The Best Neighborhoods in Sarasota: 9 Gems on Florida’s Culture Coast

Just an hour south of the Tampa Bay area, Sarasota was once a sleepy Southwest Florida retirement oasis on the way to Naples and Miami. Today, the best neighborhoods in Sarasota comprise a bustling cultural and business center, a beautiful downtown core, an innovative arts community, peaceful suburban and agricultural land, and of course, stunning beaches that have attracted visitors for decades. If you’re among the many people thinking about moving to Sarasota, check out our guide to the best Sarasota neighborhoods and find out what’s so special about this gem on Florida's Gulf Coast.

What If … You Could Live in One of the Top Sarasota Neighborhoods?

Imagine calling a vacation destination home. That's the vibe in Sarasota County, where almost 2.9 million people visited between October 2023 and November 2024. And with population growth at a robust 9 percent since 2020, it’s likely some of those guests are deciding to move from another state to live in Sarasota year-round.

Like much of Florida’s Gulf Coast, the best neighborhoods in Sarasota attract retirees. More than 43 percent of residents are seniors, drawn in by the golf resorts, the gulf beaches, and glorious winter weather. And U.S. News & World Report named the city No. 4 on its list of the best places to retire in 2025. (Florida’s challenging real estate market knocked Sarasota off the No. 1 spot, which it held in 2020 and 2021.)

But young folks have found Sarasota, too, sparking an energized creative community that rivals larger metro areas in Florida and across the country. In fact, U.S. News & World Report ranks Sarasota No. 11 in its best places to live rankings for 2025.

With an average of 255 days of sun every year, Southwest Florida living is all about the outdoors. Besides beach-strolling and sunbathing, golf tops the list of activities for Sarasota residents. There are hundreds of premier golf courses in the area, including elite championship clubs and public courses open to all levels of expertise. 

Resort-style homes are plentiful along Sarasota’s many waterways and golf courses.

What Are Home Prices Like in the Best Neighborhoods in Sarasota?

As you might expect for a vacation paradise with a growing year-round population, prices for just about everything are a smidge higher in Sarasota than in other Florida cities — other than ultra-upscale locales like Palm Beach and Naples. This is especially true when it comes to housing costs in the best Sarasota neighborhoods. 

The average home value across Sarasota neighborhoods is $444,200, down 4.2 percent from a year ago, according to Zillow, compared to the average home value in the U.S. of $357,500. If you’re moving from a high-priced area like New York City or Washington, D.C., you may still think Sarasota is a good deal. But if you’re not in that group, there are some areas relatively close to Sarasota that offer more affordability.   

Compare Home Prices in Sarasota and the Tampa Bay Metro Area:

• Sarasota: $444,200
• Bradenton: $370,100
• North Port: $333,700
• Palmetto: $369,800
• Tampa: $375,800
• St. Petersburg: $372,000
• Clearwater: $362,300
• United States average: $357,500

How Much Does It Cost To Rent an Apartment in Sarasota?

Given Florida’s somewhat transient nature, the best neighborhoods in Sarasota offer plenty of options for renters. In fact, 43 percent of homes in Sarasota are occupied by renters versus 57 percent by homeowners. The average monthly cost to rent a one-bedroom apartment is $2,075, about $325 more than the national average of $1,750, according to RentCafe. 

Rents vary, of course, depending on the specific location — and with eclectic neighborhood options, the prices can fluctuate quite a bit among places to live in Sarasota, Florida. The closer you get to downtown, the beaches, and all the best neighborhoods, Sarasota becomes more expensive. In exclusive St. Armand’s Key, for instance, the average rent is $3,100, and in the more family-oriented Lakewood Ranch, the average is a bit more modest at $2,150.

Best Places To Live in Sarasota, FL: Neighborhoods in the City and Beyond

Just like its residents, from families to young professionals to relaxed, retired boomers, Sarasota neighborhoods and suburbs are diverse and distinctive. And in Sarasota, “best neighborhoods” can mean many things. Here’s a quick look at a few faves:

1. Downtown Sarasota

• Average rent (one bedroom): $3,300
• Average home value: $1.05M
• Great for: Affluent families, retirees, professionals, art lovers

Looking up from any street in Sarasota’s downtown core, you’ll see condominium and apartment towers stretching high along the skyline. The urban lifestyle is ideal for young professionals and empty nesters looking for the convenience and energy of downtown living, with plenty of shopping and art events. The restaurant scene has flourished in recent years, as it has in many Sarasota neighborhoods, with world-class dining at places including Bar Hana, where you’ll find Pan-Asian cuisine with a tiki-bar vibe. If comfort food is more your style, check out MADE (an acronym for Modern American Delicious Eats). Street fairs are popular here, thanks to the glorious weather from fall until the start of summer. And the weekly farmers market is a year-round favorite, every Saturday from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. — rain or shine. It’s pricey, though, with homes more than a million dollars as the norm — but that’s to be expected in one of the best neighborhoods in Sarasota.

Key West-style bungalows adorn Laurel Park, coveted as an arts-centered enclave and one of the best places to live in Sarasota, FL.

2. Laurel Park

• Average rent (one bedroom): $3,100
• Average home value: $870,000
• Great for: Affluent families, retirees, professionals, art lovers

This neighborhood has been compared to New York City’s Greenwich Village, thanks to its eclectic mix of history — with old Key West-style bungalows, cafes, and boutiques — and its appeal to artists, who founded the Towles Court Artists Colony back in the 1990s. The district’s lush pathways wind through residences and artists’ studios, and on the third Friday of each month, the studios remain open until 8 p.m. with special exhibitions, live music, and other treats. Unfortunately it’s unlikely that any struggling artists will find a place they can afford elsewhere in Laurel Park, however, with even small homes running at least half a million. But the neighborhood is a delight for visitors and affluent creators, brimming with personality and charm. Try Indigenous, where the James Beard Award-nominated chef specializes in locally sourced seafood and farm-to-table innovation. 

3. Fruitville

• Average rent (one bedroom): $2,100
• Average home value: $455,100
• Great for: Families, outdoor enthusiasts, suburban dwellers

About 15 minutes from downtown Sarasota, Fruitville is an affordable, family-friendly Sarasota-area option, with an average home value of under a half million. It’s still convenient to the arts and businesses of downtown but with a decidedly suburban atmosphere compared to other Sarasota neighborhoods. Fruitville Park is the recreation hub of the area, with soccer, basketball, softball, and pickleball, plus playgrounds and trails. For post-sports dining and brews, locals love Seigfried’s, a German-inspired destination with outdoor dining and a fun, festive vibe. All the popular chain faves are nearby, as well, and that also goes for shopping — Target, Publix, and Home Depot are just a few of the hotspots within easy reach. 

4. Longboat Key, FL

• Average rent (one bedroom): $3,200
• Average home value: $1.04M
• Great for: Retirees, resort-style aficionados, boaters

Homes on this key’s 16-square-mile stretch average a hefty $1M and up, with many homes in the multiple millions — about what you might expect for a gorgeous resort-style community. Canals wind through established upscale neighborhoods, wrapping around homes outfitted with docks and dazzling boats for easy access to the open Gulf of Mexico. Sarasota dining and shopping are just a few minutes away at elegant St. Armand’s Circle, but Longboat Key also has a charming village of its own, with beach-y cafes, bars, and restaurants. A standout is Mar Vista, specializing in locally sourced seafood served under 100-year-old buttonwood trees. For a more upscale experience, the Resort at Longboat Key Club has five dining on-site destinations — but vacationers are the main clientele. Locals celebrating an elegant date night or special occasion have plenty to choose from — including Maison Blanche, a mainstay on the island with classic French cruising.

5. North Port, FL

• Average rent (one bedroom): $1,800
• Average home value: $333,700
• Great for: Outdoor lovers, retirees, families

About 45 minutes southeast of downtown Sarasota, North Port is a family-friendly town — a true hidden gem in Southwest Florida — and though technically not among the intown Sarasota neighborhoods, more than worthy of inclusion in our list. Tucked away just south of Myakka River State Park, North Port is inland, but with 80 miles of freshwater canals meandering through the town, there’s plenty of waterfront property and views. The area is also home to Warm Mineral Springs Park, listed in the U.S. National Register of Historic Places as an underwater archaeological site known locally as “Miracle Lake” for its mineral-rich healing properties. Back on land, typical home prices in the North Port area are in the low- to mid-$300Ks. And dining is somewhat sparse in this small town, but a definite must-have is the authentic Mexican cuisine at family-owned Blue Tequila.

6. Venice, FL

• Average rent (one bedroom): $1,975
• Average home value: $421,900
• Great for: Beach lovers, retirees, families 

Venice is another relatively affordable seaside alternative near Sarasota. And like the best neighborhoods in Sarasota, Venice features enclaves that run the gamut from grand and elegant to cozy and modest. Venice Avenue, leading to the beach, is lined with gorgeous Spanish-style estates with starting values around $1 million. In the historic downtown, about 100 independently owned shops and restaurants welcome visitors and residents year-round. The Venice beaches are the main attraction, though, with soft, sugar-white sand and plenty of seashells to collect. The iconic 1963-era sail pavilion features a concession stand and some shade to take a welcome break from the Florida sunshine. For dining beyond the beachy favorites, try the Crow’s Nest, a mainstay since the late 1970s for fresh-off-the-boat seafood and cocktails. 

For more affordable home options, Bradenton is a smart destination for young families and professionals. 

7. Bradenton, FL

• Average rent (one bedroom): $1,975
• Average home value: $370,100
• Great for: Beach lovers, boaters, retirees, families

Just north of Sarasota in Manatee County, Bradenton is home to the oldest working fishing village in Florida, Cortez Historic Fishing Village — and the town has quite an interesting history as an early settlement for Native Americans and, later, the renowned explorer DeSoto. In today’s greater Bradenton area, typical home values run close to $400K, making the city an affordable option for the roughly 57,500 residents who enjoy the benefits of Florida’s Gulf Coast — and then some. Downtown features a museum, planetarium, aquarium, and parks, plus a gorgeous riverwalk, plenty of parks, and Historic Main Street’s shops and restaurants. Dining on the deck of Bradenton’s Pier 22 restaurant on Memorial Pier, guests have a view of fishing boats and lavish yachts cruising in and out of the Manatee River marina.

8. Lakewood Ranch, FL

• Average rent (one bedroom): $2,150
• Average home value: $646,500
• Great for: Beach lovers, suburbanites, retirees, families

Consistently honored as one of the best master-planned communities in the U.S., Lakewood Ranch has more than 30 villages on its property situated on the east side of I-75 (Sarasota is on the west). The famed Sarasota Polo Club and upscale golf and country clubs are just part of the area’s wealth of recreational amenities that make it one of the best neighborhoods in Sarasota. And with just over 40,000 residents (note: that’s a 51 percent increase since 2020!), Lakewood Ranch has more than 23,500 homes and rental properties along with almost 3,000 businesses. It’s also ranked as the safest neighborhood in the Sarasota area, according to NeighborhoodScout. Dining and shopping runs the gamut in the community’s three town centers, from Deep Lagoon Seafood and Oyster House (a popular “upscale casual” Florida chain) to breakfast-and-lunch dishes at Forked at Waterside. 

9. Palmetto, FL

• Average rent (one bedroom): $1,200
• Average home value: $369,800
• Great for: Families, retirees, farmers, recreation lovers

Perched along the Manatee River, Palmetto has a strong geographic advantage among all Sarasota neighborhoods: It’s just across the bridge from downtown Bradenton and 15 minutes south of St. Petersburg via the Sunshine Skyway Bridge, which lights up to honor various holidays and organizations throughout the year. Palmetto began as a farming community, thanks to the rich Florida soil and year-round tropical climate, and still serves as an agricultural hub — but also has its share of mid-rise condominiums and rentals perched along the waterfront. A quaint downtown historic district has an old-fashioned mom-and-pop feel with storefront shops and restaurants and the Palmetto Market, held monthly on the second Saturday from October through April. And local attractions include Sutton Park, home to the DeSoto Seafood Festival and A Taste of Manatee, and the Manatee County Agricultural Museum, honoring the area’s farming history. Neighborhoods in Palmetto vary from resort-style waterfront communities such as Terra Ceia to modest inland subdivisions. Vacationers (and brides!) adore the Palmetto Riverside Bed and Breakfast, a beautiful slice of Old Florida — but with all the modern amenities.

Sarasota Neighborhoods — FAQs

Considering a move to this sun-soaked Florida city? There’s so much to consider in the best neighborhoods in Sarasota — from vibrant downtown living to resort-style vibes to a rural or suburban home, every taste is fulfilled. Here’s a few more details to help you narrow down your selection:

Q: What Is the Best Neighborhood in Sarasota for Retirees? 
A: Collectively, Sarasota neighborhoods are a retiree’s paradise. Dozens of golf courses, waterfront resorts, and exclusive seniors-only communities keep the city atop “best places to retire” lists practically every year. But depending on what you’re looking for, some areas are more suitable than others for the leisurely pace many older folks desire. So where do most retirees live in Sarasota? Downtown’s rich arts scene and dining destinations are a great bet for those in search of the finer things. And the beaches are a given: Walking endless stretches of the Gulf of Mexico is a dream come true for lots of retirees. Keep in mind, of course, the seasonal influx of snowbirds and Spring Breakers — but there’s plenty of space for everyone to coexist peacefully, no matter what you define as the best neighborhood in Sarasota.

Q: Where Is the Best Area To Live in Sarasota?
A: It’s pretty clear that Sarasota has an abundance of high-quality neighborhoods that could be considered the best. If you’re partial to seaside living, Longboat Key or Venice should be on your short list. Or is a planned community with all the convenience of nearby amenities more your style? If that’s the case, Lakewood Ranch is your heaven. That’s the beauty of Sarasota neighborhoods: a place to fit every taste.

Q: Where Is the Safest Place To Live in Sarasota, Florida?
A: The safest spot among Sarasota neighborhoods, according to NeighborhoodScout, is Lakewood Ranch/Serenoa. Overall, the city of Sarasota ranks a 6 on the site’s crime scale, which isn’t ideal — but keep in mind that every city has its rough spots, and that tends to bring the composite crime score down. Do your research and figure out where your comfort level lies. 

With 35 miles of Florida coastline stretching around the Sarasota keys, residents and vacationers have an abundance of appealing destinations to explore.

Q: Where's the Best Sarasota Beach?
A: Like most things about Sarasota, the coastline offers an abundance of appealing choices. About 35 miles of beaches wrap around six keys that serve as barrier islands protecting the mainland.

Here are a few standouts:

Siesta Key

Lido Key

Q: How Are the Schools in Sarasota?
A: Sarasota County Schools earn high ratings — in fact, for 2024, Niche rates the district as the second-best in the state of Florida. Several schools have been honored with 10/10 reviews from GreatSchools, and the district also ranks consistently in the coveted U.S. News & World Report “Best Schools in America.” More than 45,000 students attend the county’s 62 schools. 

Nearly a dozen colleges and universities also call Sarasota home, including the Ringling College of Art and Design, which welcomes about 2,000 students every year to its 13 degree programs. Among its accolades, the internationally acclaimed school was named the No. 1 school in the world for graphic design and the No. 2 in the U.S. among top creative schools. 

Q: What Are the Most Fun Things To Do in Sarasota?
A: Known for good reason as Florida’s Cultural Coast, Sarasota neighborhoods and the surrounding area are rich with options in the arts, from elegant performing arts centers to independent galleries and dance companies. 

One of the most exciting annual events is the Sarasota Film Festival, which has been around for about a quarter-century but in the past decade has gained prestige and attendees from all over the world. Cinephiles enjoy a week-plus of major motion pictures and indie films, along with panel discussions and workshops hosted by industry pros.

Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall

The Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall anchors many arts organizations in the area, presenting about 100 events a year, including performances by the Sarasota Ballet, the Sarasota Orchestra, and touring Broadway productions.  

Asolo Repertory Theatre

The Asolo Repertory Theatre is the largest Equity theatre in the state and the largest repertory theatre in the Southeast. Other arts organizations include the Sarasota Cuban Ballet School and the Sarasota Opera.

Sarasota’s impressive Ringling Museum of Art houses an extensive permanent collection along with world-class touring exhibitions.

Ringling Museum of Art

Sarasota arts would not be where they are today without John and Mabel Ringling, founders of the Ringling Museum of Art, which houses the couple’s extensive collection along with world-class touring exhibitions. Standouts on the impressive campus are the Ting Tsung and Wei Fong Chao Center for Asian Art and the Monda Gallery for Contemporary Art, both opened in 2016, as well as the Kotler-Coville Glass Pavilion, opened in 2018.

Local Art Events

More participatory artsy happenings in Sarasota neighborhoods include an art walk and Open Studio Nights in the Towles Court Artist Colony, a downtown Sarasota live-work enclave for creative types. Visitors can check out the galleries, studios, salons, and cafes of the neighborhood on the third Friday of every month from October through May, from 4 to 8 p.m.

Plan Your Move to One of Our Top Sarasota Neighborhoods

Sarasota and other parts of Florida are popular destinations for people moving south, so it helps to do some advance planning. Moving can involve a lot of uncertainty, from finding your ideal home and submitting a winning offer in a super-tight housing market to adjusting to shifting closing dates and other last-minute delays. To stay adaptable without stressing out once you’ve selected your new home from the best neighborhoods in Sarasota, it helps to choose a flexible solution like portable moving containers from PODS, which offer built-in storage options to keep your personal belongings safe and secure between homes — whether it’s just for a few days or even a few months. 

For example, besides giving you the freedom to move at your own pace, PODS makes it easy to reserve in advance. It’s no problem to change your dates and even cancel your initial delivery, either.* 

Call PODS at 855-706-4758 for personalized advice and moving quotes for long-distance moves, or get your local moving quote online. 

*For more information on PODS’ Reschedule and Cancel policy, visit pods.com/cancel.

Editor’s note: Average rent prices were obtained from RentCafe and average home values were obtained from Zillow. For ease of reading, monthly rental prices were rounded to the nearest $25 and home values were rounded to the nearest $100.

Shannon Jacobs is a Tampa-based freelance writer and frequent contributor to the PODS Blog. She has lived in Atlanta, the Berkshires, and Nashville, but always returns to the warmth of Florida’s Gulf Coast.