Why You Should Move To Sarasota FL Instead of Tampa

If you’re considering moving to Florida and staying on the Gulf Coast, you are probably comparing Tampa and Sarasota as a few of your options.

I know living in Tampa has its appeal, but I’m here to share with you the seven reasons why you’re going to love living in Sarasota more than Tampa.

Tampa is ranked as one of the fastest-growing cities in America and there are huge benefits of living in a major metro city like it.

With a large population, you can tell Tampa is a one-stop-shop where you can mix work, play, and life perfectly all in one area.

You also have the benefits of places like Tampa Riverwalk, Water Street, Downtown, and much more, besides the easy access to St Petersburg, some other beaches, and even access to Sarasota.

But Why Do I Think You’ll Love More Living In Sarasota?

Well, first is the possibility of getting away from living in a major city.

At Sarasota, you’ll have all the city facilities like a downtown with tons of restaurants and shops, the St Armen Circle, and all the beaches, islands, and keys to enjoy. Is simply perfect to jump on an electric bike and cruise all over the bridges and different places. Besides, you’re less than 1 hour away from St Pete and Tampa.

The second thing is that you need to remember that Tampa is a bay, with water that you don’t want to get in.

Sarasota, on the other hand, gives you beaches at your fingertips. While Tampa residents go to the crowded Clearwater Beach, here you can enjoy beaches like Siesta Key, Lido Key, and Longboat Key, which are known for their soft white sand and turquoise water.

Now, if you want a more active outdoor lifestyle, then you’ll have it here in Sarasota.

Known for its nature, you’ll have that desirable outdoor lifestyle with the activities you can do like boating, fishing, kayaking, paddle, boarding, and more; besides the world-class golf courses, tennis courts, biking, and trail areas throughout all of Sarasota.

One arguable point is that Sarasota has a better art scene than Tampa.

Even though Tampa has some great museums, in Sarasota you’ll have the Ringling Museum, the Sarasota Opera House, and the Sarasota Ballet, some of the city’s cultural gems.

Fifth, is that Sarasota is a better place to raise a family.

Many may argue with me on that but, the schools in Sarasota are a big selling point for families. In Tampa, you have the best schools located outside of the main city area or you have to pay for private schools. In Sarasota, you’ll find the number one school in the state of Florida, Pine View, and it's no secret that Sarasota County Schools beat Hillsboro schools in nearly all categories ranked at Niche.

Next on my list has to be the food scene.

At Sarasota, you’ll find much more local dining options, with better seafood and a lot more waterfront restaurant options.

And last, but not least, is the housing options.

In Tampa, there are very few waterfront properties, and if you want land, you have to move an hour or more North or even go outside Tampa to get it. And if you want a new home, there are also limited options in Tampa. On the other hand, Sarasota offers every housing option that you could want. You could get a 10-acre ranch or waterfront condo. You can get a charming older home or a new construction home. We have incredible new construction options within Lakewood Ranch, Waterside, and Palmer Ranch.

So, Who Should Live In Tampa And Who Should Live In Sarasota?

Tampa is generally better for younger professionals or families who want to be near a big city. If you need to be there for work, or if you’re looking for nightlife and entertainment, then Tampa is the better choice.

If you want a strong school system, a slower pace of life, a family-friendly atmosphere, larger more affordable properties, beaches, and a smaller town, then you’ll fit well in Sarasota.

And the best way to stay up to date with everything that is coming to Sarasota is by jumping into our newsletter list. You’ll receive all the updates about this area and also get insights on the local real estate market.

But if you want more information about the neighborhoods and the different areas in Sarasota, make sure to download my Sarasota relocation guide by clicking here, or reach out to me if you’re looking for a house and need some help!

Email - info@mattleicht.com
Cel - 941.256.3321

If you’re new to the area and curious about what it has to offer, check out this post about the best time to buy a house in Sarasota, and subscribe on YouTube for more updates and all about life in Sarasota, Florida.