Indian Beach/Museum Area for young couple (Sarasota, Orangetree: renting, insurance)

[slm2923]

My husband and I are in our early 30's, have been in Sarasota for almost a year and are currently renting a condo downtown. We are looking to buy our first home, under $500k, and our ideal location would be Southside Village. However, most homes seem to be out of our price range, so we are looking in the Museum area/Indian Beach/Sapphire Shores which have homes with the character we like . We are planning to start a family soon and are wondering about crime, population, schools, etc. We have researched online but would love to hear feedback from those who may be more familiar with that area. Thanks in advance!

[Sunshine Rules]

First, I love the mixture of styles of homes in that area. Nothing cookie cutter about the neighborhoods there, and many of the homes have lots of at least 1/4 acre or more. However, I would suggest checking the new, proposed FEMA flood maps as there are changes to the museum area that may put properties into flood zones that had not previously been in flood zones. You should also speak with your insurance agent about wind coverage as well.

[Cardiff by the Sea]

I would suggest you start hanging out at the Coffee Loft on 41 near Mecca Drive. A representative cross section of the neighborhood goes through there on a daily basis. My understanding is that the neighborhood is a mixture of young families, college students, and professors and people would work at the colleges. We have chatted people up there about how they like the neighborhood and have gotten positive feedback about the area.

That area is in the attendance zone for Booker Elementary. It only gets a 5 of 10 from Great Schools.

[SoFLGal]

I love the museum area! My mother in law has lived on Edwards Dr in Sapphire Shores for nearly 50 years. She is 85 years old and does not drive. She takes the bus or walks everywhere. She frequently walks in the evening for exercise. When my now 22 year old was little she would walk her in a stroller at all times of the day and night. She often took her over to the museum for picnics. My 22 year old now goes to New College right across the street and she lives on 46th St, very close by. Grammy said that everyone is very pleasant when she's out for her walks. She comments on how nice all the college kids are to her who live in the neighborhood.

[Orangetree]

Originally Posted by SoFLGal

I love the museum area! My mother in law has lived on Edwards Dr in Sapphire Shores for nearly 50 years. She is 85 years old and does not drive. She takes the bus or walks everywhere. She frequently walks in the evening for exercise. When my now 22 year old was little she would walk her in a stroller at all times of the day and night. She often took her over to the museum for picnics. My 22 year old now goes to New College right across the street and she lives on 46th St, very close by. Grammy said that everyone is very pleasant when she's out for her walks. She comments on how nice all the college kids are to her who live in the neighborhood.

This reminds me of a Norman Rockwell painting.

[SoFLGal]

Originally Posted by Orangetree

This reminds me of a Norman Rockwell painting.

Ah yes, great image Grammy would be proud of that association

[slm2923]

Thanks for the great feedback everyone!