Rotonda or Sarasota (North Port, Venice, Englewood: estate, budget, rent)

[Janet2007]

We are looking to buy a single residence property upto a cost of 400,000. (A lot less if possible) As we will not be US residents we will only beable to stay for approx 6 months each year. We retire in 2 years, but until then we would look to rent out for a few months each year.
My question is: where would be the best place to look to buy?

We would like a decent sixed plot, not too over looked, with nice rear views. We enjoy peace, but also enjoy good walking area, nice beaches, good restaurants and a bit of entertainment. We will have use of a car, so dont mid being a car ride from places. We have heard that areas of Sarasota are good, but looking at the properties and areas, Rotonda seems to offer much more space.

Look forward to your views - over in June to start looking.

[SoFLGal]

Originally Posted by Janet2007

We are looking to buy a single residence property upto a cost of 400,000. (A lot less if possible) As we will not be US residents we will only beable to stay for approx 6 months each year. We retire in 2 years, but until then we would look to rent out for a few months each year.
My question is: where would be the best place to look to buy?

We would like a decent sixed plot, not too over looked, with nice rear views. We enjoy peace, but also enjoy good walking area, nice beaches, good restaurants and a bit of entertainment. We will have use of a car, so dont mid being a car ride from places. We have heard that areas of Sarasota are good, but looking at the properties and areas, Rotonda seems to offer much more space.

Look forward to your views - over in June to start looking.

Rotonda is about 10 minutes or less to Boca Grande beach and Englewood beach. It's pretty quite out in Rotonda. There are many nice restaurants close to Rotonda. Rotonda also has many great golf courses and the fees are relatively low. Rotonda attracts many retirees and Europeans and Canadians. You would probably get more for your money in the Rotonda are as opposed to most areas in Sarasota county, except North Port.

Sarasota is a broad area. There are many areas with sidewalks and most of Sarasota is close to the beach unless you are way out by the interstate. The closer you get to the beach, generally the more the price goes up. Although there are some areas out east of I-75 that are pretty pricey ( Hi Hat Ranch, The Founders Club, etc).

A few communities that I like that are closer to the beach and have good walkability are: The Landings, Aqualane Estates, Cherokee Park, Coral Cove, McCleallan Park, Oyster Bay, San Remo Estates, Sapphire Shores, Southpointe Shores, downtown Sarasota.

You might be able to pick something up in one of those neighborhoods but I still think if you're looking for affordability, I would look toward Rotonda.

[HENDREN]

Sarasota Is Very Expensive.... Check It Out On The Median Home Price And You'll See What I'm Talking About.

[mr&mrssunshine]

you would definitely get a lot of house for that money in Rotonda, possibly a double lot. You could also consider building one to your own spec which is also quite attractive at the moment, thats what we are doing and we're spending a LOT less than your budget.

Thw two areas are very different in That sarasota is a big city with all the pros and cons whereas Rotonda is a nice quieter community with all the cons and pros.

We prefer to live in the quiet place and go visit the city (about 40 mins drive).

[AnotherDayInParadise]

...but Sarasota is certainly more urban, since Rotonda just isn't. I don't think you can find something in DT Sarasota (you mentioned walkability to restaurants & grocery stores) for under 400k, but a good realtor might be able to dig something up for you. You certainly will, as others have said, get more house for your money in Rotonda. But you will have to drive to do anything.

You are doing the right thing by visiting in June. Stop in a few realtors' offices and chambers (Engewlood, North Port, Venice, Sarasota - those will cover everything between the two spots your looking at).

Good Luck! Florida is wonderful!