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Sarasota, FL is known as one of the most desirable places to live in the United States. It has a vibrant and diverse culture, with events and festivals throughout the year. The white sandy beaches are world-renowned for their beauty, making it a popular spot for beachgoers and vacationers alike. With its abundance of restaurants, shopping venues, and cultural attractions, there's something here for everyone. Overall, Sarasota provides an ideal atmosphere for anyone looking to call it home.
Reviews of Sarasota have been overwhelmingly positive. People love its pristine beaches and laid-back atmosphere; many have described it as paradise on earth. Residents appreciate the city’s arts scene and always-changing array of activities; there is something new to do every day! Those who visit often rave about its friendly people and relaxed lifestyle; they find it hard to forget what a great place this is after their visit. All in all, Sarasota receives stellar reviews from both tourists and residents alike.
based on 105 ReviewsGet to know Sarasota with the latest comments and reviews from people who live in or have visited Sarasota
Chicagoland native that moved here 1 yr ago - 11/3/2018
We moved from the Chicago suburbs to Sarasota a year ago in Aug. We settled into Gulf Gate Estates, which is an excellant family neighborhood, with excellant A rated schools. Gulf Gate is a prime location with stores,speciality shops and restaurants within walking distance. We're a mile and a half from Siesta Key, 1hr and 15 minutes from Tampa Airport, and the same distance to Busch Gardens. There's a chain of islands to explore, all within 30 minutes. Siesta Key being the most popular. If you're looking for a slower place, with that true authentic FL island feel, I HIGHLY recommend Anna Maria Island. My husband and I had our wedding on the beach there, and the sunsets are breathtaking. I recommend going to the AMI Pier and grabbing a bowl of fresh gumbo, where you can sit on the dock and eat, grab a beer and listen to the waves underneath you. While you're at it, head over to Longboat Key. Sarasota County county is also home to Casey Key, which has AWESOME beaches. And about 20
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What a hidden treasure! - 10/25/2018
I have lived here since 2008, and Sarasota is a gem! The beaches are beautiful. The schools here are near top notch. Crime is low. Can't ask for much
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Canyonlands - 7/12/2018
After two decades, hardly recognizable. Quaint downtown is now canyon lands. Streets are shadowed by high rise condos and office buildings on both sides with a half dozen or more planned as 2017 heads into 2018. Sarasota is also on every homeless persons bucket list resulting in battles between tourist interests and homeless advocates. Park benches were often occupied reclining itinerants whom the courts determined had equal access. Rather than offend, the city removed the benches.
Sarasota has always been a haven for artists whose community consists of fine and contemporary art to performing art many starting during the days of Ringling. Sarasota has a first class museum, its own opera, ballet and orchestra. There are film festivals plus a couple for the LGBTQIA community. There are a half a dozen performing arts theaters with the grand master being the Van Wezel. It attracts first class talent of all genres world wide. Of course there are multiplex theaters, and an
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Great place - but expensive - 6/5/2018
I moved here in 2009 from out west. I fell in love with Sarasota when I was exploring while looking for a new place to live. I wanted beaches, great weather, and culture. Check, check, check. Lots of restaurants and shopping, too. But, you will take a big pay cut to live here and the cost of living is high. If you're buying a home, you won't get much for your money. If you buy and condo or townhome, tack on a chunk for monthly/quarterly fees. And watch those flood zones -- you can end up paying a fortune in insurance. Rentals are hard to find and they are expensive. It has its bad sections, as any city does. There is a huge homelessness problem that the City just can't seem to figure out. It is very hot and humid about half the year, but winters are great. Season (October - April) is crowded and traffic is heavy. I've just started researching my next move, as I want to buy a nice home in a smaller beach town that's more affordable than here. There is a stunning amount of wealth here,
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Sarasota best place to retire..?? - 2/17/2018
I grew up in the 50’s in Sarasota. I raised my family there.
My two grown kidos are still there.
My one son and two grandsons who live in N.J visit twice a yeast.
Yes it’s quite busy tourist season because it has a lot to offer.its beautiful, homes are nicely priced, beaches beautiful.
My husband and I have lives in Malibu Ca. 4 35 years and we are ?? ng to t settle down in Sarasota within next year.
It’s the second most beautiful place in the world.
I am looking for this to happen soon?
And we have a big middle class their together.
I will give Sarasota a 11 out of
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Sarasota The Hidden Gem - 2/9/2018
Sarasota is in the Gulf of Mexico coast, about 68 miles south of Tampa. It is a beautiful small city that has everything, from culture, performing arts, world class restaurants, pristine beaches and sophisticated living; while being more affordable than many other similar cosmopolitan cities.
Its mild weather is great for year-round outdoor activities like biking, fishing, golfing, hiking, jogging, kayaking, sailing and swimming.
The health care in the area is ranked among the best in the state of Florida with the Sarasota Memorial Hospital and Doctors Hospital of Sarasota.
The people in Sarasota are friendly, sophisticated, interesting and very international.
There are plans in place to make Sarasota a more, attractive cultural destination with open, public access to the bayfront and plenty of areas to walk around, which this represents other potential economic opportunities. I hope you get a chance to explore
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Do Not Recommend - 1/14/2018
I have lived here since 2009. Sarasota is the most undesirable place I have ever lived. I have lived all over the United States. Why?
1-The rudest people I have ever met.
2-The most aggressive inconsiderate drivers.
3-The poorest restaurants in the US.
4-No traffic law enforcement.
5-Accidents daily.
6-Retailers and repairman constantly trying to take you.
Would never have moved here if I knew then what I know
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Only for the elite - 1/2/2018
After just 6 months of living here, we wanted to leave. Four years later we are finally making that happen. Pros include gorgeous beaches, health conscious markets and stores and warm weather. Cons: homeless everywhere, poor work ethic, arrogant and rude population. Entitlement runs high here. Babysitters expect $15 plus an hour, companies won’t work with you unless your request is a paying one ($$$$) and schools are far from excellent despite what statistics show. Everyone here is living a lie of falsified status because all you see is real wealth or poor- there’s no middle class. Who has the nicer car, home, life? Who has what? Who did what? On and on. It’s overbearing to meet so many people hung up on what they own rather than who they are, we’ve isolated ourselves from the masses in a town of complete transplants.
I can’t wait to leave this nightmare of a state. The beaches are the only positive left in my opinion and those are even becoming over
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Everything but the weather stinks - 11/1/2017
I rated Sarasota just one star. I don't know about the rest of Florida but Sarasota is definitely the most antisocial place I ever lived in (not anymore). The militarism is especially obnoxious. I'm a college graduate and I’ve traveled quite a bit. Strangers insult you on the street. Privacy invasion by random strangers is common. Don't be surprised if you get cracks about your personal life 20 years ago from people you don't know. I've never seen such an abnormal interest in the personal lives of strangers. I'm not a celebrity and I don’t use Facebook. At one point three sheriff's deputies came to my apartment banging on the door at 3 o'clock in the morning. I was sound asleep and it scared the heck out of me. Before I opened the door I called 911. When I finally did open the door the deputies appeared to be putting away their guns. I have no criminal history. They said they were looking for somebody I don't know, but I very much doubt they were telling the truth. I had been at that
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A place for older people to enjoy life! - 10/6/2017
Sarasota is an upscale city, located on shore of the Gulf of Mexico, far enough south not to get too cold winter for tropical plants to freeze out and die. it has a nice freeze off the gulf, warm, not too humid in winter time, and things to see and do. it has markets, shops, restaurants, stores, a new mall, an international airport, located along Interstate I-75 which goes from Miami to Canada! its a busy place, since new people are moving in, young people who are there to stay and work. the cost of living makes it hard for them, since the county doesn't have many middle and upper income paying jobs to offer. the average is about 10-12 dollars per hour, and the cost of living index is 114% of the national average. people who come here and live here have money, they aren't concerned about it, they come here from all over the world in all walks of life. professional people, entertainers, business people, and some not so successful people also. Sarasota has some of the best beaches in
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