Sarasota : Florida

What Sarasota is like for active adults

Sarasota, Florida is a town of 52,000 on Florida's Central West coast on the Gulf of Mexico and Sarasota Bay. Development began in the 1920’s; the town has dozens of historically significant buildings and institutions. This popular retirement community is considered by many to be the cultural capital of Florida. Sarasota has one of Florida's best downtowns with many interesting neighborhoods. An impressive array of cultural facilities are gathered there, along with high-rise, luxury hotels.

The Ringling Brothers located the winter quarters of their circus here. Their philanthropic legacy has made Sarasota a cultural powerhouse. The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, one of those institutions, is one of the most impressive museums in Florida. One of Sarasota's top attractions comes at the end of a bridge from the downtown harbor - St. Armand's Circle. This delightful circle is surrounded by elegant dining, shopping, and luxury housing.

Some retirees live in apartments right downtown, while others choose from a delightful array of housing options in various neighborhoods in town. Homes on exclusive keys such as Longboat Key and Siesta Key., where towering apartment houses and huge mansions overlook the gulf. An enormous array of gated golf and active adult communities tend to be nearer the Interstate.

The median sales price of a home in the Sarasota/Bradenton/Venice area in 2009's 3rd Quarter was $185,000 according to the National Association of Realtors.

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What is special about this retirement community

• John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art • Charming ambience with historical background to the 1920’s • The Cincinnati Reds has spring training here • Bobby Jones laid out the city golf course • Many buildings on the National Register of Historic Places. • Something for every active adult 55+

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What is not special about this retirement community

• There are a lot of tourists and traffic in winter • Hot summers

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What kinds of people like retiring here

Sarasota is a growing, vital community with all types of people living there. It is an extremely popular retirement location because of its warm weather and access to the gulf. For more information about how to retire in Florida and top communities like Naples

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Local economy is driven by

Tourism, finance, hospitality, medical, education. For Sarasota Craigslist

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Climate and Physical Environment

Sarasota is on the coastal plain. It is surrounded on most sides by water and is a tropical, flat environment with warm winters and hot, rainy summers. Islands called keys radiate away from the city and out into the Gulf of Mexico.

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Cultural environment

Sarasota, arguably Florida's cultural capital, is the home of Florida West Coast Symphony and its famous Sarasota Music Festival. The Sarasota Ballet; Sarasota Opera; The Players; and numerous other musical, dance, artistic, and theatrical venues. John Ringling purchased an entire historic Italian theater, the Asolo—which he had broken down and shipped here. Later, Stuart Barger designed and oversaw the construction of another Asolo - a multi-theater complex. The new complex provides several other venues for students of Florida State University's theatre arts and film program.

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Medical facilities

• Doctors Hospital Of Sarasota • Healthsouth Rehab Hospital Of Sarasota • Sarasota Memorial Hospital • Sarasota has an enviable supply of doctors and medical resources

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Transportation

Sarasota-Bradenton Airport (SRQ). Amtrak. Local bus service.

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Facts about SARASOTA

State: FL
Environment: Urban,Suburban,Coastal,
City Population: 50,001-100,000
Median age of Population: 25-44
Avg Jan Temperature: 61 +
Median HH Income: 41,001-60,000
Average Home Price (MLS): $200,001-$300,000
Annual Property Tax on a $200,000 house: Less than 2000
Total Crime Index: 111-120 (high)
Cost of Living Index: 101-110 (slightly above average)
Culture Index: 121+ (very high)
State Sales Tax: Yes
State Income Tax: No
Name of the Guide: readytoplay

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