Why consider Sarasota / Bradenton / Lakewood Ranch over Rotonda? (Port Charlotte, Venice: rental, house) - Punta Gorda - Port Charlotte - Florida (FL) -Charlotte County - City-Data Forum

ewoodlad · 01-02-2011, 08:58 AM

Hi everyone, I am hoping you can offer us some advice on buying in SW Florida. We are a 40 something English couple who are looking to buy a second home in Florida primarily for vacations then hopefully to spend winters in the sunshine when can afford to do so. We have been coming to the US for many years and have fallen in love with the lifestyle in SW Florida. The area we know best is Rotonda having stayed in rental villas on a couple of occasions. We approached a realtor to ask them to look for suitable properties in the early $200's and they have suggested we look at Sarasota / Bradenton / Lakewood Ranch and Venice.
The most time we have spent in these areas is a couple of days and then only to do the tourist things so we don't know enough to consider them as somewhere that we might want to live in the future.
From what we read and know the advantages of Sarasota / Bradenton / LR are that they are closer to amenities eg beach / restaurants / shopping and that there are more facilities eg museums / theater etc, although we are more into sports than culture.
The advantage from what we can see for Rotonda is that we would get a bigger property with more space and probably a better view for our $.
Any advice on the above would be much appreciated.

NKat · 01-02-2011, 09:07 AM

We are currently renting a home in Rotonda West while we house hunt. We are interested in buying in Englewood. I have to say that Rotonda is very quiet and the people are very friendly. The home we are staying in is beautiful....4 bedrooms with a pool and on the golf course. It is a bit of a drive to beaches, restaurants but we haven't found it to be a problem. The primary reason we don't want to buy here is that we want to live in Sarasota County for the benefit of their schools...they are rated much higher. With that being said, we are really enjoying our time here and love the fact that it is very quiet and you certainly get a lot of home on big lots. Sarasota is just too busy for my taste and I don't anything about Bradenton.

SoFLGal · 01-02-2011, 09:12 AM

Just depends on what you're trying to accomplish. What kind of things do you like to do? If you like to go to the beaches (depending on where you are in the circle) then Rotonda would probably be a better bet.

If you enjoy shopping, dining and being closer to lots of night life and activities then the Sarasota area would probably be a better bet.

Generally, you'll get more house for your money down south. By that, I mean, if you take a home in Rotonda and place the same home in Sarasota it could be almost double for the same house.

I suppose it depends on what your priorities are. Here's the general summery-Smaller older home in Sarasota area and close to amenities. Newer, bigger home in Rotonda more removed from the action. Usually 30-40 minutes for museums, theater, etc

Quote:

Originally Posted by ewoodlad

Hi everyone, I am hoping you can offer us some advice on buying in SW Florida. We are a 40 something English couple who are looking to buy a second home in Florida primarily for vacations then hopefully to spend winters in the sunshine when can afford to do so. We have been coming to the US for many years and have fallen in love with the lifestyle in SW Florida. The area we know best is Rotonda having stayed in rental villas on a couple of occasions. We approached a realtor to ask them to look for suitable properties in the early $200's and they have suggested we look at Sarasota / Bradenton / Lakewood Ranch and Venice.
The most time we have spent in these areas is a couple of days and then only to do the tourist things so we don't know enough to consider them as somewhere that we might want to live in the future.
From what we read and know the advantages of Sarasota / Bradenton / LR are that they are closer to amenities eg beach / restaurants / shopping and that there are more facilities eg museums / theater etc, although we are more into sports than culture.
The advantage from what we can see for Rotonda is that we would get a bigger property with more space and probably a better view for our $.
Any advice on the above would be much appreciated.

bbronston · 01-02-2011, 09:17 AM

I live in Lakewood Ranch so, obviously, I like it here but I still would suggest that you either buy in Rotonda since you know you like the area, or you consider renting one more time in Sarasota or the LWR area before you consider buying. No location works for everyone and every location has pluses and minuses and I do think it is best to get to know an area (when possible) before buying.

ewoodlad · 01-02-2011, 10:47 AM

Thanks for all the advice guys, at 45 we are probably a bit old for the school systems but if Florida is like England then being close to good schools will have an effect on property values. Basically we are we are looking for a bit of r and r, and don't mind a little drive to get to restaurants beaches etc. We are also not really looking for night life. One further question though is that our house would be left empty for a large part of the year so a safe area is important.

mr&mrssunshine · 01-02-2011, 10:59 AM

i think we can answer that fairly well. we just moved to Rotonda from England. the area is VERY safe . you would need a good home management company to look after the pool and lawn. IMO you will get far more for your money in Rotonda . the beaches (Boca Grande and Englewood) are app 10-15 mins drive, 20 max depending on your exact location. shops ,restaurants etc similar -mainly in Port Charlotte.

we love it here -very peaceful and quiet and the people are incerdibly friendly.

if you want more info please feel free to DM me.

SoFLGal · 01-02-2011, 12:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ewoodlad

Thanks for all the advice guys, at 45 we are probably a bit old for the school systems but if Florida is like England then being close to good schools will have an effect on property values. Basically we are we are looking for a bit of r and r, and don't mind a little drive to get to restaurants beaches etc. We are also not really looking for night life. One further question though is that our house would be left empty for a large part of the year so a safe area is important.

You always need to be mindful of the school system even if you don't have kids. From what you describe it seems as though the Rotonda area might be your best bet. My assistant lives in Rotnda and has school aged kids. She speaks well of the schools her kids attend.

There are many house sitting companies in the area. The Sunshines have a fellow Brit who does house watching in Rotonda. I've met him and he seems quite nice.

NKat · 01-02-2011, 01:09 PM

We've met the fellow who manages our neighbor's property and he's wonderful. He's always here checking on things and really seems to be on top of everything. I can give you his information if you like.

Peter the Brit · 01-02-2011, 02:08 PM

The difference between Rotunda and Sarasota Venice is the difference between Chelsea Knightsbridge Sth Ken area and the Docklands.

mr&mrssunshine · 01-02-2011, 02:11 PM

Pete with all due respect Rotonda with its open space and wildlife is nothing like the sprawling ugly mass that is the docklands.well ok maybe the wild life :-)

and i would rather be in Sarasota than Chelsea