I am planning a day trip to Sarasota/Bradenton area to "look around" for possible relocation. I plan to drive thru the neighborhoods, lunch, site see, etc.

Any recommendations on the nicer areas to live? Eat? Dog Parks? Things that we shouldn't miss while there? We are trying to get a good feel for the area.

Thanks

There is tremedous growth around Sarasota and Bradenton. Basically, it's mostly east of I-75 and north of Sarasota proper. There's no use listing a bunch of development neighborhoods; just drive into downtown Sarasota and visit any realty office or pick up a brochure. There are "average" and "nicer" developments scattered all through that area.

I don't know about dog parks; don't have a dog.

Restaurants abound in the area, too many to list. Since you are going there, just check around and ask. My favorite upscale place is Cafe L'Europe on the St. Armand's circle. But there are so many you would never see them all, even if you lived there.

If you want old downtown housing, it will be very expensive and is kinda hard to find. But there are condos popping up everywhere, so again, just look around.

The only thing I would say not to miss is the Ringling Home and Museum, right in the downtown area. Good luck.

Thanks for the info. As we prepare for the relo we are also looking at the surrounding areas. Venice/Northport etc If anyone has any feedback on these locations in regard to "living there", please let me know. We are looking at a home in mid $300k, dog park, dog beach, riding bikes, eating out, etc.

Thanks

Do you have jobs to commute to? If so, where? The commutes can be pretty rough. But if you're retired or work from home, then that opens stuff up a lot more.

I love the Sarasota area. I personally would try to get as close to the water as possible. That's why I love living here. Of course, my stinking home owners insurance is through the roof because of it!

Northport area will give you more house for the money but your interest in restaurants might limit you since the Northport area has few really good places for dining out. I agree with the above post that you might want to come here and check out a couple of real estate companies and spend some time driving around and checking out neighborhoods. Two areas I would suggest and within your price range are Southgate and Gulf Gate. In the mid $300K price range you are not buying a luxury or upscale community but both S.Gate and Gulf Gate are very nice moderate priced neighborhoods. Both are in good school districts and convenient to shopping, restaurants, etc. Southgate is only a few minutes from downtown Sarasota and is an up and coming neighborhood. It was developed in the late 50's with most homes built from that time until the early 70's. It has become an area which has seen a lot of renovations and remodeling over the past few years so it is becoming a fairly desireable area in the high $200-$500K price range. For that money you will be looking at a 3 BR home with 1600 to 2000 or so sq ft on a typical 100' lot.
Homes are typical ranch designs as you would expect from the late 50's and 60's.
If you want newer you are looking mostly east Sarasota area toward Lakewood Ranch. There for the mid $300k range you will find a newer home with much less sq. feet on a smaller site but with more modern amenities and features.
Just depends on what you are looking for and whether or not you are willing to drive 10+ miles into the city.
I know of at least one dog park in Sarasota and there are dozens of very good restaurants, more than many larger cities you will find in other parts of the country.
Sarasota is a wonderful place to live. Whatever you decide, I am sure you will love this area.
Good luck!

Thank you all for your information. We will definately check out those neighborhoods. I say mid 300's, but we can always go up! We both do work and our office are located in the south sarasota area. Bee Ridge area.

We do not mind an older home, we are looking for somewhat of a back yard so we were figuring we would need to be farther from the water.

Thanks again