The city of Sarasota is a beautiful coastal community on the southern end of the Tampa Bay area – a true paradise. Recently named one of the best places to live in Florida, Sarasota combines both city and beach-town vibes and is also very affordable. In 2021, the city was home to over 59,000 residents with an annual growing rate of 0.92%. The city offers residents access to dreamy beaches, gorgeous weather year-round, a number of environment and cultural offerings, and much more. Overall, Sarasota is a charming location that provides a laid-back, serene feel that is actually uncommon for a city of its size. Read on to discover a few of the top reasons to move to Sarasota, along with a list of affordable housing in the area.
Top Reasons to Move to Sarasota, Florida:
1. Enjoy great weather year-round
Living in Sarasota means getting to take advantage of comfortable temperatures all year long. If you are a person who enjoys the sunshine and sub-tropical weather, Sarasota is definitely an ideal living location for you. In the Spring, average temperatures in Sarasota range from high 50s at the beginning of the season to high 80s in late May. Similar to other cities in central Florida, Sarasota experiences hot summers with average temperatures ranging from the mid-70s to low 90s.
2. A number of artistic and cultural opportunities to explore
Along with endless scenic views and idyllic weather, Sarasota offers a wide array of attractions that provide recreation for residents of all ages. This city consists of a number of historic sites, museums, art galleries, music venues, and performing arts centers that provide locals infinite opportunities for artistic and cultural outings. A few of the most popular attractions around Sarasota include The Ringling Museum, Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, Big Cat Habitat & Gulf Coast Sanctuary, Myakka River State Park, and the Sarasota Classic Car Museum.
3. Good public grade schools and colleges
Serving more than 43,000 students, Sarasota County Schools consistently earn high ratings, coming in at a respectable seventh-place among districts in the state according to SchoolDigger. Several individual schools have earned a 10 out of 10 review from GreatSchools and impressive marks from the prestigious “US News and World Report Best Schools in America.” Sarasota is also home to several junior colleges and state universities, including University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee, New College of Florida, State College of Florida Manatee-Sarasota, Ringling College of Art and Design, and Suncoast Technical College. Many young adult students rely on affordable, off-campus housing to stay on budget while staying close to campus. One Stop Housing offers properties near these schools that are perfectly suited for their needs.
One Stop Housing Properties in Sarasota, Florida:
University Row – Starting at $750/mo*
This 100-unit community is a perfect affordable housing options for adult students living in Sarasota. University Row Apartments is located within walking distance to the Sarasota Campus of University of South Florida and New College, and just one mile away from the Ringling College of Art. Residents can choose from studio or one-bedroom apartments that all feature a full kitchen space.
University Oaks – Starting at $875/mo*
University Oaks Apartments has two-bedroom units located minutes from New College, Ringling School of Art, and the Sarasota Campus of the University of South Florida. The community offers a range of amenities including a swimming pool, on-site laundry facility, security cameras, night patrol and more.
The Palms Apartments – Starting at $995/mo*
Explore a peaceful, gated community of townhomes and villas in beautiful green surroundings at The Palms Apartments in Sarasota. The 2-bedroom apartments offer a combination of comfort and style, along with a great selection of amenities and features.
El Patio Sarasota – Starting at $750/mo*
Residents experience fine living at El Patio Apartments – a registered historic building in Sarasota, Florida. There are a variety of 1 and 2-bedroom units that all combine the unique charm of Old Spanish design with a modern arrangement of space.
Coastwood Apartments – Starting at $675/mo*
Coastwood Apartments features a small, welcoming community consisting of 25 single-bedroom units located in downtown Sarasota, Florida. All units include a kitchen space with an oven and refrigerator. Residents enjoy a tropical atmosphere and appreciate the convenience of being just walking distance from the Ringling College of Art and Design and New College.
Oakridge Apartments – Starting at $750/mo*
Come home to a safe and secure gated community in Sarasota – Oakridge Apartments! The affordable community includes 120 studio units that offer a full kitchen space with a refrigerator, sink and cooktop.
(*Rental prices listed are subject to change after the publication date of this article. Please contact the property manager for current rates.)