CNBC Rates Sarasota one of the "Best Places to Retire"

And Other Sources Agree

February 25, 2010

    CNBC has just ranked Sarasota Florida as one of the most popular retirement destinations.  Located on the warm waters of the Gulf Coast, Sarasota has 35 miles of beaches and offers residents opportunities from golfing, boating, gourmet dining to a wide variety of arts and cultural venues.

    CNBC did point out one that caveat about this locale is that because of its climate and natural surroundings, it attracts many U.S. and Canadian vacationers during the winter months making the traffic a bit much during those three or four months. But, otherwise, it is difficult to name a community with so much to offer to retirees as well as to younger families and professionals.

    AARP Magazine has identified the Sarasota Florida area, with the nickname, "Florida's Sun Coast," as #4 on its list of "best places to reinvent your life.”

    Barbara Corcoran, real estate expert, ranked Sarasota as the "Best Place in the U.S. to Buy a Home Right Now" on a recent Today Show video.

    The Natural Resources Defense Council placed Sarasota Florida at No. 4 on its list of Small “Smarter Cities”. Sarasota was recognized for the quality of its air and water as well as its environmental standards and participation in programs like green building, green space and recycling, and its transportation network and standard of living.

    Not long ago, Money Magazine called Sarasota the "Ultimate Beach Town." with its 35 miles of sun-kissed beaches on the Gulf of Mexico, more than 200 sunny days a year and an average year-round temperature of 71°F.  Money magazine said there are plenty of other reasons why they named it the best small city.

    The CNBC ranking did point out one caveat about this locale in that because of its climate and natural beauty, it attracts many U.S. and Canadian vacationers during the winter months. Traffic can be a bit heavy during just those three or four months. But, otherwise, CNBC said that it is difficult to name a community with so much to offer to retirees as well as to younger families and professionals.

    Sarasota County, which includes Venice, Osprey, and Northport, as well as the Casey, Lido, Longboat and Siesta Key also has, in addition to great golfing, boating and fishing venues, its own symphony, ballet and opera companies.

    Immediately north of Sarasota, Manatee County, which includes Bradenton, Lakewood Ranch, Palmetto and the three communities on Anna Maria Island, offers an equally attractive, while perhaps a bit more casual, lifestyle within a few minutes drive from downtown Sarasota's vast array of shopping, dining and arts destinations.

    The Sarasota - Bradenton area has a median home value just slightly above the national average so homes and condos in the Sarasota area are affordable for almost everyone.

      For a permanent home, vacation getaway or an investment property, the Sarasota real estate market, with its recent price correction, is hard to beat.  I invite you to request my free Sarasota Real Estate Package or call me directly at 941-228-2321 or toll-free at my Sarasota RE/MAX Office at 800-966-2334.