If you arewere in your late 30's and had/have young children (ages 1 and 2) what city/town/county would you want to rai (University: to rent)

[jwags]

If you could pick the place, where would it be? taking into account age, other children, schools, activities, safety, convenience, etc...

[SoFLGal]

Probably Southside Village. It has the highest rated elementary school in the district (besides Pine View). It's close to downtown-GWiz, The Children's Garden, Selby Library, Selby Gardens, movies, etc. Close to Whole Foods. It's not far from Siesta Beach. The architecture is interesting. I know a ton of families who live there.

Then Siesta Key-north of the north bridge or south of the south bridge to avoid the traffic snags that are a given in the winter months. So many young (and ever older) people decide they want to live close to the village and after a few years of having to plan when they go on and off key the decide it's not quite as cool as they thought. That's why I recommend looking north or south of the bridges. The reasons are quite obvious for the Siesta location. It's close to the beach. Has a cool, quaint, funky downtown. Again, I know many families who live out there so it would work for me as far as having to drive less.

Next would be The Palmer Ranch area-Turtle Rock, The Hamptons, Deer Creek or Stone Bridge. There are other younger families and in most of the developments there is stuff for the kids to do-community pool, basketball, tennis, etc.

Rivendell in Osprey would be next. Basically for the same reason as the Palmer Ranch area. The communities are some what similar.

[Oobie119]

We are in our mid thirties with a child and purchased in the University Park area after doing two years of research on areas . We went to this area since it has great access to the expressway and is very safe, and well kept. Tons of ameneties along University and a lot of great subdivisions to choose from. Schools are great too...

[Sunshine Rules]

Are you looking to rent or buy? For either, what price range are you looking to stay within?

Are you bringing pets with you? If so, how many and how large?

Knowing what price range you are looking to stay within will help us all in suggesting neighborhoods for you.

[Rushmore]

We just had our first child (a girl, Nina). My wife is 30 and I am 45 (we we sort of average into your criteria).

We live in Palmer Ranch, which feels like the right choice for us because it's so safe and everything you could want is nearby, etc.

But as Swflgal said, Southside Village looks fairly appealing. We were actually talking the other day about possibly considering a move to that neighborhood in maybe four or five years.

The downsides are that it is generally a little less safe (but not scary in any way), and that you get less for your money.

The upsides might actually outweigh those, though, at least for us.

Anyway, best of luck.