Reviews & Comments
Bradenton, FL
Disappointed with the City of Bradenton (January 2 -
1/9/2007My husband and I relocated here approximately 16 monhts ago and it was the worse mistake in my life! Unfortunately due to job transfers of my husband and I (both at the same time) we took a risk, although had visited Sarasota County a few times for vacationing. Well, there is a major difference in Bradenton and Sarasota, and to live "comfortably" in Sarasota, a family needs to be financially comfortable, since taxes, hurricane insurance, flood insurance and these annual increases are rediculous! Not worth it to us, from moving where we did, where we were in an upper middle class area, gated community, had low taxes and no hurriacanes or tornadoe warnings to worry about!
This city needs to be CLEANED UP, the ZONING is MESSED UP (no consistency), you can have a shack on top of a half a million dollar home!
Now, what to do, to get out of this MESS!!!! Trying to figure it out, one thing at a time!!!
Ellenton, FL
15 months relocated and still having Culture Shock -
12/30/2006My husband and I moved from Phoenix, AZ 16 months ago to Ellenton, FL due to job transfers. This area was a "central" location, since my husband has to drive North to Tampa, and I drive South to Sarasota and Bradenton. Needless to say, we are disappointed with this town, and our lifestyle is not what we expected. Although this "sleepy town" is growing and changing (strong senior community with numerous trailer park communities), one must drive at least 20 minutes or more to Lakewood Ranch in Bradenton, or 30 minutes to Sarasota for restaurants, movies or to experience any culture. The beaches are lovely, and great seafood (only if you know where to go), but other then that, nothing much here?!
Weather is beautiful in the winter, however, Phoenix had the same lovely weather. The cost of living is higher here (taxes, food and hurricane insurance - which we never needed in Arizona). IF we had to do this all over again (knowing what we know now), we would have stayed in Phoenix.
Oh, do want to mention, the ELLENTON Outlet mall is the ONLY positive of living in this area, otherwise, would never recommend the area to anyone considering. My advise is, drive further south - it's worth it!
Signed,
Missing the comforts of Phoenix!