In Town Next Week | Interviewing and Exploring (Sarasota, University: apartment complex, rental)

[RunGump]

I'm in town for an interview next week. Never been to Sarasota before. Have a day and a half to explore. There are no guarantees I get the job, but should I receive an offer, things may move quickly.

1. Investigating areas to live. Job would be near 75/University Pkwy. Want less than a twenty minute commute. And somewhere that is close to bars/social activities (volleyball/kickball leagues). Shooting for $800 a month--flexible though. Perfect place would be walkable to downtown, close to a running path, and filled with fairly young people--I'm single and in my thirties.

2. Running paths/beaches. I've heard great things about Siesta Keys. Any other beaches that you'd recommend? Any that have a nice running path along the beach? I lived in Los Angeles the past decade, and loved the running paths along Hermosa/Manhattan Beach.

3. Bars/Restaurants. Looking for fun bars, more on the chill side. Bars where thirty-year-olds hang out.

4. Gym recommendations. This will probably depend on where I end up living. Anyone have a favorite gym? Or one to avoid? Usually like to get in an out in 30 minutes. And use mostly free weights.

5. Apt. recommendations. I've been searching online, and so many of the ratings for the apartment complexes are horrible--32% approval rating. Anyone live in an apartment complex they love?

Thanks in advance for any advice. I'm looking forward to visiting Sarasota.

[Where2live2011]

University/75 tends to be a more expensive place to live, but fortunately it's close to the interstate so you could live somewhere north or south off 75 and have a relatively short commute. Gateway Lakes is off Fruitville and 75. I lived there about 6 years ago and had no complaints. On-ramp to Univeristy off-ramp should be 5 mins, plus however far off 75 your job would be. To be within walking distance to Lakewood Ranch downtown, you'll probably pay more in rent. To be within walking distance to Sarasota's Downtown, you'll have more than a 20 min commute to your job. Sarasota is NOT a very pedestrian friendly area. As far as I know, there are no running paths along the beaches they just run on the beach near the water. Most people I see running are doing it on the Ringling Bridge. Keep in mind when looking for apartments online that those probably aren't their actual rental prices. They are CONSTANTLY running specials here. For instance, our apt is listed at $899 for a 2/2, but we pay $750 on a 13 month lease. So if you find a place you like, give them a call. As far as the ratings go, I think people only rate when it's complaints. Our current apt had horrible ratings, but we don't have one complaint since we've moved in almost a year ago (except maybe a new AC since ours has trouble keeping up with the heat). Anyway, best of luck on your interview.

[RunGump]

Thanks for all the great info. And for your well wishes.

I'll check out Gateway Lakes online and research the Lakewood Ranch area.