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Have an opportunity to relocate to the Sarasota area with my current employer. Married, kids 8 and 11. Coming from Naperville, IL; which is considered a great area to raise kids. So, to accomplish this move I am looking for the same on Sarasota of that exists. Kids are the most important, son plays football daughter is in show choir, so I hate to move them where these kid things aren't as available as they are in il.
Looking to spend 400-450 on a traditional FL house. But looking for that neighborhood feel. I like lakewood ranch but feels a little too planned. Bit again it is what is best for the kids.
Having a hard time pulling the trigger. We want to go, but since it is a choice and not a job forced relo we want to make sure we are doing the right thing.
Any thoughts on neighborhoods, other Midwestern relocations?
North Port and Venice which has really good schools but not as many young families as you would probably would like however the more people realized this area has what it has more families will move here.
Have an opportunity to relocate to the Sarasota area with my current employer. Married, kids 8 and 11. Coming from Naperville, IL; which is considered a great area to raise kids. So, to accomplish this move I am looking for the same on Sarasota of that exists. Kids are the most important, son plays football daughter is in show choir, so I hate to move them where these kid things aren't as available as they are in il.
Looking to spend 400-450 on a traditional FL house. But looking for that neighborhood feel. I like lakewood ranch but feels a little too planned. Bit again it is what is best for the kids.
Having a hard time pulling the trigger. We want to go, but since it is a choice and not a job forced relo we want to make sure we are doing the right thing.
Any thoughts on neighborhoods, other Midwestern relocations?
Thanks.
Interesting, my middle daughter will be 18 in Sept and she is moving to Chicago/Logan Square. She has a good friend who lives in Naperville. That's a very nice area.
Since you mentioned Naperville and trying to find a comparable community, I would have to take North Port off the list. I own a home in North Port but I just cant see it being your "cup of tea", if you're comparing to Naperville.
I would suggest starting your search in the Rivendell, Willowbend, Park Trace, Southbay Yacht CLub neighborhoods. You would have a choice of either Pine View (if your kids qualified and if you chose to send them there), if not then they would go to Laurel Nokomis-both are great schools.
I've attended many of the local schools and so have my kids.
Sarasota county has one of the best school systems in the state of Florida. It also has Pine View School for the Gifted, which was ranked the top school in Florida and one of the top schools in the Nation. It is a public school and the requirements are that you live in Sarasota county, have an IQ of 130 or more, pass the achievement tests required and have teacher recommendations. I have one child who graduated from PV and another who attended for many years. It's a great school but it's not for every kid. It services grades 2nd-12th. Here's some more info on that subject: Welcome to Pine View School
Southside services most of the downtown area south of Main St. North of Main would be mostly Booker school district. The Palmer Ranch area is mostly Ashton school district. There are other schools in the area but these are ones that I have either had personal experience with or I have friends that have kids in the schools.
Sarasota ranks as one of the top districts in the state by a number of measures, including test scores, graduation rates and teacher compensation.
It offers distinctive programs tailored to different student needs, including Florida's only school for the gifted, the state's largest special needs school and one of a handful of career-focused high schools.
Alright, if I were checking out schools other than Pine View these are the schools that I would look into, in order. This is also the order they fall in if you look at the stats on the state of FL.
I'll throw some zip codes in as well to use for a general guideline but make sure you double check them with the map provided and the local school board as the map/zip codes may change slightly if they add a new school.
I'm going to also include a few neighborhoods within each zip code. Keep in mind that there are many other communities in each zip code worth checking out. I'm just trying to give you a starting point. Also if the community is very large it might encompass two or three different schools.
Please use this website when searching for properties: www.myfloridahomesmls.com It's the most up to date website.
Sarasota County Schools
For Elementary Southside Elementary (34228, 34236, 34239, 34242)
Most of the downtown Sarasota condos, the condos/homes on the south end of Longboat Key, Bay Isles, Bird Key, Bungalow Hill, Cherokee Park, County Club Shores, Granada, Harbor Acres, Lido Key, McClellan Park, Poinsettia Park, St Armand's, some of Southgate.
Venice Elementary (34285, 34292, 34293)
The island of Venice, Bellagio on Venice Island, Lakes of Jacaranda, Pinebrook, South Venice, Venice Acres
Ashton Elementary (34233, 34238)-The Palmer Ranch communities(Arielle, Botanica, The Hamptons, Turtle Rock, Serenade, Stonebridge, Village Walk, Wellington Chase), Center Gate Estates, Colonial Oaks, Emerald Gardens, Grove Point, Three Oaks
Cranberry Elementary (North Port)
-(34286, a certain section)
Taylor Ranch (southern Sarasota county)-(34292, 34293)-Governors Green, Gulf View Estates, Blue Heron Pond, Lakes of Jacaranda, Myakka River Trails, Park Estates, Pelican Pointe Golf & County Club, The Plantation, Pennington Place, South Venice, Stoneybrook at Venice, Venice Golf & County Club, Southwood, Woodmere Lakes
Lakeview Elementary (34241)-Bent Tree, Country Creek, East Lake, Forest at Hi Hat Ranch, Founders Club, Foxfire, Gator Creek, Heritage Oaks Golf & Country Club, Lake Sarasota, Misty Creek, Myakka Valley Ranches, Preserve at Heron Lake, Red Hawk Reserve, Saddle Creek, Secluded Oaks, Serenoa, Trillium, Tuscana
Gulf Gate Elementary (34231, 34238)-Palmer Ranch communities-(Country Club of Sarasota, Deer Creek, Prestancia,
Marabella, Mira Lago, Palisades), Beneva Oaks, Coral Cove, Gulf Gate, Southpointe Shores,
Laurel Nokomis Elementary (mid Sarasota county)-(34229, 34275)-Bay Point, Calusa Lakes, Casey Key, Huntington Pointe, Isles of Sarasota, Laurel Pines, Laurel Woodlands, Mission Valley Estates, The Oaks, Park Trace Estates, Rivendell, Sawgrass, Shakett Creek, Silver Oak, Sorrento East, Sorrento Shores, Sorrento South, Sorrento Woods, South Creek, Southbay Yacht & Racquet Club, Stoneybrook at Palmer Ranch, Venetian Golf & River Club, Waterfront Estates, Willow Chase, Willowbend, Willowbrook
Tatum Ridge Elementary (34240)
-Barton Farms, Colonial Oaks, Deer Hammock, Founders Club, The Hammocks, Laurel Lakes, Laurel Meadows, Laurel Oak Estates, Oak Ford Golf Club, The Paddocks, Palmer Farms, Palmer Glen, Sarasota Golf Club, Sarasota Polo Club, Shadow Oaks, Summerwood, Tatum Ridge, Villages at Pine Tree-(Marsh, Ponderosa, Spruce Pine)
Garden Elementary(34285, 34292, 34293)
Phillipi Shores(34231, 34242)-Aqualane Estates, Bay Island, Florence, Hansens, Harmony, Hidden Harbor, The Landings, Mira Mar, much of Siesta Key, Oyster Bay Estates, Phillipi Cove, Philipi Gardens, Pine Shores, Point Crisp, Princess Gate, Ridge Wood, Sanderling Club, Sandy Hook, Sarasota Beach, Siesta Cove, Siesta Estates, Siesta Isles, Siesta Bayside, Tortoise Estates
Fruitville Elementary(34232)-Hidden Oaks, Nottingham, Sherwood Estates, Sherwood Forest, Woodland Park
Englewood Elementary (southern Sarasota county)(34223)-Artist Acres, Bay Vista, Boca Royale, Deer Creek, Eden Harbor, Englewood Farm Acres, Englewood Gardens, Englewood Isles, Englewood Pines, Manasota Gardens, Manasota Key, Overbrook Gardens, Stillwater
For Middle Sarasota Middle (34231-34242)
High School Riverview(34231-34242)
Manatee county Schools
Elementary Schools Robert Willis Elementary(34201, 34202)-Carlyle at the Villages of Palm Aire, Country Club East at Lakewood Ranch, Edgewater Village, Lake Club, Lakewood Ranch, Lakewood Ranch Country Club, Long Pond at Mote Ranch, Mote Ranch, Panther Ridge, Preserve at Panther Ridge, River Park at Mote Ranch, Riverwalk Ridge Cypress Banks, University Park
Gene Witt Elementary(34212)-Country Creek, Country Meadows, Foxbrook, Greyhawk Landing, Hidden Oaks, Mill Creek, Rye Wilderness,
Gilbert W McNeal Elementary(34202)-Concession, Greenbrook Village, Lakewood Ranch, Summerfield Village
Braden River Elementary(34202, 34211)-Braden Pines, Braden Woods, Oakbrooke at River Club, River Club North & South, Rosedale, Summerfield Village
BD Gullett Elementary(34211, 34212)-Central Park at Lakewood Ranch, Greyhawk Landing, Panther Ridge
Ida M Stewart Elementary(34209)-Perico Isles, Pinehurst, Riverview Landings, Shaws Point, Wisteria Park, Woodlands Park on Palma Sola Bay
Anna Maria Elementary(34216, 34217, 34228)-Anna Maria Island, Bay Palms, Bimini Bay Estates, Cortez, Emerald Harbor, Holmes Beach, Ilexhurst, Key Royale, Long Beach, Longboat Key, Shore Acres, Sleepy Lagoon, Wells Bay Harbor
Kinnan Elementary(34243)-Carlyle at the Villages of Palm Aire, Country Oaks, Desoto Lakes Country Club, Glenbrooke, Mote Ranch, Palm Aire, Palm Lakes, Quail Run, University Groves, Rio Mar, Trails, Treymore at Village of Palm Aire, Vintage Creek
Freedom Elementary(34212)-Gates Creek, Greenfield Plantation, Heritage Harbour, Lighthouse Cove at Heritage Harbor, Old Grove at Greenfield, Planters Manor at Greenfield, River Strand, Stoneybrook at Heritage Harbor, Waterlefe Golf & River Club
Tara Elementary(34212)-Barrington Ridge, Braden Crossing, Creekwood, Manatee Oaks, Mandalay, River Landings Bluffs, River Place, Rivers Edge, Silver Lake, Tailfeather Way at Tara, Tara, Tara Preserve, Wallingford, Water Oak
Middle School
Carlos E Halie Middle(34208-34212)
Braden River Middle(32401-34243)
Nolan Middle(34202, 34211, 34251)
King Middle(34209, 34216, 34217, 34228)
High School
Lakewood Ranch High(34202, 34211, 34212, 34251)
Manatee High(34205-34209, 34216, 34217, 34228)
Alternative School
Manatee School for Arts and Sciences
We moved our kids here but I am going to be honest - this area is mostly geared towards old people - there will be "kid things" here to do but in no way will there be as much to do as you have now.
Location: Sarasota/ Bradenton - University Pkwy area
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Reputation: 6036
Quote:
Originally Posted by windycity13
Have an opportunity to relocate to the Sarasota area with my current employer. Married, kids 8 and 11. Coming from Naperville, IL; which is considered a great area to raise kids. So, to accomplish this move I am looking for the same on Sarasota of that exists. Kids are the most important, son plays football daughter is in show choir, so I hate to move them where these kid things aren't as available as they are in il.
Looking to spend 400-450 on a traditional FL house. But looking for that neighborhood feel. I like lakewood ranch but feels a little too planned. Bit again it is what is best for the kids.
Having a hard time pulling the trigger. We want to go, but since it is a choice and not a job forced relo we want to make sure we are doing the right thing.
Any thoughts on neighborhoods, other Midwestern relocations?
Thanks.
I too am originally from IL, but downstate, in the Quincy area. We do have friends that still live in Aurora, so I do have an idea of the general area near Chicago that you are in.
I did a quick look at the demographics for Naperville. 141,000 people, 52,270 households (of which 36,289 are families), just 6% of the population is 65 years of age or older. Median income of $105k per household.
The city of Sarasota is just 52,000 population but there's about another 200,000 population in the metro Sarasota area, so you could say similar in that respect to Naperville.
The county of Sarasota has a total population of about 390,000 people. The percentage of people age 65 or older is 33%. The median age is 53. The average number of persons per household is 2.21
Here are some other median ages in our area:
North Port (in south Sarasota county) - 40.9 years
Venice - 69 years
Lakewood Ranch (in south Manatee county) - 45 years
Manatee county (just north of Sarasota) - 44.69 years
The demographics of the Sarasota area are changing, more families are moving here each year, but as the statistics show, we are still a retirement destination for many.
I bring up the statistics because you said you would be looking for the same things here that you have where you now live, and things here will definitely be different. But different can also be good. We are known for our beautiful public beaches and sunny winter days.
SCHOOLS
The best source for school district information is available on the school district web sites. School district borders change from year to year. That is especially true in Manatee county where the addition each year of new home communities adds more children to the school system and therefore leads to reassigning of students /zip codes to different school districts.
For families moving to the Sarasota - Bradenton - Venice area, students will be enrolled in either Sarasota or Manatee county schools. Here are links to various sites with information regarding these school districts.
This site has links to each individual school within the district as well as all of the other important information for parents such as school ratings and test scores, school districts, new student enrollment, bus routes & schedules, gifted student programs, etc.
Sarasota also offers charter schools for parents seeking alternatives to traditional schools. These include Christian, Catholic, Montessori and Independent schools. You can contact the Sarasota school district via their website or call 927-9000 and speak with the charter schools contact person.
Students in Bradenton, Lakewood Ranch, Anna Maria, Ellenton, Parrish, Palmetto and Myakka City attend Manatee county schools.
This site has links to each individual school within the district as well as all of the other important information for parents such as school ratings and test scores, school districts, new student enrollment, bus routes & schedules, gifted student programs, etc.
The school districts make available the ratings for the individual schools within their districts.
The state of Florida's Department of Education (FDOE) also ranks both FL school districts and individual schools each year based on a FCAT scores and a number of other factors. This information can be found at: School Accountability Report
You didn't mention how familiar you are with the Sarasota area. If you don't know the area well (or at all), I would suggest coming down to visit before making any decisions. Spend some time on the various school sites, perhaps pick out several school districts that appeal to you, then find a local real estate agent that can help you in your search for neighborhoods within those school districts.
If you still have doubts about the big move, try renting for 6 - 12 months before buying. That way you aren't pressured into selecting a home on a 3 day trip with very little local knowledge of what area would actually work best for your family. What looks good on paper doesn't always work well in reality. If you rent in one of your target neighborhoods you can take it for a test drive before committing to buying there.
In my opinion, Sarasota and surrounding areas are child friendly. Yes, there are a lot of retirees but there are a lot of people of all ages as well. You have to think about it like a normal society with an extra layer of seniors added on top. There's really nothing wrong with it - they are friendly, mostly courteous and have the disposable income that allows us to have stores and restaurants nearly everywhere! Also, this area is developing pretty rapidly in the older stereotypes don't apply so easily. Life down here is a change of pace from the North. For the most part it gives people more of what they want less of what they don't which is why they move here! Good luck!
Ok, sorry,not meaning to be snarky but I have to ask. What are kid things? Can you be more specific?
Is it sports? My kids and now grandkids are racing bikes and playing organized sports right now while up north they are shoveling snow and possibly playing hockey (is hockey still in season?)
Do they have fun runs on the beach this time of year?
I know there are after School activities like art classes, Sailor Circus, etc.
I moved here from the Chicago area (long ago) when I was 19. I was on my own for the first time, so I tell people that I grew up here.We raised children who I can honestly say had a much more active fun childhood here than I did growing up in Chicago.
Now if you have relocated from Norcal that would make an interesting discussion.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Fairfax Mom
We moved our kids here but I am going to be honest - this area is mostly geared towards old people - there will be "kid things" here to do but in no way will there be as much to do as you have now.
Looking to spend 400-450 on a traditional FL house. But looking for that neighborhood feel. I like lakewood ranch but feels a little too planned. Bit again it is what is best for the kids.
Having a hard time pulling the trigger. We want to go, but since it is a choice and not a job forced relo we want to make sure we are doing the right thing.
Any thoughts on neighborhoods, other Midwestern relocations?
Thanks.
I can't tell from the above post whether you have been here to check it out. If you haven't, you need to come. If you have, did you inquire about children's activities? What were you told?
Location: Sarasota/ Bradenton - University Pkwy area
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Reputation: 6036
I've lived in 30+ years so obviously we enjoy living in Sarasota. I find the size of metro Sarasota a nice compromise, not too small and not too large. The city of Sarasota has a good downtown area with lots of unique shops, restaurants (everything from burgers to fine dining) and art galleries. Because of the number of large, upscale condo communities in the downtown area, you'll find a diversity of people frequently the downtown area from many areas of not only the United States but other countries too, including many parts of Europe. As I mentioned, we do have lots of retirees in Sarasota, but we also have young families and good school districts.
There's also a diversity of activities and events. Of course, our beaches are second to none and Siesta Key beach frequently wins best beach awards. There are many other beaches in our area that are not as well known as Siesta Key but just as beautiful and much less crowded. We have Myakka State Park in Manatee county and Oscar Shearer State Park just south of Sarasota if you like camping, fishing, kayaking and hiking. Sarasota is known for it's many cultural opportunities. We have performing arts centers such as the Van Wezel, dinner theaters, ballet, symphonies, jazz, bluegrass, comedy theaters. Sarasota's more unique offerings include the Ringling home and museum, Mote Marine Laboratory and Selby Botanical Gardens.
If you're into sports, Sarasota does host spring training for the Baltimore Orioles and Bradenton the Pittsburgh Pirates. Nearby Tampa has the Bucs football team as well as Rays baseball & Lightning Hockey teams. Ellenton, just north of Sarasota, has an ice skating & sports center.
You'll find Sarasota is also diverse when it comes to groups. You can join groups for bicycling, motorcycle riding, jazz, badminton, barbershop chorus, orchids, garden clubs, history buffs and various political groups to name a few. Sarasota has AARP, Kiwanis, Audubon Society, Red Hat Society, Big Brothers/Big Sisters, Eagles and Shriners, etc. You can volunteer for Mote Marine or Selby gardens.
Sarasota seems to have a little bit of everything.
Is Sarasota perfect? No. But then, no place is. Some people complain about the lack of seasons but we do have seasons, they're just more subtle than you find up north. I love winters in FL. I don't miss the frigid cold, the ice on the roads, the huge heating bills and endless cloudy, depressing days we used to have up north in the winter.
I think some people move to FL with unrealistic expectations. We have palm trees, beaches, oranges and Disneyland, but we also have strip malls, car washes and fast food restaurants. Life has necessities. Living in a city year round is different than visiting one, and it is difficult for some people to transplant here happily if all of their close friends and family are still up north.
City-data is a good place to research the various local communities to get a broader perspective on things but it is not a substitute for actual visits here to get a personal perspective. One size does not fit all, as the saying goes.
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We are known for our beautiful public beaches and sunny winter days.
