NEW FLORIDA RESIDENT BLOG

Welcome to Florida. As a kid I remember one "Rage Against The Machine" type of sticker, that lots of kids liked, which was the "Skateboarding In Not A Crime" design.  It made a statement about how authority figures can make bad inferences about someone based on their activities or hobbies.  There was a news story this week about someone being questioned by police because he played Frisbee golf (seriously, you should Google it).  The message is essentially, judge someone by their actions not their interests.  It makes sense. At any rate, I thought about this recently because in parts of Sarasota, Skateboarding is a crime.  The police will get involved but, it's primarily downtown and more of a safety issue.  Of course, some people do think it's just a way to keep some neighborhoods, kid unfriendly.  I don't believe that, I'm more of an optimist.  I mean if I thought this sort of thing actually happened, I would have spent time trying to make my ne

Welcome to Florida. A criticism that I've heard on more than one occasional about Florida Real Estate is that there is nothing incredibly unique.  Sarasota was truly founded just over 100 years ago, so unlike Boston, for example there are no homes dating from the 1700s.  SIDE BAR: If you've ever tried to renovate or insure a home built in 1750, you actually appreciate this fact. However, if you get more off the beaten path, particularly in certain waterfront neighborhoods you will be surprised at the various lifestyles you uncover.   I mean I have spent some time in Boston Harbor but  have never seen any particularly interesting floating commercial buildings. Or churches.   Floating Chapel, Sarasota, FL © John Gaudiano Florida Real Estate

Welcome to Florida. Sometimes people are surprised that (truly) our area has 30% or more of it's population above the age of 65.  I suppose now that most folks live past 80 years of age, that could make a neighborhood with a bunch of 60 year olds seem like a college campus. Okay, not really.  But you get my drift. The thing is, when people move here and ask if one particular neighborhood is "kid friendly" they usually want to know if there are other kids around for their kids to play with.  That's great, but having 6 surrogate grandparents on your street and no cold weather outside seems like it makes ANY NEIGHBORHOOD in Florida pretty kid friendly.  At least that's what Rocky and I think...... Rocky (kid neighborhood expert) Our Website