NEW FLORIDA RESIDENT BLOG

I grew up elsewhere and in a time were apartments were something people rented and couldn't own.  I mean I heard about people in New York "owning" their apartments but thought they were probably confused and growing up in a Red Sox neighborhood meant that New Yorkers were suspect to begin with.... Naturally, my views have changed over time, and I have owned both single family homes and apartments here on the Suncoast.  The advantages to condo living are shared expenses for big ticket items such as view, amenities and staff while a single family home offers more privacy and that means that you can blast your surround sounds system while watching Batman Returns on your 70 inch TV without complaint (so I'm told). At any rate, like much of my real estate advice I suggest that you test drive both types of properties with a tour and decide which one is best for you.  Because you really can't tell what works for you until you try it. If you are interested in a

Don't get me wrong, I love gates.  Whether you're trying to keep strangers away from your home or provide a secure space for children and pets - gates work.  But living in a gated community isn't for everyone.  I once had family return from Disney at 2AM and the guard could not find the guest list.  Awkward for all involved.  Don't get me wrong, I love gates.  Whether you're trying to keep strangers away from your home or provide a secure space for children and pets - gates work.  But living in a gated community isn't for everyone.  I once had family return from Disney at 2AM and the guard could not find the guest list.  Awkward for all involved.   But there are some great neighborhoods in Sarasota and Bradenton for that matter that are not gated and perfectly safe and convenient to live in.  Although Sunny and I have sold homes in Arlington Park, Lido Key, Burns Court and South Gate, just to name a few ungated areas - my perennial favorite remains South

The day I shot this........

When it comes to condos in Sarasota people get "passionate", by which I mean they have irrational opinions that cannot be changed with logic.  So if you are extremely passionate about which downtown condo is for you and think that anyone that disagrees with you is an imbecile, I would invite to skip this posting and come back for my next exciting article. If you are open to someone who says, "Golden Gate is very nice, but there are a few complexes that are overpriced", read on.... Downtown is great, if you want downtown living.  If you have decided that the beach isn't your thing and you want sunset views and a nighttime view of sparkling lights across the water - Sunny and I would love to show you our favorite places.  In fact, our very favorite building is not even on the water - even though most people think it is.  But, BY FAR, the best VALUE in down condos are the Condo On The Bay.  The place is from the 1970's still have a classic design, ar