The sunshine is real, but so are the surprises
Sarasota is easy to fall in love with. It has beaches that look like postcards, a vibrant arts scene, year-round warm weather, and neighborhoods that feel like private resorts. But moving here is different than visiting for a week. As someone who helps people relocate to Sarasota every day, I’ve seen what new residents what they end up loving most… And what they don’t.
The weather is amazing, until it’s not
Yes, we have gorgeous weather most of the year. That’s a huge part of the appeal. But we also have summer. The real kind. It’s hot, humid, and the rain can come out of nowhere. Your hair will adapt, your wardrobe will shift to linen and flip-flops, and your car’s AC will become your most important feature.
And then there's hurricane season. It’s part of life in coastal Florida. You prepare, stay informed, and buy the batteries before everyone else does. Most years, it’s uneventful. But you do need a plan.
Seasonal traffic is a thing
If you’re used to big city gridlock, Sarasota won’t scare you. But during peak season (from January through April) you’ll feel the difference. There are more cars on the road, more people in the restaurants, and more time spent waiting for a parking spot near the beach.
Locals know when to go where. Once you learn the rhythms, it becomes second nature. You’ll time your errands, make dinner reservations earlier, and avoid certain left turns at all costs.
Buying a home is about more than budget
$500K in Sarasota doesn’t buy the same home it did five years ago. The market is strong, especially in the most desirable neighborhoods. Waterfront, walkability, school zones, and newer construction all come at a premium.
That said, you can still find value, especially if you’re open to looking in areas just outside the usual hot spots. You just need someone who knows the map better than Google.
Not all neighborhoods are created equal
Sarasota has a lot of personality, but it changes by neighborhood. Downtown is walkable and social, with condos and rooftop views. Siesta Key is casual and beachy, often filled with visitors. East of I-75 offers more space and newer homes, but you’ll need your car for almost everything. West of Trail is charming, close to the bay, and full of character homes.
The best neighborhood for you depends on your lifestyle. Do you want to walk to restaurants? Need a quiet cul-de-sac for kids? Hoping for golf cart access to the beach? It all matters.
The cost of living might surprise you
Florida doesn’t have a state income tax, which is a big plus. But Sarasota is not a bargain town. Property insurance can be high, especially for homes near the coast. So can flood insurance, depending on where you buy. Utilities spike in the summer when your AC runs nonstop. And dining out? It’s not cheap.
The upside is that you’re paying to live in a place people vacation to. And honestly, it’s worth every penny if you plan wisely.
Your social life might expand without trying
One unexpected perk of moving here? People are friendly. Sarasota is filled with newcomers, and most of them are open to meeting new people. Whether it’s chatting with someone at the dog park, joining a pickleball league, or grabbing a drink at a neighborhood happy hour, it’s surprisingly easy to build a new social circle.
There are also clubs for just about everything; boating, tennis, art, volunteering, wine tasting. It’s not hard to find your people.
Schools matter—even if you don’t have kids
If you’re buying a home, pay attention to the school zone. Even if you don’t have children, properties in top-rated school districts tend to hold their value better. They also sell faster when the time comes.
Sarasota County has some excellent public and private schools, and areas like Lakewood Ranch, Palmer Ranch, and parts of Venice attract families for that reason alone.
You’ll become an amateur tour guide
Once you live here, friends and family will find all sorts of reasons to visit. Suddenly, your guest room will see more use than ever before. You’ll have go-to beach chairs, a list of restaurant recommendations, and opinions on which sunset spot is best. It’s a nice problem to have, but it helps to set some boundaries early on.
There’s more than just beaches
Yes, the beaches are stunning, but Sarasota offers much more. There’s the opera, the ballet, multiple art galleries, a full schedule of festivals, farmer’s markets, craft breweries, and some truly excellent restaurants. You can spend a morning kayaking through mangroves, then change clothes and head to a wine tasting or gallery opening.
You don’t need to choose between flip-flops and sophistication here. Sarasota lets you have both.
You’ll relax, eventually
At first, many people bring their big-city pace with them. They want everything done yesterday. But over time, Sarasota slows you down in the best way. You start eating outside more. You catch more sunsets. You take your coffee to the lanai. It’s not lazy—it’s just less rushed.
And when you stop rushing, you start noticing the good stuff.
Kelli Eggen
