Best beach opinions?

[SoFLGal]

Originally Posted by Sunsetsandsand

All I'm concerned with is the mall, AMC Theatres, things we're used to nearby. If we lived on Anna Maria, I was thinking Bradenton would be where we would be going to for things like that, as well as doctors/dentist. Sarasota's only right down the road though for things like that. Which is better in your opinion? Just need the beach life and a nice town to shop and run errands.

Well, I don't know which is better. I prefer Sarasota to Bradenton. That's just a personal preference though. I love the downtown area in Sarasota, the shops, restaurants, etc. If someone asked me where I'd prefer to live Sarasota or Bradenton I'd pick downtown Sarasota hands down. A close second would be the Osprey area. Then probably North Port. There's also the money factor in those areas. Those areas are much more expensive than the NP area, which is where I currently live. From looking at your posts I wouldn't recommend NP for you though.

Just so you have a price reference, the least expensive two bedroom/two bath on the market right now on AMI is $350K and was built in 1950. Most of the newer homes start at $750K and go up from there.

There are currently 73 homes for sale on AMI many of them are 1950-60's little beach bungalows with 1300-1600 sq ft.

When I was a kid I lived on Longboat Key for several years and my parents started the first newspaper out on AMI, The Islander and he came back years later to start The Island Sun Newspaper. Both of which are still running today. I moved back to that area for a short while when my oldest was first born and lived on Bradenton Beach and LBK. I have many fond memories of that area.

[gypsychic]

Originally Posted by Sunsetsandsand

All I'm concerned with is the mall, AMC Theatres, things we're used to nearby. If we lived on Anna Maria, I was thinking Bradenton would be where we would be going to for things like that, as well as doctors/dentist. Sarasota's only right down the road though for things like that. Which is better in your opinion? Just need the beach life and a nice town to shop and run errands.

Almost everything you need for daily living will be found right on the island. For the mainland I recommend shopping off Manatee Ave. - one of the most beautiful commercial roads I know. Stick to this part of Bradenton for shopping and you won't go wrong. I love both Sarasota and Bradenton for different reasons, but for the beachy life you describe you cannot beat Anna Maria and the Bradenton Beaches. Today is SPECTACULAR weather, and we ate the most awesome breakfast at Gulf Drive Cafe, right on the Gulf. Beautiful white sand and turquoise water. What I love about this area is the many colorful, funky little beach stores and eateries, and the colorful little beach shacks nearby. Completely different from Siesta. Different strokes for different folks, but I love the laid back timeless feel this area has over Siesta. But come visit for yourself - have breakfast at Gulf Drive and dinner at Sandbar - tell me what you think! At least I know you will have a great time!

One more thing - we have wealthy friends from France who recently bought a beautiful waterfront condo in Cortez, the charming little fishing village up here. They could have bought anywhere, they considered California, Sarasota and other areas, but after visiting the area for many years decided there was no where else in the country that they thought was more beautiful or a better place to live - that should say something right there.

P.S. If you do relocate in this area, Sarasota is only a few miles down the road if you rather go there for other stuff. But you really won't need to, most everything you need is nearby.

[Sunsetsandsand]

Thanks guys! Very excited about this. SoFLGal, sounds like you had a great childhood in this area! I'll have to pick up and Island Sun paper. Not ready to buy property yet, but these prices definately speak for how great the island is. Gypsychic, you've spent the day I've missed out on living here in Orlando! I love funky, little beach stores and bright colorful little beach cottages. It's great to know there is so much convienence on the island and everything else is closeby. Can't wait to spend the day there tomorrow! We will have to take a drive down Manatee Ave. and check out the shopping options there as well. Thanks to everyone for taking the time to help us out here. It's been a true help and it is very much appreciated!! I'm sure my update after tomorrow will say, "Yep, this is the place! Packing up for the move now!" Haha

[Raybo1]

I must have missed something. Are you independently wealthy or have a good paying job waiting for you in Sarasota? If not, you are setting yourself up to be another casualty of the Recession. Sun and sand will get old with no or low income. Hope you are prepared before you make the move. Just barely getting by is no way to live anywhere.

[Sunsetsandsand]

Update! Checked out Anna Maria and Longboat. Looks like Siesta is the best fit for us after all. Had a great day and more are yet to come! Thanks to all of you!!!!!

[Big House]

Originally Posted by SoFLGal

Oh, BH Ft Myers Beach isn't wild! Well, of course, if you want to see 60 year olds in banana hammocks then maybe it's wild. Go over to south beach on the other coast if you want wild! You crack me up

Speaking of tea colored water. Next 4th of July we should get a bunch of City-Data people to do the Freedom Swim across the tea colored river in Punta Gorda. That could be our July meet up. I did it last year and it was a blast. Although I was tired for about a week afterward.

SoFlGal,
You know much much much more than I do about SWFL, Wild Beaches, and Banana Hammocks! The latter of which, you can have all to yourself! Funny thing is - I never noticed those hammocks while I was there! I'm really glad you look out for such things for me! You're the greatest!