What BestPlaces Users Say about Sarasota
Context:
Sarasota, Florida is a popular city situated on the Gulf Coast that boasts beautiful beaches, numerous cultural attractions, and a vibrant downtown area. It is known for its warm climate, friendly community, and diverse population. With a population of over 58,000, Sarasota offers a mix of urban and suburban living. Below are excerpts from four user reviews from BestPlaces.net about living in Sarasota.
User Reviews:
1. "Sarasota is a hidden gem on the Gulf Coast. I have lived here for over 10 years and wouldn't want to be anywhere else. The beaches are stunning, the downtown area is lively, and there's always something to do. The people are friendly and welcoming, making it easy to feel at home." - Sarah D.
2. "I moved to Sarasota for retirement and it's been one of the best decisions I've ever made. The cost of living is reasonable, especially compared to other popular Florida cities. I also love the cultural aspect of Sarasota with its theaters, museums, and art festivals. It's a great place for active seniors." - John R.
3. "I've lived in Sarasota my whole life and have seen it evolve into a bustling city. While I appreciate the growth and development, it has also brought some challenges like increased traffic and higher housing prices. But overall, I still love living here and wouldn't want to live anywhere else." - Maria S.
4. "I relocated to Sarasota for work and it's been nothing but a positive experience. The job market is thriving and the city is constantly growing. The only downside is the high humidity during the summer months, but the beautiful beaches and friendly community make up for it." - David T.
based on 105 ReviewsGet to know Sarasota with the latest comments and reviews from people who live in or have visited Sarasota
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Have Lived In Lakewood Ranch for 6 months - 2/20/2010
My wife and kids moved to Lakewood Ranch which is a new area outside of Sarasota about 6 months ago.
I have always wanted to live in Florida as I got tired of the cold and winters of Wenatchee Washington and the Pacific Northwest.
Florida has been a rude awankening for us as it is not at all what we expected.
We have found the people a bit cold and distant as most are snow birds who have moved from the Northeast. We have managed to find however a handful of friends who were warm and welcoming.
Our travels to Miami and Miami International Airport have been extremely stressful. Driving in the Lakewood Ranch area has been a bit unenjoyable also. Drivers are very agressive and can be extremely inpolite in our area as well as throughout the I75 corridor. There are usually 7 to 10 accidents a day between Tampa and Naples.
After our experience here I do miss the warm friendly people of the Pacific Northwest. I wish the
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Sarasota living - 12/16/2009
I absolutely love the weather here in Sarasota and being able to play golf almost all year and the scenery at places like Siesta Key Beach is just great. That being said, I do not like the utility rates here for electric and even water runs us about $65.00/mo. The sales tax rate is 7% and I find that a bit high, although there is no state tax, that's a plus. My wife and I are getting ready to move to Moore, SC,(Greenville/Spartanburg area), in part because the cost of living there is aprox. 26% lower. Although I don't work anymore, the unemployment here is quite high, around 11%...that's primarily because new construction has dropped to almost nothing. For average retirees like us, without a nest egg, I would not recommend this area because of the relative high cost of living!! I will miss Sarasot, but the high cost of living is just not worth
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Sarasota/Bradenton area - 11/11/2009
I have lived on both East and West coasts (born and raised in New Jersey) and the Sarasota/Bradenton area is the best for climate, recreational activities, gorgeous flowers and way of life. Currently living in Arizona and can't wait to make my move. I see a few Florida plates here in Arizona, you people are
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Great school - 11/8/2009
Sarasota has many great schools, including public schools, magnet schools, and private schools. Top elementary schools include Southside Elementary and Tara Ridge
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Sarasota, FL - 10/20/2009
Unemployment is approaching 13%; and housing values have declined as much as 60% in some areas. It is paradise for the climate; the beaches; the arts; and
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For the risk-averse - 10/8/2009
Sarasota is a clean, attractive, well serviced ciry, essentially middle class and up. It has an aversion to the new, and the challenging. The bulk of what passes for culture is mediocrity. the people have brand of snobbishness that
can be downright unwelcoming. Mostly Midwesterners, frugal, and with little curiousity about the world. A Republic run by and for for monied retirees.
Oddly, little overt prejudice, and a live and let live atmosphere, though.
Schools are reasonably good for Florida, relatively little crime. Few interesting stores or restaurants, but lots of talk of "living in paradise"
and "Florida's cultural capital." For the risk-averse who just want to shielded from anything challenging. Yet, on the every flip side, a very easy place to live your daily life.
Very poor air service, even to Miami. Live here if you love layovers at airports changing
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I moved after 30 years - 8/21/2009
In the 40's and early 50's, Sarasota's nick name was the "Air-conditioned City". This is no longer true. In the hot months, its more like an outdoor sauna with the humidity right up there with the temperature. Insects abound, namely mosquitos and the ever-popular roaches. I couldn't take it any more. I moved to Santa Fe where its cool and
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Do not try to raise a family here. - 7/15/2009
If you have lots of money, this is the place for you where it primarily based on arts and recreation. Restaurants are closing left and right, building has completely stopped and if you are middle class family you will more than likely not make it here and be comfortable. Rent is high, homes are still way overpriced and there is not much state assistance unless you are an illegal alien. From a realistic point of view, I have been here 25 years and hated it. I am looking to relocate. Sarasota is gorgeous, no doubt about it, but if you make less than 100k a year your screwed as far as ever getting ahead. The school system is failing here and even tuition to local colleges is unrealistic to the average person. This place is for rich retirement, not to raise a family and earn your way through
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a perfect balance - 6/29/2009
Sarasota has come a long way from the retirement center it was known as in the past. Today, Sarasota is a balanced community of young adults, families, baby boomers and retirees. In addition, the community offers a wide range of activities and attractions ~ something to appeal to every taste. For example, in addition to active ballet, opera and symphony, Sarasota hosts a world-class blues festival each year that boasts well recognized headliners. Add to this one of the best beaches in the world, great surfing/boogie boarding, fishing and boating, and a wide range of outstanding museums, restaurants, bars and other entertainment venues. I have lived here for 15 years except for four years when I left to area; I returned this past winter and am incredibly pleased to be
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