Review of Sarasota, Florida


Nice weather but often hostile environment
Star Rating - 7/21/2013
The Sarasota-Bradenton area might be right for you if you’re from the Northeast. I’m from the Midwest and I’ve lived here two years. Except for Latinos, the vast majority of the population is from New York, Massachusetts, Ohio, Michigan, or some other northeastern state. Considering Florida is geographically part of the South, the demographics are here are nothing but weird. My experience has been that people here are often rude and antisocial, although you will hear the word “socialize” a lot for some reason. I have a foreign language degree, and I have been to nearly a dozen different countries. People in Sarasota are definitely not nice.

There are many ex-military people here, or recent veterans and military retirees. Many of them have no concept of civilian law and therefore no qualms about breaking it. So don’t be surprised if you meet with massive privacy invasion, slander, or even stalking by former soldiers and sailors. All this should come as no surprise considering that the military has a history of prisoner torture and a current epidemic of crimes against women in the military. This is obviously condoned or even encouraged. Florida has a high crime rate compared to other states.

Healthcare is mediocre at best. There is only one major hospital. Doctors and other healthcare people can be surprisingly rude for no reason at all.
Sam | Gulf Gate Estates, FL
Reply to this Comment

5 Replies


Sam, you must really hate the military. Be thankful for us because if not for us you may not have the freedom to write such negative comments about us. Maybe you tried to get into the service but failed the ASVAB due to a low IQ. Sounds like you would fit in better in a frat house with immature boys. Signed A US Navy Veteran
Slide | Birchwood, TN | Report Abuse

Yes there is a lot of rudeness in Sarasota. It is haves and have nots. Don't see the military problem you mention though. With all the street hustle, who would notice that. I think the not nice thing is because for some weird reason, people that move to Florida are not interested in making friends unless you belong to the same club-that way they know you are separate from the great unwashed, and will "invest" in playing the game with you to a point. The real relationships seem to be where they are from, not where they are. Everything is handled fast in the day to day, not much graciousness. It's a money town. If you come, have the folks that matter, with you.
Michael | Brooksville, FL | Report Abuse

Sam, What a completely stupid thing to say about the military having no qualms breaking civilian laws and stalking by soldiers or sailors. And that came after you said how hostile the people are in Sarastoa! Maybe YOU'RE the hostile one. To paint A broad brush of bias , especially against people who had to sacrifice a lot of their own freedom defending yours is really appalling. So in me post you managed to slam north easterners, people who live in Sarasota now AND the retired military. Nice. Maybe you should move back to the Midwest since you obviously only like people like yourself! I don't even live in Sarasota (I actually live near the Midwest), so this has nothing to do with being offended because I'm a resident. But it's pretty offensive when people go off and attack our military men and women and think everyone is bad because you've heard of a few bad apples. Very disrespectful of those who've given their lives to serve and defend YOUR freedom. And If you think it's so easy, than why don't you try serving? You probably couldn't handle the discipline and respect you'd need to give for a month. And no,I never served. But you don't have to be a genius to know our military are some of the most disciplined, respectful and giving people around. Ok. Done with my own rant. I jus felt compelled to speak up for our brave men and women.
Debbie | Colorado Springs, CO | Report Abuse

Sam, What a completely stupid thing to say about the military having no qualms breaking civilian laws and stalking by soldiers or sailors. And that came after you said how hostile the people are in Sarastoa! Maybe YOU'RE the hostile one. To paint A broad brush of bias , especially against people who had to sacrifice a lot of their own freedom defending yours is really appalling. So in me post you managed to slam north easterners, people who live in Sarasota now AND the retired military. Nice. Maybe you should move back to the Midwest since you obviously only like people like yourself! I don't even live in Sarasota (I actually live near the Midwest), so this has nothing to do with being offended because I'm a resident. But it's pretty offensive when people go off and attack our military men and women and think everyone is bad because you've heard of a few bad apples. Very disrespectful of those who've given their lives to serve and defend YOUR freedom. And If you think it's so easy, than why don't you try serving? You probably couldn't handle the discipline and respect you'd need to give for a month. And no,I never served. But you don't have to be a genius to know our military are some of the most disciplined, respectful and giving people around. Ok. Done with my own rant. I jus felt compelled to speak up for our brave men and women.
Debbie | Colorado Springs, CO | Report Abuse

Sarasota is a growing, prospering, multicultural and diverse small to mid-size city that is alive and full of life. If you are someone who is searching for a quiet sleepy beach town, then yes, Sarasota has come along way from that point. But to suggest that because you thought you were going to move to a place where progress seemed to be stunted is not a reason to bad mouth by making points that are personal opinions at best. As for your comments about the military. I served proudly for the last twelve years and have found this a very welcoming place for my wife, children and I. There is traffic, some impatience on the part of the snowbirds, and other issues that one might deem a problem if you were intending to visit a comatose retirement community. The problem in all reality seems to be coming more from individuals like yourself who are set in their ways and are averse to seeing the beautiful changes that have allowed this region to experience this wonderful and amazing resurgence of life and excitement. The dining, beaches, events, museums and everything practically is of the finest class for the most part. The real estate market is booming, and healthcare is consistently rated of the highest standard. The schools are great because of the large amount of taxes collected on luxury real estate so even a low to middle income family can send their kids to some of the finest public schools in IN THE COUNTRY! It is amazing how some people can never be pleased and even find fault when they are surrounded by paradise. I hope you find your peace in this life. Best of luck.
Tom | Sarasota, FL | Report Abuse
MORE REVIEWS OF SARASOTA, FLORIDA
- 3/24/2023
Becoming your basic over crowded tourist trap
Sarasota is my home from birth but those of us who have lived here long enough to have see...
Jane | Sarasota, FL | 1 Reply

- 9/5/2022
Comparing Sarasota, our new home w/San Clemente CA
Starting to love Sarasota: Wife and I moved to Osprey- a small suburb between Sarasota an...
Art | Osprey, FL | 2 Replies

- 2/11/2022
Great place to visit but didn't like living here.
As always, anyone considering moving to anyplace new, including Sarasota, needs to come do...
Laura | Marianna, FL | 2 Replies

- 7/5/2021
antisocial
I lived in Sarasota for three years and I hated it. It's the most antisocial community I'v...
Rhett | McAllen, TX | 4 Replies

- 5/8/2021
You can't go home again.....
You can't go home again. Left SRQ after high school and moved back 20 years later but it w...
Lara | Sarasota, FL | No Replies

- 10/14/2020
Living in Sarasota
I've lived in Sarasota for 8 years. The snowbird population is continuously rising which ...
Teri | Gulf Gate Estates, FL | No Replies