Sarasota has become the #1 destination for people to relocate to from all over the country. In the last 10+ years the area has grown in popularity and wealth.
Having one of, if not THE most rich geographic locations–Sarasota offers something for everyone from 6 luxury Islands, a luxurious downtown, and some very high end gated communities.
There is also a fair amount of affordable real estate making the city a #1 choice for many.
For over the last decade Siesta Key Beach has been among the top rated beaches in the US claiming the #1 spot many times. Sarasota has also been at the top of many lists as the #1 city where to Retire and #1 city to start a business.
The city has a small town feel and offers everything you would want in a big city.
Here is everything you need to know about Sarasota.
Where is Sarasota Florida?
Sarasota is located south of Tampa Bay on the coast 60 miles south of Tampa and 38 miles away south of St Pete. Sarasota is 130 miles from Orlando which is about a 2 hour drive.
What is Sarasota Florida known for?
Sarasota Florida is most know for Siesta Key Beach which some argue is the best rated beach in the world because of the rare white quartz sand. It has also become a hub for the wealthy who invest lots of money by building large luxury waterfront homes. Sarasota has started to draw the comparison to Naples FL because of the amount of wealth in these 2 cities.
Sarasota is the 2nd wealthiest City on the Florida Gulf Coast. Being a bit younger than Naples FL and the surrounding cities there is more new construction here than most of the other areas.
What part of Sarasota is best?
Unlike most cities, Sarasota's Luxury real estate is spread throughout the city. Downtown Sarasota had 7 new condominiums built and there are several more in the process. This area has million dollar views of one of the most beautiful bays.
Across the Ringling Bridge is Bird Key. It's about 250 acres with 510 homes and a Yacht Club and many homes on a deep water canal.
Further west past Bird Key is St Armands Circle and Lido Key. This area also has many waterfront homes and right in the middle is the circle which has many dining and shopping options. Its a very popular spot for tourists and locals.
North of St Armands circle is Longboat Key which is the secret Hamptons of Sarasota. Some of the most expensive real estate is here and its one of the most private islands in the state of Florida.
South of downtown Sarasota is another very prestigious neighborhood Harbor Acres. These homes are very diverse with many older homes torn down and replaced with mega mansions.
Siesta Key Island is very residential with no wrong place to get a home. The higher end real estate tends to be towards the northern and southern side of the island.
South of Siesta Key is Casey Key. It's a very narrow island with many homes having water on both sides. Some of the largest homes in the county are located here.
How wealthy is Sarasota Florida?
Sarasota is the 2nd wealthiest city on the Gulf Coast of Florida. The gap between 2nd and 3rd is pretty big showing how wealthy this area is compared to the other cities. In the last 3 years there were 29 homes SOLD between $10 - $20 Million. There were 206 homes SOLD between $5 - $10 Million.
Here is a chart showing the luxury real estate sold in south west Florida.
What is the biggest negative of living is Sarasota Florida?
Sarasota is so well rounded that its hard to come up with a true negative. Things like traffic is a negative for people in most cities across the US and Sarasota may not be as bad as the bigger cities.
I have said this for a very long time, We live in the GREATEST country in the world, in the BEST state in that country, in the BEST city in that state. For the season of life I'm in right now that is reality.
How does Sarasota compare to Naples?
Sarasota and Naples FL are the most comparable in south west Florida.
Similar
Both cities have a lot of ocean front homes, waterfront homes and condominiums. Residents in both cities enjoy exotic cars and fine dining.
Difference
Sarasota has a very large bay, arguable one of the most beautiful in Florida. Sarasota also has a relatively large downtown. Sarasota has more beaches with public access and parking.
Here is a comparison chart of the cities in south west Florida.
Here is a video tour of Sarasota.
I would love to hear from you!
Did you get a good understanding of what Sarasota has to offer?
Do you have any other questions I can answer for you?