Why Sarasota? Your Guide to Relocating to Florida’s Cultural Coast®

Instead of "escaping the winter" or "needing a spring break getaway," why not just reside where you want to vacation? With some of the healthiest and happiest of communities, residents will be the first to agree the quality of life found here in Sarasota is high – and likely what drew many of them to leave their previous zip code and make the move here themselves.

Sure, the views for Friday happy hour don't hurt – but there's a reason we coined the phrase Work Where You Want to Live®. In Sarasota County, we welcome new residents every day to bring their talents and businesses to Florida's Cultural Coast® and embrace a work-life balance that consists of year-round sunshine and scenery that simply doesn't get old.

How Sarasota Ranks Among the Rest

Our destination has a lot to offer visitors and residents and has received many accolades on account of – including the recent rankings of #5 Best Places to Live in the U.S., #1 Place to Live in Florida and #2 Fastest-Growing Places by U.S.  News & World Report. 

For parents wanting to make sure their children are being placed in a well-ranked school system, you'll be delighted to know Sarasota County Schools received an 'A' Grade from the Florida Department of Education. And maybe even more delighted to learn that Siesta Beach was recently ranked #1 Best Beach in the U.S. (#4 Best in the World) by TripAdvisor for multiple years in a row. So once the work week and school week come to an end, weekends with the kids are well spent on the white-sand beaches of our six island keys.

Diverse Neighborhoods & Living Options

Sarasota County presents a variety of housing choices, neighborhoods and school districts to suit the different preferences and budgets of each family's needs. Whether you're drawn to coastal condominiums with stunning Gulf views, a modern apartment in historic Downtown Sarasota, charming bungalows near urban parks or a spacious ranch-style home with room to spare, there's a perfect spot for every individual or family. 

The eclectic community culture and diverse housing opportunities of our county mean that your new home has a high chance of aligning seamlessly with your desired lifestyle. Explore 15 different local areas easily with our Neighborhood Navigator Pass.

Thriving Job Market

The county's robust economy and workforce options are supported by a diverse range of employers and professionals of all age groups and industries—from restauranteurs and entrepreneurs to skilled laborers and savvy technicians. Just about every market has seen growth in our county. The area's ever-expanding opportunities and appeal to working-age adults are just another reason to open a business here or find someone inspiring to work under and learn from. 

If you're a traveling freelancer or creative, or have a job that enables you to work from home, you'll have plenty of coworking spaces and places to work remotely around town. Grab some Wi-Fi and meet the locals or immerse yourself in one of Sarasota's many networking events! 

Educational & Recreational Excellence

For families, Sarasota County boasts some of the highest-ranked public and private schools in Florida, ensuring quality education for your children. Our school districts' commitment to academic excellence, as well as our community's investment in creativity in the classroom, set our county apart. 

Find endless character-building opportunities and cultural immersions here, as well as arts programs, sports teams, family-fun attractions and extra-curricular activities. You'll soon have peace of mind on a. "big move" by enhancing your children's education and quality of life. 

Beyond work, Sarasota offers a plethora of recreational activities for adults, too. From beautiful beaches, bayfront parks, shopping districts and golf courses to a vibrant arts scene featuring theaters, galleries and music venues, there's always something to explore in your downtime. The county's rich cultural landscape ensures a fulfilling lifestyle for all residents.

Growth & Expansion

Much of everything mentioned is why Sarasota County has become one of the top destinations in the U.S. to see remarkable growth in population and development in recent years – with new neighborhoods and city sectors continuously being built, restored or renovated to accommodate the growing number of people and businesses flocking here. Big things are coming in 2025, and maybe you want to be here to see them come to life. 

Even our regional Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport (SRQ) has seen terminal and airline expansion and significant growth as one of the fastest-growing airports in the country. It's an incredibly convenient airport to have within 10-30 minutes of your home for a quick flight out – and has a growing list of nonstop routes to utilize for business or pleasure. 

Local Relocation Support & Resources

So you're sold, but not sure where to start? There are many helpful resources to guide you through the whole relocation process – including more information on Sarasota County schools, real estate information and contacts, available jobs, weather information, local services and more. 

To further assist newcomers, you can also download our free Relocation Packet to make your transition as smooth as possible.

The EDC of Sarasota County is another great resource to help you network, relocate your business or find a new career. A representative can connect you to local entrepreneurs, business leaders and major corporations so you can start your new professional chapter in Sarasota strong!