Does living near the beach in a Florida beach town.... (Miami: how much, neighborhood)

[susanra]

perhaps, Sarasota, compensate for other things you might find lacking in the town or city? In other words, are the beach and ocean large enough draws and loves that it makes other things that might be lacking not a burden?

[TamiamiTrailBlues]

There is plenty to do in the area. If you love water, you'll love it.

[gypsychic]

Originally Posted by susanra

perhaps, Sarasota, compensate for other things you might find lacking in the town or city? In other words, are the beach and ocean large enough draws and loves that it makes other things that might be lacking not a burden?

Sarasota lacks NOTHING for me - this place is loaded with everything I love - best beaches, great artsy stuff, great food - organic and local farms, dining, etc., BEST THRIFT SHOPS ANYWHERE, beautiful scenery, entertainment if I want it - you name it, I got it. Just riding my bike around my neighborhood gives me a thrill. Sometimes I can't believe even more people haven't discovered how fabulous it is here. But that's a good thing, because I like it just as it is - no, I am NEVER, ever bored. Ever! And the beaches here are the most beautiful I have ever seen, hands down.

[staywarm2]

Originally Posted by gypsychic

Sarasota lacks NOTHING for me - this place is loaded with everything I love - best beaches, great artsy stuff, great food - organic and local farms, dining, etc., BEST THRIFT SHOPS ANYWHERE, beautiful scenery, entertainment if I want it - you name it, I got it. Just riding my bike around my neighborhood gives me a thrill. Sometimes I can't believe even more people haven't discovered how fabulous it is here. But that's a good thing, because I like it just as it is - no, I am NEVER, ever bored. Ever! And the beaches here are the most beautiful I have ever seen, hands down.

How is traffic in Sarasota? I heard the whole west coast was full of traffic when the snowbirds are in town.

Is there a lot of Spanish spoken in Sarasota?

Thanks!

[Scots]

Originally Posted by susanra

perhaps, Sarasota, compensate for other things you might find lacking in the town or city? In other words, are the beach and ocean large enough draws and loves that it makes other things that might be lacking not a burden?

I would think that's really a personal decision, and would depend on your own needs and preferences. Sarasota is not Manhattan, or Boston, or San Francisco. It is its own thing and you have to decide yourself if its benefits and trade-offs are right for you.

[gypsychic]

Originally Posted by staywarm2

How is traffic in Sarasota? I heard the whole west coast was full of traffic when the snowbirds are in town.

Is there a lot of Spanish spoken in Sarasota?

Thanks!

It depends where you are going. Yes, roads to the beaches are VERY crowded, but I don't really find it that bad anywhere else. And it's only that way for about 4 months. In fact, there have been articles about how much traffic is down from what it was in previous years - that's a good thing as far as I'm concerned.

As far as "a lot" of Spanish spoken here, no. There are Spanish speaking people who live here of course, but there are also some French and other nationalities. Bottom line, just about everyone I have encountered speaks English!

[Ladywithafan]

Originally Posted by susanra

perhaps, Sarasota, compensate for other things you might find lacking in the town or city? In other words, are the beach and ocean large enough draws and loves that it makes other things that might be lacking not a burden?

Again, whatever I've missed since living near/at or on the beach for the past 18+ years doesn't seem to be a disadvantage. Not sure what you're looking for here?

[Ladywithafan]

Originally Posted by staywarm2

How is traffic in Sarasota? I heard the whole west coast was full of traffic when the snowbirds are in town.

Is there a lot of Spanish spoken in Sarasota?

Thanks!

Lots of Spanish spoken.

The whole state of Florida is full of traffic basically November through April. However, in the past five years, it's gotten increasingly less due to economic conditions.

Traffic in Sarasota doubles during season; fact of life. It's not unmanageable.

[staywarm2]

Originally Posted by gypsychic

It depends where you are going. Yes, roads to the beaches are VERY crowded, but I don't really find it that bad anywhere else. And it's only that way for about 4 months. In fact, there have been articles about how much traffic is down from what it was in previous years - that's a good thing as far as I'm concerned.

As far as "a lot" of Spanish spoken here, no. There are Spanish speaking people who live here of course, but there are also some French and other nationalities. Bottom line, just about everyone I have encountered speaks English!

I should have said do you "hear" a lot of Spanish. From living in Miami, I learned that many people who speak perfect English speak Spanish every chance the get, so I heard lots of Spanish.

[gypsychic]

Originally Posted by staywarm2

I should have said do you "hear" a lot of Spanish. From living in Miami, I learned that many people who speak perfect English speak Spanish every chance the get, so I heard lots of Spanish.

I am from Tampa, and in fact, I am Spanish myself. In Tampa you hear a good bit of Spanish. I do not hear a "lot of Spanish" here in Sarasota. Not compared to other cities in this state. Is the Spanish speaking an issue for you?