Downtown Sarasota sparkles at night and reflects off the calm waters of Sarasota Bay.
The web’s most popular social network sites are still buzzing about Sarasota’s recent placement as the #1 city in the United States to buy a home according to real estate maven Barbara Corcoran on NBC’s Today Show. The criterion for her list was simple: these are the cities in which prices have dropped the most, but have seen a boost in the last fiscal quarter.
While those of us who already live in this preferred destination have been aware of its charms for some time, interested homebuyers from around the nation have been zeroing in on our area upon hearing this recent spotlight of hope that has been pointed in our direction. To help them along, we are proud to present the top 10 reasons why now is the right time to choose Sarasota as a place to live:
1. Affordability—Just a few years ago, many would scoff at the notion of affordable housing in Sarasota. However, today’s market places the median price of housing in Sarasota at just under $176,000.
2. The Timing is Right—While the median price is teetering at just below $176,000, it will certainly not last for long. Last year, home prices went down by a third, but are already up by 13 percent this year. Now is the time to find the right home for you in the Sarasota area if you want to take advantage of the lower prices.
Expansive estates line the sandy white beaches of Longboat Key.
3. Beaches—For those who enjoy the sun and the shore, the Sarasota-area coastline offers over 35 miles of some of the world’s most beautiful beaches, including renowned Siesta Key Beach. Every evening is capped with brilliant sunsets beyond the sparkling Gulf of Mexico.
4. A Sophisticated City—Considered to be the cultural capital, Sarasota is home to the Sarasota Ballet, The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, the Van Wezel, the Florida West Coast Symphony, the Asolo Theater for the Performing Arts, The Sarasota Film Festival, and enough art galleries to rival any big city. Plus, there is an abundance of fine dining venues scattered throughout the area to please any palette. St. Armands Circle, with a host of upscale shops and specialty boutiques, offers some of the most elegant shopping spots in Florida.
5. Residential Options—From elegant waterfront restates and soaring downtown condominiums to lavish country club communities and modest single-family homes in every price range, the Sarasota area has residential opportunities for every lifestyle. The barrier island communities of Anna Maria Island and Longboat, Lido, Bird, Siesta, Casey and Manasota keys offer an assortment of laidback, tropical island residences.
6. Convenience of Location—Orlando, Tampa Bay and Miami may be some of the bigger, well known destinations in the state, but with all the recognition and excitement comes congestion and stress. The Sarasota area is within a convenient day drive from these locations, yet offers a laidback, leisurely lifestyle enveloped by pristine natural beauty. Plus, the Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport connects our area to anywhere in the world.
7. On Par With Golfers—For lovers of the game, the Sarasota area offers over 80 public and private golf courses to challenge every level of player. Many of these well-manicured courses are located in communities with an abundance of residential options.
8. Beautiful Year-Round Weather—With an average annual temperature of a comfortable 72.6F degrees, it is no surprise that the Sarasota area serves as a popular vacation destination for those eager to escape the bitter winters of the north.
Sailboats dot the water of Sarasota Bay, a tranquil view for businesses in downtown.
9. In the Business—With its wealth of options and plenty of resources, Sarasota County is a relatively good place to do business. From relocation and expansion assistance to workforce development and financial incentives, Sarasota County has earned rave reviews from the business community for fostering strategic alliances between the public and private sectors.
10. A Retirement Haven— Sarasota is seen by travelers, families and especially retirees as an ideal place for both vacationing and permanent residency. Along with its beautiful climate, the area offers exceptional services from a roster of professional doctors, health specialists, lawyers, investment brokers, financial analysts, home lenders and real estate agents agents, who could assist with a number of concerns.
11. Bonus!—The Sarasota area has so much to offer, it is impossible to limit all the great reasons to buy a home here into a list of 10. One would be remiss to fail to mention the weekly downtown farmers markets; the remarkable flora of Marie Selby Botanical Gardens; the hands-on learning experience at the Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium; the animal exhibits of Jungle Gardens, the world-class fishing off our shores, the miles and miles of recreational parks, and so much more. Our region of the Sunshine State is one to experience and enjoy for residents and visitors alike. With so much to see, do and encounter, it’s no surprise to find the Sarasota area listed as the country’s #1 place to buy a home.
