Help with Sarasota area homes (Bradenton, University: HOA, crime rates, established neighborhood)

[geosulcata]

Does anyone know about the safety of homes in the North Sarasota area/ Desoto Acres? What are the good areas (not deed restricted) in Sarasota?

[Sunshine Rules]

Hi,

I am very familiar with the Desoto Acres area, as well as most of the neighborhoods without deed restrictions in the Sarasota area. Desoto Acres has a voluntary HOA named Desoto Acres Association Inc. Fees run $25 per year to belong. The association does try to gently remind homeowners that while the area is not deed restricted, the county does have property codes and minimal standards. Most of the area is on central water from the county. However a small portion of the community is still on well water and running water lines to those homes could be very expensive if you wanted to hook up. Most of the lots run between 2 and 5 acres. There are a few newer construction homes, but most were built between the 1950's and 1970's. Some of the properties have a home plus guest house, a few have barns or other out buildings. The north end of the neighborhood, along University Pkwy, has pretty much gone commercial.

What specifically are you looking for in a neighborhood without deed restrictions? Is there a specific price point or lot size? Do you need to stick within any particular school districts? Do you want a neighborhood without deed restrictions as you bring home a commercial vehicle at night? Want to park a boat or RV? Have a back yard clothes line? Even neighborhoods without deed restrictions have to go by city or county property standards, depending on which jurisdiction the property is located within, so even those communities will have some restrictions, although definitely far less than you would find in any deed restricted community. The city of Sarasota has tougher minimal property standards than the county, FYI.

If you can give me a few more specifics as to what you are searching for, I can give you some neighborhood names that may fit your needs.

[TamRE]

Here is a web site that will give you information on crime rates in different areas in Sarasota County, FL: Moderator cut: link removed, linking to competitor sites is not allowed

Another option for checking crime is to ask at the local police department. They are your best bet for statistics on local crime if you are looking for safety in certain neighborhoods.

Following is a description of Desoto Acres for your information.

Desoto Acres has much to recommend it to prospective buyers. If you like the idea of settling into a neighborhood because it offers good proximity to the cities of Bradenton and Sarasota, Desoto Acres could be just the right community to you. This established neighborhood is also a good match for budget conscious buyers who are looking for a single family home that is affordable, neighborly and friendly. Buyers who are seeking larger lots will also find there is much to love about Desoto Acres. Unlike many of the neighborhoods in the local Sarasota area, Desoto Acres is not deed-restricted; a fact that can be a definite advantage for many buyers. Currently, there are numerous excellent purchase opportunities available in this community. The homes here tend to boast spacious lots along with a fair amount of square footage.

Buyers will find that Desoto Acres provides quick and convenient access to the many amenities in the local area. Not only will you be in close proximity to an array of shopping and dining opportunities, but as a resident you will also be able to enjoy numerous recreational activities in the local area. Sarasota is known for being a golf town and there are certainly numerous golf courses that are situated throughout the local area. In addition, the beaches and waterways are located within just a short drive of this established and affordable neighborhood.

Whether you are looking for a neighborhood without cumbersome deed restrictions, seeking a family friendly community that is affordable and in which to settle down and raise your own family or you like the idea of spacious lots and even roomier homes, Desoto Acres has something for everyone. Come and browse the numerous affordable purchasing opportunities available in Desoto Acres today.

[gypsychic]

We live in Whitfield Estates - Sarasota but manatee County. Voluntary HOA - $25 per year and minimal restrictions. We live on the bay side and lots here are large compared to those in town - minimum of 1/3 acre.

We have lived here for three years now and love it. We have friendly neighbors, beautiful historic, eclectic neighborhood with lots of open space (owned by the airport) and of course right near Sarasota Bay. We are, of course, right near the airport so some might find that an issue. We are not really bothered by it at all, there are only a few planes each day, and they are over in about 3 seconds.

Anyway, you asked for north Sarasota, so this is another recommendation for you! Personally I love the north side of Sarasota and wouldn't live anywhere else in the area, it's convenient to everything!