Please tell me about Sarasota (Pensacola, University: sales, real estate, rentals)

[NJDevil]

See thread "What is wrong with Sarasota?" - post by LeavingFL4Seasons on page 7 - excellent analysis.

[CraftLadyKim]

Sarasota is a beautiful area and Siesta Key Beach has in the past been named one of the Top 10 Beaches in the World, the sand is powdery white. There's nothing like watching a sunset from this beach. I think every city has some undesirable ares to be in but you just need to know where they are. Osprey, Nokomis and Venice are bedroom communities of Sarasota and are little quieter but sometimes a cheaper location to stay in and/or purchase in (I would be more than happy to give you some recommendations of contacts, just email me). You can find a lot of information pictures, statistics on Florida City-Data for each city above. There's always something to do, craft fairs, parades, festivals, plays, etc. I have lived in Venice for 9 years now, and I love it, and I often tell everyone that I sleep in Venice but I play in Sarasota.

[PJBower]

I wouldn't rule out the area north of Fruteville...it has its "west of the trail" neighborhoods, Indian Beach, Saffire Shores...it is also an area that includes the Ringling School of Art and Design, the Ringling Museum, and, the New College of south Florida...I have lived in this area, and, live east of the trail currently, but, have another property west of the trail which is currently for sale...in the Indian Beach area people walk to the Bay evenings for the sunset, and, meet thier neighbours...I certainly have enjoyed these areas that are near and north of downtown.

[hdzup3]

everyone says sarasota is more expensive than bradenton, is it the taxes? houses seem to be pretty comparable and insurance also.
how close is 34233 sarasota to east bradenton area 34202?

[windwardgirl]

Not sure why Fruitville has been designated as the "crime line" north and south.
There are pockets of lower income neighborhoods in different areas of Sarasota and Manatee (Bradenton) counties. Even west of us 41... so it is more important to know what type of neighborhood your looking for, do you want to drive to everything, do you want many amenities, The Meadows is just north of Fruitville and is an established golf community and runs the length of Honore south to Fruitville. 34233 has nice areas and so does 34202. Property Taxes are less expensive in Bradenton. Insurance varies and can be dependant on the age of the home or the county zoning. There are areas in North Sarasota that have a Sarasota address, but are actually in Bradenton and you pay lower taxes!

[outsider1]

Originally Posted by hdzup3

how close is 34233 sarasota to east bradenton area 34202?

About 12-20 minutes via I-75 when there's no traffic.

[windwardgirl]

You are right outsider1... Approximately 18.2 miles can be quick.. I use to drive it in 10 minutes (those where the days!) But the side road traffic is what kills the commute time... add another 10-20 minutes getting to I-75 especially if you are going east or west the roads get clogged.

[steve1077]

I'm a political independant, definately not p/c so I'll tell you like it is--Sarasota is a great place, downtown plus beaches, but one of the things that makes it attractive is that it's highly segregated--the minority area revolves aroung Martin Luther King Blvd.--surprise, surprise--a relatively small area in which 60% of all Sarasota crime takes place. Avoid this area and you will do ok. Go down below Bee Ridge, and even better around Clark Rd. and you will feel safe. Siesta Key is 99 % white and oh so nice! Osprey, Nokomis, and Venice are also about as safe as it get considering all the criminal element invading Florida--white trash, black thugs, Mexican dopes. All that said, Sarasota is one fine place!!

[meltinjohn]

Myself, Id rather live on N Tamiami Trail than anywhere else in Sarasota.
For the reason its close to downtown + the area is more down to earth.
I find in most of Sarasota its snobby and more places where people have their noses up than not. If you move here, make sure your a loner type because people arent exactly as friendly as St Pete.

[gypsychic]

Originally Posted by meltinjohn

Myself, Id rather live on N Tamiami Trail than anywhere else in Sarasota.
For the reason its close to downtown + the area is more down to earth.
I find in most of Sarasota its snobby and more places where people have their noses up than not. If you move here, make sure your a loner type because people arent exactly as friendly as St Pete.

Meltinjohn, despite what a lot of people on this forum say about that area, we love it, too. In fact, it has ALWAYS been my favorite are of Sarasota - it just has a "VIBE" I like. We bought our home just off the north Trail, and I wouldn't live anywhere else.