Sarasota, Florida is a vibrant, coastal city about an hour south of Tampa, on Florida’s Gulf Coast.  It is known to many for it’s miles of white sand beaches.   Delightful warm temperatures year-round and incredible beaches, as well as an exciting restaurant and arts scene make it a very desirable place for people of all ages! The calm Gulf of Mexico’s waters make it a great place to enjoy water sports, such as boating, paddleboarding, jet skiing, kayaking, swimming, fishing and parasailing and more!

People who live in Sarasota, Florida often say it is like living in paradise.   The population in Sarasota, Florida continues to grow, as more  people are drawn to this fabulous area of sunny weather and great outdoor activities. There is a great job market here in Sarasota, Florida, especially for those people working in tourism, small businesses, construction and healthcare. Travel is easy, as Sarasota, Florida has it’s own international airport, and is only about an hour away from Tampa International Airport, as well as Ft. Myers airport.

U.S. News analyzed 150 metro areas in the United States to find the best places to live based on the quality of life and the job market in each metro area, as well as the value of living there and people’s desire to live there.

Sarasota, Florida is ranked: (info taken from realestate.usnews.)

 #16 in Best Places to Live

 #1 in Best Places to Retire

 #2 in Best Places to Live in Florida

 #4 in Fastest-Growing Places

 #21 in Best Places to Live for Quality of Life

When it comes time for shopping in Sarasota, Florida, you won’t be disappointed.  Explore the historic districts, or take a peek at some of the shopping malls throughout the area.   You can check out The Mall at University Towne Center, or head to Downtown Sarasota for many boutique shops, restaurants and art galleries.

Check Out Some of Florida’s Best Beaches

Sarasota, Florida is famous for its beaches and it’s not hard to see why. From the sparkling blue waters to the powder white sand, Sarasota, Florida beaches are simply stunning. The closest beaches to Sarasota, Florida are located on a series of keys, or barrier islands, that are easily accessible from the city by a network of causeways.

Lido Beach

In Sarasota, Florida Lido Beach tends to be a bit quieter than some of the other nearby beaches.  This beach offers plenty of space to spread out and relax and you can rent beach chairs and also umbrellas right on the beach. You can also find a number of hotels and resorts on the key in Sarasota, Florida and it is a popular spot for dolphin spotting, deep-sea fishing boat tours, and sailing. Near St. Armands Circle, an area famous for its many shopping and dining options.

Siesta Key

Siesta Key in Sarasota, Florida is a great place for sunbathing and water sports, and the charming Siesta Key Village with its pastel-colored buildings, souvenir shops, and locally owned bars and restaurants.  It is easy to see why it is one of the most popular tourist spots in Sarasota, Florida. The island has a free trolley making it a lot easier to get around and saves you the hassle of looking for a parking spot. Siesta Beach was named #1 in the U.S. and #11 in the world in the 2020 TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice™ awards. On Sunday evenings, just before sunset be sure to check out the drum circle.

Longboat Key

Like the alternative keys in Sarasota, Florida, boat Key offers exciting beaches with powder white sand and calm, turquoise water that’s excellent for taking a swim. there’s a public pier placed on the north finish of the island that may be a widespread fishing spot and native parks dot the island from high to bottom. This can be the proper spot to travel, if you’re searching for an opulent resort area with a enlightened atmosphere.

These are just three of the many beaches in the Sarasota area. If you are looking for a place with culture, outdoor activities and friendly people then this is a place you will not want to miss!

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