Sarasota in a nutshell: Unbiased views from a former resident (Gainesville: homes, school)

[Ladywithafan]

Originally Posted by Big House

I think I agree, and if you want that really beachy small town vibe, you should check out Anna Marie Island when you're around! I loved that place!! And, can't wait to hang out there with you and my Ladywithafan friend! I think you guys will fit nicely under each arm!

Thanx BH!

Going to Btown for a job interview tomorrow & then over to AMI for lunch.

[Big House]

Originally Posted by Ladywithafan

Thanx BH!

Going to Btown for a job interview tomorrow & then over to AMI for lunch.

Good Luck! You Rock Lady! I hope they see that!

And - -



Grossly over pay! Although, I'm sure you will do a great job, and earn every cent!

[SRQ14]

I've lived here for 9 years and I would say that Inspironmini's points are spot-on.

I would also add this for anyone who is considering moving down here: the job market is absolutely atrocious in Sarasota/Bradenton.

If you have a degree in nursing or in another medical field, you will be fine.

OTOH, if you currently work in sales, business, I.T., etc., prepare yourself to take a huge pay cut from what you would be making anywhere else in the U.S.

Most employers in SRQ think that $35,000/year salary+commission is generous for a top-performing B2B outside salesperson. I.T. professionals who are making, say, $80,000/year in places like Chicago, Nashville, Dallas, etc. will be lucky to pull $40,000/year here for the same work. I'm not exaggerating.

And that's not recession-based - it's been like that since I moved here in 2001.

That's not to say that good-paying jobs aren't out there - there are - but they are extremely few and far between in SRQ. I am in sales...I have had dozens of interviews where the interviewer about fell out of their chair in shock when I told them I'd like to make $60,000 in my first year.

There's just not that much industry down here - the economy is mostly based around service jobs to the retirees and tourists.

That said, if you currently telecommute or you run an online business that can be run from anywhere, it's a really nice town. People earlier in the thread have commented about crime - in my experience, it's been non-existent. Most of the crime is concentrated in the Newtown area - a neighborhood that you wouldn't want to live in. I live 3 blocks from downtown, never lock my house, and could leave the keys in my car every night if I wanted to - it really is that safe.

Inspironmini was also dead-on with the weather comment. I definitely understand people in Michigan and Ohio thinking, "how could you EVER get tired of warm weather?" That said, it does get old after awhile. When I travel on business, it is refreshing to spend time in the midwest or northeast in October, with 60 degree weather, knowing full well that back home it's still 88F with 80% humidity. Again, the 88 degrees with 80% humidity gets old - we get it 8 months out of the year.

[DoctorRain]

Originally Posted by SRQ14

I've lived here for 9 years and I would say that Inspironmini's points are spot-on.

I would also add this for anyone who is considering moving down here: the job market is absolutely atrocious in Sarasota/Bradenton.

If you have a degree in nursing or in another medical field, you will be fine.

OTOH, if you currently work in sales, business, I.T., etc., prepare yourself to take a huge pay cut from what you would be making anywhere else in the U.S.

Most employers in SRQ think that $35,000/year salary+commission is generous for a top-performing B2B outside salesperson. I.T. professionals who are making, say, $80,000/year in places like Chicago, Nashville, Dallas, etc. will be lucky to pull $40,000/year here for the same work. I'm not exaggerating.

And that's not recession-based - it's been like that since I moved here in 2001.

That's not to say that good-paying jobs aren't out there - there are - but they are extremely few and far between in SRQ. I am in sales...I have had dozens of interviews where the interviewer about fell out of their chair in shock when I told them I'd like to make $60,000 in my first year.

There's just not that much industry down here - the economy is mostly based around service jobs to the retirees and tourists.

That said, if you currently telecommute or you run an online business that can be run from anywhere, it's a really nice town. People earlier in the thread have commented about crime - in my experience, it's been non-existent. Most of the crime is concentrated in the Newtown area - a neighborhood that you wouldn't want to live in. I live 3 blocks from downtown, never lock my house, and could leave the keys in my car every night if I wanted to - it really is that safe.

Inspironmini was also dead-on with the weather comment. I definitely understand people in Michigan and Ohio thinking, "how could you EVER get tired of warm weather?" That said, it does get old after awhile. When I travel on business, it is refreshing to spend time in the midwest or northeast in October, with 60 degree weather, knowing full well that back home it's still 88F with 80% humidity. Again, the 88 degrees with 80% humidity gets old - we get it 8 months out of the year.

Even though St Pete might have atrocious unemployment, its for sure better than Sarasota and Bradenton and heres why..

Currently cheaper to live..

Going through a resurgence and will be back up in the future.

Its just so worth it to me.. maybe not to everyone though.

You do get more bang for your buck in other states though.. but other factors to consider.. is it near the ocean? Are the winters worse? things to think about.

[mellanieblue]

Originally Posted by Ladywithafan

Happy to be in SRQ.
Happy to be employed.
Happy to be able to get a parking spot at the beach during season.
Happy to see palm trees outside my window.
Happy to have made wonderful friends in the 2.5 years I've lived dowtown after seven crazy years in Bradenton and another tranquil 10 on Anna Maria before it got crazy there.

I like my CD people because they tell it like it is.

Tell it like it is, Lady! I love my SRQ, and I'll be back next summer. Save me a parking spot at Siesta. I never miss a drum circle.

[nurse kathy]

your note made me lmao....lol...too funny....i live in chicago and totally relate and AGREE. im looking to retire in sarasota and you made my doubts just go AWAY. Thanks frigid neighbors of the midwest. ha

[Peter the Brit]

This made me read my post last January where I said I wanted out to St Augustine well last August we made it. Still own 2 poperties in Sarasota as market was so bad. No regrets at all. Yes we get weekend tourists but in the main people make their home here and IMHO appear more friendlier and relaxed. Certainly cheaper to live here. We have 3 seasons and now it really feels like Christmas.
In 4 months I have met more people here than I did in years in Sarasota as it is not as sprawling and few gated communities.

iara ...

[SoFLGal]

Originally Posted by Peter the Brit

This made me read my post last January where I said I wanted out to St Augustine well last August we made it. Still own 2 poperties in Sarasota as market was so bad. No regrets at all. Yes we get weekend tourists but in the main people make their home here and IMHO appear more friendlier and relaxed. Certainly cheaper to live here. We have 3 seasons and now it really feels like Christmas.
In 4 months I have met more people here than I did in years in Sarasota as it is not as sprawling and few gated communities.

iara ...

Good to hear you're doing well in the St Augustine area!

[davery5872]

Originally Posted by Peter the Brit

We have 3 seasons and now it really feels like Christmas.

It doesn't feel like Christmas to me until I see palm trees. Be there Saturday.

[Keeper]

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