We're getting close... (Tampa, Clearwater, Sarasota: spring break, real estate, 2015)

[kimmerthy]

Hi all. Not sure where to start with this post. I've searched these boards over the last few years, have asked questions, and even found another forum website which always recommends I come back here, to C-D specifically, to ask questions (more info here than there). And through all our research, we always come back to Sarasota as the place on the Gulf we would want to raise our family (Tampa/St.Pete a close second).

I've read Sarasota has been taken off some lists because of its increased crime rate. I mean, I realize, and always knew, it wasn't the greatest, and obviously way higher than where we live now in the Midwest. We've been focusing on areas close to the water from Sarasota south to maybe Naples. My husband would work from home, so we are very flexible as to where we can live, but office would be in Tampa/St. Pete. I have plugged in every address we've even thought about into crime mapping.com, and the sex offenders registry. Oye. So, again, our move will be based on what's best for our kids (as it should be). Even after years of researching, and us keep coming back to Sarasota, we are starting to consider moves to other states...this is SO hard for me as I have been dead set on moving to the Sarasota area.

Without sounding snotty, for lack of a better word, I guess my question is, is there an upscale, custom neighborhood, with sidewalks, families (yes, I know, chase school buses, look for basketball hoops...we will be there again at the end of March when I'm pretty sure it's Spring Break for lots of schools, not too many buses to chase, but we will try again). At this point, I really wont care if it's in a gated neighborhood or not. And anywhere, from Clearwater Beach south to Naples, we are open! We need a lot, or a tear down. No to Turtle Rock, or Prestancia, anything else? Nokomis/North Port my husband said would be too far (but I'm still open to suggestions!) We've looked at Lakewood Ranch, we LOVE Bird Key, it's #1 on our list, but there are literally NO families with kids (please someone correct me if I'm wrong). I love Granada too, but my husband thinks it's "too dark" if that helps any :roll eyes: also love the San Remo feel. And I'm from North Carolina, born and raised, yes, it's fabulous, I know this, but we really want to be where we want to retire (within 20 years), and that's the Gulf Coast, Sarasota area specifically.

Any places I've missed?? Like I said, we will be there the end of March, 3rd year in a row, with lots of visits in between. We will be driving, and driving some more looking for neighborhoods. I don't want to X Sarasota off the list!! We will rent before/while we build, schools are not a priority.

Apologies for the longest post ever. You all have been so helpful over the years!

[La-La land]

As to the crime rate there are a few things to consider. We researched exhaustively all of SWFL before we settled on the SRQ area. There are many theories about skewed crime rates, and here's mine: Depending on how the metro area is actually measured, it can make all the difference in the world. For example, within the city limits of Sarasota lies the Newtown ghetto which is a hotbed of criminal activity. Now compared to Fort Myers, some of their worst crime areas - Lehigh Acres and Harlem heights(?) - fall outside of their city limits. Both cities have similar crime statistics, but which one is actually safer? I'm going with SRQ based on the inclusion of our worst crime zone. I dont feel unsafe here, except the areas between 41 and 301 between Fruitville Road and University, give or take a block or two.

[photoman_6]

Ok, deep breath.

Now, crime in the Sarasota/Bradenton area is concentrated in certain pockets of activity. It's not a gauntlet that you must cross every time you have to go to the grocery store. Also, the reason you see so many sexual predators on these lists is that Florida has a good reputation for reporting sexual predators, as opposed to many other states that can't be bothered or don't have the funds to do so.

There are hundreds of developments in the Sarasota/Manatee county area that are upscale, custom/semi custom, with sidewalks, families, golf courses, and many amenities.
Your area of search is too wide, and you have to begin setting some priorities.
For example, how many times will your husband have to trek to his office. Once a week, once a month? During rush hour it could easily take you 45 minutes to one hour to get from northern sarasota to tampa or st. Pete. If you have to have access to Tampa/St. Pete on a regular basis, I'd rule out anything south of Sarasota, which would exclude northport and below.
Also, there are two main access roads to the Tampa/St. Pete, but only the I-75 corridor is viable, and that is at the extreme eastern end of the area(15-30 minutes just to get to the expressway)

What do you think your budget is going to be? $150,000, 250,000, 500,000. Budget makes a huge difference as to the type of house and quality of neighborhood.

How old are your children? Grammar school or high school? Keep in mind that eventually kids grow up and move out, and then you'll be empty nesters possibly living in a neighborhood that is not suitable to that kind of living.

Contrary to popular belief, you will probably move at least once in twenty years, so i wouldn't look for a forever home if you're in your forties,

So, my suggestions are: Don't rush into anything. Subscribe to the Herald Tribune and have it sent to you,or use it online. It will give you a flavor from afar. Decide on your budget, within $50k and spend some time everyday on the mls website getting an idea of what kinds of things you want in your Florida home.
When I started researching the area for retirement, I quickly focused on the Sarasota area as affordable to my budget. We spent a year looking through the mls, made a connection with a very helpful broker that agreed to escort us for two full days looking through possible homes. I quickly realized my original budget was inadequate for what I wanted, and was able to up the budget to open up a whole other market within Sarasota.

Take your time, research the schools, visit at least twice more, one in winter, one in summer to see if you can stand the heat, and search this website (although it's not the best organized for search). Feel free to DM me if you need more help

[La-La land]

As to the real estate part of your question, if Bird Key is within your budget but ruled out for other reasons, I would closely look at the area west of 41 between Bahia Vista and Siesta Dr. Cherokee park, McClelland, etc on Osprey in the general area of the hospital. I can't speak to how many families with kids live there, but it looks pretty good driving through. LBK is nice and quiet but children are non existent, and if you're not into 88 year old men in speedo's then you can rule that out, along with Bird key. Lido Shores is nice but ghastly expensive. Good luck! You could live like a king in Venice on your budget too.

[motordavid]

+1 What photoman_6 posted...
Spend the time looking online and on the ground.
There are dozens of communities that should fit most of your needs.
GL, mD

[kimmerthy]

You all are THE BEST!! I feel MUCH better now.
I'm subscribing to the Herald Tribune right now. You made me laugh out loud La-La. Budget is above $500,000, we will buy the lot/land, then build. Hopefully rent close to the area we decide on. We have two littles, 7 and 3. Son will be testing for Pine View while we are there in March. Husband will go into work maybe once a month. I will add the area you spoke of, La-La, west of 41 between Bahia Vista and Siesta Dr. You are totally feeling me, if it looks good driving through, my husband will add it to the list. We accidentally found Bird Key last March, and instantly fell in love, placed an offer on a home to be torn down, didn't get it bc obviously, as we all know, the prices in there now are RIDIC, seriously, we've been watching the SRQ prices for 4 years, maybe that bubble will burst while we're renting somewhere. We were thinking of upping our budget just to build on Bird Key, but the demographics worry us. We may be able to afford it, but who in their right/unright mind will not look at the history of a home, and pay $200-$300k more than just two years ago?? I have an idea! Gah, sorry for the tangent!

I will do some more walking from street views online (my favorite hobby, lol). I remember reading at one point we should stay away from Osprey Ave bc of the hospital. We've definitely thought of Venice, but are afraid of those men in speedos down there too. I did read more families are moving there though, WHERE ARE YOU?!

[Sunshine Rules]

There was an excellent article in a local paper a few years ago that better explained the crime statistics for Sarasota in a way that make them easier to understand for those who do not live here.

Keep in mind that the CITY of Sarasota crime statistics are what visitors often look at instead of the entire metro area (much of which is located in the COUNTY of Sarasota, not the city). The city of Sarasota makes up just 26 square miles in this huge metro area.

Here's a link to the article:
Sarasota's crime rate raises alarm | Sarasota | Your Observer

Things have changed since that article was published. The city of Sarasota has a new police chief. The city is working harder on crime prevention.

A 2015 article stated that Sarasota crime rates have hit a 20 year low per FBI statistics:
Sarasota Crime Rate Reaches 20-Year Low - Sarasota, FL Patch



I agree with another poster, your search area is pretty wide, which makes it a lot harder to pin down specific areas and neighborhoods. For buyers with this dilemma, I would suggest making a list on paper of your "must haves," "nice to have" and "deal breakers" for your next location. See how the various areas you are targeting match up with your list. Then eliminate those that lack your "must haves." You should end up with a much shorter list of areas/cities with which to work. Target your future visits on your short list of locations to further narrow it down to just 2 or 3, if possible.

Then apply that same process to neighborhoods.

The process of relocating is not an easy one, but it does help to narrow down your choices as quickly as possible and focus on the ones that best match your needs and wants. Good luck with your search.

[La-La land]

Originally Posted by kimmerthy

WHERE ARE YOU?!

We decided on LBK, even though we're only in our early 50's. We're only there as seasonal snowbirds I should add. We love the beach and the peace and quiet.

[MIKEPOTE]

OP I see Your'e Iliinois. Where from? Plainfield here. Moving to SRQ in August.

I know you are far from nailing down a specific neighborhood but it you get there before your trip down in march Id rent a house in the neighborhood you think you want to live. We are also going down end of March and rented a house where we think we'll end up. This way we can talk to people who live there, see if there are kids outside, blah, blah, blah.

Good luck with your move!

[Margita]

Why not Turtle Rock or Prestancia? I don't know those neighborhoods but wondering why not.

I would build in Mission Estates, large lots, yet within the community. If less expensive, then around Englewood.