Summary
- Sarasota’s Ranking: Sarasota, Florida, once again ranks as a top destination for retirees in the U.S.
- Activities and Attractions: Explore the vibrant beaches, parks, and cultural offerings of Sarasota.
- Living in Sarasota: Discover housing opportunities and the benefits of living in a warm climate.
Once again, Sarasota, Florida, topped the list of Best Places to Retire in the U.S., according to U.S. News and World Report’s 2021-2022 data. Florida cities took eight out of the top 10 spots on the most recent annual survey, which evaluates 150 metropolitan areas and ranks them according to criteria that includes healthcare, housing affordability, air quality, crime rates, taxes, and overall desirability.
Sarasota‘s beaches, parks, cultural attractions, restaurants, and shopping make it a popular vacation destination as well as an ideal retirement community. Golf, boating, fishing, and water sports are favored activities. Beaches like Lido Key and Siesta Key, alongside the warm, swimmable Gulf of Mexico, fresh seafood, and waterfront dining, attract many travelers to the area. In addition, the sophisticated downtown and St. Armands Circle offer great shopping and dining options.
Cultural and entertainment opportunities are abundant in Sarasota. Noteworthy attractions include the Sarasota Opera House, Players Center for the Performing Arts, Sarasota Orchestra, and the Sarasota Ballet. The local West Coast Black Theater Troupe and Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall also contribute to the vibrant arts scene. Museums such as the Sarasota Art Museum and The Ringling, featuring a fascinating circus museum, enhance the cultural fabric of Sarasota. Furthermore, explore the lovely Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, offering both self-guided and organized tours.
Moreover, there is no state income tax in Florida, which attracts retirees as well as permanent residents of all ages. However, due to the area’s popularity, home prices tend to be higher compared to many other Florida cities. That said, there are numerous opportunities for home buyers; with a population of 59,902 based on the 2020 census, Sarasota’s population has grown by 15.38 percent since 2010. Neighborhoods have expanded and revitalized, now featuring apartments and new homes. Several highly rated hospitals are located in Sarasota, and the Florida Department of Health maintains a facility for those who need care but lack insurance.
Winter brings snowbirds to the region, eager to enjoy the warmer climate, leading to crowded shops, restaurants, and attractions. Nevertheless, the vibrant atmosphere in Sarasota during winter—with concerts and numerous outdoor dining options—compensates for the increased crowds. Conversely, summer is relatively quieter, warmer, and more humid, with temperatures soaring as high as 90 during August, which is the hottest and rainiest month of the year. Most residents would likely agree that they prefer the humid August days over frigid winters.
For those aiming to spend their retirement years in a warm, sunny city with plenty to do, Sarasota is undoubtedly worth considering—particularly for retirees who wish to bring their golf clubs and leave their snow shovels behind.
