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 |