A sparkling gem of both culture and leisure, Sarasota is located just south of Tampa along the Gulf Coast. Once the winter home of the Ringling Brothers Circus and now one of the fastest growing markets in the state, Sarasota has everything you would expect from a thriving urban location including world-class shopping and dining, museums and fine arts, performing arts and entertainment venues, and a weekly farmer’s market. Opulent high-rises containing luxurious condominiums dot the waterfront skyline and quaint artist bungalows nestle along the walkable streets of the bustling downtown area.
Artistically diverse Sarasota is home to the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, Opera House, Asolo Repertory Theater and the Sarasota Ballet. Museums include The Ringling Museum of Art and the Sarasota Museum of Modern Art which is currently under construction. Walking among the twinkling lights of downtown you will find many art galleries, specialty boutiques and an array of fine dining and local farm to table restaurants. Want something a little different? Venture out of downtown and tour the famous Drum Circle Distilling or one of the many Craft Breweries around town.
But Sarasota also encompasses the Florida lifestyle with miles of glistening beaches along Siesta Key and Lido Key, boating and other water sports. For nature lovers, the bayfront Marie Selby Botanical Gardens is an urban oasis housing a living collection of rare and beautiful tropical plants.
Residences in Sarasota range anywhere from bungalows dating back to the 1920’s that served as winter cottages for the wealthy to newer Bayfront estates with modern features and manicured grounds.
As one of Florida’s 67 school districts, Sarasota School District ranked second in student performance in 2014 and is one of the only 10 districts with an “A” rating by the Florida Department of Education. The District offers interactive instruction supported by technology and encourages problem solving skills for students at all grade levels. The District offers school choice and magnet programs including the International Baccalaureate, Advanced International Certificate of Education, Visual and Performing Arts programs and the Young Marine program, the first of its kind in the nation. Middle school students select a major area of study to help them plan for high school and college. High schools are organized around learning communities where students study with classmates of similar interests.
Sarasota not only has excellent schools but is home to two world-renowned Colleges, Ringling School of Art and Design and New College of Florida
Communities
1350 Main
1350 Main is a condominium building in downtown Sarasota. Accessible to everything an urban lifestyle demands, this high-rise building has a valet and concierge to assist its residents with their plans. Walking distance to shops and fine dining, 1350 is also a short two mile drive to the Lido Key beach.
Gulf Gate
Gulf Gate is one of the most popular neighborhoods in Sarasota due to its centralized location. Close to shopping, dining and the famous beaches, most of the homes date back to the 1960s and 1970s depending on the area. The community has a bounty of trees and lovely landscaping which invites residents and visitors to enjoy a stroll or evening bike ride.
Towles Court
The Towles Court neighborhood is an artist colony located in downtown Sarasota. Many of the quaint cottages were built in the 1920s and have historical designations. Residences in this community enjoy the ambiance that living in an artist colony brings including the weekly art walk and local entertainment.
West of the Trail
West of the Trail is one of the most desirable properties in town. This waterfront neighborhood has an eclectic collection of historic/restored homes and charming local character. Close to downtown, West of the Trail is a quiet haven from the urban noise yet offers residents a quick commute. Residents place a high value on quality of life and enjoy the boating access and cycle-friendly roads.
The Ringling Brothers & Barnum and Bailey Circus joins the snowbird crowd by wintering in Sarasota, Florida.
It is illegal in Sarasota to sing in public while wearing a bathing suit.
Sarasota is home to what may be the only Amish beach resort: Pinecraft
Florida state law considers an elephant to be the same as a vehicle in many ways. For instance, if one ties their elephant to a parking meter, the meter must be filled as if the elephant were a car.