Possible move to Sarasota (Bradenton, University: extended stay, crime, hotels)

[Texas Lover]

Hello all!

I'm still debating on which part of Florida I may be moving to. I'm in the research stage at the moment. I was wondering if some Sarasota residents could answer a few questions. I will probably be staying at a hotel for about one to two months to check some palces out and I have been unable to find any of those extended type stay hotels. You know, the ones with kitchens?

Where are the hotels in Sarasota and are there any extended type ones?

How's the job market there?

I will be selling my old car here in Texas and was wondering how good the public transportaion is there. Some people have told me that one can get around pretty good without a car.

Which areas are safe and good? North, South, East, or West?

Thanks.

[blueherons]

The extended stay hotels are all out on University by the airport.

The job market isn't great for professionals unless you are in the tourism/hospitality business.

The bus system isn't bad but I'd hate to rely on it for daily transportation. I ride my bike to work everyday but by choice.

[Sunshine Rules]

I'm still debating on which part of Florida I may be moving to. I'm in the research stage at the moment. I was wondering if some Sarasota residents could answer a few questions. I will probably be staying at a hotel for about one to two months to check some palces out and I have been unable to find any of those extended type stay hotels. You know, the ones with kitchens?

There are a couple of nice extended stay motels by the Sarasota airport, on University Parkway. My brother likes the Homewood Suites (Hilton).

How's the job market there?

That depends on what type of work you're looking for. Could you give us a little more information?

I will be selling my old car here in Texas and was wondering how good the public transportaion is there. Some people have told me that one can get around pretty good without a car.

Sarasota does have a bus system (SCAT) but you would be limited to the areas the bus lines service and their schedules. Here's the link to the official SCAT site, which includes schedules:
Sarasota County Government


Which areas are safe and good? North, South, East, or West?

There have been several discussions recently about which part of Sarasota is "safe." Having lived in the area for almost 30 years, I find most of the area safe, although there are a couple of neighborhoods in north Sarasota that have more issues. You do need to use some common sense, as this is a fairly large metro area (200,000+ people, not including the winter visitors). Both the sheriff department and city police have access to crime statistics on their websites if you'd like to check out specific neighborhoods and areas.

I would suggest finding employment first, as you can then look for housing closer to work. Traffic can be an issue in certain parts of Sarasota, especially in the winter months when we have a lot of seasonal visitors.

Good luck with your move.

[gypsychic]

Originally Posted by Texas Lover

Hello all!

I'm still debating on which part of Florida I may be moving to. I'm in the research stage at the moment. I was wondering if some Sarasota residents could answer a few questions. I will probably be staying at a hotel for about one to two months to check some palces out and I have been unable to find any of those extended type stay hotels. You know, the ones with kitchens?

Where are the hotels in Sarasota and are there any extended type ones?

How's the job market there?

I will be selling my old car here in Texas and was wondering how good the public transportaion is there. Some people have told me that one can get around pretty good without a car.

Which areas are safe and good? North, South, East, or West?

Thanks.

For extended stay, I recommend Sarasota Suites - it used to be a Suburban. It is two blocks from my house, and just north of the airport. It's right across the street from a diner, and the Ramada with a nice Tiki bar restaurant:

Sarasota Suites Hotel - Hotel in Sarasota near Bradenton - Sarasota Suites

I do not recommend the extended stay places further south on the north trail due to the proximity to the ghetto and some unsavory types around.

Public transport is decent in Sarasota and manatee counties, depending where you would live. This is not a job mecca, but it depends what you do.

You need to provide a bit more info on your situation so we can better answer your questions.

[Texas Lover]

Thanks for all of the information! Especially to you, Gypsy. I checked the Sarasota suites site and it look pretty cool. I have been in the education field for a long time. Worked in universities but that has seemed to have dried up and I can't get anything in that line of work now. I might have to try my hand at retail.

Are there any retail places close to the Sarasota hotel suits? Specifically Whole Foods and Target?

[TamRE]

There are a lot of colleges and universities in Sarasota. Not sure what line of work you are looking for.

Here is the list of colleges and universities in Sarasota with web links to their sites if you want to search directly with each college. colleges and universities in Sarasota, FL on Yahoo! Local

Some job search sites are: www.employflorida.com, www.sunherald.com, www.jobfocus.com, www.indeed.com, www.simplyhired.com, www.craigslist.com, www.careerbuilder.com.

[SoFLGal]

Originally Posted by Texas Lover

Thanks for all of the information! Especially to you, Gypsy. I checked the Sarasota suites site and it look pretty cool. I have been in the education field for a long time. Worked in universities but that has seemed to have dried up and I can't get anything in that line of work now. I might have to try my hand at retail.

Are there any retail places close to the Sarasota hotel suits? Specifically Whole Foods and Target?

Whole Foods is about 15 minutes from Sarasota Hotel Suites. The Fruitville Rd or Cattlemen Target are about the same distance-20 minutes or so.

[gypsychic]

Originally Posted by Texas Lover

Thanks for all of the information! Especially to you, Gypsy. I checked the Sarasota suites site and it look pretty cool. I have been in the education field for a long time. Worked in universities but that has seemed to have dried up and I can't get anything in that line of work now. I might have to try my hand at retail.

Are there any retail places close to the Sarasota hotel suits? Specifically Whole Foods and Target?

You're welcome! Whole Foods is downtown, about a 10 minute drive from my house (which is practically across from SS). But one mile north up the road is a small Publix and small Target. There is a LOT of big retail shopping on University Parkway, including a large Super Target. But that is about a 9 miles drive. I shop there extensively.

Everything you need is pretty close and convenient to SS, plus the bus line is right there. All the colleges are also on the North Trail, I have no idea if there are any openings, probably tough. But Sarasota (and Bradenton/Manatee) both seem to be expanding retail right and left so there may be some options there.

Good luck to you!

[Texas Lover]

Thanks to everyone for the greta information!! I will keep you posted.