In 2017 Siesta beach ranked number 1 for America’s top 10 beaches according to Professor Stephen. Recently US News quantify survey and analyzed data for 100 Best Places to Retire in USA. Places ranked on the following criteria which include happiness of local residents, housing affordability, tax rates and healthcare quality. Find out more why Sarasota ended in top Rank again.
Source: realestate.usnews.com
#1 Sarasota, FL
What’s it like to live in Sarasota, FL?
Warm temperatures year-round, award-winning beaches and a thriving arts and cultural scene have made Sarasota a go-to place for retirees and families, not to mention a handful of celebrities (including Stephen King and Rosie O’Donnell). This southwest Florida region, which is about an hour from Tampa and two hours from Orlando, continues to attract new residents with great restaurants and plenty of shopping options.
Living in Sarasota has elements of what many consider paradise, mixed with some hints of reality. As the population grows, the area struggles to keep up with infrastructure needs. Traffic congestion is becoming more common. Those who live, work or visit downtown Sarasota will see their share of construction cranes as the region copes with an influx of residents and a record-breaking number of tourists.
However, as the Sarasota community flourishes, so does its economy. Sarasota offers a sizeable job market for those working in health care, small business and tourism.
Rankings
U.S. News analyzed 125 metro areas in the United States to find the best places to live based on quality of life and the job market in each metro area, as well as the value of living there and people’s desire to live there.
Sarasota, Florida is ranked:
#1 in Best Places to Retire and #34 in Best Places to Live
Top 5 Places Best Places to Retire in the USA
Sarasota, FL
#1 in Best Places to Retire
Lancaster, PA
#2 in Best Places to Retire
San Antonio, TX
#3 in Best Places to Retire
Grand Rapids, MI
#4 in Best Places to Retire
El Paso, TX
#5 in Best Places to Retire
Sarasota Fl, Quick Stats
What’s the cost of living in Sarasota, FL?
Sarasota is relatively affordable compared to larger Florida regions like Miami, though young families are finding it increasingly harder to buy a home at a reasonable cost. The continuing influx of wealthy residents has affected the cost of housing, as there has been more of a focus on upscale living.
Sarasota offers a lower value than similarly sized metro areas when you compare housing costs to median household income.
What’s the weather like in Sarasota, FL?
Although heat and humidity are a regular part of life in South Florida, that doesn’t stop many people from enjoying the area’s outdoor activities, such as golfing, boating and fishing. Still, residents know to keep their umbrellas handy for the fierce rain storms that usually pass through from April to October.
What’s the best way to get around Sarasota, FL?
The majority of people in Sarasota get around by car, and traffic is becoming more of an issue as new residents and visitors come to town. Year-round residents will tell you it can take almost twice as long to get places during the winter tourist season.
The region has a bus system, the Sarasota County Area Transit, or SCAT, which is seeing an increasing number of users. The bus system is fairly extensive, but heavy traffic can cause schedule delays. Sarasota has some neighborhoods that are particularly pedestrian-friendly, such as downtown, the Rosemary district, St. Armand’s Circle and Southside Village.
The Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport connects residents to destinations in the U.S. and abroad. Residents also have access to intercity bus service provided by Greyhound.
What is there to do in Sarasota, FL?
Sarasota is a great place for those who enjoy the outdoors. There are a number of parks in downtown Sarasota, not to mention the massive Myakka River State Park. Golf courses also abound. And then, of course, there are the beaches. Siesta Beach has earned acclaim for its white sand and clear water. Lido Beach, just south of St. Armands Circle, is another wide stretch of shoreline that’s easy to access. If those get crowded (as they often do), beachgoers opt for Longboat Beach, Venice Beach, Bradenton Beach or the beaches of Anna Maria Island, all of which are a short drive from Sarasota.
Meanwhile, locals take advantage of the booming restaurant scene around town, which serves up everything from fresh seafood to farm-to-table specialties. There are also a handful of farmers markets open in the fall, winter and spring, with the Sarasota Farmers Market open all year.
Either planning on your retirement or visiting Sarasota which ever you decide, you will find its worth going. Sarasota has a fast pace economy but lifestyle maintain its affordability at your expense. If you need help to go around and look for your desirable home to retire don’t hesitate to give a call at 941-375-2456 or email at info@medwayrealty.com. You can also check our Home for Sale here.
