Questions about Sarasota

[gypsychic]

You did not say your budget or if you need a job, but if you can afford the high cost of living, and don't mind mostly a senior population, and bad traffic in season Sarasota can be a nice place to live for awhile. We lived there for decades, but it is a very transient place, always has been, always will be. Beautiful beaches, but much of the area has lost its old historic charm (if that matters to you). Downtown now resembles a miniature "big city."

Definitely more conservative than Delray, but way more liberal than it used to be in the past, especially around downtown and within the city core.

[JohnEdgewood83]

I am a sales manager in the car business. I found a few nice dealerships in the area. My budget is around $2,100 for a one bedroom apartment downtown. The senior population doesn’t bother me. I would rather be around older people than loud and drunk college kids. The last time I was in Sarasota Florida was I believe 7 years ago. At that time it seemed like the perfect city. It looks much more crowded, congested and built up now.

[Miso Blu]

Sarasota has changed a lot and continues to do so. There's heavy traffic year round now as more people have moved into the area and it has put more of a strain on the infrastructure with all of the new development. Years ago red tide wasn't so bad in the summer months when locals could go the beach without all the tourists but heavy development and storm runoff has polluted our waterways and red tide is known to last for months now instead of the occasional week or two I remember of the 70s and 80s. Between trying to find parking and red tide, you won't be going to the beach as much as you think you will.

Downtown Sarasota is loud so if you want a more quiet place to live try east of I-75. $2100 a month might find you a small studio apartment downtown depending on exact location and any amenities.

Because Sarasota has a reputation for welcoming Artists through the years and priding itself as an artistic community, there is a liberal population here as well, we are not (yet) in a political bubble. If it's important for you to live in a conservative area, Venice, Englewood and North Port are good alternatives.

[beach43ofus]

Other than Mercedes of Sarasota, & Kia of Port Charlotte, I have not seen 1 car dealership that is run well here in Sarasota County, & does decent volume.

Your expertise is needed here, so I hope you find a place.