Moving to Sarasota: The 2026 Relocation Guide
Darren Dowling
Darren Dowling
Sarasota has been discovered - again. CNN just named it America’s #1 best town to visit for 2026, citing its arts scene, beaches, gardens and one-of-a-kind history. If you’re thinking about turning a visit into a move, this guide covers what you need to know.
• The lifestyle. World-class beaches, a professional arts scene, year-round golf and boating, and a walkable downtown on Sarasota Bay.
• No state income tax. Florida’s tax advantages are a major driver for relocators from the Northeast and Midwest. Estimate your savings with our Florida Tax Advantage Savings Calculator.
• Homestead benefits. Florida’s homestead exemption and Save Our Homes cap help protect primary residences.
• Location. About an hour south of Tampa, with SRQ airport minutes from downtown and two international airports within 90 minutes.
• Sarasota — downtown condos, historic districts and bayfront living at the cultural heart of the region.
• Lakewood Ranch — one of the best-selling master-planned communities in the country; top schools, golf and new construction.
• Siesta Key, Lido Key, Longboat Key — barrier island living, from lively to ultra-private. See our full Sarasota beaches guide.
• Venice and Nokomis — charming, value-friendly coastal towns to the south.
• Bradenton, Parrish, North Port and more — explore all the communities we serve.
Sarasota’s nickname - Florida’s Cultural Coast is earned: The Ringling, Sarasota Opera, Sarasota Orchestra, The Sarasota Ballet, Asolo Rep and Selby Gardens anchor a scene that CNN says “goes all-in on artistic excellence.” Get the full picture in our Sarasota arts and culture guide. Beyond the arts, expect farmers markets, the Legacy Trail for cycling, spring training baseball, and a food scene that runs from Amish comfort food in Pinecraft to James Beard-recognized kitchens.
Start with our step-by-step home buying guide, then search current listings to get a feel for prices, and review the Sarasota & Manatee market report for the latest data. Selling a home up north first? Ask us about Beyond Cash Offer and trade-in options.
Beyond Realty is Sarasota’s owner-operated boutique brokerage our team relocated here from around the world, and we help families do the same every month. Contact us or call (941) 467-3448 to plan your move to the #1 town in America.
Darren Dowling is a Sarasota-based real estate broker-owner specializing in Sarasota and Lakewood Ranch residential real estate, new construction, and relocation.
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