Returning to Florida but New to Sarasota (Tallahassee, North Port: real estate, 2013)

[AwayWeGo20]

My family is considering a move from NC to the Sarasota, FL area in the next couple of years. We have a 2 year old and a baby on the way. My husband and I were both born and raised in FL (Tallahassee and Naples). We have been in NC for about 10 years. We are thinking about moving back to FL to be closer to our aging parents as well as other family. Our current neighborhood in NC is very safe, quiet, friendly with a good mix of elderly people and young families. We live on about 2 acres with our two 60 lb. dogs. We would like to find a neighborhood that is similar although we know the acreage will be much less. Deed restricted neighborhoods are fine. It just depends on the restrictions which vary in each community. We don't want to live in a new housing development. We would preferably like to have a wooden fence in the backyard so that we can let our dogs out but it's not a must have. We also want to be in a great school district as our youngest child will be starting Elementary when we move. Lakewood Ranch doesn't seem like the best fit for us as I have read the HOA is very strict (no altering plants or planting trees, etc). We would love to be in a nice neighborhood with the ability to make our home "ours" and do our own yard work/landscaping. Any advice on neighborhoods and schools would much appreciated! Thanks!

[photoman_6]

as usual we need to know a lot more details to be able to get you intelligent answers>

Budget, employment requirements for a start. your dogs could be an impediment. usually 60 lb dogs are frowned upon on our deed restricted communities. You might want to look in the unincorporated areas of Sarasota/Manatee, such as Panther Ridge as an example.

[bbronston]

p_6 is right, of course, but you do have Braden Woods right next to LWR and it might work for you. Homes are mostly from the 80s but many have been updated and you can always update one, yourself. Most homes are acre or more except phase 6 where most are .5 acres. I lived there for many years before moving to LWR.

[craigiri]

You didn't mention if you like proximity to certain things - like the beach, downtown, etc.

If you do - you can get all the things you mentioned in many of the neighborhoods which are south and west of Payne Park. These include Alta Vista, Paver Park, Ringling Park, Arlington Park, etc.

This assumes the dogs are fairly quiet - of course, that goes even with larger lots.

[gypsychic]

If you can find something in DeSoto Acres, it would truly fit your bill. Here is a link to an article on the area from a few years ago:

Market snapshot: DeSoto Acres - Real Estate

[bbronston]

Originally Posted by gypsychic

If you can find something in DeSoto Acres, it would truly fit your bill. Here is a link to an article on the area from a few years ago:

Market snapshot: DeSoto Acres - Real Estate

From a property perspective, Desoto Acres is a great suggestion but I think they are in the Booker schools districts and those would not meet the the OP's criteria for good schools. Each property needs to be checked against the school district info. I don't know but some might not be in those same districts.

[Sunshine Rules]

Some neighborhoods with larger lots that I can think of that are nearer to Lakewood Ranch that was mentioned by the OP would be:

Panther Ridge - north of Lakewood Ranch in south Manatee county (zip code 34211). Many of the lots are 1/2 - 1 acre, homes built in the early 2000s, HOA only $190/quarter.

River Club North & South -- thisclose to Lakewood Ranch (34202), homes were built in the 1990s are they are contemporary styles, HOA fees run about $700-$800/year. Some sections have lots of between 1/2 and an acre or more.

Braden Pines -- near Lakewood Ranch off of SR70, many 1 acre lots, mostly 90's homes, HOA is optional.

Mill Creek north of Lakewood Ranch (34212) -- it's really 2 sections, the older part is mainly 1990's, some 2 story. The newer section is off of Rye Rd to the south and are more contemporary 2000s built homes. HOA runs about $320/year and they do enforce the deed restrictions (but they are not nearly as extensive as a Lakewood Ranch).

Rye Wilderness -- off of Rye Rd north of SR64 (34212), new and newer construction, HOA $180/quarter.


For any of the above it really depends on budget, which was not mentioned in the original post.

[AwayWeGo20]

Originally Posted by photoman_6

as usual we need to know a lot more details to be able to get you intelligent answers>

Budget, employment requirements for a start. your dogs could be an impediment. usually 60 lb dogs are frowned upon on our deed restricted communities. You might want to look in the unincorporated areas of Sarasota/Manatee, such as Panther Ridge as an example.

I work in healthcare and my husband can work from home. Our dogs are labradors and very gentle and quiet. We walk our dogs and do not plan to leave them outside. Our home budget would be in the $400,000 ballpark.

[Z8002a]

It sounds like you aren't tied to commuting so you have more options, living East of 75 or away from hubs. I found something similar to what you are asking for in North Port along Tropicaire. 3 Acres, farm zoning. As for school district my child was able to accept to Pine View & we've been pleased with that so far.

Calvin

[Nancy in Nokomis]

I would not go for the newer communities - tiny yards, so many restrictions, cant put up a fence, etc.

A nice, older neighborhood with low HOA would be good for you.

Here in Nokomis - Sorrento East, Sorrento Woods, Laurel Woodlands, Mission Valley Estates - nice, low HOAs and land - not all cramped together living like rats