North Port, FL (Tampa, St. Petersburg, Clearwater: transplants, for sale, insurance)

[sickofmichigan]

Does anyone know anything about this area? My husband does HVAC work, any jobs like this or a long drive to work?? How far from the beach (driving time)? Is insurance here just as high as anywhere else? Thanks to anyone who helps. We are moving from Michigan in June and can't decide between St. Pete/Clearwater area, sarasota area, or Ft. Myers/Cape Coral area.

[outsider1]

Too many folks find air conditioning a necessary item in all the places that you've listed, so you probably won't have to choose a town based on the employment prospects.

There's a lot of Michigan transplants in Fort Myers as well as Cape Coral. Those that I know seemed to choose that particular area because they knew someone who has already moved there. Based on my impressions Cape Coral(at least the southwestern part) would make a better choice though. Some areas in Fort Myers feel like a dangerous Detroit neighborhood gone tropical. There are some very impressive developments too, but they are all gated.

North Port is about 20 miles south-southeast from Sarasota area. It's mostly a newer and slowly growing town. Prices are a bit lower so you can get a bigger house for the money. Most houses have septic sewer, some are public water, yet some are well. Schools and crime are not at all bad on the Florida scale. An aquaintance who lives in Warm Mineral Springs area said that their insurance is a bit lower than in Sarasota because they are further from the gulf. Except service and retail, the employment opportunities are few. So many residents commute to Sarasota/Bradenton. There are those who have to drive as far as Tampa or Ft. Myers for work. But it's possible that your husband might not have this concern. The closest beaches are on Manasota key in Venice, about 20-30 minute drive.

If the employment issues were all taken care of, personally I would choose Sarasota. If you enjoy the beach, consider southern part of Sarasota in zip code 34231(particularly Gulf Gate neighborhood) - one of the nicer areas where you're within walking distance of Siesta key and shopping.

[jdber94]

Originally Posted by outsider1

If the employment issues were all taken care of, personally I would choose Sarasota. If you enjoy the beach, consider southern part of Sarasota in zip code 34231(particularly Gulf Gate neighborhood) - one of the nicer areas where you're within walking distance of Siesta key and shopping.

Hey......that's my zip code!!!!!

I love Sarasota and have friends in North Port. Both are wonderful areas and I'd take them over any other west coast Florida town.

Best of luck!

[beachykeen]

We live in North Port. Previously lived in Cape Coral for 10 years.
The Cape is really getting built up - which can be "exciting" to see what new stores are coming near you=) But that also means more traffic, growing pains and built up neighborhoods (which was not a plus to us).
North Port is up and coming (it reminds me of the Cape 10 years ago)----we have very few neighbors. Which is what we wanted so our kids could have woods next to us that they can explore, etc.
There seems to be a lot more beaches to choose from living here in North Port.
The Cape had the Yacht Club - not really a true beach, IMO=)
It would take at least 45 mins to get to Fort Myers beach on a good day.
In North Port we go to Englewood/Manasota Key. We Love Venice/Nokomis beaches as well - I would say they take us 30mins. Siesta key is nice too in Sarasota.
Best of luck to you.

[Seabeacon]

Don't tell too many people about the North Port/Sarasota area. It's still a nice place to live.

[sickofmichigan]

Thank you to everyone who responded. We were so set on the St. Pete/Clearwater area but after looking at the houses and schools we started to get very discouraged. I was looking on city-data and found North port and now we are really excited!!!! One more question, we are looking at some houses on realtor.com for up to $150,000-175,000 and there are quite a few newer nice houses for sale (n & s cranberry) does anyone know if these are "real" houses or modulars??? Also, what are our chances of getting a house like this in June or July or are they selling fast?? Thanks again. I think we are going to love it there!!

[mikey2]

After looking all over for the past two years, my wife and I have recently bought a place is North Port as well.
No matter where we looked, we just kept coming back to NP as the best overall deal.
Only 14 miles from Manasota beaches, lots of new development (business inc.), and much more reasonable housing.

I would avoid busy roads like Price blvd, and even south cranberry. North cranberry seemed much quieter to me the times I've drive through there.

I don't know of any modular homes, but I can tell you that builders like Windemere have a very good reputation in the area. You can find some of their homes on the resale market.

I would also google other MLS sites in the North Port area. Some are better than others.

Good Luck

[Floridasunshine]

Mikey2,
I love the area, but what are you property taxes and ho Insurance.
My niece lives in Palmetto area of Manatee, her's are twice what mine are here in polk county Lakeland. We love the Englewood beach check it out.
We stay at Englewood beach and Yacht twice a year.

[FedUpInFtMyers]

I was born and raised in the Midwest, moved down to St. Petersburg when I was 30, lived in St. Pete for five years, and then moved down to Ft. Myers. I have been here long enough to know that there are many, many things that are troublesome here that cannot be overcome; therefore, I am returning to St. Pete in the very near future. St. Petersburg and Ft. Myers - though only approx. 120 miles apart - are two very different worlds. Please stay with your idea to move to St. Pete/Clearwater for safety issues, housing costs, job market, better pay and benefits, work environment, and quality of life issues. Additionally, please search the forum for threads and posts that mention Cape Coral and Fort Myers (most of those posts are not positive), and many people who moved down here are sorry about it . . . unless they have enough money to not worry about employment, the pay offered for employment - if you can even secure a job - and you can live behind a gate! Good luck. Feel free to PM me about anything else.

[sickofmichigan]

Anyone have any idea what taxes and insurance would be on a newer house (2001-2004) in north port??? Cost of house $160,000 Approximately??? We have a 1100 SF ranch, basement, 2 car garage, valued at $134,000 and we pay $1900 a year for taxes. I KNOW they will be alot more in FLA but how much more?? What kind of insurance do you HAVE to have in that area?? Thanks.