Raising a family in the Sarasota area (Tampa, Bradenton: rentals, house)

[Matt_11]

Hello all -

My wife and I have been exploring the different areas of Florida for a place to relocate out of Chicago. We know that replacing the culture and big city amenities is a tall order in the state of Florida, and understand a move to Florida would be a big change - regardless of the city. Schools are important as long as they are not bottom grade, we believe that proper parenting plays a bigger role in educating your children.

We are curious to know if neighborhoods exist that have young families and a sense of community. For example, children playing in their front yards, neighbors talk to one-another and help each other out in the time of need, block parties etc. We are a white catholic upper middle class family with two children under 2 years old - and employment is not an issue.

Thank you for your replies !

[SoFLGal]

I think you will find that where the homes are located closer together like Palmer Ranch, Lakewood Ranch, downtown Sarasota, etc. I am a native to SW Florida so I really don't have anything to compare it to up north.

The downtown area has a lot of arts & culture. There are eclectic restaurants, the opera house, the movie theaters, art galleries, quaint little stores.

What kind of things interest you? Going to the beach? boating? golfing? If you give us a little more info about your situation we would be better able to suggest areas

Originally Posted by Matt_11

Hello all -

My wife and I have been exploring the different areas of Florida for a place to relocate out of Chicago. We know that replacing the culture and big city amenities is a tall order in the state of Florida, and understand a move to Florida would be a big change - regardless of the city. Schools are important as long as they are not bottom grade, we believe that proper parenting plays a bigger role in educating your children.

We are curious to know if neighborhoods exist that have young families and a sense of community. For example, children playing in their front yards, neighbors talk to one-another and help each other out in the time of need, block parties etc. We are a white catholic upper middle class family with two children under 2 years old - and employment is not an issue.

Thank you for your replies !

[Matt_11]

Hello SoFlGal - thanks for the reply.
To answer your question, our hobbies are definately going to the beach and boating, golfing is not high on the list. We plan on renting for the first few years until we are comfortable with the area. Price range $1500 to $1800, and we see whats available on Realtor.com, however we don't know what neighborhood we should be looking in that fits our critera, i.e., family freindly, lots of kids, people care for oneanother etc. 20 minutes from downtown and the beaches is what we consider a reasonable time frame.

Thank you

[floridakitten]

Hi Matt_11

My husband and I are in our early thirties with a 3 yrd old son. We moved down here from Roswell, Georgia (suburb of Atlanta). We live in Venice, Florida around 20 mins south of Sarasota. We love it. Venice is a wonderful town. There are many older people who do live in Venice and Sarasota, but they are for the most part very nice people. Venice does have an older population than Sarasota, but there are still mom's out walking their babies in strollers, playgrounds, parks, shops for kids, kids playing in the fountain downtown etc. We have many play groups for moms and kids to join. Both Libraries in Venice have story times and playtimes for kids and their families. If there is not something that is going on in Venice; there is always something going on right up the road in Sarasota. Lakewood Ranch and Palmer Ranch are great communities. They are more in town and probably have more to offer for young families.

If you are used to nice suburban living more on the upscale side, I would tend to stick with Sarasota, Venice (the Island or North/Central Venice), and Osprey.

South of Sarasota :South Venice, Englewood, Rotonda, Port Charlotte North of Sarasota: Bradenton are not as desirable. (This is also just based on what my husband and I are used to).

[SoFLGal]

Good advice FloridaKitten! Rivendell in Osprey has a ton of kids. Many of the Pineview School families have homes in Rivendell. Also Willowbend right next to that development in Osprey would be a good choice.

We know a lot of families that live in the downtown Sarasota area. The downtown neighborhoods would be Harbor Acres, Bayview, McClellan Park, Cherokee Park, Aqualane Estates and Oyster Bay Estates.

Also Lakewood Ranch and possibly Palmer Ranch would be good areas to search.

You should be able to find many places for rent in all of these places. If they are renting for seasonal you would find that the prices are higher now until April but if you're renting annually you should be able to cut a deal.

Since you have a little one you should go check The Children's Garden in downtown Sarasota, Mote Marine, Jungle Gardens and GWIZ.

Hope this helps and good luck with your move

Originally Posted by floridakitten

Hi Matt_11

My husband and I are in our early thirties with a 3 yrd old son. We moved down here from Roswell, Georgia (suburb of Atlanta). We live in Venice, Florida around 20 mins south of Sarasota. We love it. Venice is a wonderful town. There are many older people who do live in Venice and Sarasota, but they are for the most part very nice people. Venice does have an older population than Sarasota, but there are still mom's out walking their babies in strollers, playgrounds, parks, shops for kids, kids playing in the fountain downtown etc. We have many play groups for moms and kids to join. Both Libraries in Venice have story times and playtimes for kids and their families. If there is not something that is going on in Venice; there is always something going on right up the road in Sarasota. Lakewood Ranch and Palmer Ranch are great communities. They are more in town and probably have more to offer for young families.

If you are used to nice suburban living more on the upscale side, I would tend to stick with Sarasota, Venice (the Island or North/Central Venice), and Osprey.

South of Sarasota :South Venice, Englewood, Rotonda, Port Charlotte North of Sarasota: Bradenton are not as desirable. (This is also just based on what my husband and I are used to).

[Matt_11]

Thanks - we'll be checking out the neighborhoods you mentioned, however ruling out the neighborhoods that have part time residence or seasonal rentals. A solid neighborhood for families has consistency of lasting relationships..!

Thanks

[gypsychic]

We recently moved to Whitfield Estates on the northern end of Sarasota near the airport. It has a Sarasota address but is in southern Manatee county - we just LOVE it here! Whitfield was first established as Sarasota's first upscale neighborhood in the 1920's, even John Ringling's brother lived here as well as some famous golf pros. It is an eclectic mix of different styles and ages of homes, from middle class to million $$$$ digs. Lots are large, streets are broad, and there are sidewalks. People here have lived here for years and years, some of them for decades. Very friendly and family friendly, (everyone brought us Christmas cookies, lol) close to the bay and minutes to downtown. The only drawback is the airport (planes fly over). I don't find it bad at all, but some might not like it. The advantage is that prices are lower here because of it. We live two blocks from the bay, and you just can't beat it, IMO. If you like boating, Bowlees Creek is at the north end, and there is Sarabay Marina right there.

Anyway, good luck to you!

[smiledoc1]

Originally Posted by Matt_11

Thanks - we'll be checking out the neighborhoods you mentioned, however ruling out the neighborhoods that have part time residence or seasonal rentals. A solid neighborhood for families has consistency of lasting relationships..!

Thanks

We have a house in Village Walk which is in Palmer Ranch. There are about 1100 units and there is a pretty even split between year-rounders and seasonals. Within the year-rounders my guess is that 33% have kids. I cannot speak for other complexes within Palmer Ranch.

[yasmeen]

there are plenty of communities like you have described in this area of florida. i ve been here 10 years

sarasota is nothing but communities, sub divisions, gated communities, etc. it is a very diverse town and the education system here is great imo. florida is pretty good about education and there are many opportunities education wise. this is one thing that i am pleased about in this area. we recently moved onto our own property but the last community we lived in sent out monthly newsletters to the members of the community, inviting them to monthy community dinners, announcing garage/yard sales, community events, etc. stuff like that..

there are churches everywhere, i am sure you will not have a difficult time finding the church of your choice

sarasota is very beachy...if your looking for a nice beach to visit, sarasota, bradenton, manatee, venice (all in this area) are full of beaches. siesta key beach in sarasota (white sand) was voted one of the most beautiful beaches in the world

i would suggest coming down for a visit and checking things out for yourself before making serious life changes. its very different down here from the rest of the usa.

let me know if you would like any other info

[2peaches2oranges]

Originally Posted by floridakitten

South of Sarasota :South Venice, Englewood, Rotonda, Port Charlotte North of Sarasota: Bradenton are not as desirable. (This is also just based on what my husband and I are used to).

I do NOT agree that these areas are not desirable for families.

There are good schools, great beaches, parks and other amenities just fine in this area. Of course if you are comparing these towns to Roswell, Georgia, you should be looking at the Tampa suburbs, West Boca or Weston instead of SW Florida.