Sarasota "personality" (Tampa, Hollywood: hotel, neighborhoods, theater)

[ang08]

We're narrowing our search for towns in FL (it will be somewhere between Tampa and Sarasota) and Sarasota looks good on paper, but we're wondering if it's a good fit for us. We are: mid-30's, two kids, pretty conservative but open-minded. We are very active, love the outdoors, not really into going out much (bars, restaurants, etc). We appreciate family-oriented, laid back, down-to-earth people. We're moving from Washington State.

The only negative we see to Sarasota so far is proximity to a major airport but we're willing to deal with that if everything else is a good fit. Thanks for any input.

[funymann]

Wow.

That's a giant move.

Rain to sun huh?

I wouldn't blame you there.

[PixiStix]

Originally Posted by ang08

We're narrowing our search for towns in FL (it will be somewhere between Tampa and Sarasota) and Sarasota looks good on paper, but we're wondering if it's a good fit for us. We are: mid-30's, two kids, pretty conservative but open-minded. We are very active, love the outdoors, not really into going out much (bars, restaurants, etc). We appreciate family-oriented, laid back, down-to-earth people. We're moving from Washington State.

The only negative we see to Sarasota so far is proximity to a major airport but we're willing to deal with that if everything else is a good fit. Thanks for any input.

I think you would like it here in Sarasota...We are the same age as you with 2 kids. Moved here almost 3 years ago from the midwest. Airports have never been an issue for us. SRQ is great & for international, Tampa is a straight shot, 1 hour interstate drive. Ft. Myers airport isn't too much farther. Outdoor activities are limitless. There are so many different lifestyles to choose from here as well. Downtown, Beach, Bay, Golf & a few miles east, you can be in the country with acreage. Even if you don't go out alot (my husband & I were like that too, especially with young kids) you'll find so many really neat things to do here- they kind of pull you in

Tampa overall has a younger demographic but I would say Sarasota is more cultured & sophisticated while still being laid back. The downtown here in Sarasota is wonderful. There are neat things about Tampa, we have good friends that live there but overall, I chose Sarasota to raise my kids.

The only way to know for sure is to come & experience both for yourself.

[gypsychic]

Originally Posted by ang08

We're narrowing our search for towns in FL (it will be somewhere between Tampa and Sarasota) and Sarasota looks good on paper, but we're wondering if it's a good fit for us. We are: mid-30's, two kids, pretty conservative but open-minded. We are very active, love the outdoors, not really into going out much (bars, restaurants, etc). We appreciate family-oriented, laid back, down-to-earth people. We're moving from Washington State.

The only negative we see to Sarasota so far is proximity to a major airport but we're willing to deal with that if everything else is a good fit. Thanks for any input.

What's wrong with the Sarasota airport? I think it's pretty nice. And it's only an hour up to Tampa airport if you really want a big one.

This is a great place to live, I think you would like it here.

[SoFLGal]

I agree with everyone else on their points. Sarasota is a wonderful place to live. I was born and raised in SW FL and will never leave here. I'm the same age is you and have 3 kids. The schools system is awesome.

There's always something going on in the downtown area. Southside Village, which is the area west of US 41 and just of Main St and north of Siesta Dr. It's also close to the hospital. Right over the bridge is Siesta Key Beach or if you go over the John Ringling Bridge you have Lido Beach. Southside Elementary School is the districted school for Southside Village. You can look up what people have to say about Southside on these to websites: School Accountability Report... or www.greatschools.com The only problem is that nothing comes up when you search under SouthSide village because it's kind of a locally used term for that area but in the MLS they have that area broken down into a ton of little subdivisions. I'll list some here so you can look through and see what you find. If you have a little one I would suggest visiting The Children's Garden in downtown Sarasota. It's a really cool whimsical place for the little ones that is within walking distance of the downtown area. My five year old loves it there. Also, GWIZ,Mote Marine, Selby Gardens, Jungle Gardens are all within minutes of downtown. Every Saturday they have the downtown Farmers Market. Then there's the Hollywood20 Movie theater and The Burns Court Cinema, which has some really cool foreign films. Burns Court and Towles Court are neat little villages that are great to spend the afternoon catching a bite to eat or doing a little shopping. Selby Libraryis a fantastic library right in the heart of downtown. A great little organic grocery store is Morton's Gourmet Market, Southside Village, Sarasota, Florida. Marina Jack’s is always great for an afternoon out with the kids, a picnic under the trees or a leisurely walk by the bay Welcome to Marina Jack.

Some of the downtown neighborhoods are:
The neighborhoods are:
Hyde Park
Hartland Park
Poinsettia Park
Floyd & Cameron
Riverwood Park
Ridgewood
Granada
Laurel Park
Bayview
McClellan Park
Oyster Bay Estates
Bungalow Hill
Aqualane Estates
Graham Heights
Burns Court
Hartsdale
Cherokee Park
Badger Heights
Paradise Shores
San Remo Estates
Harbor Acres
Avondale
Mandarin Park
Morton Terrace

Most of the above are known as a whole as the Southside Village neighborhood. I listed a few that are on the fringe of that area. Here's some more info on the downtown area:

Home
Sarasota Florida Downtown | Shops Downtown, Sarasota Hotel | Downtown Restaurant | Sarasota Rental
Downtown Merchants Association of Sarasota

[deedee3003]

PixiStix, is there any neighborhoods in Sarasota that are seedy? Can you name them so I pass them over in the MLS book? If I wanted to live in Sarasota but wanted a lot that is a little bigger than usual where should I look? I don't need to worry about school for my kids. I am in my 40's and they are in college. That doesn't have to be a factor for me so safety would be a concern but not schools. Thanks, deedee3003

[deedee3003]

Sorry I didn't see SoFlGal's post of the nice neighborhoods. You are full of information Gal. Thank You.

[SoFLGal]

Originally Posted by deedee3003

Sorry I didn't see SoFlGal's post of the nice neighborhoods. You are full of information Gal. Thank You.

Thanks! You might also like the Palmer Ranch area as well. I wrote a blog about that area on this website under my name.

[Rushmore]

For what it's worth, I think the airport situation is actually great:

Sarasota Airport is far and away the EASIEST airport I have ever used. Flying in and out will cost you nominally more, but is SO worth it for the time you'll save and the general efficiency you will encounter.

If you need an international airport, Tampa is an hour (if you drive like a lil ole lady).

People don't move out of Manhattan because it takes 90 mins to get to Newark, LaGuardia, or JFK, do they?

[DoctorRain]

Originally Posted by ang08

We're narrowing our search for towns in FL (it will be somewhere between Tampa and Sarasota) and Sarasota looks good on paper, but we're wondering if it's a good fit for us. We are: mid-30's, two kids, pretty conservative but open-minded. We are very active, love the outdoors, not really into going out much (bars, restaurants, etc). We appreciate family-oriented, laid back, down-to-earth people. We're moving from Washington State.

The only negative we see to Sarasota so far is proximity to a major airport but we're willing to deal with that if everything else is a good fit. Thanks for any input.

Stay in Washington!

Im in a Sarasota outer town and I plan to go for the gusto with Seattle so Im someone who wants to leave the area for Washington lol.