Florida / Sarasota County

Moving to Sarasota, FL

Thinking of making a move to Sarasota, FL? Get helpful local information about living costs, neighborhoods, schools, weather, housing, DMV details, and practical relocation details before you plan your move.

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Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Sarasota, FL

Considering a move to Sarasota, FL? This welcoming community of 57,800 residents offers a blend of suburban charm and convenience, with median home prices around $485,000 and average rents near $2,050. Commute times average 22 minutes and public transport is accessible, making it great for professionals. The area boasts low violent crime, strong schools, and plenty of sunny days (66% annually), ideal for families and commuters alike. Explore Sarasota's cost of living, education, and friendly neighborhoods to see if it's the right fit for your next move.

Demographics - Sarasota, FL

Sarasota has a population of 57,800 residents, offering a diverse community with a median age of nearly 49 and a balanced gender ratio. The area features a strong blend of backgrounds, with about 76% White, 15% Black, and 4% Asian residents, and over 18% speaking a language other than English at home. Its high population density contributes to a lively suburban atmosphere.

Population
57,800
Density
3,500 per sq mi
Median Age
49.4
Gender Ratio
90 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage
18.0%

Ethnic Composition

White
76.0%
Black
15.0%
Asian
4.0%
Others
5.0%

Cost Of Living

What is the average cost of living in Sarasota, FL?

The cost of living in Sarasota is higher than the national average, with a cost of living index of 117.8. Median home values are around $485,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom apartment are approximately $2,050. Utilities, groceries, and transportation costs are also elevated, reflecting the area's desirable location and amenities.

Median House Value
$485,000
Gross Rent
$2,050
Monthly Electricity Charges
$155
Auto Insurance
$2,750
House Owner Cost With Mortgage
$2,650
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage
$780
State Taxes
Low: 0.0%| High: 0.0%
Cost Of Living Index
117.8
Grocery
106.5
Housing
128.0
Utilities
108.7
Transportation
111.2
Health Care
102.8
Miscellaneous
104.9

Crime

Is Sarasota, FL a safe place to live?

Sarasota is considered a safe community, with a low violent crime rate of 385 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property crime chance of 1 in 41. Most residents enjoy peace of mind, making it an attractive choice for families. The crime index remains below many urban areas in Florida.

Violent Crimes Per 100k
385
Property Crimes Per 100k
2,450
Crime Index
2,835
Chance Of Violent Crime
1 in 260
Chance Of Property Crime
1 in 41

Weather

What is the weather like in Sarasota, FL year-round?

Sarasota experiences four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching highs of 92°F and cold winters dipping to 52°F. The area receives about 55 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine on 66% of days. This climate offers residents a balanced mix of outdoor opportunities year-round.

Winter

Min
52°F
Max
73°F

Summer

Min
76°F
Max
92°F

Spring

Min
64°F
Max
84°F

Fall

Min
66°F
Max
84°F
Average Rainfall Inches
55.0 inches
Sunny Days Percentage
66%

Neighbors

The neighborhood boasts a healthy median household income of $76,500 and a low poverty rate of 10.8%. Over 94% of residents have at least a high school diploma, and nearly 39% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Commute times average 22 minutes, and almost 4% use public transportation, reflecting the area's accessibility and educated population.

Median Income
$52,500
Household Income
$76,500
Family Income
$92,000
Per Capita Income
$45,000
Income Male
$52,000
Income Female
$41,000
Poverty Rate
10.8%
Non English Speakers
16.5%
Rent
$2,050
Unemployment Rate
3.8%
Public Transport Usage
3.6%
Commute Time
22.4 minutes

Education

High School or Higher
94.0%
Bachelors or More
38.5%

Education

How are the schools in Sarasota, FL?

Sarasota offers quality education options, with public schools like Sarasota High School and Booker Middle School known for favorable student-to-teacher ratios. Families also have access to private schools and several nearby colleges, including Ringling College of Art and Design and New College of Florida. The community is committed to educational excellence for all age groups.

Public Schools

Name
Sarasota High School
Street
1000 S School Ave
Phone
941-955-0181
Students
2,200
Student Teacher Ratio
19.0
Name
Booker Middle School
Street
2250 Myrtle St
Phone
941-486-2171
Students
950
Student Teacher Ratio
16.8

Private Schools

Name
St. Martha Catholic School
Street
4380 Fruitville Rd
Phone
941-377-8070
Students
520

Colleges

Name
Ringling College of Art and Design
City
Sarasota
State
FL
Distance
2 miles
Students
1,700
Name
New College of Florida
City
Sarasota
State
FL
Distance
4 miles
Students
650

Healthcare

Sarasota residents have access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals like Sarasota Memorial Hospital and HCA Florida Sarasota Doctors Hospital nearby. The community benefits from a high physician-to-resident ratio of 2.7 per 1,000 people and 89.4% health insurance coverage. Local healthcare services are reliable and comprehensive.

Major Hospitals

Name
Sarasota Memorial Hospital
Address
1700 S Tamiami Trl, Sarasota, FL 34239
Phone
(941) 917-9000
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes
Name
HCA Florida Sarasota Doctors Hospital
Address
5731 Bee Ridge Rd, Sarasota, FL 34233
Phone
(941) 342-1100
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes

Healthcare Access

Physicians Per 1000
2.7
Health Insurance Coverage
89.4%
Health Care Index
78.2

Housing Market

What is the housing market like in Sarasota, FL?

The local housing market is strong, with a median home price of $485,000 and an owner-occupied rate of nearly 66%. The market has seen a 4.6% appreciation over the past year, and rental vacancy rates remain moderate at 6.1%. Sarasota offers a mix of stability and opportunity for both buyers and renters.

Median Home Price
$485,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom
$2,050
Owner Occupied Rate
65.8%
Rental Vacancy Rate
6.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr)
4.6%
New Construction Rate
2.4%
Foreclosure Rate
0.6%

DMV Information

Residents of Sarasota handle vehicle services through the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, conveniently located in Tallahassee. The state DMV provides driver licensing, vehicle registration, and other essential services both in person and online. Information and resources are easily accessible for new and existing residents.

State
Florida
Department
Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles
Address
2900 Apalachee Parkway, Tallahassee, FL 32399
Phone
(850) 617-2000

Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.

FAQs About Moving to Sarasota, FL

Answers use the same city data shown on this page, including costs, housing, schools, safety, weather, healthcare, and DMV details.

Before moving to Sarasota, review the core fields on this page: population 57,800, median home value $485,000, average rent for 2 bedroom $2,050, commute time 22.4 minutes, and sunny days percentage 66%.

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