More info on area? (Melbourne, Sarasota: real estate, condos, homes)

[grnmchn]

I'm researching for a future move to SW FL and just ruled out Punta Gorda (no beach).
50 year olds looking for a beach town with things to do. PG has plenty to do, just no beach. Sarasota and Siesta are too expensive for what you get.
We prefer a single family home instead of condo.
Are there any favorite websites for research?
Moving from Chicago if that helps.
Thanks!

[sunglo1]

I would say nice place to visit , wouldn't want to live there; way to crowded, to f-ing hot to long, bugs , weather and total white trash abound; from what seen, from the mid west too.

[Nancy in Nokomis]

How about Englewood? Has a beach. Or Nokomis or Venice - both have beaches

[beach43ofus]

Southern Sarasota County South of Laurel Road, West of the Myakka River.

[Sunshine Rules]

South Venice is less expensive. Older homes, mostly ranch style, built in the 1950's - 1970s. Are you ok with having well water and septic systems? I am asking because many of the South Venice area homes do not have access to public sewer, some are still on wells for water. There have been debates on this forum about well vs county water, septic vs sewer, which is better. Well and septic means you won't have a monthly utility bill but both systems require routine maintenance, especially the well water as much of it here has odors from the minerals (especially sulfur) and requires filtration systems.



Another less expensive option in our area is northwest Bradenton. In NW Bradenton (zip codes 34209 and 34210) you'll find mainly older subdivisions as new construction in the past 15 years has been mostly east of US301. Some are small neighborhoods of only a few streets, others are larger. Some have HOAs but a lot of them do not.

There are a number of neighborhoods built in the 1950's and 1960's with the typical FL ranch style home, such as Century Estates, Sagamore Estates, Cortez Estates, Windsor Park, Bay Way Park. Then there are the neighborhoods built in the 1970's and early 80's that are also typically ranch style homes but you start to see some more modern features like split floor plans (master bedroom away from other bedrooms) and more open concept floor plans. Village Green is one of the larger 1970's built communities, with both villas and single family homes. Some others include neighborhoods such as Meadowcroft, Cordova Lakes, Idle Acres, Harbor Woods, Westwood Park.

NW Bradenton is a short drive to 2 of our areas nicest local beaches, Coquina and Bradenton beach. Although the sand is not powdery fine as what you'll see on Siesta Key beach, I like these 2 beaches better because they have better parking, lots of tall pine trees along the edge of Coquina beach for shade, plus picnic tables. And no tall condos nearby.

[dave w]

Originally Posted by Sunshine Rules

South Venice is less expensive. Older homes, mostly ranch style, built in the 1950's - 1970s. Are you ok with having well water and septic systems? I am asking because many of the South Venice area homes do not have access to public sewer, some are still on wells for water. There have been debates on this forum about well vs county water, septic vs sewer, which is better. Well and septic means you won't have a monthly utility bill but both systems require routine maintenance, especially the well water as much of it here has odors from the minerals (especially sulfur) and requires filtration systems.



Another less expensive option in our area is northwest Bradenton. In NW Bradenton (zip codes 34209 and 34210) you'll find mainly older subdivisions as new construction in the past 15 years has been mostly east of US301. Some are small neighborhoods of only a few streets, others are larger. Some have HOAs but a lot of them do not.

There are a number of neighborhoods built in the 1950's and 1960's with the typical FL ranch style home, such as Century Estates, Sagamore Estates, Cortez Estates, Windsor Park, Bay Way Park. Then there are the neighborhoods built in the 1970's and early 80's that are also typically ranch style homes but you start to see some more modern features like split floor plans (master bedroom away from other bedrooms) and more open concept floor plans. Village Green is one of the larger 1970's built communities, with both villas and single family homes. Some others include neighborhoods such as Meadowcroft, Cordova Lakes, Idle Acres, Harbor Woods, Westwood Park.

NW Bradenton is a short drive to 2 of our areas nicest local beaches, Coquina and Bradenton beach. Although the sand is not powdery fine as what you'll see on Siesta Key beach, I like these 2 beaches better because they have better parking, lots of tall pine trees along the edge of Coquina beach for shade, plus picnic tables. And no tall condos nearby.

Second Coquina beach!

[grnmchn]

I don't think I want older homes with well/septic.
I'll check Bradenton area, thanks.

[Sunshine Rules]

Originally Posted by sunglo1

Bradenton is a sht-hole!

Seriously? NW Bradenton, which by the way, is not within the city limits of Bradenton, but rather is in Manatee county, has hundreds of nice, well kept subdivisions and condo communities. Not to mention the canal front $1 million plus homes.

[Avalon08]

Originally Posted by sunglo1

I would say nice place to visit , wouldn't want to live there; way to crowded, to f-ing hot to long, bugs , weather and total white trash abound; from what seen, from the mid west too.

Yeah, that's why there are tons of Midwesterners here.

[logybogy]

If you want an affordable newer single family home near a beach and I read that as within a 5-10 minute walk, you are going to have a real problem anywhere in Florida. What you are seeking is going to cost upper 6 to 7 figures most places.

You may have to rethink where in Florida. Beach real estate can be more affordable in the Panhandle, and south of St. Augustine from around Ormond Beach down to Melbourne Beach.

But the southwest Florida beach towns are very very pricey unless you can compromise on an older home or condo.

Originally Posted by grnmchn

I'm researching for a future move to SW FL and just ruled out Punta Gorda (no beach).
50 year olds looking for a beach town with things to do. PG has plenty to do, just no beach. Sarasota and Siesta are too expensive for what you get.
We prefer a single family home instead of condo.
Are there any favorite websites for research?
Moving from Chicago if that helps.
Thanks!