Bird Key
Once you’ve zeroed in on the southwest Florida region, it can be a challenge to determine the best neighborhood to plant your flag. You’ll find that nine breathtaking barrier islands, and unfamiliar terms like “West of the Trail”, “East at the Ranch”, and “New West Bradenton” may have your head spinning. But the best way to get your bearings and decide which neighborhood is your best match is to do your research and we are offering some simple tips to get you started. Watch the Saunders in 60 and read on to get your neighborhood search going.
1. Imagine your ideal lifestyle.
Neighborhoods are first and foremost about lifestyle. Do you love the excitement of city life? Or do you prefer sand, shorts, and flip-flops?
“It’s important to determine which leisure activities you prefer and be sure you pick a neighborhood reasonably close to those places,” explained Debbie Judge, Manager of the Michael Saunders & Company Siesta Key office. “Living in Sarasota, Manatee, and Charlotte County affords just about every desire – pristine beaches, bike trails, shopping, boating, great restaurants, theaters, live music, art stores, athletics, festivals, and farmer’s markets. What recreational activities do you envision yourself taking part in? Choose a home that makes it easy for you to live your lifestyle.”
MichaelSaunders.com has taken it a step further, filtering neighborhoods by lifestyle from “on the beach” to “master planned” and “country life”.
2. What are your priorities in moving?
Think about where you live now and ask yourself, what do you love? What would you change? Figure out your priorities in your home and community. If budget is not an issue, you might be able to purchase the perfect home in the perfect neighborhood. But since most buyers have to answer to their pocketbook, you may have to compromise on either the house or the community. If you have a clear list of priorities, these decisions are easier to make.
3. Consider which amenities are the most important.
What amenities do you want in close reach? If you are a regular season ticket holder for the Sarasota Ballet, Florida Studio Theatre and the Sarasota Opera, then living somewhere convenient to downtown Sarasota should be at the top of your list. If having an expansive lot is important to you, then likely you’ll want to live further east. And think about your neighbors, do you want to interact often or do you prefer privacy?
4. Research the community.
Start researching different areas. Search online, talk to your Realtor, and ask local friends and family what their experience has been. Compile all the different background information on a community including:
- Schools: Check out the local public and private schools as well as day care programs. Even if you do not have children, homes located in good school districts typically hold onto their value better than those is less highly regarded districts.
- Shopping: Do you like to buy fresh food every day? Is there one market you prefer over another? How far is it to the closest shopping mall?
- Restaurants: If you like to eat out, the Sarasota area has the highest concentration of Zagat-rated restaurants in Florida. Do a search of local restaurants, places you can see yourself visiting time and time again.
- Attractions: From the beach to museums and theaters, get-to-know what the area has to offer. The Michael Saunders & Company Relocation Guide is a great place to start!
You’ll discover a variety of neighborhood farmer’s markets along Florida’s Gulf Coast.
5. Talk to your Realtor®.
We rely on experts for a reason, they assist us when our knowledge on a certain subject is lacking. Fortunately, when you are in the hunt for a new home, there is a wealth of knowledge only a conversation, text, or email away. A Realtor® can help you to narrow down your search, not only for the perfect home but also the perfect neighborhood to match.
If you want to know more about the neighborhoods in Sarasota, Manatee, and Charlotte County that match your needs contact Michael Saunders & Company at 888-552-5228 or select a Michael Saunders & Company real estate agent.