Sarasota
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Sarasota
Many imagine luxury living as spending sleepy afternoons lounging on the patio of a gorgeous mansion by the sea or sipping tequila on its balcony while watching the brilliant sunset. This dream scenario can be your reality in Sarasota, Florida, once you decide to invest in one of the many luxury homes for sale in this city on Florida’s Gulf Coast.
Read on to learn more about the good life and fantastic real estate in Sarasota, Florida.
Sarasota has all the quintessential aspects of Florida living: white sandy beaches with pristine aquamarine waters lapping on the shores, a lively community of locals and tourists happily moving about, and a flourishing scene for the arts, culture, and business – all of which are set against a backdrop of glorious sunshine and a warm tropical climate.
Once a sleepy retirement haven, Sarasota, FL is now known as a premier vacation spot that attracts millions of visitors each year. However, there is more to this exciting Florida city than just tourism.
U.S. News & World Report puts Sarasota in fifth place in its 2023-2024 Best Places to Live list and among the top 20 in its Best Places to Retire list. The area has also seen steady population growth since 2010, proof that an increasing number of people are eager to put down roots in the city.
There’s a lot to gain from buying luxury homes for sale in Sarasota, FL. Below are characteristics that make properties here among the most sought-after in the region
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Location
As mentioned earlier, Sarasota is on the southwest side of Florida facing the Gulf of Mexico. The city proper is shielded from the open sea by a series of barrier islands with the south end of Sarasota Bay sandwiched between the mainland and the islands. Its land area is approximately 15 square miles.
Sarasota’s six major barrier islands are Longboat Key, Lido Key, Siesta Key, Venice Beach, Casey Key, and Manasota Key. Each key has its own charm but they all have one thing in common: spectacular beaches. Luxury homes for sale in Sarasota, FL that are found along these beaches are highly sought-after, not just for residential purposes but also for profitable investment.
The city is about an hour away from Tampa, Clearwater, and St. Petersburg to the north, and less than two hours away from Fort Myers and Cape Coral to the south.
Climate
Much like the rest of its neighbors along the Gulf Coast in Florida, Sarasota has a subtropical climate marked by hot summers and mild winters. Average temperatures in the summer months can reach 90°F while temperatures stay at a comfortable 70°F during winter. The spring and fall seasons are generally warm but less humid than during summer.
The city gets an average of 251 sunny days annually but it also has a slightly higher rainfall average than the rest of the country. Snow is also unheard of in these parts so outdoor plans don’t need to be shelved come wintertime.
Population
Sarasota has been, is, and will always be a favorite place for retirement. Of its more than 57,000 residents, the largest generational group is composed of those over 65 years old who have found the city’s warmer climate to be easier and more comfortable to deal with. They are followed by those between 35 and 54 years old who are perceived as people at the height of their respective careers. Meanwhile, there is also a demographic composed of artists and those employed in media who are helping to shape the city’s cultural identity.
The Sarasota, Florida real estate market remains competitive, with the city hoping to keep up with the ever-present demand through an influx of newly constructed homes.
Property types, architectural styles, and home features
Sarasota, FL’s housing inventory is dominated by single-family homes, condos, and townhouses but mobile homes are also making their mark on the market. Meanwhile, luxury homes for sale in this coastal city are usually found among exclusive enclaves located by the beachfront on the barrier islands or in golf communities scattered throughout the city. Luxury condos for sale in Sarasota, for their part, are located also by the waterfront or within the downtown area.
The various architectural styles you’ll find among luxury homes for sale in Sarasota, FL include Contemporary, Ranch, Mediterranean, Modern, and Coastal. These styles maximize the coastal setting with ample outdoor spaces, access to natural light, and opportunities for taking in breathtaking water vistas from the comfort of home. Large windows, high ceilings, open floor plans, and intricate exterior details are just some of the beautiful features displayed by homes in the area
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Each neighborhood in the city possesses a distinct charm, molded by its location and the community amenities in it. Get to know some of these lovely communities below:
- Longboat Key - The northmost barrier island is home to an exclusive, resort-style community where luxury waterfront homes for sale in Sarasota, FL are abundant. Most of these homes have private dockage for easy access to the waters of the Gulf.
- Downtown Sarasota - Considered the center of urban living in the city, this vibrant neighborhood is bustling with activity thanks to the slew of community amenities, including art galleries, theaters, diverse dining options, street fairs, and rising condominium developments.
- Laurel Park - This neighborhood is often said to be Sarasota’s answer to New York City’s Greenwich Village. Populated with old Key West-style bungalows, cafes, boutiques, restaurants, and parks, this eclectic and artsy district attracts families, young professionals, and retirees alike.
- Indian Beach / Sapphire Shores – Directly facing Sarasota Bay, this well-established neighborhood is largely residential but also near several of Sarasota’s popular attractions, parks, and beaches.
Mobility
If you want to accomplish most of your to-dos on foot, you can do so when you live in Downtown Sarasota. Biking is another efficient option for going around the city’s core. In other neighborhoods, residents depend on private vehicles to get them from Point A to Point B. However, public transportation is available via some bus routes.
The cost of living in Sarasota, Florida is approximately 5% higher than the national average, though the actual figure varies per neighborhood. But for this higher cost, residents get to experience an excellent quality of life made more rewarding by spectacular waterfront views, a slew of attractions in and out of the water, wonderful dining and shopping opportunities, and an overall laid-back way of life.
Families with school-age children will be glad to know that there are good schools in and around the city providing quality education. Sarasota County Schools (SCS) is a top-rated school district in Florida serving the city’s student population. Apart from ranking high in student and school performance, SCS has also been named by Niche.com as one of the top 20 districts with the best teachers in Florida.
The county itself is home to several highly regarded colleges and universities so students need not go far to pursue a college degree when they live in the county seat.
Here are some of the most prominent schools in Sarasota:
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MIDDLE SCHOOL
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One of the perks of living in Sarasota is the accessibility to recreational activities. Nature lovers, avid beachgoers, adventure seekers, history aficionados – anyone can find something to enjoy in their downtime.
Keep the following attractions and activities in mind during your search for luxury homes for sale in Sarasota, FL.
Beaches And Waterways
The words sand and surf have become synonymous with Sarasota as the city boasts powdery white-sand beaches stretching over 35 miles of coast. Those living in waterfront homes and condos for sale in Sarasota are blessed with the distinct advantage of having these beaches just outside their doorstep.
Siesta Key Beach is perhaps the most popular of these beaches, with its powder-fine sand, clear waters, and endless amenities earning it the distinction of being among the best in the country. The shallow bay, sandbars, and relatively calm surf make this a must-visit spot in the city, especially for families and water sports enthusiasts.
Another option for beach lovers is Lido Beach, located just five miles away from the city center. The sand quality almost rivals that of Siesta Beach but the area gets less foot traffic than its more popular counterpart. The beach has several recreation areas, dining establishments, and shops that are worth visiting.
Those wanting a different water-based experience can go northwest from the city to the Myakka River and Myakka River State Park, one of Florida’s oldest and largest state parks. There are times though when water levels in the park’s river and two lakes become so low, boat tours may be suspended. Nevertheless, the park’s wetlands, prairies, and pinelands make up for this with nature trails for hiking and biking, scenic nature views, opportunities for bird watching, and many other land-based experiences.
MUSEUMS, GALLERIES, AND MORE
Take a deep dive into Sarasota’s art, history, and culture by visiting the museums and galleries located all around the city.
Sarasota’s position as a cultural powerhouse is largely due to Art Center Sarasota, the first visual art organization in the area. This organization continues to hold exhibitions, events, and classes, not only to highlight local talent but also to bring the community together through art appreciation.
Instead of paintings and sculptures, the works of art in the Sarasota Classic Car Museum have horsepower and four wheels. The museum showcases the history of the automobile by featuring an impressive collection of antique, exotic, and vintage cars in rotating exhibits.
The Ringling is a massive compound that features art, architecture, and circus that serves to inspire, educate, and entertain. Founded by John Ringling of the legendary Ringling Brothers and his wife, Mable, the facility was an addition to the couple’s palatial estate. Over the years, The Ringling has been expanded to include the Circus Museum, the Asolo Theater, and the Bayfront Gardens. All attractions are open to the public with an admission fee.
GOLF
You’ll find over 50 golf courses providing different levels of difficulty and a variety of amenities throughout Sarasota County. Some of them are found alongside remarkable golf communities with high-end real estate.
One of the most prestigious golf courses in the county is in University Park Country Club, located around 8 miles northwest of Downtown Sarasota. The golf community has three nine-hole courses designed by renowned Florida course architect Ron Garl. Both members and non-members are allowed to use the course.
Meanwhile, rounds of golf can also be played within city limits at Village Green Golf Club. One of Sarasota’s long-standing mainstays, having been around since the 1960s, the golf course has an 18-hole, par 58 layout with amazing greens and scenic views. It also offers lessons taught by professionals in the sport.
SHOPPING
When the need for some retail therapy hits, any one of Sarasota’s shopping districts is a good direction to head. There is a good mix of renowned brands and local shops all over that will make for a satisfying shopping experience.
The Mall at University Town Center bills itself as Sarasota’s premier shopping destination, and with 880,000 square feet of stores, restaurants, and other establishments, it’s not hard to see why. Some featured shops include well-known high-end brands like Michael Kors and Kate Spade New York and national retailers like H&M and Gap.
Downtown Main Street also provides great shopping experiences as it is home to both big-name retailers and local stores offering a wide array of merchandise. Check out Lotus Boutique for great fashion finds, Mercantile Home & Apparel for clothes and houseware, and Evelyn & Arthur for fantastic choices from accessories and jewelry to the latest in fashion.
With over 100 businesses laid out in an open-air development, St. Armands Circle is another mecca for shopping, dining, and relaxation. The district is divided into four quadrants that converge into a circular park in the center, so there are more than enough places for a full day’s worth of exploring.
Purchasing one of the luxury homes for sale in Sarasota, FL gives owners the chance to enjoy a full calendar of activities from the standard 4th of July parades to unique city-sponsored events, all of which add color to the city’s cultural image. Here are some of them.
This international sand sculpting festival is an event that attracts thousands of participants and guests to Siesta Key. In a span of four days, competitors mold and carve the sand into jaw-dropping creations, making Siesta Beach even more of a sight to behold. The pristine quality of the sand on this beach has made it a favorite of professional sand sculptors from around the world.
Grand Prix Powerboat Festival
The annual Grand Prix Powerboat Festival is held every July. Local and international racers gather on Lido Beach to compete while aboard big and loud powerboats. Apart from the race, there are also golf and fishing tournaments, car and motorcycle shows, and parties included in the festival lineup.
The Sarasota Medieval Fair is a month-long annual event that started in 2005. Local performers and vendors, in full costume and character, will take you back to the time of kings, queens, knights, and wizards. There are themed games and activities that you can participate in, as well as various entertainment acts to watch. This is a festival for the whole family to enjoy.
At Gulf Coast Integrity Group, we make sure your real estate goals are achieved. And if your goals involve finding your dream home among the luxury homes for sale in Sarasota, FL, our vast knowledge of the area and wide network of industry colleagues and affiliates will get you closer to making your dream a reality at the soonest time with the least hassle. Contact us at 941.626.4518 or 941.539.3746 or send an email here. You can also leave a message on our website.