SARASOTA, FL – Located on Florida’s West Coast, Sarasota is a beautiful city steeped in history and culture, known for its beaches, art scene, and delightfully warm year-round weather. Its schools are considered some of the best in the nation and there are numerous recreational activities that have proven to be a major draw for those looking to settle down in the region.
There are many pros for considering a move to Sarasota, along with some cons as well; in this article we’ll go over them both so you can make an informed decision about possibly purchasing a home here.
Sarasota is especially known to both tourists and residents for its pristine beaches, with some of them considered to be the most beautiful beaches on the planet; these include Siesta Key Beach, Lido Beach, Longboat Key Beach, and Turtle Beach.
The city also boasts a rich cultural scene, with the Sarasota Opera, the Ringling Museum of Art, the Sarasota Ballet, and the Sarasota Film Festival – among many other attractions – drawing thousands upon thousands of visitors each and every year.
For fans of outdoor activities, Sarasota’s warm climate and natural beauty are an especially impressive draw. The city has numerous parks and nature preserves – such as Payne Park and Phillippi Estate Park – where residents can walk, bike, run, or picnic. Sarasota Bay is also a popular spot for kayaking, paddleboarding, and fishing and Myakka River State Park and Oscar Scherer State Park are ideal locations for hiking and camping.
There’s also plenty of opportunities for golfing, including top-notch courses at TPC Prestancia and the Ritz-Carlton Golf Club.
Sarasota has also been voted as one of the top locations in the country to retire in – with many well-regarded retirement communities available – and rounding out our list of pros is Sarasota’s impressive culinary scene, which offers numerous high-end restaurants and eateries sure to cater to every taste.
While Sarasota may have an overwhelming number of pros for anyone considering moving there, there are also a few cons that people should be aware. These include its overall high cost of living, with housing prices and basic necessities costing a bit more currently than the national average.
Residents of Sarasota often have to also deal with a regular influx of tourists, which can be a double-edged sword; while visitors to the region often bring with them economic benefits by spending their money there, it can also lead to overcrowding and traffic congestion.
Also, while fans of fun in the sun may enjoy Sarasota’s heat and humidity, that may be a detriment to those who are sensitive to hot climates. Hurricanes are also a regular concern in the region – as is its general lack of public transportation options – and should be factored into any decision when considering to move here.
Overall, Sarasota is a jewel on the West Coast of Florida and offers many benefits to those seeking to relocate from out of state. Hopefully this article has helped you with some basic information about the region that you could use to make your decision.
Florida Gulf Residential specializes in the areas of Sarasota, Siesta Key, Bradenton, Lakewood Ranch, Longboat Key, Venice, Palmer Ranch, Osprey, Anna Maria Island and other Gulf Coast communities. Feel free to give us a call at (941) 304-1975 so we can answer any questions you may have.
Christopher Boyle is an investigative journalist for SEARCHEN NETWORKS® and reports for independent news and media organizations in the United States. Christopher helps keep a keen-eye on what’s happening on the West Coast of Florida on behalf of FLORIDA GULF RESIDENTIAL – Your Real Estate Expert for Sarasota and Surrounding Areas.
