Moving to area, best neighborhoods for families? (Tampa, Sarasota: skateboarding, insurance)
Sarasota - Bradenton - Venice areaManatee and Sarasota Counties
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We live in Chicago and love it here, but are tired of the brutal winters. We are considering moving to the Sarasota/Siesta Key area. We would like to buy a single family home, not in a community, but in a neighborhood where there would be lots of other kids to play with (we have two kids under 10). We do love the beach so would either like to be walking distance to a beach or have a pool. It would also be great if our kids could ride their bikes around the neighborhood (though not essential).
Schools are VERY important to us, especially high school. We would consider parochial or private for high school but would prefer to send our kids to public school for K-8 if possible. We plan to spend between $500 and $800,000. We are used to urban living but look forward to a more relaxed lifestyle. We both work from home so commuting is not an issue (other than if we need to drive the kids to school).
Schools generally won't be an issue for you in any part of Sarasota County, as we are consistently ranked in the top 5 counties in the state. If you want walking distance to the beach you seem to have a realistic budget goal set. The areas for you to consider are Lido, Siesta Key near the village, or Venice Island. Parts of Nokomis will be close enough for you to bike or walk to the beach as well.
I grew up in Sarasota and attended many of the schools in the area-both public and private. My kids have also attended many of them. I have a 22, 17 and 10 year old. My middle daughter visit Chicago every few months. She plans to move to Chicago once she turns 18. She absolutely loves it there!
There are several park and beach accesses on Siesta. Here is a list of them: Siesta Key Parks - Sarasota Florida Recreational Areas
Many of the kids on Siesta go to Glebe Park, which is a 10 acre park that includes a covered playground, picnic area, soccer field, baseball field and basketball court. Some of my daughters friends play lacrosse at this park as well.
Many of the kids also enjoy skim boarding, skateboarding, fishing, kayaking, sailing, rowing and your more traditional sports like baseball, football, soccer, dance, etc.
There are a few different options as far as schools go on the key. You have Pine View School for the Gifted. This is a public school which requires an IQ of 130, placement/achievement tests, a certain GPA, teacher recommendations and you must reside in Sarasota county. 99% of the kids who graduate from this school go on to attend college. It services 2nd-12th grades. My oldest graduated from Pine View and now attends New College in Sarasota and my middle daughter attended Pine View from 2nd-7th grades. I think it's a great school for the right kid. My oldest flourished and my middle girl did not. Welcome to Pine View School
If you're looking at private schools I would recommend looking into Out of Door Academy. It is a well known and respected school in the area. The school was founded in 1924: The Out-of-Door Academy If you wanted to look at Montessori you might want to look into New Gate, The NewGate-Field School - Home
For traditional public schools you would have Phillipi Shores Elementary School, Brookside Middle and Sarasota High for the Siesta Key area. Make sure to check the school boundaries because they could shift if a new school opens. The two larger high schools in Sarasota are-Sarasota High and Riverview. Riverview High has a very good IB program. Here's a little more about that program: http://riverviewib.com/ib/
On the mainland in Sarasota you have Bayview Parkway, Harbor Acres, Cherokee Park, Oyster Bay Estates.
The Indian Beach area in northern Sarasota has some nice waterfront lots.
There are some great properties on the keys-Longboat Key, Casey Key, Manasota Key, Lido Key, Venice Island, Holmes Beach, Anna Maria Island, Bradenton Beach, etc
Sorrento Shores in Osprey has some waterfront lots. The homes in this development were built between the mid 1960's and mid 1990's.
In Manatee county you have Bayou Hammock out on Longboat Key. Although I loved spending some of my childhood close to Bayou Hammock, on the northern end of Longboat, this key does have more of a seasonal feel to it. There are still some kids who live in "the North Village" but there is also a good mix of retirees. The Dream Island and Sleepy Lagoon sections (located a little farther south on LBK) are also another option that has a similar feel to the village.
Hawk Island in Bradenton is one of SW FL's premier gated boating communities and has quick access to the Gulf of Mexico.
Key Royale is located on Holmes Beach. Many of the homes in this development were built in the 1960's and 1970's but have been remodeled.
Terra Ceia in Bradenton has many homes located right on Terra Ceia Bay, built in the early 2000's and Key West Style. There are also a few older historical homes in Terra Ceia.
In Charlotte county you would have the Cape Haze area, which has a few larger, waterfront lots. Grassy Point Estates in Port Charlotte has many waterfront homes on larger lots-located right on Charlotte Harbor. It's gated and has its own private yacht basin.
If you're looking for complete seclusion then you should look to where I spent the second half of my childhood-Little Gasparilla Island and the nearby islands of Palm Island and Don Pedro. This island is only accessible by boat and has many gulf to bay waterfront lots.
Here are a few blogs that I wrote about the area that may interest you:
If you're looking at Siesta Key, there are a few options and since you mentioned Siesta, I thought I'd go more in depth with that area.
Bay Island is situated at the north end of the island and offers prime canal front and waterfront property opportunities. The homes here boast views of the Sarasota skyline as well as the Bay that are simply unbelievable.
No matter what size or style of home you are seeking you will find plenty of options represented at Bay Island, including bungalows that hearken back to the 1950s, quaint 1930 style cottages and sprawling modern estates. If you are looking for a showplace with deep water access so that you can bring your boat, you should definitely consider property on Norsota. The homes here are ideal for sailing enthusiasts and those who want to be able to easily cruise the Bay. Situated on Big Pass, Bay Island offers direct Gulf access to prospective buyers with a love of fishing for the many spectacular species of fish that make their home in the local waters.
Bay Island is actually separated from Siesta Key by canals, but it is still considered to be part of gorgeous Siesta Key. The world famous Siesta Key Beach is situated only five minutes to the south of Bay Island. One of the wonderful benefits of living in Bay Island is that you can enjoy convenient and easy proximity to Downtown Sarasota as well as the amenities that area has to offer, including the arts and culture scene with its many art galleries, museums, theaters, concerts, the symphony, orchestra and ballet. At the same time, you will be within just minutes of the beach on gorgeous Siesta Key.
Next you would have Coconut Bayou. Coconut Bayou offers spacious lot sizes that are the envy of many. This exclusive development is situated on the northern end of Siesta Key Island and encompasses Cedar Park Circle and Little Pond Lake. The residents of this beautiful neighborhood receive access to a private beach right on the Gulf of Mexico through a gated pathway. The beach is actually deeded to the residents who live in Coconut Bayou. Many of the homes in this premier neighborhood provide water frontage and are situated along the Roberts Bay side of the island. Complete with jetties, these estates are ideal for docking your boat. The surrounding waterways have been dredged, meaning you can easily accommodate a larger vessel if you enjoy cruising and sailing.
Tour Coconut Bayou and you will find that many of the homes are situated behind lush foliage, giving the impression of being in their own remote island location far away from everything else. At the same time, residents are able to enjoy remaining near all of the major amenities and services of the local area.
Then there's Fiddlers Bayou. Fiddler Bayou is one of the most historic neighborhoods in the Sarasota area. Named for the red fiddler crabs that once inhabited the area, this neighborhood has been the home of a well known author and continues to draw residents because of its peaceful tranquility. Fiddler Bayou is located on the far northern tip of Siesta Key.
One of the things residents of Fiddler Bayou most appreciate about living here is the fact that you can feel as though you are far removed from everything in your own private oasis, while at the same time remaining near the amenities of Sarasota. The docks in this little enclave of seclusion provide an atmosphere that is reminiscent of living in an old-Florida style fishing village. As you gaze out over the lagoon it is easy to believe that you are miles and miles away from everything.
While it might seem as though you are secluded away, in reality, residents of Fiddler Bayou are able to enjoy the many amenities afforded by Sarasota within just a few minutes of leaving their homes. Downtown Sarasota is well known for its vibrant art and culture scene, providing entertainment options such as museums, art galleries, live theater, the symphony, ballet, orchestra, concerts, etc. St. Armand’s is also conveniently located nearby, offering world renowned dining and shopping opportunities.
The surrounding area is known for offering some of the best boating and fishing in this part of the state. There are numerous docks and marinas as well as fishing piers where you can take advantage of the ability to spending your day angling or simply cruising the Gulf.
Hidden Harbor is another Siesta Key neighborhood with larger lots. The exclusive community of Hidden Harbor is situated only a short distance from the sugary white sandy beaches of Siesta Key. One of the benefits of living in this area is the deep water frontage. If you are an avid boater or fisherman, this is where you will want to be. Estate homes in Hidden Harbor are located on canals that are ideal for sailboats as well as along Sarasota Bay. Furthermore, residents are able to benefit from close proximity to a variety of dining, shopping and entertainment venues on the island.
One of the most beautiful neighborhoods on Siesta Key, Hidden Harbor is situated amidst lush tropical landscaping, Spanish moss and old growth oaks. The surrounding setting is so tranquil you may just feel as though you have walked into your own private paradise. Rest assured there are plenty of recreational activities right around the corner from Hidden Harbor.
If the idea of living on a tropical island appeals to you, Point Crisp on Siesta Key is an option that should not be overlooked. Point Crisp is actually a peninsula that extends out into the Intracoastal Waterway on the east side of the island slightly south of Stickney Point Bridge. One of the premier benefits of this location is that it affords excellent access for boaters. This area is quite lush and tropical, providing residents with the sense of living on their own little private island. You might even find it difficult to realize that you are as close to civilization as you actually are, but Sarasota is only a short distance from here.
If you are looking for a palatial showplace where you can gaze out over the water from your own residence, Point Crisp is definitely a place to consider. Many of the homes here have been built in recent years and a good number of them are situated right on the edge of the water.
Sanderling Club on Siesta Key is one of the most exclusive communities on the island. Here you will find some of the most breathtaking waterfront properties, not only on the island, but also on the west coast of Florida. Located along the white powdery sands of the local beach, this gated community is comprised of spacious single-family homes. Nestled along the southern end of the island, Sanderling Club represents the best of Florida style living. Many of the homes in this community are situated right on the beach, meaning you can practically step right outside your back door and take a stroll in the sand. Most of the lots in The Sanderling are at least an acre, which is rare on Siesta Key. Sanderling also has their own private beach.
If you enjoy boating and fishing, you will love the fact that there are also several homes in Sanderling Club that feature docks on Heron Lagoon. It simply could not be any easier to enjoy a life of luxury and spend time on the water when you have your own boat dock.
Have you visited the area? What areas appeal to you?
Wow, this is such great information. Thank you both!! I think at this point we are leaning away from Siesta Key. I love the idea of island living, but I think we may want to avoid the traffic and also be a little closer to activity. So I wouldn't completely rule it out -- or Lido as that sounds intriguing too. Mostly, I think the neighborhood we end up in is important as we want to have a lot of families around. Are there particular mainland family neighborhoods we should focus on where we'd be likely to be able to get a pool or shared pool? I'm sure all of this will be easier when we visit in a few weeks, but it is helpful to do some initial fact finding.
I do think we can work out the schooling as I've heard good things about several of the schools.
SoFloGal, I am intrigued about the virtual education. Does your middle daughter do that part time or full time?
Wow, this is such great information. Thank you both!! I think at this point we are leaning away from Siesta Key. I love the idea of island living, but I think we may want to avoid the traffic and also be a little closer to activity. So I wouldn't completely rule it out -- or Lido as that sounds intriguing too. Mostly, I think the neighborhood we end up in is important as we want to have a lot of families around. Are there particular mainland family neighborhoods we should focus on where we'd be likely to be able to get a pool or shared pool? I'm sure all of this will be easier when we visit in a few weeks, but it is helpful to do some initial fact finding.
I do think we can work out the schooling as I've heard good things about several of the schools.
SoFloGal, I am intrigued about the virtual education. Does your middle daughter do that part time or full time?
Wow, this is such great information. Thank you both!! I think at this point we are leaning away from Siesta Key. I love the idea of island living, but I think we may want to avoid the traffic and also be a little closer to activity. So I wouldn't completely rule it out -- or Lido as that sounds intriguing too. Mostly, I think the neighborhood we end up in is important as we want to have a lot of families around. Are there particular mainland family neighborhoods we should focus on where we'd be likely to be able to get a pool or shared pool? I'm sure all of this will be easier when we visit in a few weeks, but it is helpful to do some initial fact finding.
I do think we can work out the schooling as I've heard good things about several of the schools.
SoFloGal, I am intrigued about the virtual education. Does your middle daughter do that part time or full time?
Thanks again!
If you do decide to buy on Siesta you might want to look north of the north bridge or south of the south bridge. It makes it a lot easier to get on and off the key.
Lido is nice but you have to take into consideration St Armand's Circle in the winter. It's usually a bear trying to get through there as well in season.
My kids meet most of their friends in after school activities-dance, soccer, skateboarding, at the beach, etc. or in school.
My middle daughter went to Pine View for 2nd-7th grades. She decided she didn't want to attend Pine View anymore for various reasons. One of the main reasons was because she has her own business and she wanted to do her schooling in the evening so she could work in the daytime. This tells a little more about my Willow: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GTTczC27fko
She loves it and it works really well for our family. It's not for every kid and you have to be pretty disciplined. I guess you could say that we don't do things like the normal family.
I always liked the area around Sarasota Hospital. My kids have a lot of friends who live there and they're always out riding their bikes, playing in the near by parks, etc.
If you wanted to go gated you could check out the Palmer Ranch area-Silver Oaks, Turtle Rock.
I think you're going to need to take a trip down here and really see which areas "speak to you"r. Drive around, talk to the neighbors and really get a feel for the area.
Yes a trip will definitely make things clearer. That being said, before we moved to Chicago message boards were very helpful for figuring out areas to search. Are there any Sarasota "parent" message boards?
And if we want easy access to Tampa for occasional work trips, is there an area to focus on?
Or if we are thinking about sending our kids to Southside Elementary?
SoFloGal, Willow is delightful. Her accomplishments are great, but she also seems to be a really nice, down to earth gal. You must be proud! Thanks again for your input!
There won't be many children on Longboat Key or downtown even though those areas are in the Southside attendance zone. I see lots of parents walking their children to Southside in the morning from the area immediately around the school.
My husband and I are looking to move to the Venice area as well. We will have a freshman in high school and a sixth grader. We are very interested in good academics but sports as well. My research shows Venice HS is the best choice but I'm worried about an area to live because it doesn't not seem as if there are very many kids in the area.
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