A Guide to Moving to Fort Myers
Updated May 2023
Crystal clear water. Pristine beaches. Booming real estate. Sarasota, Florida is truly a hometown you’ll instantly adore.
Whether you’re making the move from a different part of the country or are ready to find a city that aligns with your lifestyle, you’ll feel right at home in the Sarasota area.
Why Sarasota Has Been Repeatedly Ranked a Best Place to Live
From its booming real estate growth to its consistently high quality of life and plentiful things to do, Sarasota provides many benefits to its residents.
Sarasota has received a number of accolades on various “Best Places to Live” lists, including its repetitive ranking as the #1 Best Place to Retire in the United States! Due to its special culture and location, access to quality healthcare, and other key factors, it’s no wonder homeowners seek out Sarasota for retirement.
Families also flock to Sarasota to take advantage of its family-friendly atmosphere, great schools, and copious job opportunities for parents.
This Florida city boasts beauty everywhere you look. Beaches galore, a rich arts culture, preserved outdoor attractions, and so much more await you in your new backyard.
That’s just scratching the surface! Read the top 6 reasons you’ll love living in Sarasota, FL.
The Best Areas to Live in Sarasota
Both Sarasota County and Manatee County are renowned for their incredible neighborhoods and rapid development. Because we know location is everything, here’s a bit more about why M/I Homes builds in the following highly sought-after areas.
Bradenton
Monikered as “The Friendly City,” Bradenton embodies a close community and is an excellent place for retirees and growing families alike. There is so much to do in Bradenton, from touring its historic sites to taking advantage of its convenient location close to both Sarasota and Anna Maria Island.
Parrish
This burgeoning city is perfect for families because of its small-town atmosphere that’s still convenient to everything from good schools to the Manatee River to the Tampa Bay area. Most of the available homes for sale in Parrish are new, and homesites are typically larger, providing room to spread out and grow.
Lakewood Ranch
Possibly one of the most radically booming parts of Sarasota, this community constantly features something new and exciting and has been touted as the #1 top-selling master-planned community in the United States.
Residents of the highly coveted Lakewood Ranch area enjoy close proximity to fine arts, many beaches, world-class shopping and dining, and so, so much more.
Discover opportunities in Lakewood Ranch and find your forever home.
Palmetto
If you’re looking for a quieter pace of living while still having the option of nearby things to do, Palmetto is it. Located off the Gulf Coast, this stunning suburb shows off some of the most gorgeous nature preserves in Florida and keeps you close enough to surrounding attractions and employers. You’ll love staying active in Palmetto.
Things to Do in and Around Sarasota, FL
Making the move to a new hometown means new experiences, and you want to know where the best local highlights are!
Here are some of our top recommendations for things to do around Sarasota.
Shopping Experiences
Explore your favorite brands and try new local favorites at University Town Center, a beautiful shopping center located conveniently near both Sarasota and Bradenton.
From easy curbside pickup to a Saturday full of brunch, shopping, and family fun, you’ll be able to find everything you need, all in just one trip.
Elite Beaches
As you try out the different beaches around the Sarasota area, you may have trouble picking your favorite. Check out these top 5 Sarasota beaches with details, photos, and all the activities each one offers!
Nature Trails and Parks
From a leisurely walk with the family on a summer evening to a rigorous hike for a good workout on a weekend morning to places to bike, fish, swim, and so much more, there are so many amazing trails and parks around Sarasota.
Here are 10 of the best trails you’ll want to put on your list!
Restaurants You Can’t Miss
Try cuisine locals rave about around Sarasota, from Vietnamese to seafood to Italian and everything in between. You’ll be sure to get started with the right restaurants for date night, brunch with friends, or family night out with these 7 must-try restaurants.
Seasonal Events
Whatever your favorite holiday to celebrate, you’ll find plenty of ways to get out in your new community and make yearly memories with family and friends.
Fill up your calendar with an annual winter Holiday Night at St. Armands Circle, egg hunts in Lakewood Ranch and Bradenton for Easter, and all of these favorite autumn activities!
Amazing Golf Courses
Is there any such thing as too many great golf courses to choose from? You’ll have plenty to try—both public and private—throughout the Sarasota area. Here are 5 highly rated golf courses to get you started.
Sarasota Metro is ready to welcome you home. Want to learn more about the home buying process specific to Sarasota, FL? Read our answers to 9 FAQs our customers ask about working with M/I Homes in Sarasota.
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