Sarasota

About Sarasota

Sarasota is a mid-sized city on the west coast of Florida, just south of the inlet to Tampa Bay. The city is on the shore of the Gulf of Mexico and includes beach areas, such as Lido Key and St. Armands Circle, an upscale oceanfront retail and dining area. Sarasota is also home to a thriving arts and culture scene, as well as a number of local attractions.

Things to Do in Sarasota

In Sarasota, you'll enjoy year-round beach weather and some of the country's best shoreline, making the area ideal for sun bathing, fishing, scuba diving and a number of water sports. Downtown Sarasota offers upscale beach bars, night clubs and plenty of entertainment and culture, including the historic Sarasota Opera House, which hosts renowned artists and performers. There are also several performing arts venues in the area.

Sarasota has many other attractions to enjoy as well. The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art features art and exhibits from the circus, a prominent presence in the area's history. Admission to the museum also includes the Ca' d'Zan Mansion and a tour of the extensive grounds. You can also enjoy kayaking and bird-watching in Myakka River State Park, or spend the day at Siesta Key Beach taking in the sun.

Jobs in Sarasota

If you're looking for a job in Sarasota, you may have already noticed that there is an abundance of roles in the tourism industry. Tourism is an integral part of Sarasota's local economy, thanks to its beachfront location and variety of attractions.

Boar's Head Provision, a major food company, is based in Sarasota, providing a number of jobs in the city. Other major employers include Sarasota Memorial Hospital, Doctors Hospital of Sarasota and L-3 Aviation Recorders.

If you can't find a job in Sarasota, commuting to St. Petersburg or Tampa is another option. Although the commute can take up to an hour, it does provide you with access to a larger job market.

Sarasota Schools

Sarasota County Schools operates the public schools in Sarasota and its surrounding suburbs. There are a few private schools in the city, including the Sarasota Military Academy.

Sarasota has plenty of options when it comes to higher education, with one of its largest campuses being the New College of Florida. Keiser University and Eckerd College also have campuses in the city, in addition to several specialty schools like the Ringling College of Art and Design.

Resources for Moving to Sarasota

Here's some handy information for organizing your transition to Sarasota:

• Utilities: Florida Power & Light facilitates the distribution of electricity throughout Sarasota. Water and sewer services are considered public utilities, managed by the city.
• Garbage and Recycling: Trash, recyclables and yard waste are all collected on a weekly basis.
• Transportation: Sarasota is served by the SCAT Bus Service, with the exception of major holidays.

Sarasota Housing

Compared to the lofty prices of homes in the northeastern parts of the country, homes in Sarasota are relatively inexpensive and lower than you might expect. Except for the beachfront neighborhoods like Indian Beach and Lido Key, where prices commonly break the $1 million barrier, you can find nice family homes with swimming pools for mid-range prices.