Where exactly is downtown Sarasota? (Tamiami, Bradenton: sales, real estate, condo)

[=^..^=]

We've been looking at maps but can't tell where "downtown" actually is. Can someone tell me what streets constitute downtown where all the action is? Where are the large Malls located?

We've moving down there in less than 6 months and can't find some of the information we need and want.

Until we find a house, we'll be living in our RV at a campground. Can anyone recommend a decent affordable campground in the Sarasota-Bradenton area? What neighborhoods would allow us to keep our RV by the house? We're not interested in the Gated Communities or a condo.

[SoFLGal]

Well, technically Main St, W of US 41 is downtown. For malls you have Sarasota Square Mall in the southern part of Sarasota- Westfield - Sarasota Square Shopping Mall and then you have SouthGate Mall, which is about mid county- http://westfield.com/southgate/ If you want more upscale shopping, try St Armand's- A unique shopping experience in Sarasota, Florida - St. Armand's Circle Association A little north of Sarasota, in Ellenton is the outlet mall- Prime Outlets | Save 65% on Designer Brands | Sales & Locations

You would have to find an area that doesn't have deed restrictions. I'm not too sure about campgrounds but I know this subject has come up before and people have given ideas.

[tommy-105]

Originally Posted by SoFLGal

Well, technically Main St, W of US 41 is downtown. For malls you have Sarasota Square Mall in the southern part of Sarasota- Westfield - Sarasota Square Shopping Mall and then you have SouthGate Mall, which is about mid county- Westfield - Southgate Shopping Mall If you want more upscale shopping, try St Armand's- A unique shopping experience in Sarasota, Florida - St. Armand's Circle Association A little north of Sarasota, in Ellenton is the outlet mall- Prime Outlets | Save 65% on Designer Brands | Sales & Locations

You would have to find an area that doesn't have deed restrictions. I'm not too sure about campgrounds but I know this subject has come up before and people have given ideas.

Recent thread on campgrounds:https://www.city-data.com/forum/saras...ml#post8787855

[SoFLGal]

Originally Posted by tommy-105

Recent thread on campgrounds:https://www.city-data.com/forum/saras...ml#post8787855

Ah yes, I knew someone could dig that up. Thanks for the link

[gypsychic]

There is also a lot of nice shopping/dining up on University Parkway. There is a large mega-mall planned for that area, but is on hold right now due to economy. I go there a lot, you have big box stores, Kohl's, Bonefish, Carrabas, Total Wine, World of Beer, Fresh Market, among other things, all in a really nice setting.

[=^..^=]

These sites were all very helpful. I have a much better idea of things now. I've also learned from you people to watch for Chinese wall board, sink hole areas and high Ins rates for pre 1995 homes. Those things will surely limit the houses available to us. The other thing is our RV. From what I read somewhere else, most homes in the S-B area do have deed restrictions. We also must have a sun room, a Lanaii (or large screened porch) or a Florida room. A RE agent is really going to have fun with us.

[Ladywithafan]

Downtown Sarasota is between Fruitville & Mound to the north & South, Washington Blvd./Tamiami/U.S. 41 to the east & west. The next one mile to all four directions is almost downtown.

[419gottaminute]

Originally Posted by =^..^=

These sites were all very helpful. I have a much better idea of things now. I've also learned from you people to watch for Chinese wall board, sink hole areas and high Ins rates for pre 1995 homes. Those things will surely limit the houses available to us. The other thing is our RV. From what I read somewhere else, most homes in the S-B area do have deed restrictions. We also must have a sun room, a Lanaii (or large screened porch) or a Florida room. A RE agent is really going to have fun with us.

Hey, get with SoFLGal, she seems very knowledgeable about our area and everyone seems to be pleased with her.

I personally don't know her but have read a few of her post on here and all are very informative, (At least thats how I feel about them.)...

And oh-yes I think that she is a real estate agent????

[419gottaminute]

Originally Posted by =^..^=

Until we find a house, we'll be living in our RV at a campground. Can anyone recommend a decent affordable campground in the Sarasota-Bradenton area? What neighborhoods would allow us to keep our RV by the house? We're not interested in the Gated Communities or a condo.

Try Sun-n-Fun...

1/2mile east of I-75 on Fruitville Road,
across from the Texaco gas station...

[imagardener]

Originally Posted by =^..^=

These sites were all very helpful. I have a much better idea of things now. I've also learned from you people to watch for Chinese wall board, sink hole areas and high Ins rates for pre 1995 homes. Those things will surely limit the houses available to us. The other thing is our RV. From what I read somewhere else, most homes in the S-B area do have deed restrictions. We also must have a sun room, a Lanaii (or large screened porch) or a Florida room. A RE agent is really going to have fun with us.

Hi ^^ (how do you pronounce that BTW?)

We moved to the area with our small RV and it wasn't too hard to find places that were non-HOA that allowed us to park our RV next to the house.
Of course we were even pickier than you and wanted a newer home which adds to the difficulty because newer homes are always in an HOA.

Get the right realtor, search the MLS online and you'll find your new home.
When you drive down the street and see boats and RV's you're in the right place :-)