What Makes Sarasota One Of The Top Places To Live?

Posted on October 6, 2020

Known as the Cultural Coast, Sarasota in southwest Florida has always been a popular destination for its arts and entertainment, abundance of waterfront and scenic parks. Sarasota holds a special charm for both visitors and locals alike, and it’s not just the crystal sands of the #1-voted Siesta Key beach. Having received accolades as one of the happiest and healthiest cities in the country, it has much more to offer! Let’s look more at this dynamic city and see why U.S. News & World Report ranks Sarasota as one of the most desirable places to live.

Located an hour from Tampa and two hours from Orlando, Sarasota’s desirable year-round temperatures have made it a go-to place for every age demographic. The historic Ringling Estate is also a definite must see in the area. As the co-founder of the Ringling Bros., John Ringling played a major part in the flourishing of Sarasota’s culture. The 66-acre estate includes a 21-gallery museum, his historic home known as the Ca’d’Zan, a circus museum, Bayfront gardens, and Sarasota’s most storied theater. Seated on Sarasota Bay, the museum grounds are surrounded by natural wonders, and the courtyard offers a breathtaking view of the impeccable gardens. Ringling formed his significant art collection as he traveled Europe searching for circus acts, and in keeping with Sarasota’s cultural roots, opened the Museum of Art in 1931 to educate and encourage young people to appreciate the arts. In addition to the Ringling Museum, a plethora of Broadway performances, opera, and world class ballet make Sarasota a cultural pearl.

Natural Beauty

From the #1 ranked Siesta Key Beach to the Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, the city of Sarasota encompasses a compelling amount of nature settings. Visitors can explore the mangrove tunnels off Lido key by kayak, and witness the various species of seabirds on the many rookeries that dot the islands. South Lido park also features a hiking trail along the shore that leads into the expansive canopy. Walk close to the shore and you might see dolphins feeding near a sandbar. The Myakka River State Park is a greatly popular area for boating, fishing, kayaking, and other outdoor activities. A plethora of private and public golf courses are available for those looking to spend the day on the putting green.

Bayfront Lifestyle

Sarasota’s true sweet spot is the Bayfront District. A significant revitalization project for the 53-acre, city-owned site, The Bay initiative is currently in place to bring more accessibility to the area as a welcoming community destination. Some of these exciting features include the Sunset Boardwalk, new performing arts facility, recreation pier, and a pedestrian-only walkway over the water, composed of translucent bridges that allow views of the Gulf below. The plans also feature 1.5 acres of open space with exercise trails for pedestrians and cyclists.

The exciting Quay Sarasota is part of this new dynamic vision as a vibrant lifestyle center designed to connect downtown, the Rosemary District, and The Bay. This 14-acre waterfront district will include a blend of luxury residential such as Bayso – the area’s newest condominium, upscale retail, waterfront dining, boutique hotel, and state-of-the-art office space in a scenic waterfront setting. The key concept behind The Quay and the Bayfront District plan was to give the public walkable access to the bayfront through the Multi-Use Recreational Trail, while keeping the natural beauty of Sarasota alive.

The Charm of Downtown

Easily accessible from the Bayfront area, downtown Sarasota offers endless options for shopping, dining and entertainment. Main Street and the surrounding area offers unique shops and decadent restaurants. For music fans, there is always a band playing at the historic Gator Club or at Sarasota’s own Jazz Club. Stroll Palm avenue for luxurious boutique shopping, five-star restaurants, and eclectic art galleries. Bayfront Park, located just blocks south of downtown, is a great place to stroll and catch a sunset. It’s also a wonderful place to walk your best furry friends.

Some of the best healthcare physicians in the world are located in Sarasota. Ranked by U.S. News as the #1 hospital in the Sarasota/Bradenton region, Sarasota Memorial Hospital is one of the largest healthcare systems in Florida, and the hospital’s Medical Staff includes more than 1,400 credentialed providers who represent 60 specialties.

In the Center of it All – Bayso Sarasota

Situated in the beautiful Bayfront District of downtown Sarasota, Bayso is the newest luxury address from Kolter Urban, one of the area’s most successful developers. Bayso Sarasota was introduced to the bayfront district earlier this year, and is already experiencing high demand for this ideal location where the downtown and bayfront comes together.

Now accepting reservations, the 149-unit luxury condominium has named Premier Sotheby’s International Realty as the exclusive brokerage. Starting from the $800,000s, the 18-story residential tower will contain 11 two- and three-bedroom plus den floor plans ranging from 1,600 to over 2,600 square feet, and seven penthouse floor plans ranging from 2,500 square feet to just under 4,000 square feet.

Owners’ suites will feature walk-in closets and luxurious spa-like bath retreats. Contemporary living spaces introduce open great room designs featuring chef-inspired European kitchens and refreshingly wide outdoor terraces. Behold the beauty of premium stainless steel appliances and quartz countertops. Glass balcony railings measuring up to 10’ deep will showcase Sarasota’s splendid views.

In addition to the many surrounding activities, Bayso offers a wide array of carefree amenities close to home. The lobby level’s formal Residents Club Room will be the main staple for gatherings, events and parties, complete with a catering kitchen and bar for entertaining. On the fifth level of the 18-floor building, an elevated Splash Lounge will open to a resort-style pool and spa deck with inviting cabanas that overlook Sarasota Bay. Additional offerings include a State-of-the-art Fitness Center with modern exercise equipment and a glass-enclosed Movement Studio for personal training and other classes and a dog park. Residents will love the 24/7 secured access, and the convenience of being located steps away from the spas, restaurants and services of the Ritz-Carlton and Westin Sarasota.

Sarasota, indeed, is one of the most exciting and beautiful places to call home. Bayso’s Preview Gallery is located on the ground level of The Westin, Sarasota. Private appointment reservations or virtual presentations are now available. Don’t wait to secure your new home. The innovative tower’s construction is scheduled to begin Mid-2021, with expected completion by Fall of 2023.