Sarasota for a mid 20 something? (Tampa, Fort Lauderdale: fit in, spring break, apartment)

[geekygisela]

First post here actually!

I currently reside in NJ, operating my own business out of my apartment. Recently I have acquired some property in Sarasota from a late grandfather. Recently I have been thinking to move in down there, but the last time I was down in Sarasota was now probably over 7 years ago. How is the Sarasota acclimated to the 20-somethings? I was thinking about putting the house on the market, but with it so poor right now I don't think it would be worth it. Moving my business into Florida would also make it worthwhile to save on state taxes as well...

Anyone under 30 in this forum that can tell me how nightlife is for us? Just curious as if I should actually settle down in Sarasota (which I adore), or move to the more youthful, but more crowded Tampa Bay area.

Thanks in advance for your replies everyone! I should be lurking around here all day, but probably will only have time to reply tonight.

[Peter the Brit]

I have a 25 year old and he came with us to Sarasota aged 14 and then left at 21 to go to Tampa as it was too old and sleepy here!
He loves Tampa

[gypsychic]

Originally Posted by geekygisela

First post here actually!

I currently reside in NJ, operating my own business out of my apartment. Recently I have acquired some property in Sarasota from a late grandfather. Recently I have been thinking to move in down there, but the last time I was down in Sarasota was now probably over 7 years ago. How is the Sarasota acclimated to the 20-somethings? I was thinking about putting the house on the market, but with it so poor right now I don't think it would be worth it. Moving my business into Florida would also make it worthwhile to save on state taxes as well...

Anyone under 30 in this forum that can tell me how nightlife is for us? Just curious as if I should actually settle down in Sarasota (which I adore), or move to the more youthful, but more crowded Tampa Bay area.

Thanks in advance for your replies everyone! I should be lurking around here all day, but probably will only have time to reply tonight.

Sarasota has three highly acclaimed colleges here, so there are plenty of twenty-somethings. Yes, we have older folks here too, but basically young people hang out in certain areas (like downtown, around the colleges and the beaches) and the older folks like Longboat, shopping plazas and golf courses. I am generalizing of course just to keep the post short. Bottom line, there are plenty of people of all ages who love it here - since you already have the property, why don't you spend a little time here and see what you think? and if you do need bigger city life on occasion, it's pretty easy drive to St. Pete or Tampa.

Good luck!

[ZaraZoteBuccaneer]

You are so darn lucky and fortunate to have a blessing like that passed down from your Grandfather. I would not give up on it lightly.... but I haven't seen the place either. I'm 31 and my wife is 20 something so I hope you take my viewpoint to heart.

You could fit in to Sarasota if you really wanted to and judging by your use of language, I believe you may have the wherewithal to be able to appreciate it more and more once living there. Younger people are popping up in the demographics recently while at the same time many posters here are correct - it is still a rather mature community. That's not such a bad thing!! You can always find things to do along the beach and quite frankly it's not that far from larger attractions like the Tampa area. I actually drove one day from St Pete, across the bay (while under road construction mind you) and still made it into Sarasota in about 35 minutes. It goes by fast when the speed limit is 70 and everyone speeds even over that! The Tampa life is not far! Sure Sarasota is not Daytona or Fort Lauderdale and MTV's spring break shows aren't going to be coming here anytime soon but Sarasotan's wouldn't want that around there anyway... and if you ever relocate, you wouldn't want it either.

Keep in mind that you won't be 20 something forever and once you find yourself settling down more you're going to want a nice safe place possibly with great schools for any kids you may have. Sarasota really is a good spot to plant yourself for a slower paced and relaxed and even possibly a more cultured lifestyle. If that's your thing then I hope to hold on to that place you've been given... you will be light years ahead of others in your generation. Otherwise you're suspicions are right, the market will pick up someday and you may not afford this place again anytime soon. I wouldn't want you to regret having that chance and throwing it away...

Good luck with your decision. You do have me curious why the job situation is not scaring you off. I wonder what you do???

[ShepsMom]

I'm too interested to see what type of business you're running. Your success will highly depend on the demographics. You can't just think "20's" and "nightlife", if you have business, you need to consider other things as well before you move anywhere.

[angelfish]

I started a my own business in Sarasota while in college and had it for 10 years. My network and friends grew so quickly and I was so blessed to buy my first home here at 22 years old. There are a multitude of young professionals here in Sarasota that you would fit right in with. There are lot's of hot spots to network and make friends with like minded success seeking individuals like yourself as well as relaxed laid back environments to seek solace to get to know yourself better... something every person in there mid twenties should have the opportunity to do.

It's not to say you wouldn't find that in Tampa, or elsewhere, but you were not only given a gift from your Grandfather, you were afforded an unbelievable opportunity that some people on these boards can only dream of. A chance at home ownership in one of the greatest towns you may ever come to know.

Do yourself a favor so you never have to look back with regret. Come down for an extended vacation, and really get a feel for the area as a resident. There is so much going on, always something to do. If you decide it's not for you, I would hang onto that condo if you can. I venture to say in 5-7 years your Grandfather will have afforded you an even bigger opportunity with his great generosity.

Best of Luck to you! If you decide to come down for a visit, let us know, we can fill you in on all the activities going at that time.

[ZaraZoteBuccaneer]

Originally Posted by angelfish

...you were afforded an unbelievable opportunity that some people on these boards can only dream of. A chance at home ownership in one of the greatest towns you may ever come to know.

I totally agree!!!

[Ladywithafan]

At a young 47 (looking like an early thirty something) I only wish I was in my 20's here. There's a great Young People's Professional Group and many goal orientated twenty to thirty-to-40 somethings who are making their mark on this community. With your opportunity & self employment, you'll be just fine!

[geekygisela]

I operate my own website. I know that many forums prohibit advertising, which I definitely will not do here. It's a nice business that basically lets me operate where ever I want to.

My huge concern with Sarasota is the relatively large elderly population, but some huge pluses with Sarasota are the amazing beaches, probably among the best in the world. Currently I have friends from school that now live in Tampa and in the St. Pete/Clearwater area, but after years of growing up and living in NJ, I don't think I can take that kind of traffic anymore. Sarasota is definitely close enough to visit them for a day or 2.

[movin-on-up!]

come on down and check sarasota out! i am 39- but younger at heart. my take on sarasota is that there truly is "something for everyone" here. all ages, all types of people, with all different interests, can find things to do and people to meet. i love it here.

there is nightlife- plenty- in my opinion. but if you need tons and tons of bars/clubs maybe you will feel dissapointed. (?) do you need a lot of party scene night life? or are you just concerned if there will be enough people your age to meet and mingle with?

what are you hobbies and interests?

good luck