Research, data, and polls may not be the most exciting way to illustrate the benefits of Sarasota, Florida, but when they result in titles such as the Best City in Florida for Retirees by WalletHub then they start to paint a pretty picture of what it’s like to live here.

In Sarasota, residents wake up to the sun filtering through their Bahama shutters and transom windows, where they can take in the beauty of their backyard view.  They begin their days with a coffee and a fresh-baked pastry from Buttermilk Handcrafted Food or any of the popular breakfast and brunch restaurants in Sarasota, Florida.  They pack up their supplies and go birdwatching at Marie Selby Botanical Gardens or take a kayak out on the Gulf of Mexico from one of our award-winning white sandy beaches.  A relaxing Florida lifestyle awaits you when you move to Sarasota, and these examples are only the beginning.

Take a Swim or Relax in the Sunshine

Sarasota, FL has the #1 beach in the U.S., according to coastal expert Dr. Stephen P. Leatherman, Dr. Beach and Director of Florida International University’s Laboratory for Coastal Research. Dr. Beach chose Siesta Key Beach as the best thanks to its powdery sand and clean and clear blue-colored water, as well as its topographical characteristics and beach activities, but Siesta Key isn’t the only picturesque beach in Sarasota.  Also of our beaches have outstanding characteristics that make them unique and fun, with a number of events scheduled throughout the year to keep everyone entertained, but some residents also just love to claim a spot on the sand and watch the water as it gleams in the sunshine.

A Bite to Eat, A Place to Shop in Sarasota Florida

While taking a stroll in Downtown Sarasota, stop by any of the exclusive shops, galleries, and exotic boutiques of St. Armands Circle and then maybe stop by Cafe L’Europe for a Honey-Curry Glazed Sea Bass or head over to East Avenue where you can dig into the Porcini-Rubbed Colorado Rack of Lamb from Sarasota’s only AAA Four Diamond Award restaurant, Michael’s on East.  Sarasota, Florida also has the Bijou Cafe at the heart of the theatre district and many more delicious choices for your dining pleasure. 

If St. Armand’s Circle doesn’t have what you seek, drive one exit north to indulge in quantity and quality with the Mall at University Town Center, the newest mall in Sarasota with more than 100 stores and restaurants in its 880,000 square feet of retail space. The Mall at UTC features stores like Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, Saks Fifth Avenue, Kate Spade, Anthropologie, Apple, Michael Kors, and many more of the world’s premier retailers.

An Evening of Art and Entertainment

The Sarasota Orchestra, Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, Sarasota Ballet, Sarasota Opera House, Asolo Repertory Theatre, Florida Studio Theatre, Sarasota Players; the list of arts and culture venues in Sarasota goes on and on. Our beautiful city is known for its cultural attractions, which started with founding of the Sarasota Orchestra in 1949 and the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art in the early 1950’s.  Of course, if traditional art isn’t on your schedule, you can always catch one of the many Major League Baseball teams play during their spring training schedules.  Sarasota sees the Baltimore Orioles, Pittsburgh Pirates, Minnesota Twins, Tampa Bay Rays, Philadelphia Phillies, New York Yankees, and Boston Red Sox when they come into town. 

The Founders Club Homes Sarasota

Find your perfect home among the luxury homes in Sarasota and you’ll be able to enjoy all of the benefits of a city “Where Urban Amenities Meet Small-Town Living.”  The Founders Club homes are thoughtfully placed among the 700 acres of picturesque lakes, nature preserves, and gently swaying stands of pines, palms, and 100 protected moss-covered oaks. The natural setting of this Sarasota luxury community is set moments from I-75, a vibrant downtown area, and world-class, award-winning beaches, but far enough away where you can enjoy a relaxing and carefree lifestyle away from the hustle and bustle. The Founders Club Homes Sarasota are spacious and fully-customizable thanks to our luxury custom home builders.

Discover Sarasota, Florida by scheduling your tour of The Founders Club.