Sarasota Florida is a Paradise unto its own. White sand beaches, sophisticated arts, world-class shopping, golf courses among the best in the country, fine dining and a constant flow of community events coupled with natural beauty and year-round good weather. These are just a few of the reasons that Sarasota ranks among the nation's 15 most livable communities, according to Money Magazine.
The county's high per capita income supports a wide variety of recreational and cultural venues, including theater, ballet, opera and film festivals. In fact, Southern Living magazine recently named Sarasota County "the nation's per capita arts capital." If you are more the athletic type, outdoor activities from shelling, rollerblading, tennis, and golf to beach walking at sunset are also available.
Sarasota has all the charm of a southern town with the conveniences of a big city thanks to the diligence of our Sarasota residents and community developers. Waterfront estates and golf course condominium communities are designed to complement our historic districts which have been preserved with pride.
Downtown Sarasota offers quiet streets lined with grand trees and sidewalks. Some streets, known as "the flower streets" are named for flowers such as Bougainvillea, Rose and Hibiscus with homes that reflect traditional and Spanish styles.
On the barrier islands, there is as just much diversity. Siesta Key will captivate you with its powdery white sands, artists and writer's colony, eclectic shops, restaurants and boutiques. Conversely, Longboat Key offers its residents a secure and private lifestyle with opulence you can sense from the moment you cross the bridge onto this island community, Similarly, St Armands and Lido Key each have their own uniqueness and charm.
Sarasota's public schools serve more than 36,0000 students. With 20 elementary, 8 middle and 9 high schools, Saraota County provides educational opportunities for everyone, from the physically challenged to the academically gifted. The area is also home to private schools of various affiliations.
Sarasota teachers are top-ranked; nearly 80% have post-bachelor degree training. Two-thirds of the county's high school graduates go on to college; some at our six local higher education institutions; University of South Florida at Sarasota, USF - New College, Ringling School of Art & Design, University of Sarasota, Eckerd College and Manatee Community College.
