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 56,888 residents offers a blend of suburban charm and convenience, with median home prices around $505,000 and average rents near $1,730. Commute times average 23 minutes and public transport is accessible, making it great for professionals. The area boasts low violent crime, strong schools, and plenty of sunny days (76% 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 56,888 residents, offering a diverse community with a median age of nearly 50 and a balanced gender ratio. The area features a strong blend of backgrounds, with about 79% White, 15% Black, and 2% Asian residents, and over 16% speaking a language other than English at home. Its high population density contributes to a lively suburban atmosphere.

Population
56,888
Density
3,820 per sq mi
Median Age
49.5
Gender Ratio
90 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage
16.2%

Ethnic Composition

White
79.1%
Black
14.5%
Asian
2.0%
Others
4.4%

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 111.5. Median home values are around $505,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom apartment are approximately $1,730. Utilities, groceries, and transportation costs are also elevated, reflecting the area's desirable location and amenities.

Median House Value
$505,000
Gross Rent
$1,730
Monthly Electricity Charges
$135
Auto Insurance
$2,250
House Owner Cost With Mortgage
$2,270
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage
$780
State Taxes
Low: 0% (no state income tax)| High: 0% (no state income tax)
Cost Of Living Index
111.5
Grocery
106.1
Housing
124.2
Utilities
98.7
Transportation
104.3
Health Care
102.5
Miscellaneous
101.0

Crime

Is Sarasota, FL a safe place to live?

Sarasota is considered a safe community, with a low violent crime rate of 332 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property crime chance of 1 in 46. 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
332
Property Crimes Per 100k
2,160
Crime Index
2,492
Chance Of Violent Crime
1 in 301
Chance Of Property Crime
1 in 46

Weather

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

Sarasota experiences four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching highs of 91°F and cold winters dipping to 52°F. The area receives about 56 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine on 76% of days. This climate offers residents a balanced mix of outdoor opportunities year-round.

Winter

Min
52°F
Max
73°F

Summer

Min
74°F
Max
91°F

Spring

Min
62°F
Max
84°F

Fall

Min
67°F
Max
85°F
Average Rainfall Inches
56.0 inches
Sunny Days Percentage
76%

Neighbors

The neighborhood boasts a healthy median household income of $64,142 and a low poverty rate of 13.5%. Over 92% of residents have at least a high school diploma, and nearly 43% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Commute times average 23 minutes, and almost 2% use public transportation, reflecting the area's accessibility and educated population.

Median Income
$42,800
Household Income
$64,142
Family Income
$81,070
Per Capita Income
$48,271
Income Male
$53,900
Income Female
$39,100
Poverty Rate
13.5%
Non English Speakers
16.2%
Rent
$1,730
Unemployment Rate
3.6%
Public Transport Usage
1.9%
Commute Time
22.8 minutes

Education

High School or Higher
92.1%
Bachelors or More
42.7%

Education

How are the schools in Sarasota, FL?

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

Public Schools

Name
Sarasota High School
Street
2155 Bahia Vista St
Phone
941-955-0181
Students
2,400
Student Teacher Ratio
19.5
Name
Southside Elementary School
Street
1901 Webber St
Phone
941-361-6420
Students
750
Student Teacher Ratio
15.7

Private Schools

Name
The Out-of-Door Academy
Street
444 Reid St
Phone
941-349-3223
Students
765

Colleges

Name
New College of Florida
City
Sarasota
State
FL
Distance
0 miles
Students
675
Name
Ringling College of Art and Design
City
Sarasota
State
FL
Distance
0 miles
Students
1,700

Healthcare

Sarasota residents have access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals like Sarasota Memorial Hospital and Doctors Hospital of Sarasota nearby. The community benefits from a high physician-to-resident ratio of 3.2 per 1,000 people and 88.6% health insurance coverage. Local healthcare services are reliable and comprehensive.

Major Hospitals

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

Healthcare Access

Physicians Per 1000
3.2
Health Insurance Coverage
88.6%
Health Care Index
78.4

Housing Market

What is the housing market like in Sarasota, FL?

The local housing market is strong, with a median home price of $505,000 and an owner-occupied rate of nearly 58%. The market has seen a 6.1% appreciation over the past year, and rental vacancy rates remain moderate at 6.9%. Sarasota offers a mix of stability and opportunity for both buyers and renters.

Median Home Price
$505,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom
$1,730
Owner Occupied Rate
57.6%
Rental Vacancy Rate
6.9%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr)
6.1%
New Construction Rate
2.3%
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 Bartow. 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
601 North Broadway Ave, Bartow, FL 33830
Phone
1-850-617-2000

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 56,888, median home value $505,000, average rent for 2 bedroom $1,730, commute time 22.8 minutes, and sunny days percentage 76%.

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