Relocating... Where to live? (Tampa, Sarasota: appointed, crime, house)

[msujohn]

I may be relocating to Florida and will be working in Bradenton. I'm married with 2 kids (1st and 3rd grade) where are some good places for me to live that are no farther than 30 to 45 minutes away from Bradenton? I want to make sure that they have top notch schools and family friendly. My budget for a house would be between $425k - $550k. Any advice would be appreciated.

[newyorker24]

Where are you moving from? And what is your definition of top-notch schools? If you're coming from an area in the northeast with great schools you will likely be disappointed with the public schools around here. If by top-notch you are referring to the level/caliber of education your children will receive you might want to consider private schools. But if you're coming from an area that doesn't have great schools you may very well find the FL schools to be just fine.

I'm not sure if it applies to children as young as yours but many people that have moved here notice that their children are being taught the same thing they learned 1-2 years ago in the state they came from. I experienced this myself when my parents moved here 15 years ago. I was in middle school at the time.

[crazynip]

Not Palmetto

[msujohn]

I will be coming from Dallas. We have excellent schools here. I'm concerned about the crime and school districts. Would I be better living in Sarasota area or south of Tampa? I don't want more than a 45 minute commute to the office - Bradenton.

[gypsychic]

Sarasota. Your commute from South Tampa will be further than you want. Sarasota has good schools.

[newyorker24]

Originally Posted by gypsychic

Sarasota. Your commute from South Tampa will be further than you want. Sarasota has good schools.

Yes South Tampa is too far.

[msujohn]

Thanks for the advice. I'm not familiar with the area at all. I'll focus my efforts in the Sarasota area.