The perks that come with living in this beautiful coastal city go way beyond sun and sea, so don’t be surprised when all your friends suddenly start moving to Sarasota.
Here are a few of the things that make living in Sarasota, Florida awesome.
The Rich Arts Scene
Sarasota earned the nickname “The Culture Coast” for a reason; it’s home to one of the richest arts scenes in the country. Thanks to the wide array of museums, exhibits, and theaters offered in the greater Sarasota area, you can find something new to enjoy almost every day.
The Arts and Cultural Alliance of Sarasota County has an incredible year-round schedule of film screenings, photography exhibits, speakers, theatrical shows, and dance performances.
At The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, you can enjoy a circus museum, large art collection, and live performances next-door at the Asolo Theatre Company, who perform in the Mertz Theatre.
You can also find the entire Florida Studio Theatre campus downtown, made up of an impressive five theaters.
The fresh seafood
Like any coastal city, Sarasota residents can enjoy their fair share of fresh seafood. Whether you want to enjoy a restaurant-prepared meal or prepare it yourself, you'll have access to some of the freshest seafood in the country.
At Walt's Fish Market, Sarasota’s popular long standing seafood destination, you can buy and dine on seafood the same day it was caught.
The local farmers markets
If fish markets aren’t your thing, you might enjoy Sarasota’s rich farmers market scene. The Sarasota Farmers Market is open downtown every Saturday morning, while the Siesta Key Farmers Market is in full swing on Sundays. The Phillippi Farmhouse Market runs from October to April on Wednesdays from 9:00 am until 2:00 pm, and the seasonal (October to May) Englewood Farmers Market is open on Thursdays.
You can also find smaller local markets all over Sarasota, each with its own unique personality and flavor. You're guaranteed to find fresh produce, artwork, soaps, baked goods, candles, clothes, and more. They’re great places to connect with the community while stocking up on supplies.
high end shopping
You can spend an entire day shopping, dining, and pampering yourself at more than 130 businesses at this common visitor's destination.
Located on Lido Key, just across from downtown and on the other side of Sarasota Bay, St. Armands Circle plays host to various festivals, performances, and other events throughout the year. It’s also home to some of the hottest local shops in town.
beautiful outdoor spaces
You already know about the beaches, but Sarasota is also home to some of the most beautiful natural spaces in the country.
Only a few miles from the center of the city you can find Rothenbach Park, complete with hiking and biking trails, playgrounds, picnic areas, and more.
And did you know that one of Florida's largest state parks, Myakka River State Park, is less than a half hour from downtown? You can to enjoy unspoiled wetlands as you hike, bike, or canoe with your friends and family. Go camping, horseback riding, or bird watching while you're there too!
Parks and nature preserves are all over the greater Sarasota area, giving you so many reasons to get outside and enjoy the famous Florida sunshine.
spring baseball lives here!
Sarasota may not be known for sports, but for one month every year, it becomes the center of the baseball world! Starting in late February, Ed Smith Stadium is the home of the Baltimore Orioles.
If the Orioles isn’t your favorite team, other MLB teams like the Red Sox, Yankees, Blue Jays, Pirates, Phillies, Rays, and Tigers all make their way through Sarasota during the spring season.
the sarasota bradenton international airport
The Tampa International Airport may be just over an hour away, but don't overlook the convenience of SRQ in Sarasota’s backyard. Direct flights to major US cities fly our of SRQ every day, including Boston, New York, Atlanta, Chicago, Denver, Minneapolis, Indianapolis, and Dallas/Ft. Worth, making it easy for your friends and family to come visit, without making the long drive from Tampa or Miami.
There are so many things that make Sarasota an awesome city, that’s why this year marks Liberty Savings Bank’s 25th anniversary in Sarasota! We love it here so much, we just can’t leave! So if you need a mortgage expert or a great checking account, contact us to speak with a local expert.
