Jayne11159

Tandoori Girl,

At one time, Bradenton had the highest mortality rate in the country--credit due to it's large elderly population.

The average age in Bradenton/Sarasota is getting younger because of the population boom in the eastern parts of the two counties. They can't build schools fast enough to accommodate the families moving to the area. So many mega-devlopments are being built that appeal to the younger working people who commute to the Tampa/St. Pete area. My DH commutes to St. Pete. We don't live out east, but it's still only a 25 minute drive to downtown St. Pete.

bonniebroad

My forty-ish single niece lives in St. Petersburg, moved there almost two years ago.......... absolutely loves it, wants to live there forever! She has an apt. with ocean breezes at night, and is now looking into a house......

Tandoori_Girl

I live in Tampa which is demographically younger than St. Pete in age. There is definitely more in Tampa for the younger set but it's not as if everyone in St. Pete is ancient. It's a lively city, and there is a great renaissance. The beaches are where the younger set hangs out in Pinellas County (St. Pete).

When I went to Naples a few months ago, it was definitely an older crowd of people in the downtown bars and restaurants. They weren't ancient but they were not in their 20s and 30s. My husband and I both remarked that we felt younger walking around in Naples which was not a bad thing! We're hitting our 50s (but miraculously we don't seem THAT OLD, haha -- our concept of being 50 has definitely changed now that we're there).

samschack

Just to let you know, the downtown Sarasota area is in the early stages of a major redevelopement and revitilization plan which within the next few years will cause a huge change to it's age/income demographic.
New projects have already been started in the downtown area which will bring many more upscale condo, office and commercial uses and with it there will be many more restaurants, clubs, etc.
I honestly don't think that there is a more dynamic or exciting place to be over the next several years.

Tandoori_Girl

jill, if Sam has lived in Florida as long as I have, he realizes that every year in cities all over this state there are new developments that plan to revitalize and reinvigorate. While the focus in 1960-2000 was to escape the downtowns and create fashionable suburbs, the focus now is to create fashionable downtowns where people will live and work. Florida is constantly re-inventing itself, hoping to lure industry, and more people to the state who are all eager to buy a piece of paradise (or swampland if they're so easily duped). I can't tell you the number of planned developments that I have seen come and go, many, many of which never made it from the drawing board to the street, few of which have followed through with their promises of unbridled success. There are as many planned developments on the drawing boards as there are cities in Florida.

In other words, you should take these communities that you are considering just the way they are, and make your decision based on reality instead of proposals.

Blacktie

If you believe St. Pete Beach is crawling with the elderly, better think again. With the condo boom underway, only the most affluent will be here in another five years. And what's left of the elderly will be migrating north and east. The building pace is stunning, and alarming. I think this area offers a great future for young people who are interested in making money.

Tandoori_Girl

Blacktie, that is a very interesting assumption, that the elderly will be migrating north and east forced out by high real estate prices in Florida. Which "north and east" are you thinking about? Do you mean "the Northeast" as in New England? Would they even consider heading back to the cold?

Blacktie

Not an assumption, based on what I've been told. Nope, N and E in the FL area, up toward cheaper property, inland. Take a drive down Gulf Blvd. if you haven't in a while. Not the buildings going up, but the signs announcing future construction. Since the TI mayor and council changes osme years ago, the floodgates have opened. As I'm sure you know. Being a propoerty owner I have an interest. Not so far from where you were, lol. Why did you leave? Get tired of Caddys? I'd have bought you guys a beer, and we could watch the new four unit going up.

Tandoori_Girl

I still own in Sunset but I rent my house out. My son won't leave Tampa where he hangs with his homeys. I can only hope in a few years he'll be at college and I'll be at the beach. But I can still sip that beer with you, blacktie, anytime!

Funny thing about what's going on in Sunset. The people who bought Nicks and Beachnuts bars and tore them down then went before the council to ask for a permit variance from commercial to a 3-story residential complex. They were told to come back with a commercial plan. They were really angry at the council. I've never heard of anyone being denied a permit change from commercial to residential in Florida, but I'm so glad they did. We need some commercial services there. The Caddy's guy now owns everything, literally, from that one-story "motel" to the laundrymat. He's putting a cigar bar/jazz club at the light on Gulf Blvd. I don't expect much in the way of music from him unless it's karaoke jazz.

Where's your place? Prices have doubled in two years since we bought. I'm very happy.

Blacktie

Is the jazz place going in where the SS Beach Cafe was - I see there's some refurbishing going on there.

Near Mansions. Yes, prices have zoooooomed!

Caddys and Ka"Tiki were packed. Valet parking. Lion Club lot vacant. Lots of folks!! And good fireworks near Bilmar Saturday night.

samschack

Just to let you know, I have lived in Sarasota nearly all my life (50+ yrs) and while I agree that you should definitely not buy anything soley on promises I also can tell you that this area is absolutely in the midst of a major renaissance in our downtown area. The "ideas" have already been backed up by large projects being started, one of which (a moderate to upper priced mixed use condo. project) sold out 90 minutes after sales began.
If I were still in my 30's and could afford to live in the downtown Sarasota area I would definitely do it.
If you haven't been down here lately you should definitely make a trip down. It's a happenin' place. Maybe I should work for the Chamber of Commerce.

jillc1

HI - this is great informatoin. I have been down to Naples the past 2 w/e and got in to the inn at 5th at 12 midn. on a Friday- the restaurants and bars were packed! I am looking to buy at bayfront- the condo complex at the top of 5th. I expect it will be like my former boston (sob story) condo- I bought for 225, sold for 250, and now its selling for a hefty 900/ sq foot at about 800k. Shoulda woulda coulda. I also need to look in Sarasota as well. Have not been there yet but fininsh my trainnig class in pa friday and then head down sometime next week. renting a house in naples near the beach. thanks for all of your inputs! I llke this info- very helpful. Jill

jillc1

Ok, so now that I have relocated to naples and have been here 10 mos, just took a new position which was supposed to be here in Naples, but now its in Ft. Lauderdale, so, having just bought my condo in Nov, have to move again. Thinking of renting it to maybe another professional moving to the naples area- any thoughts on this? I just woudl love to get someone in here for 6 mos, rent it furnished.... North Naples, Tarpon Cove

Patrick

Gee I missed all these follow up postings as I was traveling last summer.
Furnished rentals can be good, as there are tons of people waiting for their new places to get done. In 1982 I rented out a 2 bedroom condo that I did as a model for the builder and had purchased it. The tenant who rented it is still there! Best rental situation in the world!

You can always do an ad in the paper, but in all honesty you might be better talking with one of the realty firms that has a special rental division. They are also the ones who are often looking for people who are buying and waiting for completion, or feeling out the area.

jillc1

patrick, thank you. I have had a few realtors over this past week; and all are ready to list it for me. I may try to keep the place as "retreat" for a few months; as I just moved in the w/e after tgiving and already have to relocate; just to give myself some time. however your deal sounds awesome, you are lucky- i hope i can find someone like that! Jill

Patrick

If you are keeping it furnished, you might also look at the option of listing it for rental on VRBO. Of course, it depends on whether your condo association has rental restrictions like one month minimum or something. But one month rentals are fairly common for Florida VRBO listings.