***LECOM-FL Class of 2010***

[cosmo]

I figured we needed our own thread!

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[FrogE7]

Thanks cosmo!

I was waiting for some one to start this. I am still deciding, but strongly leaning towards Bradenton.

 

[shadyjar]

My deposit is in. Can't wait until next summer! Anybody else out there?

 

[cosmo]

My deposit is in. Can't wait until next summer! Anybody else out there?

Yep, I just mailed my deposit yesterday. It was a painful check to write, especially before Christmas!

 

[rlk13]

My deposit is in. Can't wait until next summer! Anybody else out there?

I just sent my deposite in today!!! Very excited and a little scared!

 

[MichellePhilly]

My deposit is in. Can't wait until next summer! Anybody else out there?

sent my deposit in! cant wait till august! when is everyone gonna start looking for places to live?

Michelle

 

[FrogE7]

Hey I am hoping to find a place soon. Where are you guys thinking of staying? I hear the colonial grand and some other place is where most med students live. I would prefer to live close to other kids since I figure the rest of the population will be over 65..hehe.

 

[cosmo]

I live just north of Bradenton and am interested in a roommate. I'm about a 35 min drive from school, interstate all the way. I live in a three bedroom house, have two dogs and two cats and am a non smoker. If you're interested or want more info, just pm me.

Oh yeah, I'm female. Females only !

 

[docKinga]

Just out of curiosity, what kind of dogs do you have?

I live just north of Bradenton and am interested in a roommate. I'm about a 35 min drive from school, interstate all the way. I live in a three bedroom house, have two dogs and two cats and am a non smoker. If you're interested or want more info, just pm me.

Oh yeah, I'm female. Females only !

 

[docKinga]

I have 2 more weeks to send in my deposit. I reallly LOVED the school/ppl/everything but I'm for some reason still waiting for other interviews. I'm pretty sure I'll end up at Bradenton though. I've started looking for a place too live and am trying to spend as little money as possible. Everything is so expensive. Bla

 

[cosmo]

Just out of curiosity, what kind of dogs do you have?

I have a chihuahua and a boxer. The chihuahua's name is Cosmo, which is where my screen name comes from.

The cats are Siamese.

 

[MichellePhilly]

Hey I am hoping to find a place soon. Where are you guys thinking of staying? I hear the colonial grand and some other place is where most med students live. I would prefer to live close to other kids since I figure the rest of the population will be over 65..hehe.

lol.. def hear there are lots of "older" people in the area.. i wanna know where most of the med students live thats close to school.. anyone know how early we actually have to give a deposit for a place?

 

[daveyjwin]

I didn't even know this thread existed... I'll be there!

Yay LECOM!

 

[WSCcheese]

I mailed in my deposit yesterday. I am also very excited and cannot believe it is actually happening!

 

[FrogE7]

I am so glad people are begining to post. I was begining to think that we had no school spirit!

 

[Tadgie]

Since 2009 doesn't have a thread, I figure I'll jump in here. The earlier post was right, the majority of students live at colonial grande lakewood ranch, I myself don't live there now, but I will probably end up there at the end of the semester because of apartment problems where I'm at now. If I can be any help to any future PBLers, I'd be glad to help.

 

[WSCcheese]

Since 2009 doesn't have a thread, I figure I'll jump in here. The earlier post was right, the majority of students live at colonial grande lakewood ranch, I myself don't live there now, but I will probably end up there at the end of the semester because of apartment problems where I'm at now. If I can be any help to any future PBLers, I'd be glad to help.

What do you know about the springs at braden river? That is what some current students at my interview suggested? Did you happen to use the roommate list the school provided or did you live by yourself?

 

[Tadgie]

What do you know about the springs at braden river? That is what some current students at my interview suggested? Did you happen to use the roommate list the school provided or did you live by yourself?

I don't know anyone personally that lives there, but I do drive by it all the time on the way home from school. It seems like a nice place, and seems to fit the mold as far as price and size go for the area. Most of the office people at the different apartment complexes seem nice, so I guess the only real difference between apartments around here is amenities.
I personally live off 71st st. and Cortez, if anyones curious. There's two problems with this area though, compared to the Lakewood Ranch area. First off is the drive, even though I'm not far, traffic and stop lights leave me with a 45 minute drive in the morning. Second, a lot of complexes in my area are going to condos, mine just officially got bought, so I have to leave in the summmer, probably to Colonial Grande Lakewood, where most people are. It'll be more expensive, but I woulnd't mind getting that 45 minutes back for sleep.
As far ass the roommate list goes, I just got married over the summer, so I'm with my wife. I haven't heard any complaints about the list, and I think almost everyone here gets along, it's too small of a student base for there to be people that hate eachother. I've never met anyone that I didn't like(though a few that probably shouldn't be here)
Hope this helps.

 

[docKinga]

So my bf and I will be moving down to FL together next year, but he doesn't graduate untill December. So I'm not really sure how to deal with him not being there for the first semester. Should I get a place by myself and hope that I will meet people anyways and not become incredibly lonely? or do you think I would have any luck finding a roomie for just the first semester, which would probably just be a hassle for them unless they were in the same situation as me. Please give advice, i'm a little stuck right now.

Thanks!

 

[Tadgie]

So my bf and I will be moving down to FL together next year, but he doesn't graduate untill December. So I'm not really sure how to deal with him not being there for the first semester. Should I get a place by myself and hope that I will meet people anyways and not become incredibly lonely? or do you think I would have any luck finding a roomie for just the first semester, which would probably just be a hassle for them unless they were in the same situation as me. Please give advice, i'm a little stuck right now.

Thanks!

I'd recommend getting a place on your own, and don't worry about being lonely. You'll make friends real quick here, everybody's real close and real friendly. If it was for more than a semester, I'd recommend a roomie, but no one wants to deal with moving or anything like that on christmas break, you'll need the rest. Just my opinion though, hope it helps.

 

[FrogE7]

I'd recommend getting a place on your own, and don't worry about being lonely. You'll make friends real quick here, everybody's real close and real friendly. If it was for more than a semester, I'd recommend a roomie, but no one wants to deal with moving or anything like that on christmas break, you'll need the rest. Just my opinion though, hope it helps.

That's exactly what I am planning on doing. I like living alone and when I want to see people, I just step out of my apartment. Where do you recommend getting something for a decent price for one person? What is a decent price?

 

[Tadgie]

That's exactly what I am planning on doing. I like living alone and when I want to see people, I just step out of my apartment. Where do you recommend getting something for a decent price for one person? What is a decent price?

Rent.com is a beautiful thing. Just browse the area, there's more than enough apartments with quite a few differences and distances from school to choose from. If you dont mind a lil drive in the morning, you can get a cheaper apartment, I'm assuming one bedroom if you're by yourself, somewhere in the 700 range. If you want to be closer to school and can pay a lil more, it would be somewhere in the 800 range. But check rent.com, they list everything, and if you find an apartment you like on there and tell them, they give you a 100 dollar gift card!

 

[docKinga]

Wow, 700 a month is REALLLLY expensive!!!! I've looked at rent.com and found some stuff for 500-600. Does anyone who's living in that area know of any place thats not on rent.com that rents for cheaper and is a decent place to live? At the interview, they told us that some places gave a LECOM discount. Is that a significant chunk of money or is it just gonna be like 50 off the application fee?

Thanks!

 

[DragonWell]

I'm mailing the deposit tommorrow. Can't wait for PBL! I'm already looking for used books...sad, I know Looking forward to making my way south and meeting everyone in August!

 

[docKinga]

I was wondering if anyone from out of state was gonna go apartment hunting down there. I'm thinking about going down on my spring break, which is March 10. Maybe we could get a whole gang of out of staters together or something, and that way we could meet a few of our fellow classmates as well. Just a thought. Lemme know if anyone is interested.

 

[MichellePhilly]

I was wondering if anyone from out of state was gonna go apartment hunting down there. I'm thinking about going down on my spring break, which is March 10. Maybe we could get a whole gang of out of staters together or something, and that way we could meet a few of our fellow classmates as well. Just a thought. Lemme know if anyone is interested.

hey hey! i was thinking about going down in march as well. let me know! good luck!

Michelle

 

[FrogE7]

This list was given to me on an excel file by the Bradenton Adcom. You can look them all up in that apartment guide you got at your interview. Also ForRent.com has them listed. The following stared apartments were higlighted in the excel file. I think those are more popular or get some sort of discount for being a LECOM student, but I am not sure.

***Carlton Arms, Fisherman's Landing, Springs at Braden River, Colonial Grand at Lakewood Ranch, Huntington Place, Town and Country, Tuscany, and Sawgrass Cove were highlighted.

Colonial Grand at Lakewood and Springs were also recommended by students as being popular apartments.

After doing your own investigation, tell me what you guys think. I want to live alone and I saw that The Springs have decently priced studios. I really want to live around a lot of classmates so I don't feel isolated.

Good luck:

Complex Address Phone Number *Cost (1 Bedroom)
Aaron Lake Apartments 4325 40th Street West 941-753-7353 1 Bedroom $700-710 + Utilities
Bradenton, FL 34209

Bay West Apartments 6904 Manatee Ave West 941-792-6700 $665-695 + Utilities
Bradenton, FL 34209

Bayshore/Venture Ltd 4104 20th Street West 941-756-5963 $515-565 + Utilities
Rental Apartments Bradenton, FL 34205

Braden Lakes 2835 50th Ave West 941-755-8523 $775 Includes water/sewage/trash pickup
Bradenton, FL 34207

Carlton Arms of 5200 Riverfront Drive 941-745-2525 $576-681 + Utilities
Bradenton Bradenton, FL 34208

Colonial Grand at 4148 53rd Ave West 941-739-6700 $695-775 + Utilities
Bayshore Bradenton, FL 34210

Colonial Grand at 3900 75th Street West 941-792-8333 $685 + Utilities
Palma Sola Bradenton, FL 34209

The Colony at El Conquistador 6050 34th Street West 941-753-6850 $709-799 includes monitored alarm system/free membership to Gold's Gym
Bradenton, FL 34210

Fisherman's Landing 5801 Fisherman's Drive 941-794-0345 $779 + Utilities
Bradenton, FL 34209

The Gates of 4515 26th Street West 941-758-7415 $674 + Utilities
Bradenton Bradenton, FL 34207

Hampton Bay 4550 47th Street West 941-794-2262 $660-790 + Utilities
Bradenton, FL 34210

Harbour Pointe 4501 71st Street West 941-792-1140 $710-765 includes cable only
Bradenton, FL 34210

Manatee Woods 358 34th Ave Drive East 941-748-6680 $560 + Utilities Water Included
Bradenton, FL 34208

Sabal Cove 5385 30th Street East 941-747-1600 $561 + Utilities Must have a roommate that is not a fulltime student
Bradenton, FL 34203

Sanctuary Apartments 5400 26th Street West 941-753-6719 $755 Includes water/sewage/pest control/trash pickup /washer/dyer
Apartments Bradenton, FL 34207

Sheridan Place 302 26th Ave West 941-744-1300 $668 (2 bed/2bath) includes water only
Apartment Bradenton, FL 34205

Springs at 702 51st Street East 941-741-8400 Studio $630-665 1 Bedroom $770-905 some have washer/dryer
Braden River Bradenton, FL 34208

Springs at 4601 66th Street West 941-761-7452 Studio $625-655 1 Bedrooms $735-885
Palma Sola Bradenton, FL 34210

Sun Chase 5909 30th Ave West 941-794-2225 $755-770 + Utilities
Apartments Bradenton, FL 34209

Town & Country 11001 Bristol Bay Drive 866-313-2745 $750-790 + Utilities
Perico Bradenton, FL 34209

Bella Villino Condos 4100 Central Sarasota Parkway 941-918-9228 $850-1005 + Utilities
Sarasota, FL 34238 Water $40 flat fee

Citation Club on 4110 Winners Circle 941-923-8002 $855 + Utilities
Palmer Ranch Sarasota, FL 34238

Colonial Grand at 8100 Natures Way 941-362-4663 $824-879 + Utilities
Lakewood Ranch Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202

The Colonnade 3516 Coronado Drive 941-921-4656 $799-810 + Utilities
Apartments Sarasota, FL 34231

Hunters Glen 2562 10th Street 941-365-2478 $730 + Utilities
Sarasota, FL 34237

Huntington Place 3201 Huntington Place Dr 941-951-1033 $760-870 + Utilities
Sarasota, FL 34237


The Lexington 3510 Cheshire Square 941-366-5833 $775-850 + Utilities
Sarasota, FL 34237


Town & Country 175 Heron's Run Drive 941-377-7360 $800-860 + Utilities
Heron's Run Sarasota, FL 34232

Town & Country 4449 McIntosh Park 941-377-7161 $820-910 +Utilities Washer Dryer included
McIntosh Sarasota, FL 34232

Timber Chase at 419 North Briggs Ave 941-954-0810 $730-780 + Utilities Includes washer/dryer
Sarasota Bay Sarasota, FL 34237

The Tuscany 6001 Medici Court 941-351-7266 $830-910 + Utilities Free Cable
Sarasota, FL 34243

Sawgrass Cove 4801 47th Ave. W. 941-794-8009 $810 + Utilities
Bradenton, FL 34210
* All prices based on 1 bedroom/1bath unless noted
Visit www.ForRent.com or www.apartmentguide.com
for floorplans, photos and amenities

 

[midnightdoc]

I finally sent in my check -- look forward to meeting everyone in July-August.

I am planning to check out West Bradenton in hopes of adding some diversity to school-life, but living close to campus has its advantages.

Anyone else looking out West or even North?

This list was given to me on an excel file by the Bradenton Adcom. You can look them all up in that apartment guide you got at your interview. Also ForRent.com has them listed. The following stared apartments were higlighted in the excel file. I think those are more popular or get some sort of discount for being a LECOM student, but I am not sure.

***Carlton Arms, Fisherman's Landing, Springs at Braden River, Colonial Grand at Lakewood Ranch, Huntington Place, Town and Country, Tuscany, and Sawgrass Cove were highlighted.

Colonial Grand at Lakewood and Springs were also recommended by students as being popular apartments.

After doing your own investigation, tell me what you guys think. I want to live alone and I saw that The Springs have decently priced studios. I really want to live around a lot of classmates so I don't feel isolated.

Good luck:

Complex Address Phone Number *Cost (1 Bedroom)
Aaron Lake Apartments 4325 40th Street West 941-753-7353 1 Bedroom $700-710 + Utilities
Bradenton, FL 34209

Bay West Apartments 6904 Manatee Ave West 941-792-6700 $665-695 + Utilities
Bradenton, FL 34209

Bayshore/Venture Ltd 4104 20th Street West 941-756-5963 $515-565 + Utilities
Rental Apartments Bradenton, FL 34205

Braden Lakes 2835 50th Ave West 941-755-8523 $775 Includes water/sewage/trash pickup
Bradenton, FL 34207

Carlton Arms of 5200 Riverfront Drive 941-745-2525 $576-681 + Utilities
Bradenton Bradenton, FL 34208

Colonial Grand at 4148 53rd Ave West 941-739-6700 $695-775 + Utilities
Bayshore Bradenton, FL 34210

Colonial Grand at 3900 75th Street West 941-792-8333 $685 + Utilities
Palma Sola Bradenton, FL 34209

The Colony at El Conquistador 6050 34th Street West 941-753-6850 $709-799 includes monitored alarm system/free membership to Gold's Gym
Bradenton, FL 34210

Fisherman's Landing 5801 Fisherman's Drive 941-794-0345 $779 + Utilities
Bradenton, FL 34209

The Gates of 4515 26th Street West 941-758-7415 $674 + Utilities
Bradenton Bradenton, FL 34207

Hampton Bay 4550 47th Street West 941-794-2262 $660-790 + Utilities
Bradenton, FL 34210

Harbour Pointe 4501 71st Street West 941-792-1140 $710-765 includes cable only
Bradenton, FL 34210

Manatee Woods 358 34th Ave Drive East 941-748-6680 $560 + Utilities Water Included
Bradenton, FL 34208

Sabal Cove 5385 30th Street East 941-747-1600 $561 + Utilities Must have a roommate that is not a fulltime student
Bradenton, FL 34203

Sanctuary Apartments 5400 26th Street West 941-753-6719 $755 Includes water/sewage/pest control/trash pickup /washer/dyer
Apartments Bradenton, FL 34207

Sheridan Place 302 26th Ave West 941-744-1300 $668 (2 bed/2bath) includes water only
Apartment Bradenton, FL 34205

Springs at 702 51st Street East 941-741-8400 Studio $630-665 1 Bedroom $770-905 some have washer/dryer
Braden River Bradenton, FL 34208

Springs at 4601 66th Street West 941-761-7452 Studio $625-655 1 Bedrooms $735-885
Palma Sola Bradenton, FL 34210

Sun Chase 5909 30th Ave West 941-794-2225 $755-770 + Utilities
Apartments Bradenton, FL 34209

Town & Country 11001 Bristol Bay Drive 866-313-2745 $750-790 + Utilities
Perico Bradenton, FL 34209

Bella Villino Condos 4100 Central Sarasota Parkway 941-918-9228 $850-1005 + Utilities
Sarasota, FL 34238 Water $40 flat fee

Citation Club on 4110 Winners Circle 941-923-8002 $855 + Utilities
Palmer Ranch Sarasota, FL 34238

Colonial Grand at 8100 Natures Way 941-362-4663 $824-879 + Utilities
Lakewood Ranch Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202

The Colonnade 3516 Coronado Drive 941-921-4656 $799-810 + Utilities
Apartments Sarasota, FL 34231

Hunters Glen 2562 10th Street 941-365-2478 $730 + Utilities
Sarasota, FL 34237

Huntington Place 3201 Huntington Place Dr 941-951-1033 $760-870 + Utilities
Sarasota, FL 34237


The Lexington 3510 Cheshire Square 941-366-5833 $775-850 + Utilities
Sarasota, FL 34237


Town & Country 175 Heron's Run Drive 941-377-7360 $800-860 + Utilities
Heron's Run Sarasota, FL 34232

Town & Country 4449 McIntosh Park 941-377-7161 $820-910 +Utilities Washer Dryer included
McIntosh Sarasota, FL 34232

Timber Chase at 419 North Briggs Ave 941-954-0810 $730-780 + Utilities Includes washer/dryer
Sarasota Bay Sarasota, FL 34237

The Tuscany 6001 Medici Court 941-351-7266 $830-910 + Utilities Free Cable
Sarasota, FL 34243

Sawgrass Cove 4801 47th Ave. W. 941-794-8009 $810 + Utilities
Bradenton, FL 34210
* All prices based on 1 bedroom/1bath unless noted
Visit www.ForRent.com or www.apartmentguide.com
for floorplans, photos and amenities

 

[FrogE7]

I am hoping to live alone, but close to school and classmates. I figure most things like the beach are 10 minutes away, so I will be able to take study breaks whenever I want to with out sacrificing time.

Please if some one already goes to Bradenton, what do you think about the apartment listings?

 

[rlk13]

Does anyone know if the school is planning on sending out a list of prospective roommates? I don't want to live alone but want to start looking for places.

 

[MichellePhilly]

Does anyone know if the school is planning on sending out a list of prospective roommates? I don't want to live alone but want to start looking for places.

hey hey!
i called the school yesterday and they said that they should be sending out registration packets with information about apartments and roomates by the end of the week. hopefully that will help! see you guys in the summer!

Michelle

 

[docKinga]

i kinda want a doggie.....u think that would be too difficult to take care of in med school? I just like the security of having a dog i guess.

 

[Scione]

Hi Everyone. I already checked out a bunch of apartments and the two nicest and closest ones to school are Colonial Grand and The Springs. Current students have told me these are the two most popular.
After looking around and touring myself, I have decided to move into Colonial Grand. I'm female...so to any other females that may be concerned about safety, I felt this apartment complex was the most secure. And it's in an awesome neighborhood including a movie theater across the street and tons of stores!!!

 

[DragonWell]

This was posted over in Pre-Osteo, so I thought I'd post a copy here in case anybody hadn't seen it. See you all July 30th!


LECOM 2006-2007 Academic Calendar*

July 30, 2006 Open House
July 31, August 2 Orientation
August 3 1st Semester Begins for OMSI
August 7 1st Semester Begins for OMSII
September 4 Labor Day - No classes
November 22 - 23 Thanksgiving Break - No classes
November 27 Classes Resume
December 22 1st Semester Ends
December 23 - January 7 Winter Break
January 8, 2007 Second Semester Begins
January 15 Freedom Day/Martin Luther King Day - No Classes
May 23 2nd Semester Ends
June 10 Commencement for LECOM in Erie

 

[parrothead_stud]

Hey - I am going to LECOM-B this July also and am counting down the days. Even though I am sure I will miss my family (back in Ohio) the first week or so, I am looking forward to meeting everyone and making a new home!

 

[FrogE7]

This is the only thread on this forum worth looking at these days.

Gonna miss some people in my life definately, but the excitement is also killing me!

 

[cosmo]

Parrothead, they sent out a roommate list a week ago. Did you get it? If not, send me your email addy in a PM and I'll forward it to you.

Love Jimmy Buffett, by the way! Cheeseburger in Paradise is my favorite song!

 

[scpod]

bump

gotta stay at the top

 

[FrogE7]

Did we just get new mail from Bradenton? I changed my address and don't get my mail till the end of today. Please if some one got it, let me know what we got!

 

[cosmo]

Did we just get new mail from Bradenton? I changed my address and don't get my mail till the end of today. Please if some one got it, let me know what we got!

A couple of days ago I got a packet with stuff about computers, background checks, immunizations, policies and the like. A few weeks ago I got a financial aid packet. I live only a few miles from school, so I'm sure I get stuff quicker than most.

 

[FrogE7]

Thanks cosmo!

 

[NolanDNA]

I can't wait to see you all, I live about 45 mins north and have lived in the area my whole life. If anyone needs to know about the drive from living in other areas I'm your girl!

See you all soon!

 

[scpod]

I can't wait to see you all, I live about 45 mins north and have lived in the area my whole life. If anyone needs to know about the drive from living in other areas I'm your girl!

See you all soon!

Congratulations Christy! I had a feeling that you would get in

See you in late July!
LS

 

[NolanDNA]

Congratulations Christy! I had a feeling that you would get in

See you in late July!
LS

Thanks see you soon!

 

[tewbad]

Hey guys/girls.....

I'm a 2nd year here at LECOM-FL and in a few months will be leaving the area to start rotations. Just wanted to advertise a place that will be up for rent starting June of '06 for those of you looking. Here are the stats.....

3 Bedrooms( 1 huge w/walkin closet and its own bathroom)
2 Bath
1 Car Garage
Separate Laundry room

Location: 1.5 miles from the school (no one lives closer)
Rent is $1295/month (which split between 3 people is extremely reasonable for this area)
Utilities (including Internet, Premium on demand cable, electric, etc): $200-$250 total
And just to be clear, we don't own the place, we are just renting it from a Realtor, so this isn't a shameless ploy to make money......at least not for us, just for the landlord.

If you have any questions or if you are interested either reply on here or PM me with an email/phone # and I'll give you the info.

 

[Scione]

Hey everyone,

I was just wondering when you all are planning to move over to the school? Depending on my lease I may be there by July 1st.

Talk to ya later.

 

[rosepetals]

I can't wait to see you all, I live about 45 mins north and have lived in the area my whole life. If anyone needs to know about the drive from living in other areas I'm your girl!

See you all soon!

Hi Nolan, I want to buy a condo/townhome, and it seems cheaper up north. What area do you think are good to look into, and is anybody also considering buying?
Thanks

 

[Luba Licious]

Hi Nolan, I want to buy a condo/townhome, and it seems cheaper up north. What area do you think are good to look into, and is anybody also considering buying?
Thanks

I live about 40 minutes north and the subdivision across the highway from me has townhouses going for about 140 or so. I'm not sure how many bedrooms they are. And there are some about ten minutes north of me (still with good access to the interstate) going for about the same. PM me and I can send you more info.

 

[DragonWell]

Hi Nolan, I want to buy a condo/townhome, and it seems cheaper up north. What area do you think are good to look into, and is anybody also considering buying?
Thanks

I'm looking into buying too, and would also greatly appreciate any insights/suggestions as to the best areas to focus on. I'm hoping to find something a little closer than 40 min, and maybe around the Sarasota area (seemed like a little more to do...?), but I haven't really done any serious research yet. I'm planning a trip down in April to hunt. Can't wait to meet everybody !

 

[Luba Licious]

I'm looking into buying too, and would also greatly appreciate any insights/suggestions as to the best areas to focus on. I'm hoping to find something a little closer than 40 min, and maybe around the Sarasota area (seemed like a little more to do...?), but I haven't really done any serious research yet. I'm planning a trip down in April to hunt. Can't wait to meet everybody !

Sarasota is one of the most overpriced housing markets in the country. A bunch of rich retired folk live there. A lot of this area is becoming out of reach. I bought my house about two and a half years ago, and there is no way I could afford it if I were looking to buy now. You might have better luck in Ellenton or Ruskin, but if you're looking to buy you will have a commute on a student budget. One thing to consider, the money/time you spend commuting will be recouped when you go to sell, for sure. My house has doubled in value.