Country Meadows/Medallion Homes Bradenton (Sarasota, University: neighborhood, purchase, new construction)

[CBXBIKE]

Moving to Bradenton from Maryland. Looking at new construction in Country Meadows.Like the development and lack of high fees. Know about Medallions issue with drywall and followup etc. I doubt theyll be using that in any new construction.Anyone living there?? How was your experience with them? Build quality? Pool contractor they use? Any input would be great. Thanks, CBX.

[Oobie119]

I have friends that live there and are very happy. HOWEVER there have been some issues with Chinese Drywall in the neighborhood. They havent had any issues yet thankfully. Check out this story, its just one of a few-Bradenton builder on Chinese drywall list | HeraldTribune.com

I wouldn't go near any area that has even the slightest hint of Chinese drywall- but other than that the area is very nice and even though it is way out east, there are some necessary amenties nearby (Publix, shopping centers etc..). for any larger stores like Walmart and Target it's about a 20 minute drive. It's very quiet and has good schools. I would do A LOT of research on chinese drywall before making a purchase in Florida, especially in an area where it's been found. Many people on this board are very knowledgeable about where it is and isnt..good luck!

[CBXBIKE]

I'm talking about a new build where I can watch it going up. The farther away from the Walmarts and such the better.

[Floridaa]

I have a relative living in CM.they are very happy there.

I don't think the issue of cdw will come into play with new construction,since I am sure no builder wants that headache again.

[CBXBIKE]

Thanks...Seems like a beautiful neighborhood near Lakewood and Sarasota,low HOA,No CDD's,Ok prices.

[Floridaa]

Yes,it is a beautiful area.
Just remember though it is in a country setting and if you are into shopping areas,they are far off.
There is a strip mall down the Upper Manatee Rd.where there is a Publix,bank.resturants,gas stn etc. but no big stores.

I live in Waterlefe,so I am close by and I love being away from it all.

[LostInVirginia]

All - Thanks for the tips on Chinese Drywall - I too have been looking at the Medallion Homes in Country Meadows & in University Groves - I will contact the builders representative about the drywall issues to see if any of those homes have it.

Can anyone tell me what the lifestyle in University Groves and any pros & cons? I want to move to Sarasota (area) since it does have some life and the weather appeals to me. I'm recently retired and I'm thinking about the University Grove development/neighborhood since its close to the city. I would appreciate any opinions on any thing that I may encounter.

[CBXBIKE]

I went thru U Groves and the lots are small...home upon home. I needed more elbow room, so I went with Country Meadows. Depends what you want.

[bbronston]

I've had a few contracts with Medallion. Two were in Country Meadows and one was in U Groves. Of course, the situation is entirely different but I found the company was pretty good. That's not to say they didn't have some problems, some mistakes, etc. You will have to watch what they are doing to be sure they are doing it right. They may have improved over the past four months but they tend to run with a very lean staff and, as a result, there are mistakes made because everyone wears too many hats but, in every case, they bent over backwards to make the customer happy and I think that is probably the most important thing.

[CBXBIKE]

Copy that, I plan to be out there as much as I can...but I dont want to be looking over there shoulder every five minutes.