Best beach opinions? (Tampa, Orlando, Clearwater: apartment, lease, house)

[Sunsetsandsand]

Looking for advice for a late 20's kidless couple exploring moving to the gulf coast. Tomorrow we're going to Sarasota for the first time. We want to live south of St. Pete and north of Ft. Myers beach because we've already looked around in those areas. We are curious about the Sarasota area, winter temps and what life is like around Sarasota and Venice. We're looking for a nice, clean beach town where we can have a laid back beach lifestyle but with shopping and things to do nearby so that we don't get bored. We've heard the water in this area is really pretty and blue. Any suggestions for a good fit for us? We're still going to explore this area starting tomorrow but any insider info from anyone with experience living here would be very helpful. Thanks!

[Ladywithafan]

Originally Posted by Sunsetsandsand

Looking for advice for a late 20's kidless couple exploring moving to the gulf coast. Tomorrow we're going to Sarasota for the first time. We want to live south of St. Pete and north of Ft. Myers beach because we've already looked around in those areas. We are curious about the Sarasota area, winter temps and what life is like around Sarasota and Venice. We're looking for a nice, clean beach town where we can have a laid back beach lifestyle but with shopping and things to do nearby so that we don't get bored. We've heard the water in this area is really pretty and blue. Any suggestions for a good fit for us? We're still going to explore this area starting tomorrow but any insider info from anyone with experience living here would be very helpful. Thanks!

Siesta Key is one of the best beaches in SRQ. Lido is easily accessible off St. Armand's Circle.

[ZaraZoteBuccaneer]

You're looking in a great spot and I have the same focus as you - however have not relocated there yet. Many terrific responses are just a day or two from coming in for you from good people that live right there. But until then, here's my take...

You're going to find younger crowds closer to the northern beaches such as the St Petersburg area, simply because I think the areas further south start to become excellent places for new retirees and quieter lifestyles. Personally, that's the type of people I would want to be around but many younger people disagree. Winter temps in the range you are scoping are bearable because the frost line for the nation is just to the north (Tampa). What this means is you will see a few chilly days but that the danger to plants becomes much less and therefore true tropical flora can thrive.

Life around Sarasota and Venice can become a bit more pricey than everything north of it but paradise comes with a cost. Remember than many people who are finishing their years of parenting and their careers are located there, not to mention a great many who have done well for themselves. Many places in Sarasota will feel wealthier or at the very least, upper middle class.

You mentioned a clean beach and a quite lifestyle. All the beaches in the area will meet this criteria but some beaches stand out in one's mind for their own personalities. For instance, Sarasota's Siesta Key is probably the most famous for it's powdery white sands which you will see for yourself very soon. But there are many others worth spending all day at. Venice has a darker color sand likely due to the black fossilized sharks teeth in the area. They wash up continually on the beach and divers often come back with magnificent unscathed treasures, even in inches long. Venice also has a dog park and a gigantic fishing pier. Casey Key's sand feels more coarse but offers a nice drive through the neighborhoods of the rich and famous. Manasota Key has a state park that will allow you total seclusion and memorable picnics, even great fishing occurs in those waters(Lemon Bay). I've been to at least a dozen beaches along that whole western coast. The water is best and very blue near Tampa/Sarasota and Naples/Sanible (but that's too far south for your range. There are lots of areas that are simply too built up for public access. After all, many people want to live right on the water.

Do you like shelling? I'm sure many beaches are good but St Pete offered me some huge finds and there are keys further north to take day trips out to for snorkeling and collecting starfish, sand dollars or even spanish doublons. Many of them would be fine even for Sarasota or Venice residents to participate in with minimal driving (1 hr or less).

You mentioned shopping and not getting bored. There are a few people on here who will be able to elaborate on the entertainment in the area. Personally I just like to grab a drink or a bite to eat at a local bar near the beach. St Armands Circle has that, so does Siesta Key or Longboat Key. If you have kids someday, there are lots of places in Sarasota County to go to. I've enjoyed (with kids or no kids) time at Myakka State Park, a wildlife refuge, a jungle garden, an orange orchard, plenty of places to eat out with live music, and someday I hope to see the drum circle.

I wish you the absolute best luck in your trip to Sarasota and feel you will come back with glowing reports of it. I can keep going with my post but feel you will do better to hear from the locals. As you can see, I'm sold on the area. You should start planning your move NOW!! And if you want to stay in touch, request to be my friend and you'll have access to pictures I've taken at many of the places I've described! Good luck!!!

[Sunsetsandsand]

Thanks so much for the quick responses!! Yes I absolutely love shelling. If Sanibel wasn't so secluded, that would be my choice. But the spanish doublons comment really excites me! =D A little more about us that will probably help to know in this thread is that we moved to Orlando last year from up north. We wanted Disney life and beach life. Come to find out, Disney life gets old quick. We don't have that laid back Florida lifestyle that we thought we would have in Orlando and simply visiting the gulf coast doesn't fullfill us when we drive back into Disney town. I would rather vacation to Disney and reside in what I feel is the true Florida laid back lifestyle we wanted by living on the beach! As far as housing, price is definately a concern. We just need to find a good balance. A small place, even a studio is fine for us and our dog. We would love to rent directly on the beach but depending on the town, I realize the prices will vary. For example, right now in Orlando we're paying $1,300/month. It's pushing it and we have the opportunity right now to rent a new apartment here for $800/month in a great area. We have it set up to sign the lease Dec. 1st so before we do that, we really want to make sure we're doing the right thing before we sign another Orlando lease.
I appreciate all the info and please keep it coming! It's such a big help.
Oh, and are we going to have to drive 2 hours to an airport from this area? lol

[davery5872]

We just bought after spending alot of time in the Clearwater area. The big difference in the beaches is the variety in Sarasota County. All the beaches in Pinellas County are the same. The beaches in Sarasota are very different. From the smooth sands at Siesta Key Beach, to the snorkeling at Point of Rocks, to the shark's teeth at Casperson.

[SoFLGal]

Originally Posted by Sunsetsandsand

Looking for advice for a late 20's kidless couple exploring moving to the gulf coast. Tomorrow we're going to Sarasota for the first time. We want to live south of St. Pete and north of Ft. Myers beach because we've already looked around in those areas. We are curious about the Sarasota area, winter temps and what life is like around Sarasota and Venice. We're looking for a nice, clean beach town where we can have a laid back beach lifestyle but with shopping and things to do nearby so that we don't get bored. We've heard the water in this area is really pretty and blue. Any suggestions for a good fit for us? We're still going to explore this area starting tomorrow but any insider info from anyone with experience living here would be very helpful. Thanks!

I think you'll like the Sarasota area. Everyone has pretty much covered what I would have said. Make sure you check out Siesta, the beach there is great

You might be able to find a place on the beach for $1300/per month. There's a lot of stuff for rent and many landlords are willing to drop the prices for a good tenant. Keep in mind that the snowbirds are starting to come down and that usually makes the beach properties go up a bit.

[Sunsetsandsand]

Great info! Can't wait until tomorrow to see the Siesta sand! Any tips on a fresh seafood restaurant we should try tomorrow? Wish us luck exploring and throw out some ideas if you know any other great places we should see to help us see what local life is like there! Thanks everyone!!

[gypsychic]

Yup, gotta say the whole Sarasota/Bradenton/Venice area beats everywhere for the best beaches in your target area! I am sure you will love it around here. There are plenty of young people here due to the many colleges in the area. A lot more than there used to be.

Have fun on your visit!

[SoFLGal]

Originally Posted by Sunsetsandsand

Great info! Can't wait until tomorrow to see the Siesta sand! Any tips on a fresh seafood restaurant we should try tomorrow? Wish us luck exploring and throw out some ideas if you know any other great places we should see to help us see what local life is like there! Thanks everyone!!

OK, this sounds really crazy and the atmosphere isn't that great but Capt Brian's right next to the airport has the best blackened grouper sandwich in town.

Capt Eddie's in Nokomis is good for a light lunch though it is not on water. Typically smaller prices and smaller quantities but it's good, fresh and clean.

If you take the Cortez bridge from the island (going West) at about 118th St. is Cortez Kitchen...It's where the fishing boats come in and the sea food is just caught! Picnic tables, cold beer and the best fried, broiled or sautéed sea food on earth!

Moore's Crab house is good it's on Broadway the last street on Longboat's North end. Don't forget to make a left on Longboat Drive from Broadway before you go to Moore's and see all the wild peacocks who have made that neighborhood their how for many many years....one of our best kept secrets. Sand Bar on Anna Maria, right on the beach also has fresh seafood.

Mar Vista on Broadway. Just across the Longboat Bridge from Anna Maria. Nice to sit out on the patio by the bay and have lunch. It is just before Moore's Crab House.

Try Fred's in Sarasota and Sam Sneed's, both local haunts...across from Morton's Market. We locals also like the Anna Maria Oyster Bar on US 41 near the airport...

Duffy's (also a landmark) is now Skinny's Place, (go south on Manatee Avenue and when you run out of road look at the shack to your left...Not much to look at but...good burgers (so I'm told), very cold beer, no dress code! Skinny was the original owner in the early 50's and in the early 70's leased it to Duffy's. The grandkids didn't renew the lease to Duffy and have come back to run it themselves...I like the "new" place!

Rod and Reel Pier...North tip of Anna Maria. Lunch is also good with great burgers and grouper! Another place with no dress code...

Excellent blackened grouper sandwiches at Casey Key Fish House on the water just over the drawbridge on Blackburn Point Rd in Osprey.

I believe Scots mentioned DeJaVue in the Gulf Gate area and he said he enjoyed their food. So that might be a place you'd want to check out. Also the Citrus Café' in downtown Sarasota across from the Women's Exchange is a great place for lunch.

When Gringold was in town we had lunch at a really great Vietnamese place on Main St in Sarasota. The name of it escapes me. Maybe he can help me out here.

Alright, I think I'm outta ideas for now

[SoFLGal]

Originally Posted by Sunsetsandsand

Great info! Can't wait until tomorrow to see the Siesta sand! Any tips on a fresh seafood restaurant we should try tomorrow? Wish us luck exploring and throw out some ideas if you know any other great places we should see to help us see what local life is like there! Thanks everyone!!

Oh, I forgot to answer the second half of your question. Great places to see:

Jungle Gardens
Babcock Wilderness Adventures
Selby Gardens
Mote Marine
Spanish Point
Solomon's Castle
Ringling Museum
South Florida Museum
Siesta Beach
St Armand's Circle

That should get you started