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Hi all....we are early fifties and looking for a move to anywhere within about 45 min to tops 1 1/2 hour drive of tampa airport. We have looked at clear water/st petersburg and now want to take a look further south. Was not so crazy about clearwater town, while i thought st petes downtown looked cute although a bit small. Our budget for a home is 300 - 500k |I'm looking for a decent size property as we love to garden, mature treelined streets, on a canal would be nice, but not essential(but our plan would be to get into boating at some point). Dont mind taking on a renovation project. Friendly neighborhood. Taxes, and home/flood insurance are another thing and wondering what areas would fit with this not being a huge expense. I am planning on taking a trip to go check out areas in about a month so any specific neighborhoods to look would be appreciated
Most of the following communities will tick many of your boxes but maybe not all. If you want the tree lined streets your probably going to have to go with a more established community. I would say that if you want everything on your list, probably your best bets are South Bay Yacht & Racquet Club in Osprey, Englewood Isles in Englewood, The Landings, Sarasota or the Sorrento communities in Osprey/Nokomis.
South Bay Yacht & Racquet Club-
Can’t decide between country living and waterfront living? Southbay Yacht & Racquet Club will allow you the have the best of both worlds.
Outside of the city between Sarasota and Venice, Southbay is an established neighborhood with an ideal location for boating. With 172 slips, Southbay includes one of the largest marinas on Florida’s West Coast. Boats up to 55 feet can take shelter in this fine facility. You must be a resident to rent one of the slips, but prices are reasonable compared to commercial marinas.
Here you have easy access to the Gulf of Mexico and ports beyond.
Many homes here actually face the marina or the Intracoastal Waterway. Both sail and motorboats can be accommodated, and if you dream of owning a boat, you just may find one for sale at the marina.
The street names in Southbay Yacht and Racquet Club even reflect the nautical theme---Keel Way, Dory lane, Sea Anchor Drive. Call Southbay your home port.
If you’re not a sailor, but just like being near the water, Southbay has many homes facing water or on greenbelt open areas. In fact, Oscar Scherer State Park is right across the street and the community itself has over five miles of paved walkways winding through the oak trees for walking, cycling, skating or running. It’s a pleasant way to get your exercise surrounded by quiet natural beauty.
As if that weren’t enough, Southbay also boasts its own million-dollar clubhouse complete with exercise facilities, sauna, tennis courts, resort-style community pool and continual activities.
Families love the location since it is close to Sarasota County’s Pine View School for the gifted, and the bus stops right at the community. You are also near shopping, dining and I-75.
Southbay is nearly built out and not many homes are on the market at any one time since it is popular with both sailors and young professionals. Homes generally run in the $350,000 to over $2 million range.
Englewood Isles-
Englewood Isles is a lovely community perched on the stunning shores of Lemon Bay, between Englewood and Venice and near to State Road 776. In Englewood Isles you are miles from the crowd, but always close to the services and amenities you need. Englewood and Venice offer shopping, plenty of choices for dining and entertainment, medical facilities and schools. Two bridges serve the Englewood Isles community and residents are just a three mile drive from nearby Manasota Beach, right on the Gulf of Mexico.
Many Englewood Isles residents have private boat docks, lifts and ramps but, for those who do not, there is convenient access to the community marina where residents can dock and service their boats. This deed restricted community is perfect for water lovers and beach bums alike. Many homes are built alongside the canal where homeowners can fall asleep to the gentle lapping of warm waters. These canals run into Lemon Bay, and then on to the striking blue waters of the Gulf of Mexico. If you are a homebody, you will not have to leave Englewood to find the activities you love. Englewood Beach on Manasota Key is perfection with miles of white beaches for sunbathing and shelling. You can boat, fish, canoe, picnic and swim – right in your own backyard! If you are a nature lover, you will revel in the local wildlife including tropical birds, dolphins and manatees.
Englewood Isles is an established neighborhood of mostly retirees and seasonal residents. Bring your straw hat, sandals and beach towel and join your neighbors. The laid-back, casual Florida lifestyle is ever-present here and with the gentle summer breezes blowing off the gulf, they will never see you sweat! There are still a few select lots on which you can build your dream home. Existing home sites include single-family homes, villas, townhouses and condominiums. Some are gently used and some are brand new.
Home prices range from modest to over one million dollars for spacious estates. Public water and sewer serves the area, and utilities are placed safely underground.
Sherwood Forest-
Sherwood Forest, Sarasota, truly feels like something right out of a fairy tale with its mature oak and pine trees, peaceful surroundings and passing wildlife. Located off Bahia Sherwood Forest, Vista road, Sherwood Forest is directly in the center of what is widely considered Sherwood Forest to be one of the best school districts in Sarasota County.
The charm of Sherwood Forest makes a great place to call home and is only a short drive away from downtown, Interstate 75, beaches, shopping, entertainment and restaurants.
The Sorrento Communities-
The Sorrento communities are north of Venice, FL in the Nokomis and Osprey area and include South Sorrento, Sorrento East, Sorrento Shores, Sorrento Woods, Sorrento Ranches, and Sorrento Cay. Each Sorrento community is like a jewel in a lovely necklace that stretches languidly across the Florida landscape. Convenient to Venice, Sorrento communities are close to major highways, airports and services, with fine dining, shopping, medical facilities and schools within easy reach.
Sorrento South beckons boaters and fishermen alike. Bring your sailboat and enjoy the open water voyage to the Gulf of Mexico. You will find no bridges here! Sorrento South is elevated above the surrounding area, with beautiful views of the Intracoastal Waterway. Venice High School and Laurel Middle School serve this neighborhood.
Sorrento East is a deed-restricted community with traditional style Florida ranch homes, most of them built in the 1970s. Many of these homes have been updated, and the neighborhood is spotlessly maintained. Sorrento East is near Oscar Scherer State Park, and is surrounded by many fishing lakes. You can rent or buy a dock for your boat at the Sorrento South marina. Here you can find single-family homes, villas and condominiums. The neighborhood is comprised of about 800 homes and prices here are very affordable.
Sorrento Shores is a unique waterfront community situated on canals leading to the bay. There are about 235 properties in this neighborhood built in the late 1960s on good sized lots. Some have been remodeled and some have been torn down to make way for new homes. With phenomenal views of the bay and colorful sunsets, Sorrento Shores is a boater’s dream. There are no fixed bridges out to the Gulf and you can spend hours on the water, enjoying the tropical breezes and working on your tan.
Sorrento Woods is a lovely neighborhood with lots sizes of one-third acre to one full acre. You can find sites on the canal and some lakefront properties. Sorrento Woods is for nature lovers, boaters and fishermen. The neighborhood features a 10-acre park complete with a boat dock and a launch area on picturesque Shakett Creek which has direct Gulf access. You can wander the winding boulevards, take shade under the broad branches of mature trees and sit beside beautiful lakes. There are more than 200 single-family, Florida style homes in this neighborhood and newer homes are larger, some built in a charming Georgian or Colonial style.
Sorrento Ranches is an upscale, countrified equestrian community with properties up to five acres in size. This community consists of 23 home sites, 19 of which are ranches. The other four properties run along Kilpatrick Road. This neighborhood has a mandatory homeowner association and residents love the tranquility and natural surroundings. With large home sites and plenty of room for your horse, pets and natural pursuits, Sorrento Ranches is a place you can lay down roots.
Sorrento Cay is an intimate, comfortable neighborhood with only 46 home sites designed for high-performance and energy efficiency. These ‘Eco-Homes’ were built by Waterford in the early 2000s. The neighborhood has a Key West feel, and all homes are ‘green’, environmentally friendly structures integrated with nature. Most properties back onto a small lake. You will love the tranquil setting, privacy and peace of Sorrento Cay.
No matter what neighborhood you choose, Sorrento properties and the surrounding Venice area have much to offer. Whether you are a golfer, boater, gardener, or horse lover, or you just love the serenity and sunshine of the beautiful Florida beaches and breezes, there is something here to satisfy your taste.
The Landings-
The Landings is a private, gated community located just off US 41 The Landings, Sarasota between Sarasota Bay and Phillippi Creek tucked away behind a major retail area of central Sarasota. In this enclave you will find large, luxury homes coupled with tennis facilities, community pool, gym and clubhouse.
Residents enjoy biking or walking through the meandering streets lined with stately oaks and lush landscaping. The whole neighborhood is like a park, and homeowners keep their property attractively maintained.
Homes in The Landings are often elaborate with many coveted upgraded like granite counters, crown molding, high-end appliances, leaded glass French door, fireplaces, three-car garages, luxury baths and complete home offices. Fine craftsmanship is evident in the custom details. Most homes have their own swimming pool and lanai so you can enjoy Florida’s outdoor living.
In addition to single family homes, The Landings offers elegant waterfront condominiums and interesting “Tree Houses,” which are multi-level townhomes carefully placed within the tree canopy.
Phillippi Creek Elementary School is just across the street, and Riverview High School is a short distance away. Shopping and restaurants abound just outside the compound for your convenience.
Englewood Gardens-
This community is close to the beaches, has many mature trees and is close the very quaint downtown Dearborn St.l
Bent Tree-
Bent Tree is one of the older golfing communities in Sarasota since it opened in 1985. However the whole golf course has undergone a re-design but still maintaining the natural beauty of the property.
Located just east of I-75 off Bee Ridge Road, Bent Tree is more than a golf course. It’s like a nature preserve with its sparkling lakes and streams, tree-lined fairways and mature oak hammocks.
Only two miles away is the busy commercial section at Cattleman and Bee Ridge Roads, where you will find banking, groceries, medical services. Either Siesta Key Beach of downtown Sarasota is only seven miles away.
The par 72 golf course also includes such amenities as a driving range, practice green, chipping green and a restaurant with both casual and fine dining. The country club provides a beautiful backdrop for weddings, reunions and banquets since it can accommodate 250 people.
Also at the club are tennis courts, full sized swimming pool and a children’s pool. However, membership in the Bent Tree Golf and Country Club is optional.
Many of the residences that line the winding streets have tranquil golf course views or lake views. You’ll discover large condos in the 1600-2000 sq. ft. range and home in prices from $250,000 to over a million with up to 4,000 sq. ft. Often, owners have updated or remodeled their late 80s or early 90s homes.
The larger estate homes in this master planned community are in the exclusive gated section called The Woodlands. In this area of Bent Tree, spacious homesites border the well stocked lakes.
This is a gated neighborhood with curving streets and elegant homes surrounded by large manicured lawns blending into natural areas with some of the homes edging the Bent Tree golf course. Many of the homes were built in the late 1980's and early 1990's and have been updated / remodeled. Custom, ranch or Mediterranean in styles prevail at Bent Tree with such appealing caged pools, granite counters, tile and wood floors and high ceilings with crown molding as popular upgrades.
Englewood Farm Acres-
Englewood Farm Acres and Lake Geraldine are both located in the Englewood area in Southwest Florida, with Port Charlotte and Punta Gorda to the south and Venice and Sarasota to the north. Englewood is comprised of vibrant neighborhoods with year-round activities, sprawling parks and recreation areas, and enough cultural amenities to rival the most exciting communities in Florida. Only 40 miles south of Sarasota, and 50 miles north of Ft. Myers, residents have easy access to shopping, entertainment, museums and services like libraries.
Englewood Farm Acres consists of lots of five acres or more, and many have ponds. This community is perfect for horse-lovers, and some properties have stables. There is no deed restriction here, though there is a mandatory homeowners association. Bring your horse and pets and settle in to the gracious country surroundings. Take your morning walk on Pinto, Buckskin or Palomino streets and get to know your neighbors. Englewood Farm Acres across from the Englewood Sports Complex, seven baseball fields, lighted tennis court, playground and basketball court, soccer fields and a fitness facility. It’s only a mile from the Myakka Pines Golf Course, close to hospitals and a post office. Some homes face the west side of state-owned land, the Myakka State Forest, with 8,000 acres for riding, camping and boating. Here are beautiful views and complete privacy. Homes tend to be large as many of the properties are actually small ranches.
Lake Geraldine is a newer, deed restricted community on the east side of the Myakka State Forest. Just off East River Road, with easy access to I-75, Lake Geraldine has home sites over 9 acres in size, waterfront homes, a thirty-acre lake, homes that front onto spring-fed lakes, and a community boat ramp. There are also some very large homes and mini-ranches in this convenient area.
Location: Sarasota/ Bradenton - University Pkwy area
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Flood insurance can be expensive for homes located on canals or boatable water as most would be within designated flood zones. Therefore, I would suggest inquiring about flood insurance rates up front on any waterfront properties or others in current or projected flood zones (and a home does not have to be on water to be in a flood zone - it could be located within a watershed basin).
There are 2 important things going on in our area right now regarding flood insurance:
1) the impact of the Biggert-Waters Flood Insurance Reform Act of 2012 & Homeowner Flood Insurance Affordability Act of 2014 (which guts sections of the Biggert-Waters bill).
2) flood maps are being revised and updated in both Manatee and Sarasota counties, so that various properties that were not previously in flood zones will be placed in flood zones when the new maps are approved
My interpretation of the 2014 legislation is that it does allow buyers to assume the current owner's flood insurance rate for the remainder of the policy. It then limits yearly premium increases to an average of 15% per year for 9 property categories listed by FEMA (most owner occupied homes would fall into one of those categories). It also stipulates that no individual policy holder will pay an annual increase of more than 25% on non-primary residences until actuarially sound rates are achieved. The annual rate increase cap is 18% on post-FIRM built homes.
They may have capped the annual increases on the premiums but they did not cap the number of years the rates can go up. FEMA also sent out notices in April of last year to insurance agents notifying them that the actual cost of individual flood insurance policies could change later on as FEMA solidifies it's long-term rules under the amended flood insurance legislation. Something to think about.
The revised flood insurance program changes also come with a $25 surcharge on all residential policies and a $250 surcharge on policies for all non-primary residences and non-residential properties covered.
Homes in our area built in flood zones (A, AE, V) before 1974 (ie preFIRM) are the ones that will be most impacted by increased flood insurance rates, especially if the home has never had an elevation certificate completed (which can be done by a survey company). For buyers, if the property is in any type of flood zone, ask if the owner has a flood elevation certificate, even if it is old. Elevation has a huge impact on rates charged.
Local insurance agents are usually very cooperative about giving prospective buyers quotes on flood insurance rates.
I did a recent post on this forum about a news article in the Sarasota paper discussing the proposed changes to the flood maps. There are also links in the thread to the county site with flood map information and pdf files of the various proposed flood map changes for Sarasota (Manatee county released their changes last year).
As to communities, some suggestions:
River Wilderness - located on the Manatee River in Parrish, country club community
The Inlets - located on the Manatee River on SR64 in Bradenton, gated, community boat ramps & amenities
Coral Shores - west Bradenton, some homes are canal front, older community built mainly in the 60's and70's
San Remo Shores Flamingo Cay, Coral Shores East, Belair Bayou -- all west Bradenton neighborhoods with some canal front lots
In Sarasota:
Sorrento Shores, Buccaneer Bay, Southbay (Osprey area)
Some others that would not be on the water but match your other criteria:
Country Place - beautiful community of winding streets, mature trees, larger lots
Hidden Forest - lots of 1 acre or slightly more, winding streets, mature trees
Gulf Gate East - very popular with buyers for location and curb appeal of the homes, mature landscaping and reasonable HOA fees
Palm Aire/ Mote Ranch -- several neighborhoods, everything from 60's built ranch homes to almost new contemporary homes, lots of mature trees and Mote Ranch has a community park with observation deck & kayak launch on the Braden River (but not boat docks)
Not sure why you zeroed in on Tampa airport, but if you settle in Venice or south (Englewood) you can get to Fort Myers (RSW) in one hour. We have a home in Venice and use Ft. Myers as it is very convenient for flight times from Newark and to get right on 75 and head north.
You might want to look along Phillippi Creek. I have seen houses along there that are surprisingly high above the creek and out of the flood zone. Your boat has to be small enough to clear the bridges to get to the gulf. Kyaking on the creek looks way cool.
When we were moving here a friend recommended Phillippi Creek to us and my attitude was no way since I was dead set on Southside Village. Now that we have been here about 8 months, I can now recognize the charms of Phillippi Creek and the appeal of the houses along it.
Here is a very unpolished 20 minute video of some friends cruising the creek. It gives you a really good feel for the area.
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