In a recent article, U.S. News ranked Sarasota #11 in Best Places to Live, and #18 in Best Places to Retire. The publication ranks cities using public data and user opinions. They then apply the data across various indexes. For Best Places to Live, they use these indexes: quality of life index, value index, desirability index, and the job market index.
To achieve stellar a ranking, a city must score particularly high in both the desirability and quality of life indexes. Accordingly, here’s what U.S. News reports on Sarasota: “People who choose Sarasota as their home are generally called by its unique charm… What makes the region special is its duality – downtown Sarasota boasts resorts and fine dining, but strolling Siesta Key Village or St. Armands Circle offers a more intimate, seaside ambience.”
Let’s not forget, Sarasota’s Siesta Key Beach topped the rankings list for Best U.S. Beaches in 2024. With 8-miles of pure white beach consisting of sand so fine you might mistake it for baby’s talcum powder, Siesta Key boasts a laid-back vibe, calm surf, crystal clear water, and robust activities options.
Besides being one of the Best Places to Live, Sarasota also contends for one of the Best Places to Retire. While the latter ranking may have once deterred a younger crowd from moving to Sarasota, downtown developments may close the age gap.
“There was once a time when Sarasota was dismissed as a playground for retirees, but that reputation is slowly changing as more young professionals make it their own,” reports U.S. News. Where once solitary condominiums and communities stood with little surrounding activity, they now co-mingle with vibrant cafes, shops, restaurants, and bustling foot traffic.Sarasota is peacocking new plumage—just check out the burgeoning and trendy Rosemary District. It bubbles with modern bistros, live music, eclectic food scene, vintage clothing shops and furniture stores selling the ever-popularizing mid-century modern. As Sarasota develops, attracting more youth and new business, I suspect Sarasota’s ranking for Best Places to Live increase year over year.
