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Moving to Sarasota in 2025?
Complete Moving Guide
This is a complete guide for Moving to Sarasota.
Get all the information you need to know about moving to Sarasota.
Planning to move to Sarasota?
People move from one city to another for many reasons, and this is important for personal, professional, and financial growth. Sarasota is a beautiful coastal city in Florida, and if you move here, you will enjoy stunning beaches, vibrant art scenes, and laid-back life. The cost of living in Sarasota is higher than the national average. However, there is no income tax in Florida, so this can be considered a financial benefit. The city offers a laid-back lifestyle with a friendly atmosphere. This is a great place who want to spend their life in quiet and relaxed surroundings. Sarasota experiences warm weather year-round. These are some details about Sarasota, but you need more information to start your life in a new city. This moving guide will help you explore Sarasota-
- Quick Facts About Sarasota
- Top Reasons To Move To Sarasota
- Pros And Cons Of Living In Sarasota
- Best Neighborhoods In Sarasota
- Cost Of Living In Sarasota
- Job Market In Sarasota
- Major industries in Sarasota
- Education System in Sarasota
- Transportation And Navigation In Sarasota
- Things To Do In Sarasota
- Taxes In Sarasota
- Insurance Required In Sarasota
Quick Facts of Sarasota
Before you move to Sarasota, learn about some interesting and quick facts about the city that will amaze you-- Sarasota was once known as “circus City” because the Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus were wintering there.
- Siesta Key is Sarasotawned for its white sand beaches which are the best in the world.
- The Historic Spanish Point as it offers a glimpse into the past of Florida.
- The city hosts a prestigious film festival known as the Sarasota Film Festival that attracts filmmakers and movie lovers.
- The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art has a vast collection of European art.
- The Sarasota Farmers Market offers fresh produce, artisanal goods, and live music.
- The Sarasota County Fairgrounds hosts numerous festivals throughout the year.
- Sarasota is a boater’s paradise with extensive waterways for boating and water sports.
- The city is home to more than 1,000 golf courses.
- Sarasota is a popular retirement destination
Top reasons to move to Sarasota
Moving is a big step and you need strong reasons to move there. Here, we have listed the major factors that encourage you to move to Sarasota-
- Cost of living- The cost of living in the city is affordable due to affordable housing lower property taxes and no state income tax.
- Job market- The city has a growing economy with a diverse job market. Various sectors offering employment opportunities include healthcare, tourism, and technology.
- Education- The city has excellent public and private schools offering high-quality education.
- Outdoor lifestyle- Sarasota boasts stunning beaches with white sand and crystal-clear water. There are a variety of water sports you can enjoy like boating, kayaking, and more.
- Taxes- The city has lower property taxes and there is no state income tax which can help you financially.
- Friendly community- This is one of the major factors people consider when they explore the city. Sarasota has warm and welcoming people with a strong sense of community.
- Climate- The city experiences warm and sunny weather year-round. This offers perfect weather for outdoor activities.
Pros & Cons of Living in Sarasota
Each city offers something with some negative features. But before you move to a new city, you must know about the pros and cons of living in that city. This will help you prepare for the challenges. Here, we have listed all the pros and cons of living in Sarasota-Pros of living in Sarasota | Cons of living in Sarasota |
---|---|
The city boasts world-class beaches known for white sand & crystal-clear water | The cost of living is higher than the national average |
The weather is warm and sunny year-round | Summers can be hot and humid which can be uncomfortable for some people |
Florida is tax-friendly with no state income tax and lower property tax | Sarasota is located in hurricane-prone area |
The job market is diverse with variety of job opportunities | Traffic can be a problem during peak hours |
The city offers high-quality of life with good schools, healthcare, etc. | There can be a seasonal influx of the people making city crowded |
The people are friendly and warm with strong sense of community |
|
Best Neighborhoods in the Sarasota
When you plan to move to a new city, finding a new home is the first task on your moving checklist. Finding a neighborhood that makes you feel comfortable and homely can be challenging in a new city. But if you explore some neighborhoods of Sarasota online you can find the perfect one without any hassle-
- Palmer Ranch- This is a master-planned community with a variety of housing options, good schools, parks, and golf courses.
- Lakewood Ranch- This is a rapidly growing community which is a perfect location to raise your family. The neighborhood has a mix of housing styles, recreational opportunities, and top-rated schools.
- Southside Village- This is a charming neighborhood with a mix of old and new houses. There are boutiques, restaurants, shops, and art galleries in the area.
- Lido Key- This is one of the best neighborhoods for retirees. It is a more upscale neighborhood with luxury homes, pristine beaches, and a wide range of amenities.
- Rosemary District- This is a vibrant neighborhood that has trendy restaurants, shops, bars, and an extensive range of houses. You can find historic homes to modern condos in Rosemary District.
- Gulf Gate- This is one of the highly recommended family-friendly neighborhoods with affordable housing. It has good schools, shopping stores, and dining options.
- Sapphire Shores- This is a historic neighborhood with beautiful waterfront homes and a strong sense of community.
Cost of living in Sarasota
People move to a new city in search of affordable living and better earnings. Before you move to a new city, learn about the cost of living and other costs that can affect your finances. If you know the approximate cost of living in a city, you can set your moving budget and have an easy and stress-free move. Generally, the cost of living in Sarasota is higher than the national average, but the numbers can vary depending on the lifestyle. Here is the breakdown of the cost of living in Sarasota-
Category | Sarasota (in USD) |
---|---|
One-bedroom apartment rent | $1,500/month |
Two-bedroom apartment rent | $2,000/month |
Median home price | $525,329 |
Monthly utility bill (electricity, water, gas) | $204.27/month |
Monthly public transportation pass | $197.60/month |
Average gas price per gallon | $3.40/gallon |
Monthly grocery bill | $414/month |
Monthly health insurance premium | $141.02/month |
Housing Market in Sarasota
Recently, the housing market in Sarasota shows a cooling down from the peak but it is still competitive. The median home prices in the city are slightly higher than the national average. It is strong and shows a shift towards a more balanced market. The median home price in Sarasota is around $488,500.
Average rental cost in Sarasota
The average rental cost in Sarasota ranges between $2,023- $2,560. The range of the price varies on the size, type, and location of the property.
Sarasota job market
Finding a better job or starting a new career are some of the major reasons why people move from one city to another. If you are planning to move to Sarasota, you should know that the city experienced steady economic growth in recent years. Several sectors in the market contribute to the economic growth. The job market of Sarasota is diverse and primarily driven by industries like healthcare, tourism, education, and more.Top Career Options in Sarasota
Moving to a new job or changing the job for better opportunities means you need to find the job of your choice. Here, we have compiled some statistics available for the top career options in Sarasota-
Job Title | Average Salary | Entry-Level Salary | Number of Employees |
---|---|---|---|
General Internal Medicine Physicians | $216,960 | $127,870 | 460 |
Psychiatrists | $198,190 | $56,060 | 60 |
Family Medicine Physicians | $197,700 | $165,220 | 150 |
Podiatrists | $191,430 | $62,320 | 30 |
Computer and Information Research Scientists | $170,540 | $82,110 | 30 |
Chief Executives | $169,600 | $53,990 | 660 |
General Dentists | $167,730 | $63,630 | 310 |
Nurse Anesthetists | $152,790 | $91,750 | 160 |
Architectural and Engineering Managers | $134,990 | $80,000 | 120 |
Computer and Information Systems Managers | $134,600 | $84,070 | 400 |
Median Salary in Sarasota
In Sarasota, the median salary of a person is $68,870 per year. The median salary depends on various factors including job role, and experience.
Transportation And Navigation In Sarasota
Transportation in a city can affect the quality of life. If the commute time is longer, you will feel tired and cannot be more productive. So, before you move to Sarasota learn about the transportation facilities and navigation systems. Private Transportation- This is the most common mode of transportation in Sarasota. Owning a car will give you flexibility to explore surrounding areas. Public Transportation- The city has a public bus system that provides service throughout Sarasota County. There is Bay Runner which is an open-air trolley that simplifies commuting. There are Uber and Lyft available in the city. Navigation- The city is easy to navigate and popular GPS apps like Google Maps and Waze can be used for navigating Sarasota.Major industries in Sarasota
The economy of Sarasota is driven by a range of industries including-- Tourism and Hospitality
- Healthcare
- Education
- Real Estate
- Manufacturing
- Financial Services
- Arts and Culture
Education System in Sarasota
Finding a good school or college for your child is one of the essential tasks listed in your moving checklist. Sarasota is home to several colleges and universities offering a wide range of academic programs for graduate and undergraduate levels. Here, we have provided a list of top schools, colleges, and universities in Sarasota to simplify the search-Elementary Schools in Sarasota |
---|
Pine View School |
Bay Haven School of Basics Plus |
Sarasota Suncoast Academy |
Imagine School at Palmer Ranch |
Fruitville Elementary School |
Middle Schools in Sarasota |
---|
Sarasota Middle School |
Booker Middle School |
Imagine School at Palmer Beach |
Sarasota School of Arts and Sciences |
Riverview High School |
High Schools in Sarasota |
---|
Pine View School |
Riverview High School |
Booker High School |
Sarasota High School |
Suncoast Polytechnical High School |
Colleges and Universities in Sarasota |
---|
New College of Florida |
Ringling College of Art and Design |
University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee |
State College of Florida, Manatee- Sarasota |
Eckerd College |
Best things to do in Sarasota
There are many options for recreation and fun in Sarasota-- Enjoy sunbathing, swimming, and shelling at the powdery white sand beach- Siesta Key.
- Visit St. Armands Circle which has upscale boutiques, art galleries, and restaurants
- Plan a day out to The Ringling which is a world-class museum complex featuring the Ringling Museum of Art, the Ca d'Zan mansion, and the Circus Museum.
- Enjoy world-class-opera performances at Sarasota Opera.
- Explore the calm waters of Sarasota Bay and enjoy kayaking and paddle boating.
- Spot a variety of bird species in the Celery Fields.
- Dig in the history at Historic Spanish Point.
Taxes in Sarasota
Taxes are considered an essential expense while evaluating the cost of living in a city. Learning about the taxes in the new city will help you prepare financially-Sales Tax- Florida has a state sales tax of 6% and local sales tax in Sarasota is 1%, so you have to pay 7% sales tax in Sarasota.
Vehicle Registration Fees- Florida mandates you to register your vehicle when you move in and there is a registration fee on motor vehicles. The fees vary depending on vehicle type and weight.
Property Tax- The property taxes in Florida as assessed annually based on the assessed value of the property.
Doc Stamp Tax- This tax is generally paid by the buyer when doing real estate transactions.
Tangible Personal Property Tax- This tax is applied to certain types of personal properties including boats and RVs.
Type of insurance required in Sarasota
Insurance is necessary if you want to ensure that you, your family, and your valuables are safe and secure during different scenarios of life. When people move, they buy moving insurance to ensure that their belongings will be safe during the transit. After moving to a new city, you will need some basic insurance to secure yourself, your loved ones, and your property from any loss or damage. Here are the details of different insurance required in Sarasota-
Auto Insurance- In Florida, all vehicle owners have to buy minimum liability coverage. This includes Personal Injury Protection (PIP) and Property Damage Liability (PDL).
Homeowners Insurance- This insurance is crucial to protect your property and belongings from different risks like fire, theft, and natural disasters.
Renters Insurance- If you rent a house, this insurance will protect your house and belongings from natural hazards and other covered events.
Flood insurance- This is not mandatory by law, but this insurance will be beneficial if you live in flood-prone areas.
Health Insurance- If you buy health insurance, it will cover the medical expenses.
Life Insurance- This will provide financial security to your family in case of your death.
Workers’ Compensation Insurance- This insurance covers medical expenses and lost wages in case of work-related injuries.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this guide is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal, financial, or professional advice. It is recommended to conduct thorough research and consult relevant experts before making any decisions related to relocation.
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