One of the most beautiful towns on the Gulf Coast of Florida, without question, is Sarasota. There’s more to do and enjoy here than in many other U.S. cities, and the sun shines perpetually. While not the cheapest town, Sarasota is still affordable, especially considering its coveted location. If you’re moving to Sarasota and want to know more, including the cost of living, the best neighborhoods, and the town’s comfort rating, read on! Our Sarasota Moving Guide has everything, including how to find storage in Sarasota!
Estimated reading time: 5 minutes
What are the Best Neighborhoods in Sarasota?
With nearly 55,000 residents, you can be sure Sarasota has several excellent communities and friendly neighborhoods. Indeed, most of the neighborhoods in Sarasota are excellent, although they differ significantly in income levels and family units. Because of the proximity to the Gulf of Mexico and the fantastic weather, almost any Sarasota neighborhood would be a great choice. Do yourself a favor and give them all a long, hard look before deciding where to live (especially if you have children at home). The 10 best neighborhoods in Sarasota are listed below.
- Gillespie Park- Funky, artsy, and fun place to call home.
- Arlington Park- Central neighborhood very close to downtown and affordable housing.
- Indian Beach/Sapphire Shores- A waterfront community minutes from downtown but more isolated and quiet than you might imagine.
- Southside Village: The highly-rated Southside Elementary School is the perk of living in this neighborhood.
- Rosemary District- Hip part of Sarasota with art shops, cafes, pubs, and laid-back music venues.
- Laurel Park- Many consider this the best community in the entire city.
- Downtown- Thriving, thrilling part of Sarasota that’s always busy, vibrant, and raucous.
- McClellan Park- Vintage Sarasota houses on the Gulf Coast? Yes, please
- Poinsettia Park- This community features one of the highest livability scores in the area.
- Lakewood Ranch- One of the biggest planned communities in Sarasota.
Pros and Cons of Moving to Sarasota
As with any town in the United States, Sarasota has many pros and a hand full of cons. You’ll be pleased to know that the pros outweigh the cons, which is unsurprising in this lovely part of Florida. Read on to see all of them below.
Pros of Moving to Sarasota
- Warm, sunny weather all year
- Gorgeous beaches
- Many opportunities for outdoor activities, adventure, boating, etc.
- A very convenient location to many other parts of Florida, including Tampa, Orlando, Venice, and Fort Myers
- The cuisine and culture are superb
- Quality Healthcare is easily accessible
- Sarasota has excellent Public Schools
- There are plenty of jobs in and around the town
- The nightlife in Sarasota is vibrant and exciting
- There are fun festivals and events throughout the year
- Real estate is still affordable
Cons of Moving to Sarasota
- The risk of hurricanes is high and growing every year
- The weather in summer can be sweltering, humid, and uncomfortable
- In winter, especially spring break, Sarasota becomes filled with vacationers and snowbirds
- The city is experiencing massive growth, and the traffic that comes with it
- Getting to the beach, especially on the weekends, can be a nightmare because they are all located on Barrier Islands
- The population leans older, which could be problematic if you have a young family
What is the Cost of Living Like in Sarasota?
For now, the cost of living in Sarasota is relatively affordable, especially compared to the rest of the state. The overall cost of living, 102.9, is only 3 points higher than the national average. Housing is 114.3, about 15 points higher than the national average. That’s not bad but it isn’t great, either. The rest of the cost indices in Sarasota are all slightly higher or lower than the national average, with transportation being the lowest at 90.9. All of the major cost indices are below for your comparison.
Note: Remember that 100 is the national average, so anything above 100 is higher than the national average, and anything below is lower.
- Overall. 102.9
- Groceries. 106.5
- Healthcare. 101.7
- Housing. 114.3
- Utilities. 94.2
- Transportation. 90.9
- Miscellaneous. 106.6
- The median home cost is $454,200. (The U.S. average is $338,100)
What is Sarasota Known For?
With the gorgeous Gulf Coast at its doorstep, Sarasota is known as Florida’s year-round playground. The beaches are spectacular, the golfing superb, and, thanks to the Gulf, the seafood in Sarasota is delightful! Logboat Key, Siesta Key, the manatee, and Lido Key await your exploration! In other words, Sarasota, FL, is known for being a fantastic place to enjoy the outdoors in many exciting, exhilarating ways, both on land and on the sea.
Take Care of Your Storage Needs with Hide-Away
When you need self-storage in Sarasota, Hide-Away should be your first choice. That’s because Hide-Away has 5 secure, safe, and affordable storage facilities in Sarasota, another 7 in Bradenton, 1 in Palmetto, and another in Parrish, FL. If you need help, our storage unit size guide is helpful, also. Call, or visit the Hide-Away Storage facility nearest you in Sarasota. The on-site manager will gladly answer any questions and help you rent a Sarasota storage unit that fits your family’s needs perfectly. Until then, best of luck finding a perfect place to live and work in Sarasota, and welcome home!