sarasota-lifestyle-4_400Here's an interesting statistic, I found recently. There are 78 million baby boomers in the U.S., and demographic professionals predict that one-sixth of them will spend part of their lives in Florida. That's almost 13 million new residents in Florida by 2023.  Those future residents will be looking for the most attractive places in Florida to live. The Sarasota - Manatee County area will be high on their list of "most attractive places".

So, you may ask, "why should I be considering the Sarasota - Bradenton - Lakewood Ranch area in my plans?" Here's why:

For starters, Money Magazine listed Sarasota among "the nation's 15 most livable communities" calling it a city with the charm of a smaller southern town with the conveniences of a big city.  CNBC said Sarasota is one of the "most popular retirement destinations" and, AARP Magazine listed the Sarasota - Bradenton area as one of the four "best places to reinvent your life.”

For sun and surf lovers, there are 35 miles of white sand beaches including world-famous Siesta Beach, voted the "Top Beach in the U.S." in 2011, with the softest, whitest quartz sand in the world. And nowhere will you find more spectacular sunsets than on Florida's West Coast.

Sarasota and Manatee County together offer over 80 golf courses ranging from public courses to semi-private and private courses to challenge every level of play. Many of our golf courses lie within planned golf course communities like Lakewood Ranch, Palmer Ranch and others which offer many different housing options, including single-family homes, condos, town homes and villas in wide price ranges.

The Sarasota area is known as "Florida's Cultural Coast". Home to the renowned Ringling Art Museum, Florida West Coast Symphony, Sarasota Ballet, Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall and Asolo Theater as well as many art galleries, jazz clubs and local theater groups like the Manatee Players in Bradenton and the Venice Little Theater in Venice. Downtown Sarasota offers dozens of upscale shops and restaurants. And no one disputes the charm of the eclectic shops at famous St Armand’s Circle. For a less formal experience, Village of the Arts is a vibrant artist community in Bradenton. Throughout the year, you’ll find arts and cultural events, festivals and parades.

Powerboat lovers, fishermen, sailing enthusiasts, and scuba divers love the warm waters of Sarasota Bay and the Gulf of Mexico. For those with larger yachts, some of our waterfront communities offer deep water marinas and yacht clubs.

Sarasota and Manatee County public schools serve over 80,000 students. There are also many private schools. Nearly 80% of Sarasota teachers have post-bachelor degree training. Two-thirds of high school graduates go on to college; some at local institutions like University of South Florida - Sarasota, USF - New College, Ringling School of Art & Design, University of Sarasota, Eckerd College, and The State College of Florida - Manatee-Sarasota.

If your children or grand children enjoy educational experiences, they'll love the G.Wiz Science Museum, the Sarasota Jungle Gardens and the Mote Marine Laboratory in Sarasota and the South Florida Museum and Bishop Planetarium in Bradenton. All offer informative displays and tours attractive to kids "of all ages."

Sarasota also offers the widest possible variety of residential properties from downtown condos, penthouses and town homes to golf course communities and waterfront homes. In the city or on our Island keys, you’ll find price ranges to fit every desire you may have.

Whether you're a “snowbird,” a one-time visitor, a professional, or an employee being relocated to the fast-growing Florida West Coast, you should get to know the Sarasota - Bradenton - Lakewood Ranch area on Florida's Sun Coast. One visit and you’ll know this is the place you'll want to call home right now or in the future.

Posted by Andree Huffine on
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