New to Forum Question about Bradenton (Tampa, Cape Coral: real estate, how much, hotel)

[Ncghiagirl]

Hello. We are middle-aged residents of NC and considering a second home on the Gulf, on a canal with gulf access, boat lift, pool. We will be visiting Bradenton area, then Cape Coral areas, in a few months the see the areas, the water, things to do, etc. We will trying to decide where to focus our home search. I have two questions for those who live in area.

We like nice restaurants, craft cocktails, boating, beach, music, theatre, meeting new people. A safe area is important since part of the time we will be in NC.

1. Are there any areas or neighborhoods you suggest? We are willing to buy or build and we aren’t in a rush

2. We bought a house previously at the wrong time, losing money on it when prices fell. Some homes we looked at online on the Gulf in FL seem to have doubled in value in the last year. I know real estate is unpredictable, but are there signs that in the next 6 to 12 months it will be a bit better for buyers in the Bradenton area?

3. For anyone who knows both Bradenton/Sarasota area versus Cape Coral, Fort Myers, pros and cons?

Thank you very much for taking the time!

[Avalon08]

I live in West Bradenton, very close to Anna Maria Island. My cousins live in Cape Coral and they aren't close to a beach. I don't know if beach proximity is important to you, but that's one downside I can see of Cape Coral. I also like Bradenton's proximity to the more upscale Sarasota where you'll find finer dining and arts/culture.

[gypsychic]

You will be MUCH better off in the Bradenton area, IMO. But check out the areas and see for yourself.

[BP1968]

Originally Posted by gypsychic

You will be MUCH better off in the Bradenton area, IMO. But check out the areas and see for yourself.

I totally agree with this. There is much more to do in the Bradenton area with Sarasota, St. Pete and Tampa all pretty close by.

[beach43ofus]

Something else to consider is the boating attractiveness of the areas you are looking to buy in.

I've not been on the water a lot around here, I've just chartered cruising yachts a few times in different areas.

I liked the waterways from Siesta Key heading North to the North end of Longboat Key at the pass there.

I also liked the Boca Grande area heading Southward.

All else in between, is not as attractive in water color, & views from the water.

Charlotte Harbor was unattractive me to every time I've seen it...brownish-green instead of aqua-blue.

Laurel, Nokomis, Venice, Englewood, Port Charlotte are not as nice on the water. The Venice inlet area can be nice in certain conditions, but its not a large area.

If I were you, I'd get out onto the water since boating seems to be in your future...unless you are just buying waterfront for view and appreciation, which I can appreciate.

Good luck!

p.s. Anchor Rides has charters all along SW FLA from Anna Maria down to Ft. Myers. You'd need 3 full day charters to cover this area.

[Avalon08]

Also, the sand in Venice is not white like Siesta Key and points north. Although we really don't know how much of a priority the beach is to the OP.

[srq57]

The downtown area of Bradenton has a lovely (and lively) main street with many bars and restaurants. Unique is the roof top Oak and Stone, top of the SpringHill Suites by Marriott hotel. Amazing view of the Manatee River. Another favorite restaurant of ours is Pier 22, right on the river, sits between two marinas. We enjoy the downtown area. O'Bricks Martini and Irish bar has both great cocktails and dining. While we do visit Sarasota, we generally use the beaches of Anna Maria as we are in very close proximity.