Sarasota, FL Housing Market & City Data

Explore key insights and real experiences from people who call Sarasota home. Use the data below as a starting point to compare and discover what makes this city a great place to live.

5.0
Average City Rating
58,285
Population Estimate
$282,954
Median Home Value
96.0%
Employment Rate
36.5%
Bachelor's Degree+

Sarasota City Reviews

Real experiences from people who call Sarasota home.

5.0
(3 Reviews)

Debbie McHardy

Thinking of Moving to Sarasota, FL? Here's What You Need to Know! As a real estate professional, I've had the pleasure of helping many home buyers find their perfect place in Sarasota, FL. Whether you're drawn to the beautiful beaches, vibrant arts scene, or year-round sunshine, Sarasota has something for everyone. Here's a breakdown of what you should consider before making the move: The Pros of Living in Sarasota: ✅ Breathtaking Beaches "“ Siesta Key Beach, Lido Key, and Longboat Key offer stunning white-sand beaches and crystal-clear waters. ✅ Thriving Arts & Culture Scene "“ The city is home to The Ringling Museum, Sarasota Opera, ballet, theaters, and a lively arts community. ✅ Great Dining & Shopping "“ From fresh seafood restaurants to upscale boutiques in St. Armands Circle, Sarasota has a lot to offer. ✅ No State Income Tax "“ Florida's tax benefits can be a major advantage for home buyers relocating from high-tax states. ✅ Outdoor Lifestyle "“ Boating, golfing, fishing, pickleball and nature trails make it a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. ✅ Retirement & Family-Friendly "“ A mix of luxury retirement communities and excellent schools make Sarasota great for all ages.

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Christine Pope,

There is so much to love about Sarasota that it’s hard to know where to begin! I moved here in 2016 after visiting about a dozen times, and I have never looked back. Whether you are thinking of selling and moving on to your next chapter, or searching for the place where yours will begin, Sarasota has something for everyone (except mountains and snow, we don’t have those!). Beaches: Siesta Key Beach is world famous for its sugar-white sand and has earned top national rankings, and several other local beaches get less press but are very comparable. Arts and culture: Sarasota is home to multiple performing arts centers, a wide range of museums (the Ringling Museum is the crown jewel), public art throughout the city, and some of the best art fairs around St. Armands Circle. Dining: Skip the chains and enjoy local favorites and waterfront dining like Ophelia’s on the Bay, Michael’s on East, Drydock, ChartHouse, Shore, and so many more. Golf: Dozens of public and private courses dot Sarasota County, including one near the water on Longboat Key (be sure to check membership requirements first). Trails and fitness: The Legacy Trail runs from downtown Sarasota to Venice, with connectors that continue south toward North Port. It’s ideal for walking, running, and biking. Parks and playgrounds: Bayfront Park has the Pirate Playground and Splash Pad, and The Bay Sarasota offers playgrounds, an outdoor movie spot, a marina, and regular free programs like yoga that help you stay active and meet people. Neighborhoods: From condos to waterfront estates and everything in between, Sarasota offers a wide range of neighborhoods, price points, and amenities. For sellers, that variety is a real advantage. Buyers come to Sarasota for the lifestyle, and part of my job is to show them how your home fits into it. I pair strategic pricing and polished marketing with deep local knowledge, so your home stands out to the right buyers. For buyers, I’m happy to help you zero in on a handful of neighborhoods that check all of your boxes. If you’d like to be added to my weekly Sarasota Neighborhoods email, designed to help you get to know the options, price points, amenities, and more, just reach out and I’ll add you to the list. You can also Google “Christine Pope Sarasota Realtor” to learn more.

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Sandee Teresa

I moved to Sarasota in 1994 from NJ to rise my children. I truly love living in Sarasota, after all it's living in a vacation destination! Sarasota offers the following and so much more: 1. Beautiful Beaches: Sarasota is renowned for its stunning beaches, with powdery white sand and crystal-clear turquoise waters. Siesta Key Beach, consistently ranked among the best beaches in the world, is a major draw for residents and visitors alike. 2. Cultural Hub: Sarasota has a thriving arts and culture scene. The city is home to numerous art galleries, theaters, and the renowned Ringling Museum of Art. The Sarasota Opera, Sarasota Orchestra, and Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall offer a rich variety of performances year-round. 3. Outdoor Recreation: With its warm climate and abundant natural beauty, Sarasota is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. From boating and fishing to golfing and hiking, there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors. 4. Excellent Schools: Sarasota is known for its top-rated public and private schools. The Sarasota County School District consistently ranks among the best in the state, offering a wide range of educational options for families. 5. Vibrant Downtown: Downtown Sarasota is a vibrant and walkable area, filled with boutique shops, gourmet restaurants, and lively entertainment venues. The weekly farmers market and regular festivals contribute to the lively atmosphere. 6. Healthcare Facilities: Sarasota is home to several world-class healthcare facilities, including Sarasota Memorial Hospital. Residents can feel confident in having access to quality medical care. 7. Active Retirement Community: Sarasota has long been a popular destination for retirees. With its warm climate, active lifestyle, and numerous retirement communities, it offers a welcoming environment for those looking to enjoy their golden years. If you would like a Welcome to Sarasota Guide, please email me and I'd be happy to send it to you. Sandee Teresa - [email protected] 941-356-7809

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Housing & Demographic Overview

Key insights about the community

Data as of September 2026

HOUSING DATA (September 2026)

Median Price per SqFt$289
Median Listing Price$417,475
Median Days on Market89
Active Listings2114
New Listings534
Total Listings (Active + Pending)2970
Avg Listing Price$1,094,177
Avg Listing Price Change MoM-1%
Avg Listing Price Change YoY3%

HOUSEHOLD OVERVIEW

Family Size3
Family Dual Income41.7
Median Household Income$53,669
Median Individual Income$29,362
Home Ownership57.6%
Home Value$282,954
Median Rent$1,134
Rent Burden33.7%
Poverty15.7%

EDUCATION, GENDER & MARITAL STATUS

EDUCATION

  • No Highschool Degree or GED10.6%
  • Highschool Education26.0%
  • Some College27.0%
  • Bachelors Degree21.3%
  • Graduate Degree15.2%
  • Total College or Above36.5%
  • Stem Degree45.2%

GENDER BREAKDOWN

  • Male48.7%
  • Female51.3%

MARITAL STATUS

  • Married39.4%
  • Divorced19.0%
  • Never Married32.8%
  • Widowed8.8%

CITY DATA & AGE BREAKDOWN

CITY DATA

CitySarasota
State IDFL
Population58,285

AGE BREAKDOWN

Age Group% of Population
Under 1816.2%
19–2912.6%
30–3912.2%
40–499.9%
Age Group% of Population
50–5913.7%
60–6915.8%
70–7910.8%
80+8.8%

WORKFORCE, ETHNICITY & OTHER

WORKFORCE

Labor Force Participation54.5%
Unemployment Rate4.0%
Disabled14.2%

ETHNICITY

White80.6%
Black14.2%
Asian1.7%
Native American0.3%
Pacific Islander0.0%
Other1.3%
Multiple1.9%

OTHER

Hispanic17.1%
Limited English5.8%
Health Uninsured17.2%
Veteran9.5%

Local Discussions

Community questions and conversations about living in Sarasota, FL.

  1. Is Sarasota, FL a good place to buy a house?

    Local perspectives on Sarasota home prices, buyer demand, neighborhoods, and what to consider before buying a home.

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  2. What are the best neighborhoods in Sarasota, FL for families?

    Local insights on Sarasota neighborhoods, schools, parks, commute times, and other factors families may want to consider.

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  3. What should home buyers know about the Sarasota, FL housing market?

    Local insights on Sarasota home prices, housing inventory, buyer competition, and current real estate market conditions.

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  4. Is it better to buy or rent a home in Sarasota, FL?

    Compare Sarasota home prices, rents, monthly housing costs, and other factors that can affect the decision to buy or rent.

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  5. What are the most affordable neighborhoods in Sarasota, FL?

    Explore Sarasota neighborhoods where home buyers may find more affordable housing options and better value for their budget.

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  6. How much income do you need to buy a house in Sarasota, FL?

    Learn how Sarasota home prices, down payments, mortgage costs, and other expenses can affect how much income buyers may need.

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  7. How much are property taxes on a home in Sarasota, FL?

    Learn how Sarasota property taxes are calculated and how they can affect the overall cost of owning a home.

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  8. What are the best neighborhoods in Sarasota, FL for first-time home buyers?

    Explore Sarasota neighborhoods first-time home buyers may consider based on home prices, location, amenities, and lifestyle.

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  9. What is it like to live in Sarasota, FL?

    Local perspectives on Sarasota neighborhoods, cost of living, weather, commuting, things to do, and everyday life.

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  10. What should I know before moving to Sarasota, FL?

    What newcomers should know about Sarasota housing costs, neighborhoods, transportation, weather, and everyday expenses.

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Top Real Estate Agents in Sarasota, FL

Neighborhoods in Sarasota, FL

Get to know neighborhoods in Sarasota, ordered by the number of properties in the provider sample.

  • Sandhill Preserve on Palmer Ranch by DiVosta Homes

    Palmer Ranch ↗

    Median asking price
    $467,500
    / sq ft
    —
    Active listings
    Not available
    properties in discovery sample
    57
    B

    Nearby schools · estimated

    7.8/10 · 6 schools

  • Bay View Acres

    Bay View Acres ↗

    Median asking price
    $679,500
    / sq ft
    —
    Active listings
    Not available
    properties in discovery sample
    17
    B

    Nearby schools · estimated

    7/10 · 3 schools

  • Sylvan Learning of Sarasota

    Sylvan Lea ↗

    Median asking price
    $621,950
    / sq ft
    —
    Active listings
    Not available
    properties in discovery sample
    3
    B

    Nearby schools · estimated

    6.3/10 · 3 schools

  • Harbor Acres

    Harbor Acres ↗

    Median asking price
    $8,222,500
    / sq ft
    $1,121
    Active listings
    8
    properties in discovery sample
    2
    B

    Nearby schools · estimated

    7/10 · 3 schools

  • Indian Beach/Sapphire Shores

    Indian Beach ↗

    Median asking price
    $5,445,650
    / sq ft
    $834
    Active listings
    12
    properties in discovery sample
    2
    D

    Nearby schools · estimated

    3/10 · 3 schools

Data as of . Listing snapshots from Redfin; nearby-school rating estimates.

About these neighborhood estimates

Prices and counts describe active listings returned by the provider, excluding coming-soon and nearby search results. They are asking prices, not sold prices, and may not include every home for sale.

Nearby-school grades are FastExpert estimates from the average available ratings of unique public schools returned for sampled neighborhood properties. A: 8–10; B: 6–under 8; C: 4–under 6; D: 2–under 4; F: 1–under 2. Unrated schools are excluded. Nearby schools may not be assigned to a specific address.

Photos show identified local landmarks. Five neighborhoods are shown, ordered by property count. Median asking price breaks a tie.