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Sarasota

#5 in Best Places to Live in Sarasota County
  • A
    Overall Grade
  • Town in Florida
  • 119 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 56,102. Sarasota is in Sarasota County and is one of the best places to live in Florida. Living in Sarasota offers residents an urban suburban mix 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
    56,102

    Real Estate

    Median Home Value
    $239,600
    National
    $184,700
    Median Rent
    $1,069
    National
    $949
    Area Feel
    Urban Suburban Mix
    Rent vs. Own
    • Rent
      43%
    • Own
      57%
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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
      398.5
      282.7
    • Murder
      5.2
      6.1
    • Rape
      38.1
      40.7
    • Robbery
      142.1
      135.5
    Property Crimes
    • Calculated annually per 100,000 residents
    National
    • Burglary
      521.5
      500.1
    • Theft
      2,498.4
      2,042.8
    • Motor Vehicle Theft
      232.2
      284

    Residents

    Diversity
    A
    Based on ethnic and economic diversity.
    Age
    • <10 years
      8%
    • 10-17 years
      7%
    • 18-24 years
      8%
    • 25-34 years
      14%
    • 35-44 years
      9%
    • 45-54 years
      12%
    • 55-64 years
      14%
    • 65+ years
      27%
    Education Levels
    National
    • Master's degree or higher
      15%
      12%
    • Bachelor's degree
      20%
      19%
    • Some college or associate's degree
      26%
      29%
    • High school diploma or equivalent
      27%
      28%
    • Less than high school diploma
      11%
      13%

    Working in Sarasota

    Jobs
    B-
    Based on employment rates, job and business growth, and cost of living.
    Median Household Income
    $47,884
    National
    $55,322
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    Sarasota Reviews

    119 reviews
    All Categories
    Sarasota is anazing overall, especially for those that are retired. Between the climate, beaches, and attractions, Sarasota is a beautiful city. Living in Sarasota is a lot like being on a continual vacation. The only characteristics I would change about the city would be increasing age and race diversity, and reducing the traffic during “snow bird” season. There is also some wealth disparity, illustrated by the homelessness problem. Other than that, the value of Sarasota is definitely increasing between investment in the home industry, the quality public schools, and the substantial funding that keeps Sarasota well-kept. I also appreciate the art and culinary scene in Sarasota with the Ringling College of Art and Design, museums, and many restaurants show casing different types of cuisine. The low crime rates in Sarasota, also are appealing for families especially.
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    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.
    Sarasota is a beautiful place with lots of history behind it. It is home to one of the best beaches in America, Siesta Key. Downtown Sarasota is full of shops, restaurants, libraries, theaters and other beautiful buildings. There is always something to do!