What is wrong with Sarasota? (Tampa, Clearwater: best city, houses, neighborhood)

[Micarl]

I have lived in Sarasota twice, but followed jobs, living in San Diego, Laguna Beach, and now NYC. I lived there most recently 3 years ago. Sarasota has a lot of beautiful things about it, and some things it lacks. It depends on what you are into. It has far more culture than most cities its size, and the beaches are amazing.

If you want to see what is bad about Sarasota, look no further than Carbondated's June 2007 post. Calling teachers, cops, firemen, and nurses lower class citizens, those who dedicate their lives to improving the community and and quality of lives of others, "lower class" has been too often the attitude of the "polo" crowd.

[TKramar]

SNOBS. That's the problem with living most places.

[LeavingFL4Seasons]

I don't consider crime one of Sarasota's major issues. I think we are just about average as far as crime is concerned. People seem to focus on crime statistics, and I understand why people don't want to risk living in a dangerous city.

Sarasota is not dangerous. I'm sure we do have real gangs, but I've never been victimized by any, and I've lived here for 24 years.

The reasons I want to leave Sarasota have to do with the fact that it is expensive, and boring for young people. I don't see the point in struggling financially to live in a town which doesn't cater to my demographic anyhow. Florida is very split politically, I'd say there are more conservatives than liberals in this area, however.

Sarasota is very beautiful. It's extremely clean and and well maintained. I never claimed otherwise. There is more to life though, for some, than big houses, expensive cars and golf courses. I look forward to moving somewhere more fun and youth oriented.

[njpa]

i was in sarasota walked at night on main st and st. armands circle and felt very safe and saw nothing wrong, just people and families in restaurants and walking around town

Originally Posted by MichaelNYC

Thanks for the honest feedback.
In every FBI and Police reports.. Sarasota's crime is rated much higher than the National Average...
Every R.E. Agent denied these reports and said they never heard of them,,,, of course they are trying to sell a house to us... duh

We spent 3 days there and while it was nice.. but there was no community feeling and the crime reports sat in our head....

Thanks for being open and expressing what occured to You, that everyone denies

We did our homework and decided Pinellas Cty works better for us.

To each their own

[Ladywithafan]

Downtown Sarasota has "no community feeling"?

Gee Whiz....that's why we have events going on every single freaking weekend....and then some, especially, now...during high season....Let's see, um....over the weekend, it was the first friday art walk on Friday, they shut down my street, Palm Ave & turned it into Chill Lounge on Saturday night...Tomorrow, they're having a Fat Tuesday street party, ah....I wonder who puts on all these things? Must be our wonderful downtown Association....gee, guess there's "no community feeling" in that department, now is there? I haven't lived in a more community orientated town since I graduated from Michigan State & left East Lansing!

[somboed]

MichaelNYC complains about the high crime rate and no community feel to Sarasota - and he's from NYC, where high crime is legend and there hasn't been community feel there since the Tammany Hall crowd!

If nice beaches, lower cost of living, and good neighborhoods don't do it for you, then you were wise not to locate to Sarasota.

Delusional people from NYC belong back in NYC, not here.

[demogirl50]

Sarasota is a great place to live .I don't live there but I live in Sarasota County and work in Sarasota.It is no different then any other place you just have to find the right area with the right neighbors.

[rminnehan]

Where would you recommend as a good area to move to? Am considering moving to Sarasota and would like to have other options.

Originally Posted by ophelia1976

ok here goes; ive lived here all my life. it is beautiful and tropical with a great nightlife, culture, beaches, etc. but---way too busy with congested traffic, too much concrete, too few trees, a problem with redtide...I guess after seeing how it has changed over the past 25 years I am just not too thrilled with it. used to be a nice, small beach town with all of the above threads noted advantages..now it is too busy and too full to be living here. would be better to visit/vacation here. i am actually looking to relocate soon. we have had such a bad turn though here in the real estate market that i am now stuck with a house that if i were to sell now, i would lose my ass...hope that helps.

[NJDevil]

Be aware that FL cops (Sarasota included) are often accused of police brutality. I am such a victim (white female). I don't know what it is down there, I don't know why they're like that.

[Oobie119]

My husband and I dont care for Sarasota for a few reasons. While the people are friendly, we find that the area has too much of a city feel. The traffic always seems bad, no matter what time of day. We like the small town vibe, with tight nit communities. Everything is at your fingertips though in Sarasota, but you pay with the crowds. ALSO, our main reason for not looking to that area is the cost of homes. The homes are a bit more and you get less. Alot of older homes, small yards, small square footage for our price range. We can go to areas of beautiful east bradenton, and Parrish and fine beautiful larger homes for the same price. Sometimes I think its a status thing, with New Gate and University park, I think sometimes you're just paying so you can have the status..