Where to live in Sarasota/Sarasota area (University, University Park: homes, university)

[gypsychic]

Originally Posted by Sunshine Rules

Sarasota has quite a diverse mixture of people. We do have a lot of transplants from the midwest, but we also get a lot of people moving here from New York, New Jersey and eastern Virginia. Add to that a growing number of people coming here from various parts of Europe and even Russia. That's one of the things I like about Sarasota, you never know who you're going to meet or where they will be from.

I agree. These days I am meeting more and more Europeans and Russians and even oddball countries I never heard of! We also seem to be getting a lot of South Americans. People come here from all over. Sarasota is ON.THE.MAP. these days so to speak!

[Dollydo]

I lived in Palmetto and had a russian girl living with me for 6 years, she hooked up with alot of people from Russia, most lived in Sarasota.

[PixiStix]

Well, we are from the midwest & have met many fellow midwesterners here. However, I have always laughed at my kids class lists at school. The list reads as a multi-national melting pot. We have Russian, Ukrainian, German, British etc.. Heck, my kids actually stand out by there simple, short American names

I feel very fortunate though. My kids are being exposed to cultures & nationalities they never would have had we stayed in the midwest. This is something I certainly feel that will help them in future as adults.

[linda mairie]

I think you will finally be living! Sarasota is considered to be a highly ranked retirement area..in comp. to other U.S. cities!

[ditzyfitzy]

Originally Posted by Sunshine Rules

Sarasota has quite a diverse mixture of people. We do have a lot of transplants from the midwest, but we also get a lot of people moving here from New York, New Jersey and eastern Virginia. Add to that a growing number of people coming here from various parts of Europe and even Russia. That's one of the things I like about Sarasota, you never know who you're going to meet or where they will be from.

I just sold my home in The Villages, FL---because I hated it so much after five long years! Much, much too conservative for my tastes. I am looking in Sarasota----and looking into Lakewood Ranch, Palmer Ranch, and Cascades (over 55). I am 61--retired...and love my liberal politics. Would I meet more "like minded" people in any of these communities that I mentioned over the other? Any OTHER recommendations?

Thanks,
Lynn

[jhlcomp]

I just wanted to chime in. My husband and i have lived in south florida for over 20 years. We want to move out of the area and have visited Sarasota numerous times and are almost certain we want to make our new home there. It is such a different vibe and feel from our area. Besides, the gulf coast has always had a stronger attraction.

When i first came down here from DC, i rented for one year and glad i did. I found the right location and home with no regrets. As we look forward to this move in the next year or so, we will also rent and do a lot more exploration before settling on our next home.

One thing that might be of interest. There are a great many more frame homes in the Sarasota area than in South Florida where we have CBS (concrete-block-stucco). As we look around the Sarasota area, that will be a key in our decision making process. I have to admit i have seen a number of charming wood frame homes in Sarasota, but commonsense will rule.

[ditzyfitzy]

Does anyone know about the new Neal Communities property called WOODBRIDGE.....located a little North (by Cascades--small over 55 community)....
Thanks!
Lynn

[SeekingWarmth211]

What do you want to know? I have visited this community many times and feel that it is too far removed from "everything", although the pricing is terrific.

[ditzyfitzy]

I am going to come down on Monday/Tuesday--so, I guess I will find out ....wondered what type of people are moving in this community---adults only---families only--a mix? I am single and 61--so, would prefer adults...and dogs.....Too far removed---is it further out than being at Lakewood Ranch, for instance? I am liking the looks of Palmer Ranch, too--but, someone told me that it would very conservative in there.....true--I am coming from The Villages--and the primary reason I am moving is because it is almost 100% Republican....and Republican values....I like a mixture.

[aug79]

@ jhlcomp, we live in the mid-atlantic area right now and have been visiting Sarasota to see if it is the right fit. Soon we will also visit Santa Fe and look into that as well. We found the humidity in Florida to be just about the same as here - though with more of a tropical relaxed feel to the area than of course the crowded cities of the va-md-dc area. Are homes made of CBS still a must even on the gulf side?