Bradenton, moving from England (school, kids, drugs)

[Edvard]

If you have to choose between BR and SE, Braden River any day.

[lostinflorida]

West Bradenton and NW Bradenton are really going downhill fast! As I have previously posted, my family is moving away from Bradenton (Florida) in the next few years because of the crime. But, if you have chosen the area, I would recommend living out east (Lakewood Ranch or Braden River) area. The West Bradenton schools are changing rapidly(in a bad way). Lakewood ranch high has had a lot of drug problems and Southeast has a lot of rough students(and bad neighborhood). Braden River has a mix of students and would probably be your best choice. If possible, stay east of Caruso Road. There have been a lot of crime on SR 70 towards US 301. By the way, never shop at the Walmart on SR 70 (you will get robbed in the parking lot). Like I said, we are leaving Bradenton, but I thought I would help in your school choice. A lot of my friends teach out east and have a better experience than my friends who teach in West or NW Bradenton.

[TKramar]

You know, they say the school I graduated from had drug problems...even back then. Crack town was right down the road...

Oddly enough, I was never exposed to those drugs...even walking through the so-called "bad area".

So I guess it's all about exposure...I haven't seen crime with my own eyes happening here in Bradenton (except at the gas pumps..almost $4?!)...and I do a lot of walking.

[HENDREN]

However, It Is Boring And Unsophisticated. I've Lived Here For Years And Want To Move! One Writer Also Said Oneco And Desoto Square Mall Were Good Areas... They Are Not!! Oneco Is Totally Country, Most Homes Are Cheaper And Older, And It Has A Poor Reputation Among The "old Bradenton" Families. Schools Are Very Good, But For Adults Who Aren't Married And Homebodies, There Is Nothing To Do Here!

[TKramar]

Originally Posted by HENDREN

However, It Is Boring And Unsophisticated. I've Lived Here For Years And Want To Move! One Writer Also Said Oneco And Desoto Square Mall Were Good Areas... They Are Not!! Oneco Is Totally Country, Most Homes Are Cheaper And Older, And It Has A Poor Reputation Among The "old Bradenton" Families. Schools Are Very Good, But For Adults Who Aren't Married And Homebodies, There Is Nothing To Do Here!

Hendren, what is it you want to "do"? There are clubs, restaurants, and bars. There's a Wal-Mart. There's historical attractions. Hunsader Farms hosts a medieval fair every November (still haven't gone yet though), there's the Manatee Players for theater, and at least THREE movie theaters. Unless you want to make it a Blockbuster night...or a Hollywood Video night, since BOTH stores exist here. You've got a beach, if you're more into outdoorsy things. East of Bradenton, you have a state park.

I've said it before--just because Girls Gone Wild does not come through the area does not mean there is "nothing to do"! Okay, so many rock and pop concerts don't come right here...but we've got friends who complains that they don't want to go "all the way" into Sarasota. Um...it's ten to fifteen minutes away...for US, and we pass by their house on the way down there!

Heck, at least Bradenton and Sarasota have BUS service! Try living in Charlotte County! I have, walking everywhere up and down 41...even walking from near the Promenades to Burnt Store Road. That's a trip better taken by bus. I was just at the library a few days ago...one of three that I know of. My girlfriend's computer was having problems, so I used theirs.

[kelevra23]

I am originally from Sarasota and own this new condo in University Park area.

Take a look at Silver Diamond Rentals - Home for pics and brief data and let me know if you need any more data or have additional questions.

The area around this immediate neighborhood is terrific and growing leaps and bounds. New retail includes a Fresh Market grocery store, Kohl's department store, starbucks, keva juice, Super target, nordstrom's, circuit city, best buy, etc, etc, etc....

[julierajko]

Originally Posted by mariadbd

Hi
We're English and moving to Lakewood Ranch (which is on the Bradenton fringe) next month. I probably can compete as I am definitely from a rough UK town!!
Bradenton is like anywhere - it depends where you live. Do you have a specific part of Bradenton you are going to? If not and you are still looking - let me know as we did a TON of research about schools, housing, places to live, etc.
We decided on Lakewood Ranch, but there are other places that are nice too.
Let me know and maybe I can point you in some directions. We have family also so know what your concerns would be.
Best wishes!

Hi, We are also thinking about moving to Florida. My husband will be working in Clearwater so at the moment looking were to live is very hard. We have a 2 year old son, Lakewood Ranch sounds good. Any info on cost of living, insurances, flood zones, schools etc would be well appreciated. Thanks

[9907-620]

Clearwater is pretty nice but not really close enough to Lakewood Ranch unless your husband fancies a bit of a trek. Maybe think about St Pete or Clearwater itself. Tarpon Springs - just further N of Clearwater - is nice too but pricey. Depends on how long you are staying for but maybe renting first and having a scout round would be useful.

[Suncoast Guy]

Be very careful moving to Bradenton- any part of it. That's all I can say.

Maybe Sarasota?

[msms]

To the people commuting to Clearwater, if you want to live south of Tampa Bay, look at Parrish or Northwest Bradenton. If I were you I'd look in Pinellas County or points north! From Bradenton to Clearwater, plan on close to an hour commute in each direction IF there are no traffic problems.