If the job is in Punta Gorda...what area should I actually live in?? (Tamiami: rent)

[reddogmom1]

Hello all, and happy holidays! My DH has a job opportunity in the health care field in Punta Gorda but I don't think we want to live there. He'd commute up to 45 minutes, so what communities/towns would you suggest for us to consider living in? Through a previous thread we found that we think we would love the Sarasota area with everything it offers including cultural events, restaurants, shopping etc but is that too far? Are there
Sarasota outskirt areas that we should consider?
Thanks so much for any ideas.

[Big House]

Originally Posted by reddogmom1

Hello all, and happy holidays! My DH has a job opportunity in the health care field in Punta Gorda but I don't think we want to live there. He'd commute up to 45 minutes, so what communities/towns would you suggest for us to consider living in? Through a previous thread we found that we think we would love the Sarasota area with everything it offers including cultural events, restaurants, shopping etc but is that too far? Are there
Sarasota outskirt areas that we should consider?
Thanks so much for any ideas.

I just bought in Punta Gorda Isles, it has beautiful canal front homes with boating and gulf access. You should check that area out. It is elderly but is turning over pretty quickly, there are plenty of younger people moving into the area.

It is between Fort Myers and Sarasota, so I think it is nicely locate to two nice hubs, and between two nice airports if you do much travelling.

If you like more city life then Sarasota is a good choice, but that is your 45 minute commute. Venice is a nice area as well close to Sarasota, and has a nice beach and old SWFL feel. North Port is a nice Suburban Area which has a lot of shopping areas, and a nice school system.

Are you looking to purchase or rent.

[reddogmom1]

Thanks for the reply, BH. Well, we will most certainly rent for awhile so that we get the "lay of the land." I should add that we don't have school aged children so schools are important only as far as making home values solid. Really looking for area with more of a sophisticated feel. Beach access not crucial, would rather put money towards a nicer neighborhood.

[SoFLGal]

I would have to agree with BH on his recommendation of Punta Gorda Isles. You also might want to check out the Sarasota area but it would be quite a drive down to PG everyday. The drive time would be around an hour depending on where in Sarasota you're going and the time of day.

Good luck with your search!

[Big House]

Originally Posted by reddogmom1

Thanks for the reply, BH. Well, we will most certainly rent for awhile so that we get the "lay of the land." I should add that we don't have school aged children so schools are important only as far as making home values solid. Really looking for area with more of a sophisticated feel. Beach access not crucial, would rather put money towards a nicer neighborhood.

Then I would say that renting is a good idea for a while. The home purchase deals are tremendous right now, who knows where the bottom will be, but they really aren't going to go much lower than they are now, and interest rates aren't going to get much better either. The banks and the government are going to work hard at this point to preserve the home values where they are.

Renting will give you more flexibility though so that you can really learn about the areas surrounding where your DH is going to be working, and get a feel for how traffic/travel will influence things.

You've found a good site, if you can provide more information concerning what you're looking for there are a lot of people here that will be happy to help you, and they are from all over SWFL.

What is your timing? When are you coming down / to the area?
What other interests do you have?
Do you like Art? Are you an artsy/craftsy person?
Do you like music? Symphonic, Rock, Blues, Jazz, Country?
They play music a lot at the park in Punta Gorda, and they have concerts all around the area. There are lots of things to do.
Do you like nature walks? Birding? Hiking? Kayaking? Boating? Fishing?
I'd say, Flirting? But I won't. LOL
There are a number of towns within 30-45 minutes from Punta Gorda, and travel up and down RT 75 and Tamiami trail isn't too bad. I'm sure you'll find something nice that will fit what you're looking for.