Sarasota continues to impress people with even the best perceptions of Florida life.

Sarasota is no sleepy little retirement town. Rather, it’s a place that cherishes the liveliness of the arts, excites the senses and understands the values of family and community. We’re fast becoming Florida’s worst kept secret, in fact. Money Magazine named Sarasota its “Best Little City in the Nation” in 2000. And they haven’t been the only ones to recognize the unique qualities that make life here such an enriching experience. Barron’s called Sarasota an “undiscovered gem for retirees” in 2003, but the given reasons would appeal to pretty much anyone of any age: local history, strong support for the arts, a budding real estate market and of course the beaches and golf.

The Sarasota market adds over 130 residents per week to a population of 317,000 that stretches along the emerald Gulf Coast from Sarasota proper to Venice. It’s also among Florida’s most affluent communities, as well as one of its most generous in its support of both the arts and other community-building enterprises. Sarasota schools produce students that rank in the top 5% statewide, and our employment and real estate markets are expected to continue to boom in spite of the uncertain economy.

On top of that, over 1.5 million tourists make the Sarasota area a destination every year. Apparently 130 per week fall in love with life here, and that’s not so hard to understand. With so much to offer people of all ages and interests, Sarasota is an easy choice. If you think it’s a wonderful place to visit, just wait until you live here.

“This stylish Gulf Coast town has so much for visitors to do, they may not have time for its 35 miles of sand.” – New York Times,,, 1/13/02

“One of the true gems of the Sunshine State … brimming with cultural doings.” – Barron’s, 3/14/03

“[Few other areas] share Sarasota’s wealth-shrouded insulation from bad economic times…” Sarasota Herald-Tribune, 11/17/01