Sarasota (Tampa, Venice, Cocoa: rent, house prices, buying)

[charandscott]

Hey everyone!

WE've been seriously considering moving to Sarasota (or somewhere really close to it). Our main concern is that we are within walking distance from the beach.

More importantly, however, we want the beach to be "shark-free"!

What cities would you recommend (where house prices are reasonable 200,000-300,000 and where there are opportunities for business)??

Also, what's your experience with sharks in the beaches there? how's the water? weather?

Any and all information is greatly appreciated!!!

Thank you!!

[snivlem]

Sharks live in the ocean. The beach is the shore of the ocean. Therefore, no beach is "shark-free". Quit watching shark week. You should never have a problem with jaws unless you have a chum bag on you when you swim out past the second sand bar. Unless you are lottery-unlucky.

[movin-on-up!]

hi. i am no expert, but i dont think you can buy a home within walking distance from beach in sarasota for under 300k. when you say walking distance - what exactly do you mean? like is a 1 mile walk ok? how long does it take to walk 1 mile? 20 mins?

ditto the above poster about sharks.

good luck

[Scots]

Apparently more people die each year from accidents involving vending machines than from shark attacks.

[gypsychic]

As others have said here, NO beach will be shark-free. Also, no houses within easy walking distance of the beach will be in that price range here. There are plenty of good deals to be had in that price range, but not near the beaches.

[SoFLGal]

Like others have said, there would be no property in your price range within walking distance to the beach. Maybe a short card ride though. You would have chance in winning the lottery than getting bit by a shark.

Note in the graphic below an interesting peculiarity. The amount of shark bites on the Atlantic Coast far exceeds the number on the Gulf Coast. However, the percentage of bites on the Gulf Coast that result in death is higher on the Gulf Coast. A very high percentage of the east Atlantic coast bites are to the hands, feet, and legs of surfers. Notice also that the beaches that have the most surfers in the water have the most shark bites: Daytona, Cocoa Beach, Palm Beach. Note also that on the Gulf coast between Tampa Bay and the panhandle area there are no shark bites. This "big bend" area is mostly salt marsh and has no nice beaches or sandy barrier islands, so there are few swimmers and no surfers

No one in the last 115 years has died from a shark bite in Sarasota, Manatee or Charlotte counties.

[FLBob]

Not to jump on the band wagon but, No sharks and beach just don't go together.
In the Sarasota area you will find bull, lemon, hammerhead, bonnets, and others.

I fish the area regularly, I catch sharks and I still go into the water. I guess the point I'm trying to make is that of all the things to worry about, a shark bite at local beaches should be very low on your list.

Being within walking distance to the beach and buying under 300k is possible but the house will likely be a bit small and on the old side. Venice Island is probably the most likely place to find a house where you can walk to the beach under 300k. Rents are down so you might be able to find a nice place with an affordable annual rent and be close enough to walk to the beach.

Business opportunity? wow that's a tough one. While I believe that there are many places where the economy has been hit harder than the Sarasota area, we are still slower than I'd like. Because there is a large affluent population, and a good tourist trade, I believe that business opportunity does exist for the motivated entrepreneur.

The water and the weather are great. Now is the best time of the year for going to the beach with water temps in the mid-80's. Right along the coast it is a bit arid, not much rain. While just a few miles inland there is a good chance of rain every afternoon.

[Ladywithafan]

In that price range +/- around $300K, you can look in South Side Village which is just a hop skip & 5 min. drive to Siest Key.