Think Florida is just about crowded beaches, theme parks, and traffic jams? Think again. Nestled quietly along the Gulf Coast, Sarasota is emerging as the ultimate 55+ getaway. It’s equal parts relaxing and enriching, with just enough sunshine to make you consider staying forever.
A recent U.S. News & World Report ranked Sarasota among the top five best places to retire in America for 2024, thanks to its vibrant culture, pristine beaches, and high quality of life for seniors. According to longtime Sarasota real estate agent Marcia Salkin, people don’t just visit Sarasota, they build their next chapter here.
“People come for the beaches, but they stay for the life they can build here.”
— Marcia Salkin
Siesta Key Sand and Secret Shores
Yes, Siesta Key Beach is famous, and it deserves every bit of the hype. Its sand is 99 percent quartz, which means it stays cool and feels like walking on silk even on the hottest days. But Sarasota’s coastline offers much more than just one award-winning stretch.
Lido Beach brings calm, breezy mornings without the crowds. Turtle Beach draws early risers in search of seashells. Drive a little farther and you’ll reach Casey Key or Nokomis Beach, where the Gulf sunset plays to an audience of just a few. Marcia shared, “There’s something special about sitting on Nokomis Beach and feeling like the world has slowed down just for you.”
One seasonal visitor, Jill, 62, from Bethesda, Maryland, said she switched from Miami to Sarasota for good reason. “It feels like Florida the way it used to be—no noise, no crowds, just beauty.”
Where The Arts Live by the Sea
Sarasota might be known for its beaches, but it also boasts an arts and culture scene that rivals much larger cities. The Ringling Museum of Art offers a world-class collection ranging from Baroque masterpieces to contemporary installations. Theater lovers can catch Broadway-caliber productions at the Asolo Repertory Theatre, while the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall hosts ballets, concerts, and world tours—all just blocks from the water.
“You can start your day with sand in your sandals and end it with a standing ovation at the symphony,” Marcia said. “Visitors love how sophisticated the arts scene is here.”
Sarasota is home to more than 130 arts and cultural organizations, making it one of the most creatively concentrated cities of its size in the country.
Casual and Coastal Chic Dining
The local food scene leans into its coastal bounty. Whether you’re cracking stone crab at a picnic table or sipping wine over citrus-glazed grouper at a waterfront bistro, Sarasota offers flavor without fuss.
Marcia recommends starting the day with coffee on St. Armands Circle to enjoy the energy of the town waking up. For dinner, her favorites include Indigenous, a beloved farm-to-table spot, and Owen’s Fish Camp, where the porch lights twinkle over live oaks and bluegrass.
“You can eat beautifully here without any of the pretension,” she said.
Why Seniors Are Staying for Good
Nearly 40 percent of Sarasota County’s population is 60 or older, and for good reason (source). Sarasota offers a lifestyle that’s active but never rushed, social but never overwhelming.
“There’s something for every pace of life,” Marcia explained. “You’ll find walking groups, beach yoga, plein air painting classes, and farmers markets that feel more like neighborhood block parties.” For many of her clients, that sense of balance—between energy and ease—is what seals the deal.
Quality healthcare also plays a role. Sarasota Memorial Hospital is one of the top-ranked regional hospitals in Florida, providing peace of mind for retirees and seasonal residents alike.
Denise, 67, from Maine, visited with her husband for a one-week stay and found herself looking at real estate by day three. “We looked at each other and said, ‘Why are we going home?’ We haven’t left since.”
Don’t Wait Too Long
Sarasota still feels like a hidden gem—but it may not stay that way for long. New restaurants, boutique hotels, and residential developments are accelerating, and with them, the area is growing in popularity. “Sarasota still feels intimate,” Marcia said. “But people are catching on. And once they visit, they don’t want to leave.”
Whether you’re looking for a long weekend retreat or a forever home base, Sarasota offers more than just sunshine. It delivers a lifestyle full of art, flavor, friendship, and joy, all with a perfect Gulf breeze.
About the Expert
Marcia Salkin is a seasoned Sarasota real estate expert with over 30 years of experience helping buyers find their place along Florida’s Gulf Coast. Known for her deep market knowledge and personalized approach, she’s helped countless clients turn Sarasota vacations into forever homes.Written by the ZestYears Editorial Team
Sources:
Best Places to Retire
U.S. News & World Report ranked Sarasota among the Top 5 Best Places to Retire in the U.S. for 2024.
https://realestate.usnews.com/places/rankings/best-places-to-retirePopulation Over 60
Nearly 40% of Sarasota County residents are age 60 or older, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/sarasotacountyfloridaSarasota Arts Organizations
Sarasota has over 130 nonprofit arts and cultural organizations, making it one of the most culturally rich small cities in the U.S.
https://www.sarasotaarts.org/arts-and-cultureSarasota Memorial Hospital
Ranked among Florida’s top regional hospitals by U.S. News & World Report.
https://health.usnews.com/best-hospitals/area/fl/sarasota-memorial-hospital-6390380Siesta Key Sand Composition
Siesta Beach’s sand is 99% quartz, which stays cool and soft even in high heat.
https://www.visitsarasota.com/beaches/siesta-beach
