Sarasota or Austin, San Antonio or Dallas (Tampa, Naples: appointed, home owners insurance)

[pinda]

That's good to hear. Have you always lived in Florida? If not, Where are you from originally?

[Big House]

Originally Posted by pinda

That's good to hear. Have you always lived in Florida? If not, Where are you from originally?

Hi,
Originally, Im from a small town in Western NY, went to school in Vermont, and Denver, and I've travelled though most of the US, but not everywhere.

I'm living in both MD and Florida now.

I think that even people that are having a bad day will talk to you if you listen to what they're saying. So many people don't take the time, and aren't sincere. People can read that, and will react accordingly. Sarasota is an awesome place, and there are soooo many interesting and fun things to do beside just going to the beach. But, the beaches are awesome there.

[222muchcoffee]

As mentioned earlier, I'ved lived in Austin and San Antonio (still here). They are both very good places to live. I plan to visit Sarasota area this summer to check it out. I am not trying to influence your decision in either direction. I guess if you love the ocean, then FL. But, if you like the feel of Austin or SA, I think the cost of living is probably cheaper. Go to "compare cities" -- google it... i think the site name is 'sperlings' -- run a cost of living comparison.

I think San Antonio is a great place to raise a family. I know that when we finally sell our home and are ready to buy another home in a desirable area, we will be paying a premium. That is one of the reasons we are ruling out California (love the weather and scenery --just too pricey).

The allergies can be a factor --- some people get shots for the cedar season. It seems that cedar is the most common allergy for people in this area. I take homeopathic stuff for it. It helps. Others get cedar allergy shots and swear by them. My family does feel the cedar pollen at times, and we dont like it, but it is fairly tolerable except for a few weeks out of the year. PM me if you like.

[gypsychic]

Regarding the "transient" thing - this is being overstated somewhat. Sarasota is basically a pretty small community, and while it is true that during the "season" you definitely WILL see more "transient" type people in that there are vacationers, snowbirders and world travelers, bottom line is they go home and the COMMMUNITY is left. In my bayside neighborhood near the airport, the majority of people have lived here for DECADES, and love it here, and friendlier people you will never meet. So I would say it depends where you live, Sarasota definitely has real communities with friendly people who have been here for a long time regardless of where they may be from originally. Honestly, I have to say since being back here for the second time around, they are friendlier than ever. For us, it's the best place in Florida, and we love Florida!

[Big House]

Originally Posted by gypsychic

Regarding the "transient" thing - this is being overstated somewhat. Sarasota is basically a pretty small community, and while it is true that during the "season" you definitely WILL see more "transient" type people in that there are vacationers, snowbirders and world travelers, bottom line is they go home and the COMMMUNITY is left. In my bayside neighborhood near the airport, the majority of people have lived here for DECADES, and love it here, and friendlier people you will never meet. So I would say it depends where you live, Sarasota definitely has real communities with friendly people who have been here for a long time regardless of where they may be from originally. Honestly, I have to say since being back here for the second time around, they are friendlier than ever. For us, it's the best place in Florida, and we love Florida!

I agree gypsychic! Transient is probably not the right word, transplant is probably more accurate. I think all of the people that I've met, that have always been from Florida have been very nice. I am surprised how many transplants there are. You are a native Floridian arentcha?

San Antonio is cool! But having the gulf waters near-by brings so many more dimensions to the area, especially if you like the outdoors! Bring your sun-block and sun glasses! Oh, and shorts, not thongs! Thanks! LOL

[pinda]

My husband is going back and forth as to where we should move. There are draws to both. It seems so strange to be looking at such different type places as Texas and Florida.

I agree that Sarasota sure seems to be the best place in Florida. Right now, Sarasota is the only area I personally would consider moving to in Florida after my research.

I can not express how grateful I am to everyone who takes the time to reply to all of us with questions about your area. I know we ask the same things over and over because we want to hear different peoples opinions. Can you believe someone would make a huge decision on moving based on the forums. But you have to start somewhere and I have gleaned so much from everyone. When I visit an area, I do not have many surprises, thanks to everyone on the forums.


People on the Sarasota forum just seems happier with their location than other places in Florida do.

[Big House]

Originally Posted by pinda

My husband is going back and forth as to where we should move. There are draws to both. It seems so strange to be looking at such different type places as Texas and Florida.

I agree that Sarasota sure seems to be the best place in Florida. Right now, Sarasota is the only area I personally would consider moving to in Florida after my research.

I can not express how grateful I am to everyone who takes the time to reply to all of us with questions about your area. I know we ask the same things over and over because we want to hear different peoples opinions. Can you believe someone would make a huge decision on moving based on the forums. But you have to start somewhere and I have gleaned so much from everyone. When I visit an area, I do not have many surprises, thanks to everyone on the forums.


People on the Sarasota forum just seems happier with their location than other places in Florida do.

Not only that, but we have actually had an occasional meet up, here and there, and so some of us know each other too. That's kind of unsual, but many of us have gotten to be friends. I'm supposed to schedule another meet up, which I think will happen later this summer or fall.

[pinda]

Do the long time residents welcome and become friends with new residents?

That is really nice that you are taking the time to make an effort to help keep friendships going and for people to make new friends.

Regarding moving to Sarasota, my husband has to decide quickly or the opportunity will be gone.

[SoFLGal]

Originally Posted by pinda

Do the long time residents welcome and become friends with new residents?

That is really nice that you are taking the time to make an effort to help keep friendships going and for people to make new friends.

Regarding moving to Sarasota, my husband has to decide quickly or the opportunity will be gone.

Yeah, I think the long time residents are very welcoming of people from other areas. I was born and raised in SW FL so I'm about as long time as you can get.

I would agree with you about the Sarasota board being pretty friendly. You'll find a lot of really helpful people on this board. Many of us know each other and get together on occasion.

Speaking of that, BH when are you going to set up that next meet up?

[Big House]

Originally Posted by SoFLGal

Yeah, I think the long time residents are very welcoming of people from other areas. I was born and raised in SW FL so I'm about as long time as you can get.

I would agree with you about the Sarasota board being pretty friendly. You'll find a lot of really helpful people on this board. Many of us know each other and get together on occasion.

Speaking of that, BH when are you going to set up that next meet up?

I'm going to try to begin coordinating everyone when I come down next time. There are a lot of people that want to come, so I have to coordinate the schedule with as many as I can.

I made friends with someone here (in PGI) that is a sixth generation SWForidian! So, I can attest if you're pleasant, people will be happy to make a friendship with you. If not, the door is to the left. {just kidding}