Sarasota is a haven for families, retirees, young people and career professionals. If you're moving to Sarasota, or thinking about relocating to the area, there's a lot you should know. Our warm weather, abundant recreation, strong economy and charming neighborhoods makes this city the perfect place to work, play, raise children, or enjoy your golden years (whatever the case may be). Here's what you need to know.
1. Warm Weather and Comfortable Climate
Sarasota temperatures usually fall between 50 (winter low) and 90 degrees (summer high). The sun shines about 250 days per year, which is significantly more than the national average of 205 days per year. Sarasota also gets about 56 inches of rain per year, which is about a foot and a half more rain per year than the national average.
Snow is basically unheard of in the Sarasota area, and freezing weather is very rare. The most comfortable days occur in March, April and November, while peak summer tends to be the most uncomfortable time of year. If you like warm weather and sun, Sarasota is an excellent place to spend time.
2. Lots To Do
All of that great weather would go to waste if there weren't also fun things to do in the area! There are many fun activities for you to enjoy, whether you're living in the area or just visiting.
- The Ringling.
The State Art Museum of Florida, is home to one of the preeminent art and cultural collections in the United States. Its story begins a century ago, with the circus impresario, John Ringling and his wife, Mable, love for Sarasota, Italy and art.
- Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium.
Explore the secrets of the sea through touch pools, viewable working labs and high-tech interactive exhibits that showcase the world-renowned research of Mote Marine Laboratory. See sharks, manatees and sea turtles, along with more than 100 other species of marine life.
- Marie Selby Botanical Gardens.
Nestled in the shores of beautiful Sarasota Bay, Selby Gardens is a tropical urban oasis with something for everyone. Relax amidst nature’s beauty and all the scenery of unparalleled botanical bliss to carry you away. Shores of beautiful Sarasota Bay, Selby Gardens is a tropical urban oasis with something for everyone. Relax amidst nature’s beauty and allow the scenery of unparalleled botanical bliss.
3. Strong Economy
The Sarasota rate of unemployment is 3.1%. This is significantly less than the U.S. average of 3.9%, and future job growth in the area is projected to be 44.6%, which is also much higher than the national average of 33.5%.
Sales tax is low, and there is no income tax. Healthcare, accommodation and food services are the major industries in the area. The biggest employers in the area include Tropicana, the Board of Education, Sun Hydraulics, PGT Industries and Doctors Hospital of Sarasota. The varied employers and strength of the work force makes Sarasota an excellent place to find a job.
Largest area employers:
- Sarasota Memorial Hospital
- PGT Innovations
- IMG Academy
- Tropicana Products
- Sun Hydraulics.
[Read More: The Best Country Clubs in Sarasota]
4. Beautiful Beaches
Beautiful Beaches: Sun, sand and water are three things Sarasota has an abundance of, but not all Sarasota beaches are the same. Six islands line Sarasota' extensive coastline, each revealing its own personality, recreational options and natural beauty. No worries; you do not have to choose just one.
- Siesta Key
Enjoying its reputation as one of America’s Best Beaches, Siesta Beach is made famous by its sugar-fine, quartz-white sand. A short jaunt from the public beach is a village of outdoor dining, coffee shops and shopping. Turtle Beach sits beyond the sea grapes on the Key’s southern end and is a popular site for launching kayaks.
- Casperson Beach
Caspersen Beach in Venice is one of the longest stretches of beach still in its natural state along Sarasota County’s shoreline. Hiking paths and boardwalks allow for bird watching and views of plant species. Near Caspersen is Sarasota County’s only dog-friendly beach, Brohard Beach Paw Park.
- Longboat Key
Longboat Key is the northernmost and longest island along Sarasota’s coast, boasting 12 miles of shoreline. During the summer season, Longboat Key is a popular beach for turtles to nest and lay their eggs. - Venice Beach
Visit Venice Beach for the long uninterrupted shoreline, hiking trails, and the view of the water. - Manasota Key
This is the place to be for grilling and picnicking among the sand dunes.
Learn more about the Sarasota beaches on the Visit Sarasota website, where you can read full descriptions and click into each beach individually to find out more.
Want to experience the beaches in a party-like atmosphere? Check out the Sip-N-Cycle Cruise line, which brings together friends and fun for a relaxing day on the water. If you're looking for something calmer and more back to nature, check out the Mangrove Tunnel Kayak Ecotour.
5. Charming Neighborhoods
Sarasota is home to many charming neighborhoods. Homeowners have their pick of peaceful quiet streets in neighborhoods like Old Forest Lakes, or up-and-coming, diverse areas like Bayou Oaks. The median home cost in Sarasota is around $265,000. That's a little higher than the national average, but most homeowners think it's worth it to live so close to the beautiful beaches and natural wonders found in Florida's landscape.
Home prices are appreciating too, so homeowners who invest in their home can make good money when the time comes to sell. If you're buying a home in Sarasota, visit all the neighborhoods you can, so you can find the home that's right for you. If you don't find the perfect home, you can always remodel a house to make it a more fitting place for you.
6. Exciting Nightlife
Sarasota isn't just fun during the daytime, it's also great fun at night. Whether you're looking for a comedy club, a fun hang out or a unique experience altogether, Sarasota has a little something for everyone. Favorite nightlife clubs in the area include:
- Marina Jack. A Sarasota waterfront destination for dining outside on Blue Sunshine Patio Bar and Grill or inside the glassed enclosed Marina Jack restaurant. Enjoy cruising on the Marina Jack II for a memorable way to enjoy the sunset over the Gulf of Mexico.
- McCurdy's Comedy Club. Do you love to laugh? If so, then your funny bone will be entertained by the best comedians in the industry at McCurdy’s Comedy Club. Before the show experience The Green Room for drinks, tasty bites and laughter. A great place for date night, lighthearted fun with friends or to impress out of town guests!
- Mattison's City Grill Downtown Sarasota. Enjoy an outdoor atmosphere with live music, dancing, chef crafted food and endless drink menu.
- Daiquiri Deck. The place to hang out for great live music, tasty bites and the best variety of frozen daiquiri’s with locations on Siesta Key and St. Armand’s Circle.
7. Outdoor Fun
Walking, kayaking, biking and fishing are all very important activities in Sarasota. With more than average sunny days per year, warm weather, and lots of natural wildlife, you'll be able to find outdoor activities all year round.
Check out the Myakka River State Park for a day of canoeing or hiking, where you'll see a combination of wetlands, prairie and pinelands. Like camping? The state park has primitive camping, developed camping and equestrian camping opportunities for visitors. At Myakka, you can also go snorkeling, bird watching, star gazing and more. No matter what your preference, you'll be able to find an outdoor activity that's right for you.
Want to spend time walking and observing the beauty in the greater Sarasota county? Check out the Legacy trail, which connects many communities in Sarasota county.
Looking for a Design Build Firm in Sarasota?
Are you remodeling your home or a room of your home sometime in the near future? Want to turn the home you just bought into your dream home? Contact Gilbert Design Build, a design build company with a reputation for excellence in Sarasota.
