Sarasota, Florida Information

Once known primarily as a vacation or retirement destination, today's Sarasota is home to diversity. A great year-round climate, expanding employment, abundant leisure time activities and excellent schools attract creative entrepreneurs, skilled workers and professionals who want to thrive in a community where life is fun.

Despite its secluded ambiance, Sarasota offers world class shopping, award-winning restaurants, abundant medical care, educational choices for all ages, a celebration of the cultural arts, and a vibrant business environment all of which rival major metropolitan areas. Whether you're in the mood for the serenity of a luxury beach residence or the excitement of urban life, Sarasota has access to both.  Read more.

For business, for pleasure, for life…Sarasota is a great place to live!

Sarasota Arts & Culture

• Asolo Theatre
• Florida Studio Theatre
• Ringling Museum of Art
• Sarasota Ballet
• Sarasota Film Society
• Sarasota Opera
• Sarasota Orchestra
• The Players Theatre
• Towles Court Artist Colony
• Van Wezel

Sarasota Publications

• Mommy Magazine
• Observer Newspapers
• Sarasota Herald Tribune
• Sarasota Magazine
• SRQ Magazine

Sarasota Recreation & Events

• Marie Selby Botanical Gardens
• Mote Marine Laboratory
• Sarasota Golf Courses
• Sarasota Parks
• Sarasota Restaurants
• This Week in Sarasota

Sarasota Resouces

• City of Sarasota
• Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce
• Longboat Key Chamber of Commerce
• Sarasota "Florida's Cultural Coast"
• Sarasota County Government
• Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce
• Visit Sarasota

Sarasota, Florida Information

Since the 1920s land boom, people around the country have recognized Sarasota for the unique jewel that it is. Besides being a naturally beautiful setting, nestled along the western coast of Florida, Sarasota boasts unique amenities born from a long history of arts and culture fostered by prominent historical figures. John and Mable Ringling, of circus fame, played particularly important roles. John Ringling had a penchant for art and for real estate development, focusing a great deal of his efforts on the barrier islands of Lido Key and Longboat Key. Ringling’s vision for St. Armands Circle can still be seen today in a thriving area with more than 130 boutiques, cafés, and restaurants. Ringling also had a particular love for Mediterranean-style architecture, and his own home, the Ca’d Zan, set a tone for a style that is still being echoed in modern developments throughout Sarasota today.

Between the 40s and the mid-60s, the Sarasota School of Architecture, came to the fore as several architects, including world-renowned Paul Rudolph, began to design with light, climate, and terrain in mind. The style emphasized large windows or floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors, geometric shapes, floating staircases, creative block-style use of concrete, and large walls of jalousie windows. Other well-known architects from this period, whose designs can still be seen in homes here, include Ralph Twitchell, Victory Lundy, Gene Leedy, and Tim Seibert.

As a town that has always depended on tourism for a substantial portion of its economy, Sarasota residents are sensitive to the need for thoughtful design. Several planned communities in the area reflect that sensitivity, such as The Meadows, Lakewood Ranch, and Palmer Ranch.  Older, historic areas also show evidence of a love for thoughtful preservation and aesthetics. The historic Laurel Park or McClellan Park are just two examples of areas where older homes have been lovingly preserved, and well-maintained common areas exemplify a love for beautiful landscaping and gardening.

Of course, the beaches are one of the biggest draws to the area, and there are plenty of options here for living on or near the water. Numerous bayside neighborhoods offer thriving, well-established neighborhoods.  Along the waterfront, whether bay or island-side, you can find a plethora of housing options—everything from maintenance-free condominiums or townhomes to grand waterfront estates. 

Sarasota, Florida Map

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