Sarasota is a charming small city located 60 miles south of Tampa on Florida's Gulf Coast. Downtown Sarasota boasts walkable neighborhoods with side streets where you can find bungalows and condos with ocean views. Sarasota is a cultural hub that includes local eateries, theaters, local boutiques, art galleries, and even an opera house. Sarasota has so much to offer, from outdoor adventures on one of the pristine beaches to a thriving art scene and great real estate opportunities. You can enjoy outdoor activities all year round with pleasant weather, including paddle boarding, taking a glass-bottom boat tour, a casual beach ride, or visiting manatee pods. Sarasota offers the best of both worlds, with a booming small city surrounded by peaceful nature. The downtown Sarasota real estate market is competitive as more people discover all it has to offer.
You can also enjoy the smaller city feel of Sarasota while having easy access to Tampa, just 60 miles up the coast.
Stunning beaches
People are drawn to the beautiful beaches that are in close proximity to downtown Sarasota. The Gulf Coast is known for its stunning, award-winning beaches, but Sarasota is home to some of the most spectacular with its 35-mile stretch of coastline. Here, you can expect to experience soft white sand and crystal-clear blue waters. There are six keys, also known as barrier islands, off Sarasota. There is something for everyone as each key offers its own flavor and vibe. Siesta Key may be the most well-known key and is easy to get to from Sarasota. This key offers shops and cafes, stunning, world-renowned beaches, a park, tennis courts, and a kids’ playground.
Nature is in your backyard
While you enjoy the perks of city living, Sarasota also reaps the benefits of being surrounded by a beautiful ecosystem of sea birds, dolphins, and other sea creatures. You are likely to see a dolphin or manatee in Sarasota Bay, a gentle sea turtle, and colorful fish.
Take a
kayak tour or rent a paddle board in the mangroves and experience this lively ecosystem. You can learn about the local ecosystem at the
Mote Marine Aquarium, where you can support this organization in its conservation and rehabilitation efforts. The Aquarium is a great place to spend a Saturday to see sharks, fish, and exciting sea life up close.
Year-round perfect weather
The average temperature is a perfect 73 degrees, and it is sunny 251 days a year. In Sarasota, you get to enjoy all of the great amenities year-round. That means more time at the beach, paddle boarding, kayaking, or playing golf.
Cultural experiences
Sarasota is known for its rich culture and art scene. Interestingly, Sarasota was once the winter home of the Ringling Brothers circus and is currently the location of the Ringling Museum of Art, where you can see an extraordinary collection of everything from old masterpieces to modern art. Downtown is the heart of the local art scene, where you can spend a day wandering down "Gallery Row" as you take in the work of local artists and stop in for lunch at any of the wonderful local restaurants. On Main Street, you will find regular festivals and events which draw locals and tourists alike. The artist's colony is located at Towles Court. If the theater is more your scene, look into catching a matinée at one of the
Sarasota Theater performances.
Music scene
Check out Sarasota's lively night scene at one of the local eateries or bars. Sarasota offers a vibrant music scene; whether you enjoy jazz or rock and roll, the lively bars and nightclubs provide excellent venues to enjoy local musicians. You can be sure to be entertained at The
Jazz Club of Sarasota or check out the Gator Club if you are looking for a trendy bar scene in a historic building where local musicians and DJs perform on weekends. Lounges in the landmark district offer more laid-back music, such as classical performances.
Great restaurants
Downtown Sarasota has no shortage of fantastic and diverse dining experiences. After working up an appetite from a great day exploring the beaches or enjoying a day shopping in the local boutiques, stop into one of the restaurants for a great dining experience.
Selva Downtown Sarasota offers Peruvian dishes such as fresh ceviches and delicious cocktails in a chic setting. Dine on a spacious patio at
MADE Restaurant, where you can dine on American comfort food. If you are craving high-end Seafood, you don't want to miss
Duval's Fresh. Local. Seafood. where you can experience culinary masterpieces in a sleek contemporary environment.
Shopping
If you enjoy shopping, there is no shortage of local boutiques. From high-end fashion to gourmet foods, Main Street offers something for everyone. Antiquers can have a fun time hunting for treasures at Burns Court. Stop into the
Artisans World Marketplace, where you can pick up a thoughtful gift while supporting artisans around the globe through Fair Trade practices. Bookworms can rejoice in Bookstore1 while getting lost in its many aisles. It is easy to shop locally and shop small in Sarasota.
No income tax
Besides gorgeous beaches, Florida is known for not having a state income tax. Florida earns the income from the millions of tourists visiting the state each year through a sales tax and tourist tax from rental properties, hotels, and other properties. This is especially appealing to those who are looking to retire.
A great place to retire
Considering residents' happiness, housing affordability, tax rates, and health care quality, Sarasota has been voted the best place to retire in the country by US News & World Report. Sarasota provides a high quality of life here and is a great place to enjoy retirement.
A great place to live and invest
Condos and homes for sale in downtown Sarasota won't stay on the market long because this charming town has so much to offer. If you are interested in making a move,
Judy Kepecz-Hays can help you find lovely condos for sale in downtown Sarasota or a charming home. If you are ready to take the plunge,
contact us.
