Greater Sarasota & Venice Area Information

Sarasota is centrally located on the west coast of Florida, 60 miles south of Tampa and 132 miles southwest of Orlando with air service directly into the Sarasota Bradenton Airport or into the Tampa International Airport. Transportation north and south is on I-75.

The west coast lifestyle of Sarasota combines the hospitality of a smaller town with the amenities and infrastructure of a larger city that attracts families, professionals of all ages, retirees and both domestic and international vacation homeowners. Known as Florida’s “Cultural Coast” Sarasota has its own theatres, ballet, symphony, opera, museums, art galleries and performing arts hall.

Recreational pursuits include golf, water sports and tennis. The warm gulf waters and pristine white sand beaches of Siesta Key which is ranked as one of the countries top 10 beaches by the Travel Channel, Lido Key, Longboat Key, Anna Maria Island, Casey Key and Manasota Key bring thousands to our shores each year.

A Thriving Local Economy in Sarasota

The financial and business district of downtown Sarasota also includes a lively night life atmosphere offering dining and dancing, casual alfresco dining, Palm Avenue art galleries, boutique shops, movie theatre complex, Whole Foods Market, Ritz Carlton, Hyatt and Hotel Indigo. You can stroll along the beautiful Sarasota bay front, dine, enjoy dinner cruises, charter fishing excursions or watch a beautiful sunset.

The community is a mecca for talented chefs who create just about every type of cuisine including American, Asian, Cajun, Floribbean, Italian, French, German, Middle Eastern and more. St. Armand’s Circle features boutique shopping and fine and casual dining. With a multitude of shops Sarasota is a great place to find one of a kind items including clothing, original artwork and antiques.

Forbes and Money magazine consistently rank Sarasota as one of the nation’s “Best Places to Live”. Employment Review selected Sarasota as the “Best Place in Florida to Live and Work”. Money magazine placed Sarasota schools in the “Top 100 in the Nation” and includes Ringling School of Art and Design, FSU, New College, Manatee Community College, Argosy University, LECOM and Kaiser University.

Other Perks to Living in Sarasota

Sarasota Memorial Health Care is the 2nd largest acute care hospital in Florida and is repeatedly recognized among “America’s Best 50 Hospitals” by U.S. New & World Report.

The area boasts a great year round climate, expanding employment opportunities, first class health care, excellent schools and a variety of cultural offerings that attract families, entrepreneurs, skilled workers and professionals. Companies who have relocated here say the quality of life, modern infrastructure, tax incentives and qualified workforce all contribute to the low cost of doing business here. Once know as primarily a vacation or retirement destination, Sarasota offers so much more today.

Sarasota area real estate choices include desirable waterfront property on the beautiful luxury resort communities of Longboat Key, Lido Key and Siesta Key, vibrant downtown city living, historic neighborhoods, country club communities, Lakewood Ranch a 7000 acre master planned community with homes ranging from condominiums to estate homes, and Palmer Ranch in south Sarasota.

Nearby Florida Communities You Might Want to Consider

North of Sarasota is Bradenton the county seat for Manatee County. Downtown you can stroll the historic Riverwalk and enjoy restaurants, galleries and boutiques, visit the South Florida Museum and explore the Village of the Arts. Anna Maria Island features colorful cottages and boutique resorts that provide a beach town feel. The beaches on Anna Maria Island, Bradenton Beach and Holmes Beach, are wide and long and boating and watersports are main attractions.

Ellenton attractions include the Prime Outlets, a regional shopping destination, and the Gamble Plantation Historic State Park featuring an antebellum mansion that was home to Major Robert Gamble and headquarters of an extensive sugar plantation. A number of new communities are being built in the area.

As you venture south toward Venice you will find the Oaks Club golf course community in Osprey and estate homes along the Gulf of Mexico on beautiful Casey Key and Manasota Key.

Venice provides a friendly small town atmosphere, Mediterranean style architecture and green spaces and parks. The historic downtown features a collection of galleries, boutiques and restaurants. Prehistoric sharks teeth are found on Venice beaches and Venice is called the "Sharks Tooth Capital of the World". Real estate choices include water front condominiums and homes, villas and great golf course communities.

Englewood is "old Florida" and its charm is provided by Dearborn Street with its eclectic mix of jewelry, art and antique shops. Englewood beach features ample parking, picnic tables and restrooms and numerous restaurants and shops are just across the street.

North Port was originally developed by General Development Corporation as part of its Port Charlotte development. The city offers 163 miles of canals and waterways ideal for kayaking and fishing. The artesian springs at Warm Mineral Springs, the fabled fountain of youth, brings visitors from all over the world. The former real estate boom in this south Sarasota County community now offers extremely affordable property.

Port Charlotte is home to the Port Charlotte Town Mall, the Charlotte County Administration Center and the Charlotte Sports Park which is the current spring training home of the Tampa Bay Rays. Riverwoods, just minutes from Charlotte Sports Park, is one of the areas best golf course communities featuring condominiums, villas, townhomes and single family homes.

Punta Gorda located on the southern shore of Charlotte Harbour offers a leisurely lifestyle with acres of waterfront property. There is a delightful historic district along Marion Avenue west of downtown and you can dine or shop at Fishermen's Villages. Charlotte Harbor is a renowned magnet for sport fishermen.

How Can We Help You Navigate the Sarasota Area Housing Market?

Please contact us if you would like to learn even more about these fabulous Florida communities - or to inquire about available listings in any one of them.  We would love the opportunity to assist you with all of your home buying needs!

And be sure to also connect with us if you're interested in selling your Sarasota area home. We'll work diligently to make sure you get the best price possible!