Moving to Sarasota. Any advice? (University, Whitfield: lawyer, big house, neighborhood)

[MBMEX]

Thank you Gypsychic. In mapquest it looks Ok. I´m in contact with SOFLGAL already. I´m sure she will find us some alternatives there. We are really looking forward to go there. We lived a couple of years in Laguna Beach, CA and we loved it. I´m sure we will love Sarasota too. We are planning to visit you city late this July.

[SoFLGal]

Originally Posted by angelfish

Just another thought to keep you busy , Gypsychic gave a great suggestion and made me think of the Coral Cove area as well. SOFLGAL, what are the prices like in there now? I know there are homes with direct bay access, but there are others in the neighborhood across the street from the bay. There is a nice community boat ramp in there.

Yeah everyone has thrown out some really good suggestions! Nice job guys and gals I was thinking Coral Cove as well. There are ten homes in there from $179K-3.8 mil. Anything over 1200 sq ft in Coral Cove is running $400K and up.

Other options are Paver Park, Pomelo, Poinsettia Park, Harbor Acres, Bayview, etc. My initial thinking is the Whitfield area or from just north of Vamo Rd up to just south of Main St-west of the trail.

What's everyone's thoughts about this? It fits the older home with character, closer to the beaches, etc.

I'd probably scratch Palmer Ranch for you. Doesn't seem like your cup of tea. I'm working a list of homes right now

[MBMEX]

Angelfish, is Coral Cove right in the division between Manatee and Sarasota counties?

[gypsychic]

I was able to find the name of the marina, it's Sarabay Marina:

Here is the website:

SaraBay Marina :: Pre-Owned Boats

The few homes that are for sale on this side are an incredible bang for the buck compared to other bayside neighborhoods in Sarasota. We feel very fortunate to have gotten in here. And while we have never lived in California ourselves, we have visited, and something about this neighborhood kind of reminds me of California.

Hope this helps!

[MBMEX]

Thank u SoFLGal, I´m looking forward to receive your suggestion. It´s gonna be a busy week when we go there.

[SoFLGal]

Originally Posted by MBMEX

Angelfish, is Coral Cove right in the division between Manatee and Sarasota counties?

No that's the Whitfield area, where Gypsychic lives-pretty cool area with some awesome homes.

Coral Cove is in south Sarasota. Not sure how well you know Sarasota but it's down by Sarasota Square Mall. Kind of in that area. You can type in Periwinkle Dr, Sarasota and get an idea of where it's at.

Also, not sure if you know how to use Google Maps but it's super cool. Just go to Google and click on "maps" the type the address in the menu bar, then click on "street view" and you can actually "walk" down the street. Thought I'd mention this so you can get an idea of an idea of neighborhoods.

Indian Beach is another idea. That's where the Patterson home is located

[movin-on-up!]

i would think you will be able to find a very nice home with that budget. (unless it has to be uber luxury). it seem most people who move to this area love it!!! i know i sure do- i came here 6 months ago. people are friendly! cali is a very neat place too, but sooo expensive, as you well know.

also, like it has been mentioned- job market is very tough here. salaries seem to be lower than in new england, mid atlantic states, and west coast. i am not too informed on this. if it is important to you- then research it carefully.

good luck and welcome to paradise!

[smiledoc1]

Originally Posted by MBMEX

Hi, we are a married couple in their 40s. We live in Irvine, CA but tired of traffic, high cost of living and smog we are planning to move to some place in the west coast of Florida. Sarasota is our number 1 choice. We want to buy a house in cash, no banks anymore, and enjoy the sea every day. My brother lives in Miami but is too crowded down there. Any advise you want to share?

Mbmex,
SoFlGal has a wealth of knowledge. When we bought in Sarasota in 4/08 we had a similar financial situation as you. You might want to read the thread "Just bought in Sarasota. Helpful hints." A cash buyer is in a very strong position.

[MBMEX]

Thank you all gays. SoFLGal is already making a list of house for us, so in about 3 weeks we will be in Sarasota. Smiledoc1 I will check your thread. Thx. Can´t wait to be there.

[Big House]

Originally Posted by MBMEX

Thank you all gays. SoFLGal is already making a list of house for us, so in about 3 weeks we will be in Sarasota. Smiledoc1 I will check your thread. Thx. Can´t wait to be there.

I don't think they are all "gays". Smiledoc - hmmmm maybe! - just kidding. Hey Smiledoc, when you going to be down again?

MBMEX, you are going to really like the area. There are a lot of wonderful things to do in SWFL! And, you already found the right real estate agent. I read that you are an airplane nut! Do you own one? Both of my parents got their pilots license. My father was ready to buy one, when his insurange agent told him they would not cover him, he had to reverse course. I flew with them both quite a bit when as a kid, but never followed up to get my license.