Moving to West Coast (Clearwater, Sarasota: homes, established neighborhood, to buy)

[ddlyn]

I will soon be moving to the west coast from Polk County. I am trying to be close to my sister's area (pinellas park). I am wanting to go to an area with a lot to offer Art, shopping, restaraunts etc.I am recently divorced, in my late 40's. My first thought is Sarasota. I am looking for a beach community. I also notice Sarasota is a bit expensive. I have been told Bradenton is probably similar to where I am now. I think the Clearwater area may be more geared to a younger crowd. I would love to be west of 75, maybe in an older neighborhood.
Any ideas would really be helpful.

[gypsychic]

Originally Posted by ddlyn

I will soon be moving to the west coast from Polk County. I am trying to be close to my sister's area (pinellas park). I am wanting to go to an area with a lot to offer Art, shopping, restaraunts etc.I am recently divorced, in my late 40's. My first thought is Sarasota. I am looking for a beach community. I also notice Sarasota is a bit expensive. I have been told Bradenton is probably similar to where I am now. I think the Clearwater area may be more geared to a younger crowd. I would love to be west of 75, maybe in an older neighborhood.
Any ideas would really be helpful.

I think you might enjoy the St. Pete area, especially around downtown. Kind of artsy and Bohemian, it's become younger and more "hip" in recent years. Yes, Sarasota is more expensive, and Bradenton is kind of a sleepy little town, lots of retirees, and unfortunately a gang problem.

Good luck to you!

[Ladywithafan]

do coastal tour from siesta key to St. Pete Beach....take a few days & spend in each area.

[SoFLGal]

Just south of Sarasota is North Port. The average age is 38 and the housing is more reasonable. It's also located in Sarasota County.

[ddlyn]

Thanks, I thought that I would spend a few days on the coast. And drive around in some of the older more established neighborhoods. As far as the St Pete downtown, I really would rather be close to the beach. I grew up in Ft Lauderdale, so I would love to live close as possible to the beach.

[pauldjones]

Hi I'm from the UK I'm 36 & my husband is 40 we have 2 sons who are 13 & 15 yrs old. We are looking into moving to the gulf coast in about a years time but don't know what area would be good. We need good schools for the kids, nearer the beach if possible or easy acess, we are also looking to buy a business, and looking for a good friendly enviroment to live in but not too quiet. Gated community info also appreciated.

[outsider1]

Originally Posted by ddlyn

Thanks, I thought that I would spend a few days on the coast. And drive around in some of the older more established neighborhoods. As far as the St Pete downtown, I really would rather be close to the beach. I grew up in Ft Lauderdale, so I would love to live close as possible to the beach.

You might want to take a good look at Gulf Gate neighborhood in southwestern part of Sarasota. It's a bit older and the size of a home will likely be somewhat smaller, but otherwise it's a very nice place. About a mile or so from the bridge on Clark Rd(aka 72, aka Stickney Point) that leads to Siesta Key beaches. All kinds of shopping could easily be found right at your door on either Clark and 41 or just a little further south on Beneva rd and 41. For arts and entertainment it'll take you 15-25 minutes on 41 when you head north to downtown.

[gypsychic]

Originally Posted by outsider1

You might want to take a good look at Gulf Gate neighborhood in southwestern part of Sarasota. It's a bit older and the size of a home will likely be somewhat smaller, but otherwise it's a very nice place. About a mile or so from the bridge on Clark Rd(aka 72, aka Stickney Point) that leads to Siesta Key beaches. All kinds of shopping could easily be found right at your door on either Clark and 41 or just a little further south on Beneva rd and 41. For arts and entertainment it'll take you 15-25 minutes on 41 when you head north to downtown.

Gulf Gate is nice, but the homes there are VERY tiny, as in 1,000 sq. ft, and most are only 2 BR. it's mostly for retirees, or folks with no kids. But there are many nice gated communities in the area, probably better for families.

[smiledoc1]

Originally Posted by ddlyn

I will soon be moving to the west coast from Polk County. I am trying to be close to my sister's area (pinellas park). I am wanting to go to an area with a lot to offer Art, shopping, restaraunts etc.I am recently divorced, in my late 40's. My first thought is Sarasota. I am looking for a beach community. I also notice Sarasota is a bit expensive. I have been told Bradenton is probably similar to where I am now. I think the Clearwater area may be more geared to a younger crowd. I would love to be west of 75, maybe in an older neighborhood.
Any ideas would really be helpful.

Hi ddlyn,
Check out my post "Just bought in Sarasota. Helpful hints." We bought in Palmer Ranch, about 15 minutes from the beach and 15 minutes from downtown. We were looking for the same things you are looking for.
Feel free to PM me if desired.

Good luck,
smiledoc1

PS: BTW, I would suggest reading as much as you can on this forum. There are many people here eager to share their wisdom. They were invaluable to us in our search.

[ddlyn]

smiledoc1
I agree, I have found the info on this site from the members to be very helpful. It's alittle overwhelming moving to a new area, and trying to do it from a distant. Once I'm there I would hope not to move again for awhile.