It’s no secret to the locals that Sarasota is a fantastic place to live. From nationally acclaimed Siesta Key beach, to the abundance of parks, amenities, museums, and restaurants; Sarasota is a hidden gem of a city.
But that gem isn’t quite so hidden anymore, and word has spread a lot further than local talk. Conde Nast Traveler, a prominent high-profile and high-end travel publication, recently ranked Sarasota No. 5 on its list of 15 Best Small Cities in the U.S. for 2018. The results came from 429,000 responses to its Readers Choice Award survey.
The city as we know it is evolving. Moving away from its origins as a charming beach town and progressing into a trendy cultural hotspot, Sarasota is making its way to the top.
“Sarasota is booming,” the magazine said in its blurb, “and our readers are noticing.
And we don’t blame them. It’s hard not to notice Sarasota when its mark on the map continues to get larger year after year. Word spreads quickly about this amazing vacation hotspot, with blue-green waters and white sand, but its appeal doesn’t lie only in tourism, but also as a place to call home.
The real estate market is exploding, and with a plethora of events and attractions for both residents and visitors alike, it’s hard finding a reason to leave. But for those that have to, there is no shortage of luxurious hotels.
“Not only is the Gulf Coast-side city home to attractions like the Sarasota Opera and Ringling Circus Museum, it’s also ushering in exciting new hotels that are far from generic beach resorts.”
Conde Nast mentions “the elegant Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota” which offers not only gorgeous hotel rooms, but upscale condos for residents as well. Also mentioned was the Art Ovation Hotel, “where you should spend at least one afternoon (if not a few) by the rooftop pool overlooking Sarasota Bay.”
But can you really talk about the joys of Sarasota without mentioning its “ever-growing food scene,”? Conde Nast’s article shines the spotlight on some Sarasota favorites such as “the aromatic mushroom bisque at Indigenous, the cinnamon roll pancakes at Station 400, and the savory crepes at C’est La Vie.”
Ending their praise on one final note, the article concluded: “With meals like these, it’s easy to see why so many people decide to spend their golden years in Sarasota.”
And we agree. It’s hard not to feel golden in Sarasota when the sun is constantly shining.