I love Siesta Key (Sarasota, Bradenton: crime, unemployment, school)

[ean85]

I just wanted to say, that I love Siesta Key and the surrounding area! I'm from Michigan and have vacationed there for many years, and I love it more every time I'm there. I'm counting down the days until July 12 when I get to be sunbathing on Crescent Beach!

Anyone who lives in the area should consider themselves lucky for so many reasons. Compared to up here everything is so much cleaner and brighter, not to mention WARMER! We always joke around about how our "whites always seem whiter" after doing laundry down there.

And your beaches are just, amazing. I mean, we have beaches here but nothing like yours. Ours are rocky and cold (60 degree water at best), but yours are just so warm and relaxing and clean. I wish people in Michigan took better care of where they live, and they can learn a thing or two from you people!

The economy is in the crapper everywhere, but I just wanted to let everyone in the area know, that no matter how bad it gets there, always remember you live in the BEST part of the United States, so it can't really get THAT horrible there

[swaptrex]

i can relate, my gf and i are moving to the Sarasota area from Mount Pleasant, MI which has to be one of the worst places in the state. everything is greatly over-priced because of it being a college town, no jobs, i am currently working two jobs and going to school, and it is so dirty and depressing. we finally decided while we are young(21 and 23), that were going to Florida and nothing can stop us. it kills me the complaints on this particular forum, i lived in Flint for my whole life up until last year and most of the people on here that say some of the select things have no idea. Talk about the bottom of life, #1 in obesity, ciggarettes, depression, potholes, #2 for unemployment, and #3 for crime in the whole country!!

[ean85]

Originally Posted by swaptrex

i can relate, my gf and i are moving to the Sarasota area from Mount Pleasant, MI which has to be one of the worst places in the state. everything is greatly over-priced because of it being a college town, no jobs, i am currently working two jobs and going to school, and it is so dirty and depressing. we finally decided while we are young(21 and 23), that were going to Florida and nothing can stop us. it kills me the complaints on this particular forum, i lived in Flint for my whole life up until last year and most of the people on here that say some of the select things have no idea. Talk about the bottom of life, #1 in obesity, ciggarettes, depression, potholes, #2 for unemployment, and #3 for crime in the whole country!!

I went to CMU for three years, and although the town IS nice if you're a college kid, I can't imagine calling that place your home! My ideal situation would be my fiance and I moving down to Sarasota or a surrounding community, but he's going to be a certified highschool social studies teacher and there aren't jobs down there for him! Too bad!

[swaptrex]

ha, small world...ya, i thought Mount Pleasant was going to be .... well, Pleasant. however, it's far from that. even the people here are so rude, they stare, and it seems like every business it out to get every penny from you that they can! anyways, back on topic. we are very excited for a change, we both have been in MI are whole lives. we're going to try Florida and see how we like it, between the two of us we have vacationed there about 30-40 times.

[Oobie119]

Coming from Chicago I have to agree, the weather rules all. We've been here for 3 years and love it! However, you'll learn quickly which areas are "snowbird" haven and which are at least tolerable.. There's nothing like summer all year round. People just get frustrated with the traffic and congestion. You're right about the teaching part though, especially SS!

[Ladywithafan]

MSU alumni in the SRQ house. Left MI back in 1987 and never returned!

Will have been in the Bradenton/Sarasota 18 years on Aug. 1st....I love Sarasota, even the snobs...Siesta is beautiful and to me, a younger version of Anna Maria Island...

I feel very blessed to have a job & live where I do.

[newinclt]

Yeah, Siesta is beautiful. And if you are rich or retired, you can hang out there. The rest of us can just visit, and not find parking when we go. And as far as summer all year - we have summer October - May, and HELL from May-October. Great if you are on vacation, and hell if you have to be outside otherwise.

[swaptrex]

Originally Posted by newinclt

Yeah, Siesta is beautiful. And if you are rich or retired, you can hang out there. The rest of us can just visit, and not find parking when we go. And as far as summer all year - we have summer October - May, and HELL from May-October. Great if you are on vacation, and hell if you have to be outside otherwise.

opinions tend to vary between people...

[Jackie2]

Well, I am tired of so much cold in my life, and I am considering talking the big move. But, will I have much luck finding a position with a masters in curriculum and a minor in technology. I currently have been teaching 12 years at a fifth grade level which departmentalizes. I teach the math portion. It has been wonderful, although my husband and I are in our forties and would like more sun!!

[swaptrex]

Originally Posted by Jackie2

Well, I am tired of so much cold in my life, and I am considering talking the big move. But, will I have much luck finding a position with a masters in curriculum and a minor in technology. I currently have been teaching 12 years at a fifth grade level which departmentalizes. I teach the math portion. It has been wonderful, although my husband and I are in our forties and would like more sun!!

go for it, you won't know until you try.