Forum
Analytics
Sarasota, United States 🇺🇸
#1273
,
Nomad Score:
65%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Sarasota is a coastal city located on the southwestern coast of Florida, known for its beautiful beaches, art scene, and warm climate. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 60,000 residents. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average download speed is around 200 Mbps, with many providers offering high-speed fiber options. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 USD = 1 USD, widely accepted currency, with major banks like Bank of America and Wells Fargo. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Drinkable, supplied by Sarasota County Utilities. |
| 🔌 Power | Electricity is supplied at 120V, 60Hz, with Type A/B sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Major carriers include AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile. Prepaid options are widely available. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Common banking apps like Cash App and PayPal are used, and international services like Revolut are also available. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Airbnb and Vrbo offer a range of options from apartments to beachfront villas. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cashless payments are widely accepted, with most businesses accepting credit/debit cards and mobile payments. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Numerous short-term rentals available on sites like Airbnb and VRBO. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Budget options include Hostels like Sarasota Beach House and motels like Quality Inn. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | The Sarasota Downtown area is ideal for tourists due to its proximity to shopping, dining, and cultural attractions. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | The Rosemary District and Southside Village are popular neighborhoods for digital nomads, offering a vibrant community and coworking spaces. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Work Lodge is a popular coworking space in Sarasota, offering flexible memberships. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | The Breakfast House offers free Wi-Fi and a comfortable atmosphere for remote work. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Monthly meetups organized by local business groups, check Meetup.com for current events. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Sarasota Expats Facebook Group hosts regular gatherings and information sharing. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Uber and Lyft operate widely in the city. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Sarasota Bike Share offers an easy way to explore the city by bike. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Siesta Key Beach is renowned for its fine white sand, about 15 minutes from downtown Sarasota. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Silver Airways offers regional flights from Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Major international flights can be found through American Airlines and Southwest Airlines. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Interstate 75 provides easy access to nearby cities such as Tampa and Fort Myers. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Sarasota is primarily serviced by bus transit, with the SCAT bus service connecting residents to the greater area. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | SCAT offers daily and monthly bus passes for local transit. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Regional bus services are available through Greyhound and Red Coach. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Sarasota Memorial Hospital is the region's largest and leading healthcare facility. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Sarasota Yoga offers various classes for all levels in a welcoming environment. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | LA Fitness and Anytime Fitness are popular gym options within the city. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Laundry services include Wash & Fold and local laundromats available near neighborhoods. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | UberEats and DoorDash provide extensive local restaurant options for delivery. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Seafood dishes, particularly fresh Gulf shrimp, are a must-try in local restaurants. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | The Olive Tree Cafe and Veg are popular choices for plant-based dining. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | The Royal Scoop is a local favorite ice cream place located in Siesta Key. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Sarasota Farmers Market offers fresh produce and local goods at affordable prices. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Amazon and local delivery services are widely used for online shopping. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Instacart and Shipt provide grocery delivery from local stores. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | The St. Armands Circle offers a variety of bars and nightlife options near the beach. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Sarasota Brewing Company offers local craft beers and a taproom. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | The Capital Grille is praised for its wine selection and elegant ambiance. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Local food trucks are often found around the city during events and festivals. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Sarasota hosts diverse international cuisine, including Italian at Oregano and Asian at The Bodhi Tree. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The Ringling Museum of Art is a premier attraction featuring art exhibits and a historic estate. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The Sarasota Art Museum showcases contemporary art and hosts rotating exhibitions. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Historic Spanish Point is an archaeological site that highlights Florida's history. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | St. Martha Catholic Church is one of the city's notable religious landmarks. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The Sarasota Film Festival takes place annually and attracts filmmakers and enthusiasts. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Downtown Sarasota features a thriving cultural scene with galleries and theaters. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | The Asolo Repertory Theatre offers a wide range of performances throughout the year. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Sarasota Farmers Market operates every Saturday, offering local produce and artisanal goods. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | The Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall is known for hosting concerts and live performances. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Sarasota features mural art in various downtown locations, adding vibrancy to the city's culture. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | The New College of Florida offers community cooking classes focusing on healthy cuisine. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | The Selby Gardens have an art gallery that showcases botanical artwork. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The Sarasota Opera House is recognized for its historic architectural style. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | The Ringling legacy represents a significant part of Sarasota’s cultural heritage. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Myakka River State Park offers hiking, kayaking, and wildlife viewing in a natural setting. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Everglades National Park is within a few hours' drive for extensive outdoor adventures. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | The Legacy Trail is a highly regarded trail for cycling and walking, stretching over 10 miles. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The South Lido Park offers stunning views of the bay and is ideal for sunsets. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Myakka River State Park is known for diverse bird species and is a fantastic spot for birdwatching. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Certain areas at Siesta Key Beach provide permits for bonfires; check local regulations. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | USPS, FedEx, and UPS offer reliable parcel delivery services throughout Sarasota. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | uBreakiFix provides tech repair for devices with locations in Sarasota. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | The Fruitville Public Library often has tables available for community use. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Sarasota has several language schools, including the Sarasota Language Institute. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Sarasota Public Library is a great place for study with Wi-Fi and study rooms available. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | The Sarasota County Community Center hosts a variety of events and classes for residents. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | GameOn is a popular venue for gaming and esports in Sarasota. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | The Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa is a short drive for those looking to game. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $250,000 ($2,500 per sq. ft.) for a studio in downtown Sarasota. |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $200,000 ($2,000 per sq. ft.) for a studio in suburban areas. |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $300,000 ($2,600 per sq. ft.) for a 1-bedroom in downtown. |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $225,000 ($2,300 per sq. ft.) for a 1-bedroom in suburban locations. |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $400,000 ($2,500 per sq. ft.) for a 2-bedroom in central Sarasota. |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $300,000 ($2,200 per sq. ft.) for a 2-bedroom in suburban areas. |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | The corporate tax rate in Florida is 4.458%. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | Florida does not impose state income tax on dividends. |
| 🏦 Tax System | The tax system is based on a residency approach, not worldwide income. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | Florida has no state income tax, thus no income tax brackets. |
| 🧾 VAT | Florida does not implement a VAT; sales tax is 6-7% depending on the county. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Florida follows federal guidelines; CFC rules may apply under IRS regulations. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Property taxation is based on assessed value; the average rate is about 1.0-1.2%. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Florida has documentary stamp tax rates of $0.70 per $100 of purchase price. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Florida's lack of state income tax is particularly attractive for digital nomads. |