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Town

Sarasota

#5 in Best Places to Live in Sarasota County
  • A+
    Overall Grade
  • Town in Florida
  • 104 reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
How are grades calculated?
  1. Public Schools
    A+
  2. Crime & Safety
    C
  3. Housing
    B-
  4. Nightlife
    A+
  5. Good for Families
    A
  6. Diversity
    A
  7. Jobs
    B-
  8. Weather
    A
  9. Cost of Living
    B-
  10. Health & Fitness
    A+
  11. Outdoor Activities
    A-
  12. Commute
    A-
View Full Report Card
Sarasota is a town in Florida with a population of 55,103. Sarasota is in Sarasota County and is one of the best places to live in Florida. Living in Sarasota offers residents a suburban feel and most residents own their homes. In Sarasota there are a lot of bars, restaurants, coffee shops, and parks. Many young professionals and retirees live in Sarasota and residents tend to have moderate political views. The public schools in Sarasota are highly rated.
Population
55,103

Real Estate

Median Home Value
$215,100
National
$184,700
Median Rent
$995
National
$949
Area Feel
Suburban
Rent vs. Own
  • Rent
    44%
  • Own
    56%
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Sarasota Rankings

Niche ranks thousands of places to live based on key statistics from the U.S. Census and and expert insights.

Crime & Safety

Crime & Safety
C
Based on violent and property crime rates.
Violent Crimes
  • Calculated annually per 100,000 residents
National
  • Assault
    364.2
    282.7
  • Murder
    1.7
    6.1
  • Rape
    45.3
    40.7
  • Robbery
    151.6
    135.5
Property Crimes
  • Calculated annually per 100,000 residents
National
  • Burglary
    470.5
    500.1
  • Theft
    2,756.9
    2,042.8
  • Motor Vehicle Theft
    195.2
    284
Home Security Options for Sarasota
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  • 24/7 Whole home protection with no contract
  • CNET Editor’s choice winner 2018

Residents

Diversity
A
Based on ethnic and economic diversity.
Age
  • <10 years
    8%
  • 10-17 years
    7%
  • 18-24 years
    8%
  • 25-34 years
    13%
  • 35-44 years
    10%
  • 45-54 years
    13%
  • 55-64 years
    14%
  • 65+ years
    26%
Education Levels
National
  • Master's degree or higher
    14%
    12%
  • Bachelor's degree
    21%
    19%
  • Some college or associate's degree
    26%
    29%
  • High school diploma or equivalent
    27%
    28%
  • Less than high school diploma
    12%
    13%

Working in Sarasota

Jobs
B-
Based on employment rates, job and business growth, and cost of living.
Median Household Income
$45,073
National
$55,322
Search for Jobs in Sarasota
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  • Private Schools
  • Colleges
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Sarasota Reviews

104 reviews
All Categories
I love Sarasota. It's a beautiful city. Siesta Key is a one of a kind beach, which has been rated best in America. Despite being a small city, there is a lot to do in Sarasota. Sarasota is a very artistic city, with high quality theaters, a ballet, and an opera house. However, if interested in nightlife, another city with a younger populace may be more suitable. Sarasota is a great city that many choose to retire to. I would hate to leave it! A flaw could be due to the local economy depending on tourism, the off season (which is the summer, due to "snow birds" going back home) or in times of natural disaster, the economy can dwindle.
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I will try to state facts and remain as neutral as possible in this review. I’m from DuPage county in Illinois (south suburb of Chicago.) We moved here for change of weather. I have two young children age 4/6. We have been in Sarasota 4 years.
Money talks. Which leads me to, if you are financially secure, you will love Florida. If you’re a working middle class family, forget it. I’ve come to terms with the many rude, homeless and arrogant folks here, but we are ready to leave. I miss the kind, neighborly feel of the north, and you will find it here as long as they haven’t been Floridian-ized. Far and few. Florida changes you. It will have you walking around, keeping up with the Jones.
Florida is a great place to visit, but I absolutely despise living here and can’t wait to leave!
Sarasota is an awesome town! The beaches are breathtaking and offer a surplus of fishing with unlimited sunshine in the Sunshine State! Locals in this area are always friendly and welcoming. Sarasota offers fabulous restaurants with a delectable variety of all cuisines!