An abundance of visitors from around the world visit Sarasota each year to enjoy all of the amenities this small city on the Gulf Coast of Florida has to offer. Each year, Sarasota's warm climate attracts "snowbirds" down to the Sunshine State for its high season from January through March. Visitors and residents alike enjoy the city's internationally recognized cultural amenities matching those of the nation's largest cities. A world-class destination, Sarasota, Florida has many reasons to live, work and play in this gorgeous coastal setting.
1. Sarasota's Barrier Islands and Beaches
Sarasota is home to four tropical barrier islands, each with its own unique personality. Siesta, Key, Longboat Key and Lido Key contain miles of beautiful beaches lined with luxury resort-style condominiums, quaint cottages and inns, numerous hotels, and extravagant estates. There are no high-rise condos on the ultra-exclusive Casey Key. This barrier island is comprised almost entirely of single family homes. Private and public beaches are available on all of the keys for residents and visitors who love the water.
2. Sarasota's Cultural and Entertainment Venues
The downtown Sarasota area known as the cultural district offers a busier, cosmopolitan atmosphere for residents and visitors. The Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall provides outstanding entertainment each year with its full-calendar of performances. Active adults or young families often attend the world- renown Ringling Museum, the resplendent Selby Gardens, Sarasota Jungle Gardens, Mote Marine, G-Wiz (hands-on Science museum for kids), as well as the historic Asolo Theater. Sarasota even has its own Ballet, Opera and Symphony. It is no wonder Sarasota is often referred to as the "Cultural Coast of Florida."
3. Sarasota's Weather
There are so many reasons to visit Sarasota Florida. The near-perfect Sarasota weather is at the top of many people's list. Sarasota's average year round temperature is usually around 74 degrees F. Visitors have plenty of sunshine and warm weather throughout the year. Although summers can be quite hot, cool breezes from the Gulf of Mexico are a refreshing relief from the summer heat.
4. Water, Water, Water
So many people come to Sarasota to enjoy the water. With 35 miles of pristine beaches, the Intercoastal waterway and many miles of boatable canals, Sarasota has waterfront options for everyone. Siesta Key Florida Beach was just named the 2nd best beach in the United States for 2009 by Dr Beach. Boating enthusiast enjoy everything from fishing to leisure rides in the Gulf and Bay. If you love the water, Sarasota has it all waiting for you.
5. Sarasota's Perfect Location
Sarasota is perfectly located 60 miles south of Tampa. Direct flights from major cities around the world arrive at Tampa International Airport. Sarasota International Airport has direct flights from select major cities as well. Disney World is only about 2 hours from Sarasota and often visited by adults and children. Major sporting events, entertainment venues and Busch Gardens are all within and hour.
6. Outdoor Activities
Residents and visitors of Sarasota enjoy championship golf, sailing, boating, tennis, swimming, nature trails, canoeing and kayaking as well as beachcombing, shell collecting. Outdoor activities are endless in this coastal city. Downtown Sarasota's Farmers Market is a popular attraction each Sunday.
7. Shopping
You can shop till you drop! Sarasota has it all. Famous St. Armands Circle, similar to Wirth Avenue in Palm Beach, is the place to see and be seen. Specialty shops provide high-end arts, gifts, jewelry, clothes and sea shells. Visit a café or eat at a fine dining restaurant. You can find it on the Circle! Sarasota also has three major shopping malls. From simple to extravagant, Sarasota has shopping options to suite every lifestyle and budget.
8. Sarasota's Lifestyles
Lifestyles choices are numerous in Sarasota. There are gorgeous luxury homes in boating communities of the barrier islands. Many homes are on canals flow through the island and lead to open waters of Sarasota Bay. Many waterfront opportunities for homes having "no bridges to the Bay" are available as well as less expensive inland homes. If you're not into boating, maybe a luxury a country club community offering tennis, golf and swimming would work best for you. If you're searching for a second home, a high-rise condo on the Gulf of Mexico could be the answer. You can lock up, take the keys and enjoy state-of-the-art amenities the next time you arrive. The Sarasota Florida Lifestyle is a local community blog that is a good local resource for information on dining, shopping and events as well as other categories that can be enjoyed by all visitors.
9. Residential Real Estate Opportunities
It's no surprise that Travel Magazine previously named Sarasota one of the best places to live in the United States. Sarasota is unique and special. Sarasota has a variety of housing options to suit every budget. From a modest one bedroom condominium to a gated estate on the Gulf of Mexico, you can find your dream home, vacation home or investment property here in Sarasota. US News and World Reports just named Sarasota to the Top 5 in its 2009 America's Best Undervalued Places to Live list.
10. Unforgettable Sunsets
And don't forget Sarasota's signature sunsets. Each day Sarasota's setting sun provides a spectacular light show enjoyed by thousands. Many visitors and residents enjoy watching the sun melt into the Gulf of Mexico at dusk each day. It is truly and unforgettable experience.
Ideal weather, accessible locations, wonderful real estate opportunities, endless outdoor activities, fabulous resort-style lifestyles, white sandy beaches and incredible sunsets: Sarasota Florida has it all waiting for you.
John Allen is the broker and owner of Allen Real Estate Services, Inc., a 30 year old boutique Sarasota real estate firm. He specializes in representing buyers and sellers of fine residential real estate including condos, waterfront homes and golf course communities in Sarasota, Siesta Key and Longboat Key. For more information, visit http://www.buysarasota.com/ where there is detailed information on hundreds of neighborhoods and condos.
Article Source: https://EzineArticles.com/expert/John_C._Allen/52000
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/2707946