wherever you end up and may that place become a home to you and yours.

[Mackeyser]

Originally Posted by wakefrr

We are looking to purchase in Covered Bridge Estates and wanted to know about Crime? Neighbor Hood Friendlyness ect. Can you help?

Lived here about a year. Other than the home invasion (which caused a bit of a stir because it was so out of the ordinary... I mean, normally folks complain cuz it's so quiet here) which had nothing to do with the area and a few stolen cars when we first moved here (they were unlocked)... not much.

I've seen garage doors accidentally left open.. stuff accidentally left out.. still there.

Folks are friendly, they actually wave or at least wave back as they pass. Never had anyone not wanna talk to me if I had a question or just wanted to strike up a conversation.

As with anything, take a good look. But as for crime and friendliness... the crime's pretty low and the friendliness is good.

[meltinjohn]

Parrish is terrible. Ellenton is pretty sucky. I am back in Massachusetts now and GLAD to be out of there!

[PaulaC]

Meltinjohn,

Having read your posts for a while, I am so glad you are where you want to be. I have also made other choices, but your constant bashing of the Parrish/Ellenton area makes me wonder just what in the hell you were looking at. I'm sure you will be just as unhappy in MA after a while.

Just sayin'...

[PaulaC]

That being said...

I loved the neighborhood I lived in Parrish. I still miss my neighbors and the nice big lot with a beautiful home. Unfortunately, we had to make other choices to be able to make it. For those looking at the Parrish area, I would encourage each of you to really spend some time and talk to people who live there. Believe me, I did not have one of those huge homes that was out of my price range, it is simply a job situation.

Anyway, check out homes in Ancient Oaks. Lots of very good people and reasonable prices at this time.

I truly hope the best for all those looking for their dream!!

[cassey346]

what area is close to the beach that is kid friendly and prices under $200,000

[Mackeyser]

Parrish and Ellenton are inland a bit. The Beach areas are Bradenton (pricey), West Palmetto to the north and Sarasota to the south (pricier). West Palmetto has some pretty run down parts, but some really nice parts. I'd definitely make sure to check everything out (schools, neighboorhood, areas around shopping, etc) before purchasing there. It's near the beach, but also, it means you'll be below the flood line in most cases and in the Wind dmg zone so your homeowners will be 5-6k per year as opposed to 1-1.5k per year. And that's with a 200k house. Adding as much as $500/mo just for homeowners (not including flood, which could run another 300 or more) is a reason not much development has happened there.

West Bradenton is fairly close to the beach, zip code 34209 and has some really nice houses. Shop smart and you could be in a really nice set up.

[Skunk Workz]

Originally Posted by Mackeyser

Parrish and Ellenton are inland a bit. The Beach areas are Bradenton (pricey), West Palmetto to the north and Sarasota to the south (pricier). West Palmetto has some pretty run down parts, but some really nice parts. I'd definitely make sure to check everything out (schools, neighboorhood, areas around shopping, etc) before purchasing there. It's near the beach, but also, it means you'll be below the flood line in most cases and in the Wind dmg zone so your homeowners will be 5-6k per year as opposed to 1-1.5k per year. And that's with a 200k house. Adding as much as $500/mo just for homeowners (not including flood, which could run another 300 or more) is a reason not much development has happened there.

West Bradenton is fairly close to the beach, zip code 34209 and has some really nice houses. Shop smart and you could be in a really nice set up.

I agree with most of this, but want to point out that Palmetto has no beach access. I think you can get into the water from Emerson Point, but it's not really beach.

[Mackeyser]

That's very true, Palmetto isn't beach, per se. But some folks just want "close" in so far as the smell of the water or that feel of living near the water. There are parts of Palmetto that sort of qualify... sort of.

There is a beach area north of the Braden river, but I don't know the name of it. If it's not technically part of Palmetto, I think it's still in Palmetto's zip code.

Good point, tho. A real estate agent would be a good resource to distinguish as well as let anyone know where the flood plains end and how much extra the wind and flood insurance is near the water.