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Looking for a luxury lifestyle in a beautiful setting with a thriving economy? Welcome to Sarasota! Sarasota, Florida, is perennially top-ranking on national and even global lists as one of the best places to live in the United States. Our Gulf Coast city has long been recognized as a great place to retire, but we are increasingly recognized as an ideal homeplace for young families and professionals of all ages. Our world-renowned white sand beaches are a huge attraction for residents and visitors alike, but there’s so much more that makes Sarasota’s lifestyle top-ranking every year.
Best Public Space
The Bay Park is an award-winning park that combines two of Sarasota’s best features – our spectacular natural beauty and our world-class arts organizations. Spanning 53 acres along the pristine shoreline of Sarasota Bay, The Bay encompasses manicured green space, natural coastal ecosystems, walking paths, and activity areas. There’s an amphitheater for live performances, perfect for showcasing Sarasota’s theatrical, dance, and music ensembles. It’s a special place that unites our community.
Best Activity
Walking over the Ringling Bridge from Downtown Sarasota to St. Armands Circle on Lido Key is the perfect way to take in the beauty of Sarasota Bay and the Gulf of Mexico. The bridge slopes gently up to 65 feet over the water, connecting our cosmopolitan core with the barrier islands over the span of about a mile with a dedicated walking lane. It was originally built in 1925 by John Ringling, the circus founder, and I love how the bridge celebrates his Sarasota history. If you’re not a walker, the Bay Runner Trolley is a perfect way to enjoy the scenery too.
Best Restaurant
Sarasota has an enviable dining scene that ranges from casual seafood fare to James Beard-nominated elegance. It’s hard to pick a favorite, especially since our restaurants all enjoy the benefit of abundant fresh produce and seafood throughout the year. Steve Phelps’ Indigenous Restaurant in Downtown Sarasota’s Towles Court District is nationally recognized not just for its spectacular menu, but also for its commitment to sustainable seafood and respect for our planet.
Best Beach
Siesta Key Beach is a perennial top pick as the number-one beach in the entire world. Its expansive white sand stretches for miles along the Gulf of Mexico. While Siesta gets the most attention, my favorite beach is on Lido Key, where you can enjoy the same powdery white sand and clear tropical water without quite as many people around. Once you’re ready to head off the beach, you’re only a few steps from St. Armands Circle, and great places to cool off with a meal or cocktail.
Best, Best, Best…!
Sarasota’s superlatives have no end! With multiple Ritz-Carltons and exquisite resorts, it’s impossible to choose a best hotel, but there’s no limit to the extraordinary places for visitors to stay. It’s the same story with the best residential building… luxury new construction buildings are prevalent in Sarasota and they each offer unique appeal, so what’s best really depends on what’s best for you, whether it’s an emphasis on wellness, extra space for a car collection, or special space and services for your pet. Another big consideration for residents is schools. Ours are award-winning, with top statewide recognition of both our public and private schools, including the magnet academies for gifted athletes. Whether you are looking for a great place to visit or a great place to live, you’ll love exploring what makes Sarasota one of the best places to live, work, and retire in the entire U.S.
Explore more about the Sarasota lifestyle on my YouTube channel or reach out to me at Moriah.Taliaferro@premiersir.com with any questions.
