SARASOTA MOVING / RELOCATION
GUIDE

SARASOTA: OVERVIEW

Located just 60 miles south of Tampa, Sarasota offers gorgeous beaches, warm weather, and incredible cultural and recreational amenities. In 2021 and 2022, Sarasota was named one of the Best Places to Retire in the U.S. by U.S. News and World Report. With excellent schools and a wide array of shopping, dining, and entertainment options, it’s the ideal place to live for people of all ages.

If you’re considering moving to Sarasota, here are a few of the most important things you need to know.

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SARASOTA WEATHER

The beautiful weather is one of the reasons so many people consider moving to Sarasota. Throughout the year, average temperatures range from 90° to 53°. Summers are long, hot, and wet, while winters are cool, dry, and short. The most pleasant times of the year are late February through mid-May and late October through early December. 

During the hottest time of year (late May through early October), average highs are 89° and average lows are 75°. The coldest month of the year is January, with an average high of 71° and an average low of 53°. It rains frequently in Sarasota between early June and late September, with the chance of precipitation coming in at around 42% on any given day.

SARASOTA SCHOOLS

If you’re thinking about moving to Sarasota with kids, you’ll be glad to know that the schools here are highly rated. In Sarasota County, there are 62 public schools and 36 private schools. The county has one of the highest concentrations of top-rated public schools in the state of Florida. Some of the most highly rated public schools in Sarasota include:

  • Pine View School
  • Ashton Elementary School
  • Southside Elementary School 
  • Suncoast Polytechnical High School
  • Philippi Shores Elementary School
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AVERAGE PROPERTY VALUE

As of September 2022, the median home sale price in Sarasota is $460,000. This represents a 15.7% year-over-year increase. On average, homes here sell in 23 days and the local housing market is considered somewhat competitive. 

Many people move to Sarasota from northern cities and from other parts of Florida. In 2022, the top 10 inbound metros were Chicago, New York City, Washington, DC, Boston, Philadelphia, Los Angeles, Seattle, Cape Coral, Miami, and Detroit. 

COST OF LIVING IN SARASOTA

Before moving to Sarasota, it’s a good idea to understand how far your money will go. The cost of living here is 11% higher than the national average. Groceries are 10% higher and housing is 24% higher. 

The median rent cost in Sarasota is $1,504 per month and the average energy bill is $170.96. The average household income in Sarasota is $94,355 and the median household income is $56,093. 

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SARASOTA DEMOGRAPHICS

The city of Sarasota has a population of approximately 57,787, with 52.45% being female and 47.55% male. The median age here is 48.9. Approximately 16.74% of households have children. The bulk of the workforce in Sarasota is made up of white-collar workers (82.23%). 

Sarasota County has approximately 452,373 residents. However, this increases significantly during the winter months when the 96,000 “snowbirds” come down to escape the harsh northern winters.

SARASOTA CRIME STATISTICS

Sarasota has an overall crime grade of C+, meaning that it’s about the same as the average U.S. metro area. The Sarasota metro area is in the 53rd percentile for safety, meaning that 53% of cities are more dangerous and 47% are safer. 

Generally, the crime rate is 25.45 per 1,000 residents and the east part of the Sarasota metro area is considered to be the safest. 

TRANSPORTATION IN SARASOTA

Sarasota is home to the Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport (SRQ) and is also just a short drive from St. Petersburg-Clearwater International Airport (PIE), Charlotte County Airport (PGD), and Tampa International Airport (TPA). 

The city is fairly large and sprawling, so driving a car is typically the best way to get around. The major highways entering Sarasota are I-75 and US-41 from the north and SR 72 from the east. The John Ringling Causeway will bring you from downtown Sarasota to St. Armand’s Circle, a must-visit neighborhood that features upscale shops, restaurants, and art galleries. 

SARASOTA DINING, Shopping, and Entertainment

From outdoor adventures to museums, shops, and top-notch restaurants, there is plenty to do in the city of Sarasota. The downtown area is full of art galleries, parks, theaters, and a wide array of dining options. Bayfront Drive, which is along the shore of Sarasota Bay, is a focal point of the downtown area. 

If you enjoy the arts, you’ll want to visit attractions such as the Asolo Theater, Florida Studio Theatre, Circus Arts Conservatory, Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, the Florida West Coast Symphony, and the Ringling Museum. 

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MOVING TO SARASOTA?
TRUST HAPPY HELPERS MOVING CO!

If you’re planning a move to Sarasota, FL, the experts at Happy Helpers Moving Co. can handle all the details for you. We offer a full suite of services including: 

Contact us today at 941-246-7607 to request a free quote and learn how we’ve earned our reputation for
providing Smiles for Miles!