Thinking of moving to Sarasota? The beaches, palm trees, and year-round sunshine make it one of the most desirable places to live in Florida. But before you pack the boxes, there are a few things that could make or break your move — and most buyers don’t find out until it’s too late.
I’m Jeff O’Leary, The Village Guru Florida, and I help buyers from all over the country find the right home and community in Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch, and Manatee County. If you’re planning your Florida relocation, here are five things you need to know (and how to avoid costly mistakes).
Most people move to Sarasota for the lifestyle — turquoise Gulf waters, endless sunshine, and the relaxed Florida vibe. But reality often sets in once daily routines kick in. That perfect beachside bungalow? It might be 40 minutes from your doctor, your kids’ soccer field, or the airport when family comes to visit.
Solution: Before house-hunting, narrow down your top priorities. Is it proximity to schools, healthcare, or being close to the beach? Take test drives at different times of the day. Experience the commute for yourself.
Families often gravitate toward Lakewood Ranch, while retirees may prefer maintenance-free villas closer to the coast. The key is matching lifestyle goals with the right Sarasota communities. That’s where working with a local expert helps — so you don’t end up with buyer’s remorse.
Looking only at the listing price is one of the fastest ways buyers get blindsided. Sarasota’s communities vary widely in monthly and yearly expenses. You may have HOA (Homeowner’s Association) fees, CDD (Community Development District) fees, flood insurance requirements, and higher property taxes depending on where you buy.
That $700,000 home in one community could feel more like an $850,000 home once you factor in all the extras.
Solution: Always calculate your true cost of ownership: mortgage, HOA/CDD, insurance, and taxes. Some neighborhoods include lawn care and amenities in the HOA fee, while others have lower dues but fewer inclusions.
When I work with clients, I provide side-by-side comparisons so they know the real numbers. Want clarity on the financial side? Book a consultation and I’ll walk you through the costs line by line.
Another common mistake? Trying to “time the market” perfectly or jumping in too fast without strategy.
In Sarasota, builders frequently offer attractive incentives — things like interest rate buy-downs, closing cost credits, or design center upgrades. The catch? They’re not always advertised, and they can change from month to month.
Solution: The smartest move is to have a plan. In some cases, buying now with builder incentives and refinancing later is better than waiting for rates to drop. I track builder promotions every week and help clients compare current homes for sale in Sarasota vs. new construction homes in Sarasota.
If you want insider knowledge on current offers, let’s connect. These hidden savings can make a big difference in your monthly payment and long-term budget.
Florida’s climate is beautiful — but it’s also tough on homes. The sun, rain, humidity, and salt air (if you’re near the coast) wear down roofs, air conditioning units, and landscaping faster than many buyers expect.
A roof may only last 15–20 years here. Air conditioning systems often need replacement every 8–12 years. And lush tropical landscaping requires consistent upkeep.
Solution: Always budget for maintenance. Even new builds need regular checkups. A full inspection is critical, and I recommend getting one even if the home is brand new.
If you’d prefer a more hands-off lifestyle, look for maintenance-free communities in Lakewood Ranch or Sarasota, where lawn care, exterior painting, or even roof replacements are included in the HOA. That way, you can spend more time enjoying Florida living instead of worrying about surprise repair bills.
Sarasota is one of the most diverse markets in Florida. You’ll find everything from luxury golf communities and downtown condos to artsy neighborhoods and family-focused suburbs.
The danger? Choosing a home based only on the property and realizing later the community doesn’t fit your lifestyle. Some buyers discover their “quiet retreat” is too quiet, while others find their “active neighborhood” feels more like a retirement community.
Solution: Experience the community before you commit. Visit during the day and evening, on weekdays and weekends. Attend local events. Talk to neighbors. Even peek into neighborhood Facebook groups to get a sense of the culture.
When clients work with me, I take them on community tours to compare options. Schedule your tour and see firsthand which Sarasota neighborhood is the right fit.
Absolutely. Sarasota is consistently ranked among the best places to live in Florida thanks to its beaches, arts and culture, strong healthcare system, and vibrant community life. The key is finding the right neighborhood that matches your lifestyle — whether that’s downtown, beachside, or a master-planned community like Lakewood Ranch.
Pros include year-round sunshine, access to world-famous beaches like Siesta Key, a lively cultural scene, and strong property values. Cons include higher humidity, hurricane season, and rising home prices compared to just a few years ago.
Sarasota is more affordable than Naples or Miami, but it’s no longer a “hidden gem.” Housing costs have risen with demand, and you’ll want to budget for insurance, HOA fees, and property taxes. That said, Sarasota still offers excellent value for the lifestyle and amenities.
It depends on your goals. New construction homes in communities like Lakewood Ranch and Wellen Park offer modern design and amenities, but come with higher deposits and upgrade costs. Resale homes may offer larger lots and established neighborhoods. Knowing your priorities will help you decide.
Winter and spring are the busiest buying seasons due to snowbird demand. Summer and early fall can mean less competition, but you’ll need to keep hurricane season in mind. If you’re building new, remember construction timelines can take 6–12+ months depending on the builder.
(See also my article on understanding new home construction builders for help planning your move.)
Yes, most lenders will require windstorm coverage, and if you’re in a flood zone, flood insurance may be mandatory. Even outside of flood zones, many buyers choose extra coverage for peace of mind. You can check FEMA’s Flood Map Service Center to see if your property is in a designated flood zone.
So there you have it:
Lifestyle realities vs. expectations
Budgeting beyond the sticker price
Market timing and builder incentives
Climate and maintenance planning
Community culture and vibe
Get these five factors right, and your move when moving to Sarasota will be everything you hoped for.
If you’re planning a relocation, don’t leave it to chance.
👉 Check out The Village Guru Florida Youtube Channel with hundreds of useful videos.
👉 Book a consultation call so we can map out your move together.
Your Florida dream lifestyle is closer than you think. Let’s make your move smooth, simple, and successful.