Sarasota County, Florida
Sarasota
A bayfront city known for its arts scene and the barrier islands just offshore, with everything from downtown condos to golf communities inland.
Sarasota faces Sarasota Bay, with Siesta Key, Lido Key, and Longboat Key between the city and the Gulf. Downtown is compact and walkable, and newer master-planned communities have spread east toward Interstate 75 and beyond.
What you’ll find for sale
Downtown is mostly condos, old and new. West of the Tamiami Trail are established neighborhoods of single-family homes, some on the water. The keys have beach condos and waterfront houses. East of the interstate, newer communities offer recently built homes, often with HOA or CDD fees.
What to check before you buy
- CDD and HOA fees. In newer communities, a community development district fee may be part of the property tax bill. Add it to your monthly cost.
- Flood zone. The keys and bayfront areas are in special flood hazard areas. Many inland communities are outside them, which affects insurance.
- Rental rules. Minimum rental periods vary widely between the city, the county, the keys, and individual associations.
Your contact for Sarasota
Area descriptions are general and are not a statement about who should or shouldn't live anywhere. We're glad to send school, flood, and community information from public sources for any address so you can judge for yourself.