Top Five Reasons Why Living in Sarasota Florida is Exceptional

Whether looking for a tropical vacation getaway or a permanent, year round residence, the options are limitless. Sarasota has lured families, artistic types, business people as well as retirees for decades with its turquoise waters, award winning beaches and rich culture. Living in Sarasota is a unique experience, even when compared to other Florida towns and cities. Sarasota's five barrier islands- Longboat, Lido, Bird, St. Armands and Siesta- are referred to as "keys." These keys are the heart of Sarasota culture and luxury living and distinguish Sarasota from the rest of the state.

1. Cultural Playground

Providing year round events and cultural activities, Sarasota has been dubbed the "culture coast" and for good reason. Home to the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, Sarasota is never without cultural opportunity stretching from North Sarasota to North Port. The Historic Asolo Theater is the perfect place to relax in an ornate venue and be entertained by a theatrical production. A local popular artist collective, s/ART/q, features fresh exhibits through unique art experiences. Sarasota residents await the three week period in June, when the Sarasota Music Festival, recognized as one of the finest classical music events in the nation, presents international guest artists and musical students for an extraordinary sensory experience each year.

2. Multiple Housing Options

Vacationers typically rent a condo in Sarasota for a week, then a month, and then they consider making a more permanent move, and it is a smart move. The greater Sarasota area offers some of the best real estate opportunity in Florida. From Florida style villas and townhouses, to historic homes, condos, acreage estates and waterfront mansions, Sarasota provides options for all budgets and lifestyles. With the lean recession years becoming a distant memory, the Sarasota real estate market is hot. Sarasota home values have risen by over 10% in the past year and are predicted to keep rising, making this a great time for buyers looking to relocate to the area. Affordability is historically strong in this area and will continue to be, adding even more incentive to purchase a condo or home in Sarasota. The following neighborhoods are know to be the most popular in Sarasota:

  • Lido Key
  • Central Cocoanut
  • Indian Beach/Sapphire Shores
  • Arlington Park

These neighborhoods are "must sees" when considering Sarasota real estate.

3. High Quality Healthcare

Four local, award-winning hospitals provide guaranteed, quality healthcare to Sarasota residents and visitors. Sarasota Memorial Hospital, one of the largest acute care public health systems in Florida, has been consistently ranked as one of US News and World Reports "Best Hospitals." The Money Magazine listed Sarasota as one of the "Best Cities with the Best Healthcare Systems." Whether you are a family with active, young children or a member of the aging baby boomer population, residing in Sarasota provides a sense of confidence that your medical needs will always be met.

4. Fabulous Foodie Experience

With more than fourteen hundred culinary options, ranging from gourmet eateries to niche food trucks, Sarasota is a foodee's dream. Here are just a few delicious options for food lovers of all ages:

  • Derek's.- Self-described as rustic, coastal cuisine, Derek's redefines many customary dishes, such as Southern Seafood Muddle and Roasted Free Range Chicken.
  • Capital Grille. - An upscale steak house chain, Capital Grille was introduced at Sarasota's Mall at the University Town Center and has been packed ever since. Capital Grille has made a name for itself by crafting creative seasonal appetizers and side dishes. The upscale, but casual atmosphere provides a great hang out.
  • Indigenous.- Steve Phelps, an award winning culinary genius, prides himself on presenting fresh and local ingredients in the form of small, well considered plates. Indigenous is an experience that keeps foodees coming back again and again.
  • The Donut Experiment.- Located in Anna Maria, the experience begins with fluffy, mouth watering cake donuts and continues with a copious offering of customized confections. The end result is a one-of-a-kind donut unlike anything you have ever tasted before.

5. Outdoor Living

Enjoying native wildlife and natural surrounding is easy and fun in the greater Sarasota area. Whether you and your family enjoy bird watching, fishing, hiking or kayaking, Sarasota offers all of it. Legacy Trail, which occupies the train tracks that were laid to serve Sarasota's earliest businesses, is ideal for hiking, biking and enjoying the natural surroundings. Many residents describe the trail as an opportunity to travel back in time and enjoy the area in its most rustic form.

With all of this and more to offer, the Sarasota area is a unique and enriching place to live. Sarasota homes are available with unlimited options and now is a great time to consider purchasing Sarasota real estate and calling Sarasota "home."