Is Sarasota, Florida a good place to retire? If you’re dreaming of retirement on the Gulf Coast, Sarasota deserves a spot at the top of your list. This vibrant city blends white-sand beaches with world-class arts, award-winning health care, and countless ways to stay active. Whether you’re into kayaking through mangrove tunnels, browsing fine art galleries, or teeing off at sunrise, Sarasota offers something for every lifestyle. In this article, we’ll explore the many reasons why so many retirees are choosing to call this cultural gem home.
Always Something Fun To Do
Art galleries, museums, performing arts centers, and theaters give the Sarasota metropolitan area the well-earned nickname, “Florida’s Cultural Coast.” Those who love the outdoors can take advantage of Sarasota’s wild natural spaces, calm Gulf waters, and year-round sports opportunities. Here’s what keeps the locals occupied:
Art and Museums
Located on a 66-acre campus of magnificent Mediterranean-style architecture and gardens, The John & Mable Ringling Museum of Art’s 21 dedicated galleries showcase contemporary art and European masterpieces. You have to live here to experience it all. Don’t skip the independent art studios and galleries scattered throughout the city, many of which participate in regular open houses and festivals.
Music & Theater
The Sarasota Opera puts on performances in an Art Deco opera house in Downtown Sarasota. You can also catch plays at the intimate Florida Studio Theatre or The Players’ Centre for Performing Arts, or enjoy a show at the larger and more traditional Van Wezel.
Golf
According to Golflink, there are 14 public and three municipal golf courses in Sarasota, and dozens more within 20 miles of the city. Many planned communities here and nearby have private courses, some with reciprocal privileges.
Boating and Paddling
There are about a dozen marinas and two first-class yacht clubs in Sarasota, not including those that are part of private boating communities. Kayakers and paddleboarders have miles of access in and away from the gentle surf, with Ted Sperling Nature Park’s mangrove tunnels being a favorite destination.
Siesta Key
No matter how hot it is, the white quartz sands of Siesta Beach always feel cool and welcoming. With water sports and parasailing available, you’ll feel like you’re vacationing in the Caribbean while being only minutes from home. Also, Siesta Key Village is a great place to shop, and afterward, catch a phenomenal sunset while enjoying a fresh seafood dinner.
Lido Key
Generally a bit quieter and more nature-centered than Siesta Key, Lido Key is known for its sandy dunes, seashell hunting, bird-watching, and the mangrove tunnels we mentioned a moment ago. But it has its lively side as well. Residents and tourists alike come to St. Armands Circle for the delicious food and upscale boutiques.
Life Is Healthy Here
In a state where health care is often considered to be overburdened, you’re in good hands in Sarasota. The area’s four main hospitals all received “A” grades in Leapfrog Group’s 2024 rankings, with the award-winning Sarasota Memorial Hospital being the crown jewel.
The climate and natural features encourage residents to participate in physical activities year-round, and the cultural attractions, adult education programs, and many opportunities for socializing keep locals intellectually engaged and mentally healthy.
It Leans on the Spendy Side
Is Sarasota, Florida, a good place to retire if you’re on a budget? The answer requires some consideration. In Florida, there’s no state income, inheritance, or estate tax. Full-time residents of Florida who own their own homes also benefit from the Homestead Exemption, which excludes up to $50,000 of a primary residence’s assessed value from annual property taxes. And these, regardless of exemptions, tend to be only slightly higher than the national average.
One financial drawback is Florida’s rising homeowners’ and auto insurance rates, due to the increasing frequency of major storms. Sarasota is on the higher end due to coastal flooding and favorable property values.
According to Best Places, Sarasota’s overall cost of living is about 2% higher than the state’s average (for comparison, Jacksonville is about 7% lower) but on par with Fort Myers (1% higher). On the whole, Florida’s cost of living is 3% higher than that of the national average. In the end, if you consider everything Sarasota has to offer, it could be the right deal for you.
It’s a Good Time To Buy a Home
According to a March 2025 Ownwell report, the median home value in Sarasota was about $372,000. That’s well below the July 2025 state median listing price of $439,000. Also, Bankrate reported a $550,000 median sale price earlier this year, and indicated that it’s a fair balance between a seller’s and buyer’s market. Other industry sources say buyers are edging ahead with a growing advantage.
So what does this mean for 55+ homebuyers? Is Sarasota, Florida, a good place to retire? According to 55places data, the median list price of a home in a 55+ community in the Central Gulf Coast area of Florida is $399,900. A bit higher than the entire Sarasota housing market, but still below the state average and the median sale price in Sarasota at the beginning of 2025.
Featured 55+ Communities in Sarasota, Florida
If you’re looking for a home in or near Sarasota, you’ll need to set aside a few days to explore your many options. Here, we’ve included both 55+ and all-ages planned developments popular with active adults.
Strathmore Riverside Villas
High $100ks – Low $300ks
This is a classic, established 55+ condominium development. As its name implies, Strathmore Riverside Villas is perfect for boaters and anglers who have access to open water via Phillippi Creek. It’s highly rated by its residents, and it’s often referred to as a first-class community despite its affordability.
The Landings
Mid $300ks – Low $2Ms
This gated 696-home development includes tower and attached ground-level condos as well as expansive single-family homes. Located conveniently close to the beach as well as Highway 41, this community encompasses 15 neighborhoods and includes access to the water for non-motorized watercraft. While The Landings is an all-ages development, it’s popular with retirees due to its location, amenities, and planned activities.
Village Green
High $100ks – Mid $500ks
In this community, a homeowners’ association (HOA) handles most of the exterior care, so residents can spend their time enjoying one of the community’s pools or the adjacent 18-hole golf course. Despite having fewer amenities than most active adult communities, Village Green is popular, particularly due to its central location.
Other 55+ Communities in Sarasota
- Arietta
- Cascades at Sarasota
- Esplanade at Skye Ranch
- Esplanade on Palmer Ranch
- Forest Lakes Village
- Glen Oaks Ridge
- Hammock Preserve on Palmer Ranch
- Hammocks at Bent Tree
- Lake Tippecanoe
- LakeRidge Falls
- Lakeshore Village
- Oakhurst
- Palm Aire
- Plaza De Flores on Palmer Ranch
- Rolling Green Golf Village
- Sandhill Preserve on Palmer Ranch
- Siesta Harbor
- Swifton Villas
- Tallywood
- The Isles on Palmer Ranch
- Village Green
- Village In The Pines
- Village Plaza
- VillageWalk of Sarasota
- Westwoods at Sunrise Country Club
- Whispering Sands
- Woodside Terrace
- Woodside Village East
- Woodside Village West
Let 55places Show You Around Sarasota!
So, is Sarasota, Florida, a good place to retire? If you think it sounds like the sweet spot for your retirement goals, get connected with a local real estate expert today! Contact 55places, and we’ll connect you with an experienced agent who will create a plan of action to view available homes in the communities that best suit your lifestyle. 55places can also give you valuable, up-to-the-minute insights into the market so you can purchase with confidence. Get started today!
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