Sarasota continues to earn national recognition as one of the best places to live and retire in the United States. In the 2023-2024 U.S. News & World Report rankings, Sarasota climbed to No. 5 on the Best Places to Live list and maintained its position as the No. 1 city in Florida. The city also stood out as the No. 2 Fastest-Growing Place and No. 7 Safest Place to Live in the country, highlighting its appeal for both newcomers and long-time residents. For those considering retirement, Sarasota secured the No. 4 spot on the 2025 Best Places to Retire list, thanks to its unique blend of coastal charm, cultural vibrancy, and high marks for happiness, health care, and desirability.
Beyond lifestyle rankings, Sarasota’s metro area boasts the highest homeownership rate in the nation, with 82.3% of residents owning their homes as of early 2025—a testament to the community’s stability and long-term appeal. Sarasota County also shines in education, ranking No. 2 among Florida’s best school districts and earning national recognition for its public schools. While the city faces challenges with affordability, its strong sense of community, thriving job market, and resilient economy continue to set it apart as a balanced paradise for families, professionals, and retirees alike.
Here’s a look at some of the most notable accolades that highlight why Sarasota continues to be a top choice across the country.
No. 1 Best Island to Visit in the South
Travel + Leisure named Longboat Key the best island to visit in the South for 2025 and Forbes included it among its “Top 12 Travel Destinations for 2025.”
No. 1 & No. 2 Best Beaches in Florida 2025
Siesta Key Beach and Anna Maria Island are home to the No. 1 and No. 2 Best Beaches in Florida, according to a 2024 list by U.S. News & World Report.
No. 4 Best Place to Retire in the U.S. (2025)
U.S. News & World Report ranked Sarasota No. 4 on its 2025 Best Places to Retire list, recognizing the city for its exceptional quality of life, top-tier health care, and overall retiree happiness.
Best Architecture of 2024
Marie Selby Botanical Gardens was one of only five projects selected by the Wall Street Journal in The Best Architecture of 2024 for Phase One of the renovation of the gardens’ downtown Sarasota campus
Top Public Schools in Florida (2025)
Sarasota’s public schools, including Pine View School for the Gifted, Ashton Elementary, Suncoast Polytechnical High and Southside Elementary, are consistently ranked among the top in the state of Florida for academic performance.
No. 42 Best Beach in the World
The World’s Best Beaches says that Siesta Beach stands out for its rare, powdery white sand made up of 99% pure quartz, which stays cool to the touch even under the hot Florida sun. This unique sand is one of the key features that sets Siesta Beach apart, often dubbed the “world’s finest, whitest sand.”
High Safety Percentile
Sarasota ranks in the 93rd percentile for safety, meaning it is safer than 93% of U.S. cities, according to Crime Grade.
