Hometown Feel
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5/10/2020
You gotta remember the reasons you move here. If not forced to, like having to take a job, you'll love it. But do your homework, the avg. age is 60+, so keep that in mind. It is what it is.
1. Beaches – multitudes to choose from around this area. Most are very clean and have facilities.
2. Ocean/Gulf – the water is usually beautiful, clean, and warm most of the year
3. Water sports – from boating, diving, and fishing to kayaking, paddle boarding, and jet skiing.
4. Seafood – all over, all the time, always good.
5. Humidity & Heat – My skin and hair love it! ??
6. What I consider Beautiful weather 8 months a year – Not many places in the U.S. can claim that. (If you like a drier or cooler climate, DO NOT COME NEAR FL.)
7. Friendly people
8. Cost of living – comparable to AZ and better than most any other state that's surrounded by water.
9. IF you're republican, this is a good area for you.
10. A lot of medical facilities/doctors
11. Flora and fauna – if you like green and enjoy wildlife, this is a great place
12. Great for families who need lower costs and a sense of community in which to raise children (teens don't like it, though)
What I don't like, and mostly because I am still considered MUCH younger than the average here and because I still have to find work:
1. No Jobs – it’s mostly a tourist or retirement city.
2. Criminal contractors!!!
3. Snowbirds – go the f*ck home!!! Quit using this area as your personal dumping ground for RVs every season. BUY a home or leave us alone. If you must drive, do it after rush hour. (Sorry, but this city doesn't have the means to deal with the influx each year. Sarasota county overall needs to do better!)
4. Hot/Humid 4-5 months a year (double-edged sword; I love it, I hate it)
5. Not enough good restaurants
6. Not enough good shopping (grocery, clothing, home goods, etc.)
7. REALLY OLD PEOPLE (We're not just talkin' 70ish. With the avg. being 60+, you can bet there's a lot of 80-90 year olds out here!)
8. Infrastructure - I just added this because there are so many new homes being built, plus the ball field with no additional roads or freeways. Driving is becoming ridiculous during season.
Through it all, I choose to live here and be a part of this community. The pros far outweigh the cons in my opinion. No place is perfect, so don't slam a place just because you can't go clubbing or think some parts are dirty (there's dirty in all cities). I hope people can be realistic in their reviews so others can make real choices about whether to move here.
Liz | South Venice, FL