Pros and Cons of Living in Sarasota Florida [2023]

[@Marbella-Dave]

Brilliant video and I think I'm in Love .... Sarasota here I come 😍

[@TM-nu5vd]

GREAT video! Your CONs are totally understood and quite tolerable. Will be moving to Bradenton in the next 2 months from IL and looking forward to it!

[@movingtosarasota]

That's really exciting! I'd love to hear what you're looking for if you would like to email me at [e-mail]

[@stevewalther2293]

You'll be inside all year looking out the window at the beautiful scenery...

[@JJ-rf7dg]

Sarasota is #1 on my list. It's just that the HOA and lot fees are expensive . I was born and raised in southern NJ and tired of it. 12:12, I''ll take the storms over the snow storms. We get everything up north, hurricanes, floods, and snow.

[@timothymcclain2150]

Great video! I think you covered the main pros and cons of Sarasota. One correction: rain entering through a roof and causing water damage does not constitute flooding and is not covered by a flood insurance policy. That is called wind-driven water damage. It must have resulted from overland flooding which is defined as flood waters flowing from an outside source or body of water onto dry land, causing water damage. I don't believe I can post links here without getting flagged but you can find the information about the types of flooding by googling the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) and/or FEMA. Yes, if you live in Florida, I would recommend that you purchase flood insurance no matter if you live in a designated flood hazard area or not. Flooding can occur anywhere in Florida due to low elevation and intense tropical storms. I am a city planner and worked for several years as a floodplain planner.

[@LucasDiaz-j5z]

Thanks for the video.. My family and I will be moving to Sarasota next march 2024 !

[@alibon205]

as someone who’s been living here my whole life sarasota is great but it’s getting super crowded feels like it’s gonna be miami in a few years

[@stevewalther2293]

Sarasota is called little Miami...

[@bryceharper446]

Your video is very positive and very nice but it’s very very hot here year round unless you have a place to leave the summer is in possible to walk to exercise can’t sit outside too hot here

[@stellabella2827]

I was wondering about this, How do the locals get used to the heat? I guess it happens gradually and there's air-conditioned stores and restaurants right? As well as lots of ice cream or shaved ice places?

[@juliaelise24]

Great job... definitely still considering moving to Sarasota.. you didn't mention bugs... are they not as much of an issue there?

[@movingtosarasota]

It is special! We do have bugs but nothing a good screened in porch and regular pest control can’t handle. If you avoid certain times of day outside it’s not bad at all and if you’re on the beach the breeze keeps the mosquitos away but you do have to watch out for no-see-ums also known as biting-midges.

[@LijaMoore]

I'd say the #1 is cost of living/overpopulation due to so many moving here over the past 3 years. Unless you're a millionaire it's almost impossible to find decent housing at an affordable rate. #2 would be overdevelopment/lack of trees. We're soon to become like Tampa (not Miami, who has a tree ordinance) where there's no shade to park in. Especially in summer this will become a problem because it's very hard on your vehicle to park in the intense sun/heat. Also recommend tinted windows and light shaded interior/exterior to repel the sun/heat if you're gonna live here year round.

[@GratefulBamboo]

Thanks for making this video. Moving there to be near my relatives. Youtubing to discover if Sarasota is really for me. Im living in Vietnam right now. Heat, high humidity and thunderstorms no longer bother me. lol Daily thing here. Cost of Florida insurance and my black on black Lexus in the Florida sun are a bit of a concern.

[@cmo0429]

I completely agree regarding the cell service. I live here and can say there are dead spots. Fruitville Rd @ Beneva is an area that comes to mind. There are others like Honore going through Palmer Ranch

[@nanathynani]

Very helpful video. We're in Los Angeles CA and things here are going crazy, so we're considering moving to Florida next year and are still searching for the best place. Sarasota is always being mentioned as one of the best places to live in Florida so we're trying to get as much information as we can. Car Insurance in Los Angeles is just insane at this moment with everything that's going on with car accidents and cars being stollen. Are you really saying car insurance in Sarasota is more expensive than here? 😱 That's really insane. Anyway, thank you for the video..

[@annarusetskaya3499]

Hi my name is Anna and I am moving to Sarasota from NY and I am wanted to do it for a long time but I am afraid of finding the job up there. I am in the restaurant business for almost 20 years but have some heath issues and is it any problems of getting the job in the restaurant if you don’t look like a superstar??

[@bonbontopics3088]

So the allergies-my family and I was sure a teenage girl and a young girl and husband are looking to move from Northwest Indiana to Florida. I am looking at the Sarasota area I seen you mention about the allergies one of the main reasons why we’re moving is cause I’m having really bad allergies here in Northwest Indiana. We went and visited Miramar Beach and near Destin in my allergies disappeared while we were there another main reason why we’re moving to Florida besides the great weather, palm trees, and the sunshine. I heard you mention that the allergies people that suffer from them suffer for about one to two weeks did I hear you right?

[@balramkhehra9637]

Was there visiting for a week for a conference. Impressed by cleanliness, beaches, diverse restaurants. Very country club like vibe from the possibly rich folks that moved there in recent years. Many areas very posh but look like a tourist trap. Really beautiful overall but felt like it almost lacks soul(sorry for being harsh).

[@MoneySavingVideos]

I don't know why anyone would want to retire in hot, muggy, flat Florida when in Southern California near the beach it is constant 65-75 F year around, low humidity with mountains nearby?

[@juliaelise24]

Cost of living.

[@sunshine-yr4qw]

maybe bc retrieving in a communist state is not an option for people with brains

[@stevegiu4232]

California is a hellhole

[@way2walk]

Communism.

[@Lionheart_He-Man]

@@way2walkYep, California is geographically beautiful, but the insane government policies have been the State’s most painful thorn on its on residents. Hence why the State has been unofficially name d ‘Commiefornia’

[@accionfitnes7592]

Hi my name is Anthony and I think about move to Sarasota soon but I want to know more about the rent, allergies tree and about the barbershop to work

[@davidjohnfarrell4579]

Is it safe to drink the water straight out of the tap ?

[@tonyafuller1978]

I am considering moving to Sarasota. How are the RV campsites? I would be looking for one until I found a home to buy.

[@johnboutet7560]

Do you think Bradenton is a better option? We are about three years away from moving to Sarasota area. We love Sarasota but know that the population is spiking. Is there a nearby community that is still a secret?

[@This_puckinguy99]

Hello, I was wondering about homes in “nicer areas” on an acre or more? We aren’t too crazy about living 10 feet from neighbors 😅

[@keithcolegrove2924]

I can confirm that both your lists are 100% correct. I've been to SRQ several times.

[@stevewalther2293]

Have you ever seen the movie, "Waiting"?

[@stevewalther2293]

Is Sarasota crowded?

[@bryceharper446]

It’s super crowded and there’s no more parking at the beaches. So many people moved here they’re changing the face of Sarasota. Rental is unaffordable purchasing a condo is $1 million plus. I bought downtown Sarasota or years ago my property - also my common charge went up and the taxes went up because of the hurricane and the insurance companies look someplace else.

[@roboreilly204]

What neighborhood(s) would you recommend for a young family raising a toddler?

[@stevewalther2293]

Not a great place for anyone under 70 years old.

[@dmac42]

Sarasota is being wrecked by all the people from the Northeast and California who move here with their rudeness, aggressive driving and their arrogance believing that Floridians should be happy they are here. This area has been wrecked. You can’t get to the beach because it’s too crowded especially during snowbird and tourist season.

[@COSMIC-NINJA]

Agreed 💯

[@Lionheart_He-Man]

I would think the ones leaving CA and NY for Florida or Sarasota would be the ‘nice ones’ 😢 I’m nice, considering moving to Sarasota from NYC

[@dmac42]

⁠@@Lionheart_He-Man you would hope so, but they are not. T Call hey brought the New York aggression, rudeness, and self-serving attitudes with them. The driving is horrible. They’re forcing the service workers out of the area due to cost and their disrespect for other people. I’ve lived in New York City and it’s the same exact attitude experienced there. Every time I experience rudeness, I asked them what part of the northeast they’re from? They proudly tell me Philadelphia, New Jersey or New York about 90% of the time without exaggeration. no offense, but are you New York nice or are you Southern nice? I have a saying direct in the north is rude in the south

[@Lionheart_He-Man]

@@dmac42Thanks for that, I agree, too many folks here in NYC and other major cities nearby have been and can be rude, hence the reason why my immediate family don’t generally see ‘eye-to-eye’ with most people here. I think my family are uniquely considered exceptions to the general rule. I consider us to have a ‘Southern Nice’ personality 🤓

[@dmac42]

@@Lionheart_He-Man I don’t know the last time you were here, but if you’re serious about it, I would definitely spend some time here before you buy. It is night and day of what it was even three years ago. It’s still priced very high from a real estate perspective. Our neighborhood is still 40% higher than it was three years ago. And, contrary to what they want you to believe, there are areas that are high in crime, including burglaries, and even carjackings. We moved back four years ago and our already looking to move out.

[@matthewburton2153]

Are there job opportunities there

[@ParisianThinker]

How can retirees live there on a fixed income?

[@joannegallery6730]

Public transportation?

[@movingtosarasota]

We do have a bus service called SCAT (Sarasota County Area Transportation) and there are many convenient bus stops throughout the main areas of town. As soon as you leave the inner city limits, there are fewer stops. Overall the buses appear clean and safe.

[@stevewalther2293]

Sarasota is geared towards wealthy retired married couples...lol...the bus is for the poor people that serve them cocktails at the bars...

[@julieschlomer4063]

I LOVE your video! I can’t wait for us to move to Sarasota! Now how do I convince my husband to move there? He doesn’t want to give up his man cave basement or take the 25k pay cut from losing the DC locality pay.

[@stevewalther2293]

You should visit here before you move...trust me...everything looks great on a video...but you can't feel the heat and the smell...lol

[@julieschlomer4063]

@@stevewalther2293 - We are visiting next summer. Can’t wait!

[@stevewalther2293]

@@julieschlomer4063 Beaches, Bars and Restaurants...for 300 miles...gets monotonous.

[@stevewalther2293]

@@julieschlomer4063 No waterfalls No valleys No mountains No cliffs Nothing for 400 miles... Very very hot...and very very crowded...feels fake everything is man made...AirConditioner running all year...inside all year...

[@joannegallery6730]

Is it walkable?

[@movingtosarasota]

Hello @joannegallery6730 ...Downtown Sarasota is the most walkable and there are a handful of communities that have essentials nearby, but in general I would not say you could live in Sarasota without a car or easy way to get around.

[@stevewalther2293]

It's too hot to walk outside for 6 months...

[@michaelp5518]

Good lists. I would add the number of homeless have really increased.I have seen the growth over the last 10 years. If they put that proposed apartment complex in Palmetto by the Bradenton Convention center, with the other apartments and new hotel that are going it. It will be gridlock in and out of season.

[@stevewalther2293]

Very very crowded...like living in an Airport...it's also geared towards retired married couples...not a place for single people...but it looks great...it's very very hot so you'll spend most of your time inside with the A/C running...but that's what retired married couples love to do...

[@PalisadeCharade]

Lots of singles here!

[@stevewalther2293]

After 16 years...I never met you.sssoo...I left...I didn't just .stare blankly into space...I packed my Jeep, grabbed my cat and drove to Iowa...your pretty.

[@dry509]

You are the third person I have a listen to via KZbin video that has not mention the biggest turn off to us which is the red tide which is a dealbreaker. We have thought about moving several times and have been turned off by the red tide. Just let you know we have visited several times and we do like the area.

[@movingtosarasota]

That’s a great point and certainly annoying but the reason I didn’t mention it in this video is b/c it doesn’t make my top 7 list of cons. At worst it lasts a couple weeks maybe 1-2 times a year. Since we live here year round, it’s not a deal breaker for us. I often visit Miami and get frustrated with the seaweed on their beaches. There’s something everywhere.

[@DFP1975B]

Red tide happens all over the world, it's not unique to Florida. It happens in California, Texas, all along the east coast.

[@stevewalther2293]

@@DFP1975B red tide in Florida is absolutely nasty...lol...

[@ASkyy166]

@@movingtosarasotaLMFAO couple of weeks?! You’re kidding. Did you really not notice it from October till May this year and oh yeah after Irma we dealt with it for almost 2 yrs straight. Lady you have no idea what you’re talking about. Red tide we had this yr was nothing compared to few yrs ago. Businesses were closed. It was impossible to breathe without coughing your lungs out. It sent people to doctors. Some still have issues till this day. I’d say coronavirus and red tide is a double whammy for sure for here. Shaking my head lady. Also PS your list is whack 😂 clearly you just moved here recently or you’ve been living under a rock, what you’re listing are non issues, there’s MUCH bigger problems here. Pros and cons. Good grief.

[@stellabella2827]

For someone who has No Idea what "Red Tide" is, please, someone do share. What happens during red tide and why is it so miserable? (P.S. I live in North Texas)

[@rosemarymcgrady5255]

Sarasota also has the better Health Care Facilities,

[@lmcwill0502]

Sarasota resident of 40 years,you were right on the money about SRQ , you missed several cons such as many sewige spillages , our wild life and it being a one party dictatorship, building contractors rule, very greedy city that hides their homeless.

[@nancykearin5201]

Appreciate this video, but misspelled captions introducing each pro or con are often misspelled. Reduces my trust in the intelligence of the advice.

[@elisabethowen1127]

Sarasota, Florida native here, so a few observations: Traffic is spelled with two "f" s, and cell service is not the same as "self service." Who edits these videos? Many items on this list are Florida generalities only and not specific to Sarasota (weather, traffic, storms, politics, sun). The topic of beaches left out the red tide? Really? 😂

[@dmac42]

And she’s going through doing her marketing campaign I’m thinking, “am I living in the wrong Sarasota?” And by the way, UTC and Lakewood Ranch are in Bradenton not Sarasota.

[@juliaelise24]

she had nothing to do with the captions... take that up with the ai program that is responsible

[@BaronSaturday66]

What's the Red Tide? I'm debating leaving the gorgeous but depressed place that is Washington State and its miserable weather and moving to Sarasota because it looks so very classy and comfy. I would appreciate any and all advice you have as a Sarasota native.

[@tonycerviver2123]

Sarasota was fine back in the 80's but then it grew into a congested snow bird paradise. The traffic is horrible and the people are pretty rude. No thanks! I will stay in my mid west boring lifestyle.

[@PatriotMike-sb9oj]

We live in Tampa and only use Sarasota beaches because of the lack of heavy traffic, overall friendly vibes, and free beach parking.

[@ParisianThinker]

What about guns or violence?

[@rkey870]

the rich elderly population has ruined downtown Sarasota. Its basically a place where fun goes to die, especially at night . If you attempt to watch anything that comes to a public hearing you will see grandpa and grandma, with a laundry list complaints. they try to kill all nightlife, or any event, unless its somewhere to eat and it closes at 9pm so they can stuff there faces.. alot of crony capitalism and barriers via municipal ordinances. Spend your money elsewhere

[@conniesauvageau7420]

Please delete my comment, I thought it was on your personal email.

[@movingtosarasota]

I don’t see your comment here so I think you are good Connie 😊

[@stevewalther2293]

Very very crowded Sun is like a heat lamp 2 inches from your face... Very very very difficult to meet people...terrible for anyone single...terrible for anyone under 70.

[@PalisadeCharade]

Not true. So many’s I gel people of all ages. Maybe it’s your negativity?

[@wjjz8902]

#1 is your COMMON SENSE pragmatic Governor Ron Desantis !

[@Jesusistheonlywaay]

Where is the best place to meet quality single women?

[@JrayAloha]

Where there’s quality single men

[@carolinapopovic2129]

Gretchen. Am schlimmsten finde ich carolin kebekus und ihre primiemanzenshow

[@TheDukens90]

Boring place. Yet very expensive The beach is all Sarasota got

[@emiliachidester3250]

I'M LIKE HER MOVE HERE FROM CALIFORNIA WELL FROM CALIFORNIA, EUROPE, SARASOTA, I LIKE IT BUT I WILL MOVE BACK TO CALIFORNIA IF I WAS A BILLIONAIRE, I BELIEVE FLORIDA IS DEFINITELY OVER RATED., I DO THANK THIS VERY NICE LADY FOR HER TIME AND EDUCATION. NUMBER 1 FOR ME LIVING HERE IS NATURE, GARDEN PLANTS, EDIBLE AND NONE, THE WORST THING HERE ARE MOSQUITOES AND REPUBLICANS, THEY ARE THE SAME.

[@stevewalther2293]

The worst things here are the heat and the flat terrain...makes everything monotonous...boring...

[@emiliachidester3250]

@@stevewalther2293 YES THE HEAT IS HORRIBLE, THE FLATNESS IS DIFFERENT BUT FOR AGRICULTURE PURPOSE IS GOOD.

[@stevewalther2293]

@@emiliachidester3250 I'm not a farmer but I am from Iowa...it's flat there but there are rolling hills and scenery...Bluffs...people move to Florida thinking it will be fun...but the angry sun and heat renders them stuck inside with the A/C RUNNING all year...

[@emiliachidester3250]

@@stevewalther2293 YES, I,M IN THAT SITUATION, I COULD USE THE GULF WATER, ALL YEAR ROUND BUT IS NOT TRUE.

[@stellabella2827]

I LOOOVE THIS COMMENT!! And I'm in Texas.