moving to bradenton fl in october.. need help (Sarasota, University: apartment complexes, rentals)

[nikkiamber]

can anyone tell me the areas to stay away from(streets etc.) when looking for apartments there?? and what streets and areas in bradenton are good (safe)?

[Ladywithafan]

Originally Posted by nikkiamber

can anyone tell me the areas to stay away from(streets etc.) when looking for apartments there?? and what streets and areas in bradenton are good (safe)?

My first question would be, what brings you to Bradenton? In my opinion, it's a war zone there right now. High unemployment, high homeless contingent, and very high crime throughout the county.

There are many people on this forum who can give you a variety of opinions. I lived there from 1991 to 2007. In the past seven years, crime has escalated from what's considered bad areas to good areas so I don't consider any part of town all that "safe." Generally, west Bradenton & the beaches are better areas to reside in, as well as closer to I-75, out east between Manatee Ave. & University, as well as east of 75 with the same bounderies. But again, even the east areas have seen their share of home invasions & other assorted criminal activity. Read the Bradenton Herald & take a look at Newsmanatee.com to get an idea of the crime factor; most is related to drugs.

The Whitfield area, near the airport is nice. I used to live off Gaines west of 41 near Sarasota Bay & that neighborhood is beautiful. It all depends if you are working, where your job is as well. Anna Maria has its share of criminal activity, but it's been kept to a minimum due to having to cross a bridge; most criminals from Bradenton proper have no desire to get busted out on the island and therefore, a bit lighter on the crime factor out there. There are tons of drugs on AMI but it's pretty much kept to an indoor activity. The three cities Anna Maria (with an MCSO station of their own), Holmes Beach police & the Bradenton Beach police are very aware of who's doing what where on the island.

Anybody else?

[gypsychic]

Originally Posted by nikkiamber

can anyone tell me the areas to stay away from(streets etc.) when looking for apartments there?? and what streets and areas in bradenton are good (safe)?

I would be very careful looking at actual apartment complexes anywhere in Bradenton - a lot of crime happening in them. Do you have to be right in Bradenton? If not, come down into Sarasota a bit, things are better here. Once we get more info from you we can advise you better.

[nikkiamber]

It doesnt have to be bradenton, my fiance and I really want to settle down near the beach.. I heard sarasota was nice but, expensive.. and with the economy being the way it is we need to budget! Are there areas in sarasota that are reasonably priced? He works for the bank and I am a dental assistant.. we were also, going to find new jobs where ever we moved. How is the job market there? I appreciate all of your help.. we are from philadelphia and are currently living in riverview until october.. so, we do not know to much about beach areas in south florida???

[Ladywithafan]

Originally Posted by nikkiamber

It doesnt have to be bradenton, my fiance and I really want to settle down near the beach.. I heard sarasota was nice but, expensive.. and with the economy being the way it is we need to budget! Are there areas in sarasota that are reasonably priced? He works for the bank and I am a dental assistant.. we were also, going to find new jobs where ever we moved. How is the job market there? I appreciate all of your help.. we are from philadelphia and are currently living in riverview until october.. so, we do not know to much about beach areas in south florida???

You can be on Palm Ave., in the heart of downtown Sarasota in a 1/1 for $750/month....or on Anna Maria Island for around the same. You just need to do your research, that's all. Try Craigslist for rentals. Ask me, I know the town.

As for job market, right now, about mid summer, it's pretty much dead. If you want to be in Bradenton, I'd suggest Perico Island.

[Suncoast Guy]

This is an extremely hard question to answer. Crime in Bradenton is spreading. It no longer is in one controlled area. As of recently, crime has increased and in what was concerned the good parts of Bradenton are slowly heading downhill. Most of Bradenton's apartment complexes are so-so, and I believe we have discussed that on another thread: http://www.city-data.com/forum/saras...partments.html check this thread out.

As far as Bradenton itself, go elsewhere. Check out Sarasota like Lady and gypsychic suggested. Do your research first before you go anywhere.

Good Luck!