The Only Florida City to Make the Top 10
For its desirability, quality of life and cost of living, Sarasota was named one of the best places to live in the country by U.S. News & World Report, the only Florida city to make the Top 10. Located on Florida’s Gulf Coast, Sarasota is the 9th-most desirable place to live on the list. People are also acting on that desire, as Sarasota is the third-fastest growing metro area out of the 150 places ranked, behind only Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, and Lakeland, Florida. From 2016 to 2021, Sarasota saw a population increase of 12.01% due to net migration, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
From U.S. News & World Report:
“Sarasota has a distinct vibe that’s different from Florida’s relative coastal cities, with its own vibrant arts scene, beachy atmosphere and burgeoning food culture. People who choose Sarasota as their home are generally called by its unique charm. This metro area of just over 800,000 people has a renowned opera house, a number of rooftop bars and the popular beach of Siesta Key. What makes the region special is its duality – downtown Sarasota boasts resorts and fine dining, but strolling Siesta Key Village or St. Armands Circle offers a more intimate, seaside ambience.”
U.S. News analyzed the 150 most populous metro areas to find the best places to live. To make the top of the list, a place had to have good value, be a desirable place to live, have a strong job market and a high quality of life.
The Sarasota Metro Area includes North Port and Bradenton. The population for Sarasota County, according to the Sarasota County government website is 441, 500 year-round residents with an uptick of 96,000 seasonal resident.
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Source: U.S. News & World Report