Moving to FL - need help with Gulf Coast locations (Tampa: real estate, house)

[sailelsa]

Hi, I am coming to Gulf Coast in a week to check out posssibly moving there... I would like to be relatively near the water (within 30 minutes of the Bay or Gulf). I am going to check all the way from Clearwater to Sarasota (including St. Pete and Bradenton - I don't know the character of these areas). I have a job working from home and so can choose where I land.

I am 45, college educated, single, no children, and two dogs. I am originally from Philadelphia, but have been in Phoenix for about 6 years. I know I tolerate heat much better than any cold. I am involved politically and I am liberal, but have some moderate views. It's funny in Philly I am seen as moderate, in Phoenix I am seen as liberal. It is funny how opinions change on this in different regions. I am very spiritual, but do not subscribe to a particular religion. Being in a conservative area (religion or politically) would be difficult for me.

Things I am interested in: Bicycling, Rollerblading, talking about current events at coffee shops or frozen yogurt places, going to the beach and reading, going to political events and participating in things I believe in, going out to eat or see a band or theater performance, kayaking, meeting people my own age who are friendly and like to do things. I would also like to meet someone to date - so that is a consideration.

I lived in Tampa Bay area in 1999 - but I am sure much has changed.

I am looking to buy. My range is $325-375. Thank you for your help!

(PS - Posted similar question in Tampa forum bc am looking up from Clearwater to Sarasota. I hope that was ok.)

[craigiri]

Bradenton is a bit of a "no man's land" -but there are some nice areas up around Robinson Preserve and they are close to the beach and bay. Not much culture.....

Based on what you are saying my guess is that you may like some of the older neighborhoods in Sarasota which are close to everything. This would be, in general, the area bordered by ringling to the north - tuttle (or beneva) to the east and Proctor to the south.

Quiet streets - low traffic, close to everything - no need to get on interstates to go anywhere, etc.

[Nancy in Nokomis]

Since you are fairly young and single - I would recommend Bradenton ( the nice parts), Clearwater and I hear St. Pete is gentrifying - Sarasota might be too "old" for you.

[sailelsa]

I should ask if Bradenton leans liberal or conservative bc politics do matter to me. Thank you.

[MattMN]

Sarasota is definitely conservative. And since you're single, if you hope to find a mate, Sarasota has a fairly high average age (closer to 60's than 40's). Not as familiar with Bradenton, but it might be a little less of each.

I would think St. Petersburg would be a better all-around fit for you. More active liberal politics, plenty of activities and more age-appropriate. There's tons of info on that forum, so you're smart to post there. From my past research, I think right near downtown St. Pete could be perfect for you! Good luck.

[gypsychic]

Originally Posted by sailelsa

I should ask if Bradenton leans liberal or conservative bc politics do matter to me. Thank you.

Sarasota is 50/50 - I call it "laid back liberal", as it is pretty much live-and-let-live here. And it really does depend on what part of town you live in. Downtown, the north side of town and Siesta are all on the liberal side, whereas further south tends to be more older population and more conservative. Longboat Key pretty conservative as well.

But there is a nice mix - lots of people in 40s-60s who are fit and active and into food, music, dancing, arts, yoga, alt. healing, etc. This is a well educated area with 3 colleges and some of the best schools in the state. Lots of art and cultural events, etc. From your post, I think you would really like it here. You probably do not want Bradenton, it is a whole different vibe there.

[sailelsa]

Thank you for the feedback. All very helpful! I tried to look up stats on Sarasota regarding politics - looks like it is almost 50/50 per this website (have no idea how accurate this info is tho). I would happy if is is actually accurate. I do like to discuss politics and would like to not live in an area where people look at me like I have 10 heads if I do - being around other people who care about current events.

Moderator cut: link removed, linking to competitor sites is not ok

To the last poster... yes, I am fit - active - like to eat healthy and into alternative healing! I have a back condition and have been able to control it through naturopathic means. One of with is prolotherapy. I have a great naturopath here in Scottsdale - so kind of afraid to leave them. I love cultural events. I lived in several countries in S. America for 4 years. I am very much excited to be around that food again!

I have heard that the riverfront in Bradenton is nice - eclectic?

Could you define what constitutes North Sarasota? Are you talking about Siesta Key when you say Siesta?

[craigiri]

I think people in Sarasota don't tend to talk or broadcast their politics (except perhaps on the right) because most people are from elsewhere and part of "fitting in" is to not start out with how "bad" the other side is. This whole area of florida is teetering on the brink of "purple" and will probably head more in that direction as baby boomers from the north move down.

Then again, Trump was BIG BIG BIG time right here at the local Arena in Sarasota. You have to consider what Florida is - a place where largely unbridled development and commercialism is and has been the norm since the "I have some swampland in florida to sell you) times (1920's/30's).

In general, the lack of planning and environmentalism (at least formerly) meant that a lot of people leaned Republican. After all, with development and real estate being the cash cows....

You'll find every type of people here, tho - one house I walk by insists on keeping his "I'm a Trump Deplorable" sign up, but that's an exception...then there is the recent Jed Clampett Murder Story:
Anderson: The life and times of a modern-day Jed Clampett - News - Sarasota Herald-Tribune - Sarasota, FL

I don't see people here wearing their politics on their sleeves. Of course, they mob Whole Foods, Trader Joes, the Yoga places and anything else having to do (right or wrong) with everlasting health.

Another way of putting it would be that the "old south" (multi-generational families) would have probably tended republican while the baby boomers from the upper midwest, northeast and our overseas (european) residents would probably lean left. Another demo would be folks who move here from the south - who, as per their land of birth, would tend to run right.

I can tell you this much. There is a gun shop on every corner and gun ranges every couple of blocks.....

[newtovenice]

Originally Posted by sailelsa

I should ask if Bradenton leans liberal or conservative bc politics do matter to me. Thank you.

If politics means that much to you, move to Palm Beach County, you can argue and agree to your hearts content, 24/7/365. This is the wrong area for you. It's shocking, I know, but most people here keep political opinions to themselves. They may discuss an actual ISSUE. You may see a sign or two, maybe a bumper sticker. But hashing out political party identity nonsense all the time? No.

I love that about living here. It makes election season bearable.

[sailelsa]

Originally Posted by newtovenice

If politics means that much to you, move to Palm Beach County, you can argue and agree to your hearts content, 24/7/365. This is the wrong area for you. It's shocking, I know, but most people here keep political opinions to themselves. They may discuss an actual ISSUE. You may see a sign or two, maybe a bumper sticker. But hashing out political party identity nonsense all the time? No.

I love that about living here. It makes election season bearable.

Thanks, newtovenice. I am not looking to hash out political identity all the time, but to talk about current issues openly. In certain areas of the country, you cannot do that if you lean to the left. Where I am now, there is open racism - I don't feel safe around it. It is important to live and feel comfortable in like minded communities, especially if you are a minority, for whatever reason.