Retirees and young professionals among Sarasota residents
Sarasota has made a name for itself among retirees, earning fourth place in U.S. News and World Report’s 2025 Best Places to Retire. The city is the county seat of Sarasota County, with a population of nearly 58,000 people. Sandy beaches like Siesta Key and a thriving arts community centered around The Ringling draw residents. “Season,” from November to April, means a rise in numbers as people seek a warmer climate. “We have a very big ‘snowbird’ population,” says Kelly Harb, vice president of marketing and communications with Visit Sarasota. “They say that the leaves don’t change here, but the license plates do.” The total economic impact of tourism on the county was $4 billion during the 2024 fiscal year.
Major employers are Sarasota Memorial Health Care and construction companies like PGT Innovations. While Sarasota remains a haven for older people, it is making a name for itself among younger generations. U.S. News and World Report says the city was one of the top 10 destinations for young workers. “What we’re thinking is that those are professional-level folks who are coming here for remote work, or they’ve come here to relocate with our companies, or are starting their own companies,” says Josh Ewen, vice president of economic development at the Economic Development Corporation of Sarasota County.
Siesta Key is known for its miles of beachfront with white quartz sand, and beautiful water.
Many art galleries offer drinks & snacks during the first Friday sip & shop.
Sarasota Memorial Health Care is one of the major employers in Sarasota.
Sarasota has many co-working spaces for professional-level folks who are doing remote work.
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Culture Coast and ongoing recreational development
Sarasota is known as Florida’s Culture Coast, a title earned due to its vibrant art scene. “Sarasota really came into its own under the auspice of its art community,” says Patrick Robinson, deputy city manager. The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art anchors the city’s creative spirit and includes the Museum of Art, Ca’ d’Zan and the Circus Museum. “The Ringling Museum is seminal for our area,” Robinson says. John and Mable Ringling opened the museum in 1930, making it the city’s first real investment in the arts. Public art installations are scattered across the city, in front of City Hall and in the center of roundabouts on major roads. Local artists and collectors have galleries throughout Downtown Sarasota and over 13 stages, from McCurdy’s Comedy Theatre to the Sarasota Opera.
There are over 35 miles of beaches across the city. The most well-known is Siesta Beach on Siesta Key, which Tripadvisor named the second-best beach in the country in 2024. The sand is 99% quartz crystal, which gives it a white color and a cool, silky feel. Over 60 public parks are scattered throughout the rest of Sarasota, ranging from Bayfront Park to the recently renovated Bobby Jones Golf Club and Nature Park. The Bay is an ongoing project that will span 53 acres once completed, estimated for 2030. Ten acres are already open to the public, featuring walking trails, a kayak launch, and a full calendar of events, including free concerts and yoga classes. The largest collection of scientifically documented living orchids is displayed at Marie Selby Botanical Gardens. North Tower Park is farther north in the city, with one of southwest Florida’s largest disc golf facilities.
Ca’ d’Zan offers a glimpse into John and Mable Ringling's taste & lifestyle in the Twenties.
Siesta Key beaches are frequented by residents and visitors from morning til night.
The Bay is an ongoing project featuring walking trails, a kayak launch, and many events.
Marie Selby Botanical Gardens has the largest collection of documented living orchids.
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Eateries and independent shops in Sarasota
Sarasota is something of a “foodie’s paradise,” according to Kari Myroniuk, Realtor with Bishop West Real Estate. There are close to 1,000 restaurants in the city. Downtown Sarasota is the epicenter, with eateries ranging from French-inspired breakfast spots to the seafood staple Duval’s, known for its po’boys. There are also plenty of places where friends can meet for a drink. As of 2024, State Street Eating House and Cocktails has won Best Cocktail from Sarasota Magazine for 12 years in a row. Siesta Key Village offers beachside bars and restaurants. Another city standout is Yoder’s Restaurant & Amish Village. During Season, lines for dinner get a little bit longer. “If you need to come to restaurants and you’re a local, you come at 4:30 so you don’t have to wait in line,” Myroniuk says. Downtown Sarasota and Siesta Key Village are filled with independently owned shops and boutiques, while strip malls and shopping centers are found throughout the rest of the city. The Mall at University Town Center has over 100 stores and 20 eateries.
Sarasota is known for its French-inspired restaurants.
State Street Eating House and Cocktails has won Best Cocktail 12 years in a row now.
Siesta Key Village has a number of popular restaurants, like Siesta Key Oyster Bar.
The Mall at University Town Center is a sight featuring over 100 stores and 20 eateries.
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Farmers market and the Pineapple Drop
While permanent residents can enjoy recurring events like the year-round Sarasota Farmers Market every Saturday morning, many annual events are held during the Season. “We have hundreds of special events in Sarasota,” says Robinson. Many are centered around the arts, such as the Sarasota Jazz Festival, held every March. Siesta Key Crystal Classic is a sand sculpture competition every November, which attracts artists worldwide. The highlight of every year is the New Year’s Eve Pineapple Drop, a free night of live music, food and drinks that culminates with a countdown to midnight and the dropping of a lit-up pineapple. “Upwards of 30,000 to 40,000 come into downtown to watch our pineapple drop,” Robinson says.
The Sarasota Farmers Market first began in 1979 and happens every Saturday morning.
Michael White offers free caricature during first Friday's sip & shop.
Siesta Key Crystal Classic is a sand sculpture competition that takes place every November.
Sarasota is known for throwing many events & even having world completions for water sports.
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Condos and single-family homes vary greatly
As of 2024, Sarasota’s median housing price was an even $500,000, the middle ground between other major Floridian cities like Tampa and Miami. Though average home values in the city increased significantly from 2020 to 2023 with an influx of new residents, they have begun to plateau. Craftsman bungalows and cottages from the early 20th century and ranch styles from the 1950s make up the older homes in the city, many of which are found in Downtown Sarasota, along with condos that can cost anywhere from $350,000 to over $8 million, depending on size and location. Properties in waterfront neighborhoods like Lido Key can exceed $10 million, and Mediterranean-influenced and modern motifs are common among these sprawling estates. New construction is concentrated on the city’s south side in neighborhoods like Arlington Park, where modern homes built after 2020 can cost anywhere from $1.5 million to over $3 million.
Single family homes in Downtown Sarasota are set on quiet residential streets.
Downtown Sarasota has many large condominiums, offering residents idyllic sunset views.
Hudson Bayou offers beautiful waterfront homes.
The modern homes in Arlington Park, occupy the higher end of the areas real estate market.
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A-rated school district
The city is part of Sarasota County Schools. Not only does Niche give the district an A rating, but it also says that Sarasota County is the second-best school district in Florida. “As a parent of school-aged kids, I’m very proud of what our school board and school system is doing here,” Robinson says. One of the most acclaimed schools in the county is Pine View, a public charter that earns an A-plus and serves second through 12th grades. Ringling College of Arts and Design is the only institution in Florida that exclusively offers art and design programs. The University of South Florida – Sarasota-Manatee is the largest university in the city. There’s also the New College of Florida, a public honors college, which has over 50 undergraduate majors in arts, humanities and sciences and one master’s degree in applied data science.
Riverview High School was established in 1958 & designed by renowned architect Paul Rudolph.
Pine View school is a public charter school that earns an A-plus.
Ringling College of Arts and Design is the only school that exclusively offers art & design.
The University of South Florida – Sarasota-Manatee is the largest university in the city.
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Warm temperatures and humid climates
Sarasota stays warm throughout the year, with temperatures typically between the low 50s and low 90s. Most of the year is very humid, with a subtropic climate that allows palm trees to remain green and encourages beachgoers throughout the year. The summer is when the humidity peaks, often called the “wet season.” “It’s a different world in the summer,” Myroniuk says. “It’s a slower pace, like you’re living in a tropical paradise.” The winter is slightly drier, and there is little rainfall. According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency, Sarasota has a very high risk of hurricanes. Hurricane season runs from June through November each year. In 2024, the city was hit by three hurricanes. Cleanup efforts began quickly, and several heavily impacted parks were back in operation by Thanksgiving 2024. “I will give all of the credit in the world to our staff,” says Robinson. The City of Sarasota is making steps toward sustainability by introducing solar energy to more buildings and moving towards more electric vehicles for public transportation. These have contributed to a 33% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from 2003 to 2018.
According to FBI data, Sarasota's reported property and violent crime rates exceeded national and state figures in 2022. In 2023, the Sarasota City Police Department reported that the overall crime rate dropped by about 16% from the year before, the largest decrease since 1999. Violent crime rates were down by about 5%, while property crimes were about 19% lower than the 2022 rates.
Major roads and public transportation in Sarasota
Sarasota is largely car-dependent, with U.S. Route 41 running through the city. This major highway, also called the Tamiami Trail, connects Tampa and Miami. However, there is plenty of public transportation in the city. Breeze offers a bus service, and the Bay Runner is a free, open-air trolley that runs through Downtown Sarasota. Bike lanes line many streets downtown, and pedestrians can also use the Legacy Trail to get around. Sarasota Bradenton International Airport is in the northern part of the city. As of December 2024, the airport offers nonstop service to 67 destinations, although 21 are seasonal. “That’s increased by 12 routes over the last year and a half,” Harb says. “The growth has been phenomenal.” The airport itself is also expanding, with a new terminal open as of January 2025.
You can say it is in her blood. Having been born and raised in Erie, Pennsylvania Melissa was able to spend countless hours at her grandfather’s real estate office as a child. Those cherished memories led to her love and dedication to the industry. She started her career as a realtor in the late nineties in the same city where her grandfather had his brokerage. After marrying her husband in 1999 she joined him in the Philadelphia area and continued her career there. Three states and three children later it was 2012, the baby of the family was off to kindergarten, and time for mom to return to real estate. In addition to living in Erie, she also lived in Boston, Chicago, and Atlanta. When the opportunity to move the family to the Sarasota area arose, she was thrilled. Sarasota was no stranger to Melissa, she had the privilege of vacationing here as a young girl with family.
She enjoys exploring all the treasured areas in and around the Sarasota and Manatee County area. There is no place that she will not explore when it comes to real estate. Looking for your piece of paradise, whatever it might be, she will know where to find it. Her friends refer to her as the “Mayor,” they say she knows everyone and all the local gems. The best of the best from where to go paddle boarding to who has the best Cuban sandwich in town (the answer will surprise you!). And of course, a network of the best people and resources around to support your real estate transaction. When she is not busy listing and selling properties or improving her knowledge and skills she loves to be involved in the community and real estate organizations.
She is a member of the Woman’s Council of Realtors and is co-chair for the 2017 annual Fashion Shown. Her real passion is for tomorrow’s leaders, the children, and those who teach them daily. She has spent countless hours volunteering at local schools and the YMCA. She was nominated for Manatee County Volunteer of the Year and was the recipient of the Manatee County YMCA Aquatics Volunteer of the Year.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
