Living in Sarasota, FL: 11 Things You Need To Know

The name “Sarasota” is thought to be derived from a Spanish term for “a place of dancing” — an apt name for this Florida Gulf Coast city just south of the Tampa Bay area. With a lively arts scene, gorgeous beaches, and a burgeoning business center, Sarasota is a magnet for people looking to relocate. If that sounds like you, and you’re thinking about living in Sarasota, FL, read on to find out what you need to know. 

Sarasota at a Glance

Perched along the Gulf of Mexico on the western coast of Florida, Sarasota boasts beautiful beaches — and convenient access to the bigger metro areas to the north and south.
(Source: Google)

1. Experts Agree: Sarasota Is a Sensational Place for Retirees and Families.

People are paying attention to the great things about living in Sarasota, FL. Beautiful beaches, warm weather, and enviable recreational and cultural amenities earn the city a spot on “best of” lists almost every year. In its 2024-2025 edition, U.S. News & World Report ranked Sarasota as No. 11 on the “Best Places to Live” list and No. 18 on “Best Places to Retire,” naming the superb offering of restaurants in Sarasota among its attractions. And even compared to Florida’s many hot spots, Sarasota is the No, 2 place to live in Florida for 2024-2025, just behind ritzy Naples to the south and ahead of bustling Tampa to the north.

The 12-mile stretch of Longboat Key features upscale resorts, beach cottages, and seaside hotels.
(Source: Visit Sarasota County via Facebook)

2. Some of the Most Beautiful Beaches in the World Are in Sarasota.

While the entire Gulf Coast is abundant with award-winning beaches, Sarasota’s more than 35-mile stretch of sand and surf boasts some particularly stunning gems. Six keys (barrier islands) hug the coastline, all with gleaming-white, sugar-soft sand and glorious sunsets, but each with its own distinctive vibe. And like many Florida beach towns, Sarasota’s keys quiet down quite a bit in late spring when the snowbirds head north for the summer.

Here’s a closer look at each one:

Longboat Key

This 12-mile island features resorts, beach cottages, and seaside hotels, plus established residential areas with lovely homes alongside the intracoastal canals that lead out to the open Gulf. A quaint downtown district bustles with shops, beach bars, and restaurants, like the Mar Vista Dockside Restaurant and Pub, a beautiful waterfront spot with a beachy — but elegant — vibe and delicious local seafood. Don’t miss it.

Lido Key

Easily accessible for people living in Sarasota, FL’s downtown, Lido Key is a quieter island, more secluded than the other keys, with three main beach areas. North Lido Beach has limited parking and no amenities. Lido Beach is a popular destination for tourists and locals looking for a relaxed but lively setting, with restrooms, concessions, and a public pool. And at the tip of Lido Key, South Lido Beach offers views of downtown Sarasota and the Gulf of Mexico, plus a picnic area and a nature trail.

Siesta Key

Two bridges from the mainland lead to 8-mile-long Siesta Key, where you’ll find a bustling area of shops and cafes in the village area. And the three beautiful Siesta Key beaches consistently rank among the best in the U.S. and the world — in 2024, in fact, the island was named the No. 2 in the U.S. and No. 9 in the world by TripAdvisor. Siesta Beach has a park and tennis courts, along with a playground for kids. At Crescent Beach, adventurers enjoy exploring Point of Rocks — a half-mile-long rock formation surrounding tidal pools and coral reefs. And at Turtle Beach, boat docks and picnic areas make it a family favorite.

Brohard Beach and Paw Park welcomes furry friends to the county’s only dog-friendly, off-leash beach area.
(Source: Visit Sarasota County via Facebook)

Venice Beach

Sharp-eyed beach strollers may find a treasure or two on this gorgeous beach, which sits atop a fossil layer, 30 feet deep and filled with fossilized sharks’ teeth. Besides these ancient relics, Venice Beach offers pavilion-shaded picnic tables and a waterfront cafe. And the nearby Brohard Paw Park welcomes furry friends to the county’s only dog-friendly beach.

Casey Key

Tucked between Sarasota and Venice, Casey Key is a narrow island that’s home to Sarasota County’s oldest public beach, Nokomis Beach, and the area’s most coveted real estate (average home value: around $561,800). Head to the North Jetty Beach Park for bird watching, fishing, hiking, and picnic spots — and stay for a spectacular sunset from your perch on the paved rocks stretching out into the gulf.

Manasota Key

This 11-mile barrier island is the very definition of a hidden gem. Four beaches attract visitors with lush mangroves and dunes: Manasota Beach, Blind Pass Beach, Stump Pass Beach, and Englewood Beach. Go for a hike along the well-tended trails of Stump Pass Beach State Park. And at Englewood Beach, picnicking and beach volleyball are among the main attractions. After a long day in the sun, stop by the Lock ‘N Key Restaurant and Pub for some tasty cocktails and seafood in a lively pure-Florida setting. 

More than 20 distinctive villages make up the massive Lakewood Ranch, among the nation’s most highly rated planned communities.
(Source: Lakewood Ranch via Facebook)

3. Living in Sarasota, FL: What Are the Best Neighborhoods? 

A flood of newcomers in the early 2020s drove up competition and home prices in Sarasota. In the past two years, though, things have settled down a bit. The average home value in Sarasota in September 2024 is around $453,800, a nearly 2 percent drop from the prior year. 

The beautiful beaches of Siesta Key consistently rank among the best in the U.S. and the world.
(Source: Visit Sarasota County via Facebook)

Of course, the prices will vary, depending on where you want to live. Many consider any of the beach communities mentioned above to be the best places to live in Sarasota, FL, but these come at a steep price. For example, Longboat Key and Siesta Key have average home values of over $1.06M and $925,000, respectively, with many properties stretching into the multi-millions.

But is Sarasota a good place to live aside from the beach communities? Yes! The mainland has plenty of great neighborhood options, too, but for more availability and affordability, you may want to venture outside Sarasota proper. Here are three favorites (plus more to include on your list):

Downtown Sarasota offers a variety of residential options, from vintage bungalows to high-rise condominiums. 
(Source: VisitSarasota.com)

Downtown Sarasota

What is it like to live in Sarasota, FL? The downtown area is a nice microcosm. Walkable neighborhoods stretch out from all sides of the downtown Sarasota area, offering side streets filled with vintage bungalows and bayfront condominium towers with majestic views.

Venice, Florida, offers a relaxed, beachy lifestyle with a dash of elegance.
(Source: Venice, Florida Municipal Government via Facebook)

Venice

Venice offers a relaxed, beachy lifestyle with a dash of elegance. The city was designed as a master-planned community (one of the first in the U.S.), and many of its original 1920s homes have been restored to their former glory — with all the modern conveniences, of course. You’ll find bountiful shopping and dining options on Venice Avenue, just a quick hop away from Venice’s beaches.

And Venice, Florida, home prices tend to be more affordable than their counterparts in their namesake Italian city, but back in the States, they’re comparable to Sarasota homes, coming in at just under $432,100.

There are homes to fit every style and budget in Lakewood Ranch, the award-winning master-planned community in Sarasota.
(Source: Lakewood Ranch via Facebook)

Lakewood Ranch

Families can find their niche in one of the 20+ distinctive villages of Lakewood Ranch, among the nation’s most highly rated planned communities. Businesses, golf courses, schools, and every possible amenity are here, along with the renowned Sarasota Polo Club — one of the many charms that come with living in Sarasota, FL. The typical home value in upscale Lakewood Ranch is about $656,200.

Bradenton offers all the perks of living in Sarasota, FL — waterfront views, historic flavor, and friendly neighbors. 
(Source: Bradenton River District via Facebook)

Other Sarasota Neighborhoods and Nearby Areas To Investigate Include: 

4. There Are Plenty of Things To Do in Sarasota (Besides Going to the Beach).

Stunning beaches are the main attractions for visitors to the Sarasota area, of course, with golfing coming in at a close second. But when the temperature and humidity reach brutal levels in the summer months, locals living in Sarasota, FL, look for less weather-dependent activities. Here’s a quick look at a few of our favorite things about living in Sarasota, FL — call it a locals guide to Sarasota:

The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art

Yes, those Ringlings. John and Mable were serial art collectors throughout their lives, with the Museum opening in 1927 as a legacy to their passion. Beyond visual art, the museum also hosts regular theater screenings, lectures, and more.

Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium

Naturally, any list of things to do in a coastal Florida town is going to include some semi-aquatic adventures. Mote opened its doors in 1955 and has since grown into one of the largest marine research labs in Florida. A trip to its aquarium will bring encounters with everything from manatees to sea turtles, and even a virtual reality trip in the Exploration Gallery. Plus, it’s open 365 days a year — perfect for when you’re looking for something new and Googling “what to do in Sarasota.”

Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall

Take a right off Fruitville Road and look for the angular, lavender building. The Van Wezel hosts concerts, comedy shows, musicals, plays, and dances year-round.

Marie Selby Botanical Gardens

The botanical gardens have two campuses: one in downtown Sarasota and the other in Osprey, as part of the Historic Spanish Point. The beautiful gardens teem with plant life and history, and they frequently host community events. 

St. Armands Circle

Another Ringling creation! St. Armands Circle is a luxurious open-air shopping hub located on St. Armands Key. Dotted with statuary, abundant palm trees, and patios galore, it’s the perfect place to sip on a margarita or three while you watch the sun set after some serious retail therapy.

Sarasota Jungle Gardens

This one’s perfect for your list of things to do in Sarasota with your kids. Ever wanted to get face-to-face with a flamingo? Sarasota Jungle Gardens is your spot. The daily animal shows and petting zoos are sure to please the little ones, while the plentiful (and many shaded) walkways will give parents a relaxing, tropical experience.

UTC Shopping Center

If you’re looking to go on a major, more old-school shopping spree, the Mall at University Town Center is here for you. The sprawling complex is right off I-75 and just a hop, skip, and a jump from Lakewood Ranch. And keep in mind: This mall covers about 880,00 square feet, so wear comfy shoes.

The St. Petersburg waterfront is home to gorgeous parks and marinas.

5. Sarasota Has Some Awesome Neighbors, Too.

As much as Sarasota has to offer, there are some pretty amazing places to visit within an hour or two. Both Clearwater and St. Petersburg boast award-winning white sand beaches (with dolphin tours to boot), and Tampa is a hub for live music and sporting events. (Go Bucs and Bolts!) 

Are you into theme parks? Tampa has Busch Gardens and Adventure Island to quench your thirst for adventure. Love to fish? You can charter a boat out of Clearwater (or really any of these cities) and take to the high seas — er, well the high Gulf of Mexico. And for the culture enthusiasts among you, check out The Dalí Museum, one of several world-class arts institutions in St. Petersburg. 

6. Sarasota Schools Are Outstanding.

You can tell a lot about a community by the quality of its schools. So is Sarasota, Florida, a good place to live with children? Let’s look at the stats: Serving almost 46,000 students, Sarasota County Schools consistently earn high ratings. And according to Niche, the district is No. 2 in the state for 2024. Several individual schools have earned a 9 or 10 (out of 10) review from GreatSchools and impressive marks from the prestigious “U.S. News & World Report Best High Schools in America.” 


Here are a few Sarasota standouts:

7. It’s Easy To Feel Younger in Sarasota.

Despite the glorious Sarasota, Florida, weather, beaches, and slew of recreation opportunities that tend to make anyone feel young, age demographics here skew on the high side compared to the rest of the U.S. At 49, Sarasota’s median age is higher than the national median age of 38 and Florida’s median age of just over 42. What contributes to this higher median age? In addition to the many retirees living in Sarasota full-time, a good percentage of residents are “snowbirds,” meaning they flock south for the winter months and head to points north when the weather gets steamy.

Living in Sarasota, FL, means the opportunity to golf at The Resort at Longboat Key Club — a pristine course just steps away from the Gulf of Mexico.
(Source: The Resort at Longboat Key Club via Facebook)

8. Scottish Settlers Built Florida’s First Golf Course in Sarasota in 1906.

It’s no surprise that the first golf course in the state of Florida was built by a real estate developer in Sarasota. Sent from Scotland to manage a struggling colony of about 60 Scottish families, J.H. Gillespie is known as the “Father of Sarasota.” In addition to building the city’s first roads, establishing its first railroad service, and starting the tourism industry with its first hotel, Gillespie constructed two holes for golf in 1886. He officially opened the golf course in 1905, teeing up the first wave of new residents moving to Sarasota, FL.

Today, Sarasota residents and visitors can choose from hundreds of premier golf courses in the area, from The Highlands to The Groves, a challenging public course.

From local startups to major corporations, businesses of all sizes are welcome in Sarasota.
(Source: Greater Sarasota Chamber via Facebook)

9. Tourism Is No. 1 — But All Kinds of Businesses Are Booming in Sarasota.

The medical industry is a big employer in Sarasota, as are grocery stores and law enforcement agencies. Tropicana, known for fresh orange juice (this is the Sunshine State, after all), still operates in Bradenton, where it was founded in 1947 by an Italian immigrant who arrived in America with $25 in his pocket.

The top six Sarasota employers include:

Creativity thrives in Sarasota, brimming with organizations like The Circus Arts Conservatory.
(Source: The Circus Arts Conservatory via Facebook)

10. Is Sarasota Nice? Ask the Artists. 

Besides the glorious weather, one reason so many people are thrilled about living in Sarasota, FL, is its vibrant arts scene. From the elegance of the Sarasota Opera House, the Sarasota Ballet, and the Asolo Repertory Theatre to Sarasota Contemporary Dance, the Sarasota Cuban Ballet School, the Circus Arts Conservatory, and the world-renowned Sarasota Film Festival — to name a few! — creativity thrives here. 

And it’s not just about highbrow events. If you’re still asking yourself, “Should I move to Sarasota, FL?” check out one of the most intriguing neighborhoods in Sarasota, the Towles Court Artist Colony. It’s a downtown district of bungalows on brick-lined streets, founded in the ‘90s as a live-work haven for artists. Today, the colony is vibrant with galleries and studios, salons, cafes, art therapists, teachers, and more. Visitors are welcome, but the best time for newbies to check out the neighborhood is during open studio nights. 

The promenade at The Ringling is still home to some of the original treasures of Mable and John Ringling.
(Source: The Ringling via Facebook)

11. The Greatest Show on Earth Used To Call Sarasota Home.

The Ringling name is synonymous with Sarasota. For starters, the Ringling College of Art and Design, opened in 1931, earns the highest accolades, with a renowned program in animation complementing its art and liberal arts curriculum. The school was founded by John Ringling, who, with his four brothers, started the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus. 

On their annual trips to Europe to scout circus acts, John and his wife, Mable, toured art houses and built a tremendous collection of baroque masterpieces now on display at The Ringling, the State Art Museum of Florida. 

Adjacent to the museum, Ca’ d’Zan, the couple’s five-story, 41-room Venetian Gothic manor, presides over Sarasota Bay. The name means “House of John” in Venetian dialect, but the home might have more suitably been named after Mable, who was obsessed with all things Italian and wanted her Florida manse to reflect the beauty she’d witnessed on many trips to Italy. Completed in 1926, the home cost $1.65 million, which included a $35,000 Napoleon-style bedroom suite. 

The home eventually fell into disrepair but was renovated beginning in 2002. The $15 million facelift restored the opulent beauty of the home, now open for tours and special events as part of the Ringling Museum. 

Bright pink flamingos delight visitors and guests at Sarasota Jungle Gardens.
(Source: Sarasota Jungle Gardens via Facebook)

PODS Is Ready To Help You Make Sarasota Your Home

Convinced that moving to Sarasota, Florida, is the right move for you? Whether it’s out of state or just down the beach, check out the PODS Blog for advice on how to get there — every step of the way.

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.

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.