5 Reasons Sarasota is a Top Choice for Year-Round Florida Residency

October 4, 2022 | Read Time: 4 minutes

At the heart of Florida’s renowned Cultural Coast, Sarasota’s waterfront downtown region is a dynamic and beautiful gem in the crown of the sunshine state. Located on the west coast, an hour south of Tampa, Sarasota combines a vibrant contemporary lifestyle with the best of waterfront living. Add in some of the country’s top-rated beaches, an enriched cultural scene, and seemingly endless designer shops and restaurants and you’ll see what makes this coastal destination so irresistible.

Here are just a few of the reasons why locals are drawn to this extraordinary Florida destination.

1. Top-Ranked Pristine Gulf Beaches

Situated off the Gulf of Mexico, Sarasota is home to some of the most serene beaches in the country. Both Lido Key and Siesta Key are world-renowned for their miles of powder-soft white sand, and crystal-clear turquoise waters. These sparkling waters are teeming with colorful marine life, perfect for exploring via snorkeling or scuba diving. Venture under the waves and relax under the palms along the shoreline. Revel in seemingly endless beach days and feel like you are on vacation every day in a natural paradise.

2. Legendary Cultural Scene

Known as Florida’s Cultural Coast, the arts and culture scene within Sarasota is lively and dynamic. Discover the renowned Ringling Museum, established in 1927. Formally known as The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, this is the official state art museum of Florida. In addition to the renowned museum, the Ringling College of Art and Design also houses the Sarasota Art Museum. Truly an art lover’s dream, this museum exhibits many displays and features each season. Sarasota’s Asolo Repertory Theatre is a regional theater company that puts on a variety of productions each season, including newly commissioned plays and captivating musicals. Few of many cultural attractions, Sarasota houses a wide variety of galleries and exhibits at local’s fingertips.

3. St. Armands Circle, Designer Shopping, and Dining

From dozens of Zagat-rated dining venues to boutique shops, Sarasota has a surplus of opportunities to explore the area’s shops and restaurants. With over 130 stores, restaurants, and galleries to peruse, St. Armands Circle is an internationally renowned entertainment destination. This outdoor shopping district brings European flair to life, with an atmosphere of genuine warmth and timeless style. Within walking distance from Peninsula Sarasota, residents will find that Downtown Sarasota is filled with a plethora of restaurants and shops of its own. Whether you are looking for a more casual grille, Mattison’s City Grille, or fine dining, Bijou Garden Café, there are restaurants for every occasion and every palate.

4. Sarasota Bay and the Gulf of Mexico

Home to breathtaking waterways, enjoy the area by exploring Sarasota Bay. Encounter scenic wildlife and aquatic nature up-close through kayak excursions along the waterway. Boating is another favored way to explore Sarasota Bay in a convenient manner. Providing locals with the freedom to travel up and down Sarasota Bay, boaters can also venture to connecting waterways that lead out to the Gulf of Mexico. Departing throughout the day, Marina Jack hosts sunset cruises and charters right off Downtown Sarasota. This marina is the quintessential location for docking private boats, hopping on a sightseeing cruise and enjoying fine waterfront dining.

5. Florida Coastal Address

Sarasota is in a quintessential area to commute or explore from. Nearby cities of St. Petersburg and Tampa are home to a variety of national, championship-winning sports teams, gorgeous beaches and a surplus of waterfront dining and shopping. Naples, Florida, is just 2 hours south and exudes luxury and sophistication. Perfect for a weekend getaway. Less than 2 hours away is one of the most popular destinations in the United States, Orlando, Florida. Amusement parks and attractions such as Walt Disney World and Universal can be visited all in a day’s trip.

Content Courtesy of Peninsula Sarasota.