Moving to Sarasota/Bradenton/Venice area (Tampa, St. Petersburg: apartments, rent, condo)

[zoey12]

Hello!

My husband and I are moving to the area in a few months. We are also considering the Tampa/St. Petersburg area.

Do you guys have any suggestions on a safe area to live, whether it be Sarasota, Bradenton, or Venice? Do you prefer the Sarasota area over the Tampa area?

Are there any areas we should avoid? We just want the area to be safe and within 15 minutes to a beach.

Thanks!

[Ladywithafan]

There are many threads here already on this subject which are up to date; read them.

[TamRE]

Do you have jobs? Have you ever visited the area? Do lots of research, a recommendation would depend on your situation and what you are looking for. Do you have kids, pets, price range, activities you like to do, are you purchasing or renting, what type of property (home, condo, townhouse)???

[zoey12]

We haven't visited, but are going to before we move. I'm 23 and he is 24. We don't have any kids, but we have pets. We want to keep the rent under $900 and would like a 2 bedroom. We are open on the type of property.

I have been doing a ton of research and have about 30 different apartments written down between Sarasota and Tampa that we are going to check out on our visit. We just wanted some information from locals before we come down to check everything out to make sure we aren't going into a bad neighborhood.

Our main concern is safety and close proximity to the beach. We don't go to clubs or anything like that, so that won't be an issue. I have a successful pet business where I am living now, and would like to start that up when we move there. My husband does this with me, as well as working online.

Thank You!