Possibly looking to move to Sarasota - Questions (Tamiami, Sunset: transplants, rentals)

[sunset7]

Hi Everyone,

I am currently living in NYC (I can't stand it), and looking to possibly relocate to Sarasota. I just have some questions, so if anyone wouldn't mind answering them that would be good!

Questions:

What areas of Sarasota should I look to move to, if I am looking for an area that is both quiet (no hearing planes, traffic, people, commotion from inside my place), and public transportation accessable (walking distance to buses)? (I know that almost sounds like a contradiction lol but I am hoping that I can find something along those lines!)

Can I find a decent 1 bedroom apt / studio / house etc., in a safe, quiet and transportation friendly area for about $500 a month???

What is the public transportation system like (buses) in general? Can someone be completely dependent on it for getting to and from places like the bank, grocery store, work, etc?

I am a little worried about the job market there (being able to find a job, and not being laid off if I found one)... my experience is clerical / office work, is it tough to find/keep a job in that field there?

What is the Sarasota "vibe" like in general? (as in like the atmosphere, what people do, value, what people are like)

What is the Sarasota "vibe" like for people around my age (I'm 29). What do people around my age usually do there?

What is the area like as far as the live music scene? I'm an aspiring singer & musician (modern punkish alternative/rock genre). Do you think that type of music would "fit" into the live music scene there, if I were to find some open mic nights / performance venues?

Thanks a million for your responses in advance!!!

[SoFLGal]

You could probably find something to your liking in the downtown Sarasota area. Ladywithfan is pretty up on what the rentals are running in that area, since she lives there.

My ex-MIL who is in her 70's and does not drive. She's used the SCAT bus system for the past 30+ years. She goes to work everyday, movies, groceries, etc. It's very doable.

The job market is tough here right now. The unemployment is at around 10%. I would not move without having a job lined up first. You might want to try Craigslist. That's where I hired both of my assistants.

I think the Sarasota vibe is artsy, cool, funky. I'm a native SW Floridian. I love the people in this area, for the most part. Most of them are transplants from NY, NJ, MD, etc.

Well, I'm married with kids and 36 so I don't get out on the social scene to often so some other people might have a better handle on this question than I do. Since it is warm here nearly year round you'll find people outdoors a lot, especially in the winter. Many people go to the beaches, play tennis, run, bike, kayak, etc.

If you like the punkish/alternative kind you need to get in with the Ringling School of Art and Design crowd. My daughter will be going there in a few years. Try Big E's across from Ringling school. I know they have open mike there, poetry reading, etc. Some of the Ringling/New College kids hang there. Once you meet a few they'll show you around.

Hope this helps

Originally Posted by sunset7

Hi Everyone,

I am currently living in NYC (I can't stand it), and looking to possibly relocate to Sarasota. I just have some questions, so if anyone wouldn't mind answering them that would be good!

Questions:

What areas of Sarasota should I look to move to, if I am looking for an area that is both quiet (no hearing planes, traffic, people, commotion from inside my place), and public transportation accessable (walking distance to buses)? (I know that almost sounds like a contradiction lol but I am hoping that I can find something along those lines!)

Can I find a decent 1 bedroom apt / studio / house etc., in a safe, quiet and transportation friendly area for about $500 a month???

What is the public transportation system like (buses) in general? Can someone be completely dependent on it for getting to and from places like the bank, grocery store, work, etc?

I am a little worried about the job market there (being able to find a job, and not being laid off if I found one)... my experience is clerical / office work, is it tough to find/keep a job in that field there?

What is the Sarasota "vibe" like in general? (as in like the atmosphere, what people do, value, what people are like)

What is the Sarasota "vibe" like for people around my age (I'm 29). What do people around my age usually do there?

What is the area like as far as the live music scene? I'm an aspiring singer & musician (modern punkish alternative/rock genre). Do you think that type of music would "fit" into the live music scene there, if I were to find some open mic nights / performance venues?

Thanks a million for your responses in advance!!!

[tommy-105]

Originally Posted by sunset7

I am a little worried about the job market there (being able to find a job, and not being laid off if I found one)... my experience is clerical / office work, is it tough to find/keep a job in that field there?

Hi Sunset7, You might want to check out this thread to get a feel for the job market:
http://www.city-data.com/forum/saras...ugh-job-2.html

[Ladywithafan]

Originally Posted by sunset7

Hi Everyone,

I am currently living in NYC (I can't stand it), and looking to possibly relocate to Sarasota. I just have some questions, so if anyone wouldn't mind answering them that would be good!

Questions:

What areas of Sarasota should I look to move to, if I am looking for an area that is both quiet (no hearing planes, traffic, people, commotion from inside my place), and public transportation accessable (walking distance to buses)? (I know that almost sounds like a contradiction lol but I am hoping that I can find something along those lines!)

Can I find a decent 1 bedroom apt / studio / house etc., in a safe, quiet and transportation friendly area for about $500 a month???

Having lived in NYC, I understand what you're looking for! You should check into the Laurel Park neighborhood as well as the area west of Tamiami Trail around Sarasota Hospital.

My house rents rooms for $425/mo. with everything included except cable/internet. You will also find studios around that neighborhood but more in the area of $600. We're right off the busline going either north or south; easy access all around.

What is the public transportation system like (buses) in general? Can someone be completely dependent on it for getting to and from places like the bank, grocery store, work, etc?
SCAT is all we have; pretty consistent and yes, you can get everywhere necessary.


I am a little worried about the job market there (being able to find a job, and not being laid off if I found one)... my experience is clerical / office work, is it tough to find/keep a job in that field there?
yes & yes. I made $21K a year back in NYC in 1987. I make $31K a year here, 21+ years later, in my field for 5 years.

What is the Sarasota "vibe" like in general? (as in like the atmosphere, what people do, value, what people are like)
Good vibes; lots going on. I get a lot of my activities off Facebook.

What is the Sarasota "vibe" like for people around my age (I'm 29). What do people around my age usually do there?
Join the young people's professional group to get linked in as well as lots of arts/festival/club activities...plus of course, the beach life.

What is the area like as far as the live music scene? I'm an aspiring singer & musician (modern punkish alternative/rock genre). Do you think that type of music would "fit" into the live music scene there, if I were to find some open mic nights / performance venues?
Live music on main street at Gator Club, Mattison's & a number of other places, plus the Gulf Gate area has tons of clubs with live music (these are two places where things are close together for club hopping...as well as clubs spread out across Sarasota.

Thanks a million for your responses in advance!!!

PM me if you want to know more specifics; I know them!