Long renowned as a coastal resort and retirement destination, Sarasota has become a sought-after first home destination as well. Florida’s low taxes, business-friendly climate and quality of life have been raising the state’s profile with out-of-state movers, and many are zeroing in on the Sarasota region, which boasts miles of waterfront, natural beauty and a thriving cultural scene. Sarasota, which is about an hour from Tampa and two hours from Orlando, continues to attract new residents with a favorable business climate, excellent schools, significant health care, exceptional sports, year-round outdoor activities, vibrant arts and culture, and high-end shopping and dining.
Accolades
Sarasota has won a multitude of accolades for its places to go, play, and dine. Here are a few of the kudos Sarasota has earned in the last year:
| #1 | Best Places to Retire | U.S. News |
| #1 | Top 25 Beaches un the U.S. | TripAdvisor |
| #2 | Best Places to Live in Florida | U.S. News |
| #2 | Best Small Cities to Start a Small Business | Verizon |
| #3 | Best Coastal Small Towns | USA Today |
| #5 | Best Small Cities in the U.S. | Conde Nast |
| #6 | Best Beach Towns to Live In | WalletHub |
| #8 | The Best U.S. Islands (Longboat Key) | Conde Nast |
| #11 | Best Beaches in the World | TripAdvisor |
| #16 | Best Places to Live in the U.S. | U.S. News |
| #21 | Best Places to Live for Quality of Life | U.S. News |
| Top 10 Places to Live on the Coast | Coastal Living | |
| 25 Most Desirable Places to Live in the U.S. | U.S. News | |
| World’s Best Hospitals | Newsweek |
Private Aviation Expands at Sarasota SRQ Airport
A new private aviation hangar at Sarasota Bradenton International Airport brings expanded jet services and a southern headquarters to SRQ.
Gucci Family Boutique Coming to St. Regis Longboat Key
From Rodeo Drive to Longboat Key, Alexandra Gucci Zarini brings her luxury accessories brand AGCF to The St. Regis Longboat Key Resort.
Lido Beach Shoreline Protection 2026
Sarasota is restoring 1.2 miles of protective dunes along Lido Beach following major beach renourishment, strengthening coastal resilience on Lido Key.
Sarasota Memorial Opens $220M Milman-Kover Cancer Pavilion
Sarasota Memorial’s new $220 million cancer pavilion expands advanced treatment and outpatient care, supported by Sarasota’s philanthropic community.
Benderson Park to Break Ground This Fall on $75–$80 Million Boathouse and Multi-Sport Complex
An $80M sports complex is coming to Nathan Benderson Park. Learn how this investment could boost values for Sarasota luxury real estate.
Myakka Wild and Scenic River
Experience Old Florida at TerraNova, Sarasota’s equestrian community near the Wild and Scenic Myakka River, surrounded by native wildlife and natural beauty.
Honoring the Myakka History and Land at TerraNova
The Estates at TerraNova lies in Southwest Florida’s historic Myakka region, shaped by cattle ranches, citrus groves, forests, waterways and Native American heritage.
Smart Money Is Betting on Sarasota. Here’s What That Means for Luxury Homebuyers.
LoopNet ranked Sarasota the No. 2 U.S. city for office investing in 2026. Learn why the region’s growing economy is attracting executives, business owners and luxury homebuyers to Florida’s Gulf Coast.
Why Sarasota’s Growing Business Community Is Attracting Executives to Florida
Learn how Sarasota County’s push for more business parks is strengthening the local economy and why executives relocating to Florida choose the Laughlin Tanner Group to find their ideal Sarasota home.
Sarasota Tops CNN’s List of America’s Best Towns for 2026
It’s not a surprise to those of us who have watched Sarasota become one of the most desirable addresses in the country, but it’s gratifying see it rank as America’s Best Town.
Port Tampa Bay’s Expansion: What It Means for Businesses Relocating to Florida
Port Tampa Bay is undergoing its most ambitious expansion in decades. For business owners considering a move to Florida, here’s why that matters and why Sarasota makes an ideal home base.
What Neighborhoods Have the Most Expensive Homes in Sarasota?
Sarasota’s most expensive neighborhoods. From Longboat Key’s record-setting estates to Bird Key’s island enclaves. Updated 2026 guide from the Laughlin Tanner Group.
Good News for Florida Luxury Homewoners: Lower Insurance Rates Are Coming
Florida insurance relief could bring lower premiums for some homeowners. See what it means for Sarasota luxury real estate, home values, and next steps.
Sarasota Memorial Hospital Named Among the World’s Best Hospitals…Again
What living near one of Newsweek’s World’s Best Hospitals 2026 means for Sarasota residents and luxury homebuyers.
2026 Florida Economic Outlook: What It Could Mean for Sarasota Luxury Real Estate
Florida’s 2026 economic outlook report projects steady growth and a stabilizing housing market. Here’s what it could mean for Sarasota luxury real estate.
What Does 2026 Hold for the Gulf Coast Real Estate Market
Sarasota luxury real estate outlook for 2026. Insights from Premier Sotheby’s CEO brought to you by the Laughlin Tanner Group.
VillageWalk Sarasota FL: Resort-Style Living in Palmer Ranch
Explore VillageWalk in Palmer Ranch, Sarasota. Gated, maintenance-free homes, 500+ acres of lakes and trails, a waterfront Town Center with pools, fitness, tennis, pickleball, café. Minutes to Legacy Trail and Siesta Key Beach.
Florida Homestead Exemption, Save Our Homes & Portability
Florida homestead exemption explained: property-tax savings up to $50,000, the Save Our Homes 3% cap, portability when you move and key deadlines.
Sarasota Yacht Club: A Century of Boating & Social Life on Sarasota Bay
Sarasota Yacht Club is a private, member-owned club. Membership is by invitation only, a longstanding hallmark that places it among the more exclusive yacht clubs in Florida.
The Field Club: Sarasota’s Historic Bayfront Tennis, Yacht & Social Club
The Field Club is Sarasota’s historic private bayfront club in the coveted West of Trail area offering boating, tennis, dining and social activities.
Living in Sarasota, Florida
Discover what it’s really like living in Sarasota, Florida—a Gulf Coast city where cultural sophistication meets laid-back coastal living, world-class beaches, and year-round sunshine.
Mira Mar Residences: A Landmark Revival for Downtown Sarasota
Mira Mar Residences in downtown Sarasota reimagine a 1920s landmark with luxury condominiums, historic restoration, and walkable mixed-use city living.
UNFI Opens 1 Million Square Foot Distribution Center in Sarasota
UNFI opens 1 million-square-foot distribution center, fueling economic growth and adding to the region’s appeal for luxury real estate.
Florida: Where Businesses Invest, Grow, Thrive
Florida offers a thriving business climate, low taxes, and top-ranked infrastructure, making it the leading destination for new businesses and investment.