Downtown Sarasota is at the heart of Florida’s Cultural Coast. There is a vibrant food scene, with dozens of restaurants and bars, several art galleries and boutiques and plenty of performing arts spaces. “The number one thing we hear when people come here is, ‘I had no idea all of this was here,’ ” says Kelly Harb, vice president of marketing and communications with Visit Sarasota. “They think they’re going to get here and it’s a sleepy little town. You see some beaches and water and, you know, that’s kind of it. They’re so surprised there’s something going on around every corner.” During Season, an increased number of tourists come to the area. However, the city makes sure that residents can enjoy the city’s amenities all year round.
Downtown Sarasota is known for its plentiful outdoor dining options.
Centennial Park in Downtown Sarasota has a boat launch, and waterfront recreation areas.
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Independent businesses foster small-town feel
Downtown Sarasota is at the heart of the city’s food scene, with over 60 restaurants and bars. “If you are not going to be a successful restaurant, you are not going to make it,” says Julia Montei, Realtor with Coldwell Banker, R.R.E. “So, the people that are here, they know what they are doing.” Restaurants range from Vino Bistro, a tapas place in the Rosemary District, to Duval’s, a Sarasota staple and seafood restaurant. Besides offering countless eateries, Downtown Sarasota features shops, boutiques and art galleries, most of which are independently owned. “We like the niche that we have as a small-town, charming shopping area,” says Chris Voelker, president of the Downtown Improvement District and owner of BESO and State Street Eating House + Cocktails, the latter having been voted the place to find the Best Cocktail by Sarasota Magazine readers for 12 years in a row. Bookstore1 Sarasota offers an extensive collection of books, clubs and a local author fair. Clothesline 529 exhibits contemporary art, while Helmuth Stone Gallery specializes in fine art. Publix is one of the grocery stores in the area, and people can find fresh produce at the Sarasota Farmers Market, held every Saturday morning. Lowe’s, Walmart and Target are all within 8 miles.
Downtown Sarasota has a large selection of restaurants and eateries from which to choose.
Downtown Sarasota has a variety of unique restaurants, including 1592 Wood Fired Kitchen.
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Fresh Fridays bring community together
Downtown Sarasota hosts several annual events, one of the most notable being the New Year’s Pineapple Drop. The celebration starts in the afternoon, with live music and food vendors, and goes on until midnight. Fresh Fridays are on the first Friday of the month. Local businesses participate in giveaways, and residents flood the streets to enjoy music and food with friends. Every month is something new. “Sometimes, people bring their toddlers dancing,” Voelker says. “Grandpa and Grandma are dancing. I look out at them, and it’s just joy.”
Walkability and public transit downtown
U.S. Route 41, known as Tamiami Trail, runs through Downtown Sarasota. Colorful statues or gardens decorate the center of roundabouts. Street parking is available in most parts of the city. Sidewalks line the streets, and crosswalks and traffic lights are at most major intersections. There are several options for public transportation, including the Breeze buses and the Bay Runner, an open-air trolley. There are also rentable scooters and bicycles. Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport is about 4 miles away. The airport is expanding, with a new terminal opening in early 2025. Sarasota Memorial Hospital is less than 1 mile outside of Downtown Sarasota.
Downtown Sarasota residents can find public transportation at the bus depot and most roadways.
Downtown Sarasota residents have additional forms of transport including electric scooters.
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Vibrant art scene on the Cultural Coast
Sarasota is also called Florida’s Cultural Coast because of its performing arts scene. “Within 1 mile of the downtown core, there are 13 stages,” Robinson says. McCurdy’s Comedy Theatre is well known for attracting big-name comedians; the Sarasota Opera has been running for over 60 years. Nearly 4,400 living orchids are at the Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, which also hosts exhibitions and events. The Green Orchid by Michael’s on East is a restaurant in the gardens that operates entirely on solar power, with most of the produce grown in a rooftop garden. The Ringling Museum, founded by circus icons and art collectors John and Mable Ringling, is about 4 miles away. The Bay is the newest addition to Downtown Sarasota’s selection of parks. Ten acres of this accessible park are already open. The final park will span 53 acres. There are walking trails, a playground and a paddle launch. “They do have a certain number of free kayaks, but reserving them is like trying to get concert tickets,” says Kathryn Plosica, Realtor and broker associate with Coldwell Banker Realty. “My husband and I rented a double kayak and went on a tour through the mangroves and then through downtown, behind the hotels. It took about 2 hours, and it was awesome.” The Bay also hosts events and activities such as movie nights, concerts and yoga classes. “One of my favorites was a sound bath with guided meditation,” Plosica says. At Bayfront Park, people can walk past sculptures and wildlife or run through the splash pad. Boaters can dock at Marina Jack, which also offers boat rentals. The Breeze trolley connects Downtown Sarasota to Siesta Key, making it easy to get to the beach.
The Sarasota Opera House is a very popular performance center in Downtown Sarasota.
Downtown Sarasota residents can take a break amidst local art installations around the city.
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Bayfront condos over $1 million
Condos built in the last 20 years make up most of the residences in Downtown Sarasota, including bayfront properties. Older units are on the outskirts of the city. Single-family properties include cottages and ranch-style homes built between the 1950s and early 2000s. Single-family homes on the outskirts of downtown can cost $250,000 to $600,000. Closer to the downtown core, prices range from $650,000 to $1 million; prices closest to the water can exceed $1.5 million. Condos on the outskirts of town can range from $150,000 to $300,000. Prices fall between $350,000 and well over $2 million as condos get closer to the water, depending on location and amenities.
Downtown Sarasota has many large homes near the shores of Sarasota Bay.
Downtown Sarasota has many large condominiums, offering residents idyllic sunset views.
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Sarasota resilience following major storms
According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency, Sarasota is at a very high risk of hurricanes. Hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30. In 2024, the city was impacted by three major storms – hurricanes Debbie, Helene and Milton – between August and October. By early December of that year, much of the debris had been collected and parks began reopening. “The city and the county have been amazing in their restoration efforts, picking up the debris and just trying to get people back into pre-storm mode,” Plosica says.
Circus Arts Magnet at local high school
Downtown Sarasota is part of Sarasota County Schools, which offers school choice. Alta Vista Elementary School receives a B-plus from Niche. Brookside Middle School and Sarasota High School are both rated A-minus. Sarasota High has several special programs, including the Circus Arts Magnet. Enrolled students work with the Sarasota Circus Arts Conservatory to learn about the city’s rich history in the circus, physics and performing arts. Pine View School is a public charter that earns an A from Niche and teaches gifted students from second through 12th grade.
Sarasota High School has an outstanding faculty and staff who provide a first-class education.
Student drop off and pick up at Emma Booker Elementary school.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
Are you familiar with the Downtown Sarasota neighborhood?
to let others know what life in this neighborhood is like.
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Downtown Sarasota
US
Homicide
4
4
Sexual Assault
5
4
Assault with Weapon
5
4
Robbery
5
4
Burglary
6
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
6
4
Larceny
5
4
Crime Score
5
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Downtown Sarasota Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Downtown Sarasota, Sarasota sell after 91 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Downtown Sarasota, Sarasota over the last 12 months is $770,000, down 21% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Under Construction. The Edge Sarasota defines urban luxury in the heart of downtown’s vibrant Arts District. Residence D is a stunning 2-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom plus den corner residence offering just over 3,100 sq. ft. of living space with floor-to-ceiling windows and expansive city and bay views spanning from the East to Southeast. The open-concept design showcases soaring ceilings and a chef’s
Pre-Construction. To be built. Discover a rare opportunity at The Edge Sarasota—where boutique living meets vibrant city life. Residence A is a premier 3-bedroom, 3-bathroom corner residence offering over 3,200 square feet of open, modern living in one of Sarasota’s most in-demand downtown locations. From the 6th floor, this light-filled residence wraps the northwest side of the building offers
Under Construction. The Edge Sarasota embodies refined urban luxury in the heart of downtown’s vibrant Arts District. Residence B is an impeccably designed 3-bedroom, 3-bathroom corner residence offering over 3,500 square feet of living space, framed by floor-to-ceiling windows and sweeping city views from the 8th floor. The open-concept design features soaring ceilings, walls of glass and a
DEAL OF THE WEEK *Ask About Incentives** Completely updated and ready to call home! Discover Bayfront luxury living in this beautifully updated 2-bedroom, 2-bath residence at the highly sought-after Regency House in downtown Sarasota. Perfectly positioned on the 4th floor, this 1,424 sq. ft. condominium captures breathtaking Sarasota Bay views and an effortless blend of modern comfort and
WELCOME TO CENTRAL PARK SARASOTA — your chance to enjoy relaxed Florida living right in the center of it all. This beautifully maintained first-floor, 1-bedroom, 1-bath condo offers 940 sq ft of bright, open living space just moments from downtown Sarasota. Step inside to a spacious layout with ceramic tile flooring throughout and an updated kitchen featuring sleek cabinetry, stainless steel
Nestled in one of Sarasota’s most sought-after neighborhoods, this beautifully restored Burns Court residence offers the rare opportunity to own a true piece of Downtown history. Blending timeless charm with modern comfort, this property is ideal as a rental investment, a live-work setup, or simply a vibrant in-town retreat for those who crave the downtown lifestyle. The main home offers one
Available for the 2026 season, this luxurious turnkey vacation rental rises above Sarasota Bay from the 17th floor of Embassy House, one of downtown’s most desirable waterfront addresses. Surrounded by stunning west and north views, this light-filled corner residence captures endless blue water by day and the sparkle of city lights by night. Thoughtfully designed and beautifully furnished, every
Welcome to The Orange Club #304 - Experience boutique urban living in the heart of Sarasota’s Historic Burns Court District, where modern design meets old Florida charm. This beautifully designed, contemporary-style three-bedroom, two-and-a-half-bath plus den condominium offers the perfect retreat for your Sarasota winter. Downtown is truly at your doorstep in this intimate, amenity-rich
Absolutely Beautiful Studio Condo centrally located in Sarasota. Close proximately to Downtown. This unit has been completely remodeled with new kitchen and bath, new luxury vinyl plank flooring throughout. Quartz countertop, stainless appliances and new cabinets. This community offers 2 pools, tennis courts, clubhouse and small fitness center. Water/sewer are included in the rent.Required to
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Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
