Sarasota

Homes for sale and local insight in Sarasota.

About Sarasota

Sarasota is a city on Sarasota Bay in Southwest Florida and the county seat of Sarasota County. It became the seat in 1921, when the county was created from Manatee County. Scottish colonists began arriving in December 1885. Sarasota was incorporated as a town in 1902 and reincorporated as a city in 1913. In 1927 John Ringling moved the winter quarters of the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus to Sarasota, which gave the city its "Circus City" nickname.

The city limits include barrier islands such as Lido Key and St. Armands Key, plus the northern part of Siesta Key. U.S. 41 (the Tamiami Trail) runs north to south through the city, and Interstate 75 runs east of downtown. Cultural institutions include the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, the official art museum of the State of Florida, along with Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, the Sarasota Opera and the Sarasota Orchestra.

Why Live in Sarasota?

The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art is the official art museum of the State of Florida. Its grounds on Sarasota Bay include the Ca' d'Zan mansion and a Circus Museum.
Bayfront Park is a City of Sarasota park on Sarasota Bay with trails, a canoe launch, a playground, a splash fountain and picnic facilities.
Lido Beach on Lido Key has Gulf beach access, a pool, picnic pavilions and lifeguards.
Performing arts venues and groups include the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, the Sarasota Opera and the Sarasota Orchestra.
Annual events include the Sarasota Film Festival and the Sarasota Chalk Festival. The Baltimore Orioles hold spring training at Ed Smith Stadium.

The Sarasota Market

Every neighborhood moves at its own pace. Reach out to Bernard Sells The Bay for a current, no-pressure look at what's happening in Sarasota right now.

Schools in Sarasota

Public schools are part of Sarasota County Schools.

Local Favorites

The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art (Museum): 5401 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota, FL — The official art museum of the State of Florida, with the Ca' d'Zan mansion on Sarasota Bay and a Circus Museum on its grounds.
Marie Selby Botanical Gardens (Garden): 1534 Mound Street, Sarasota, FL 34236 — A bayfront botanical garden dedicated to the display and study of epiphytes, especially orchids, with a Tropical Conservatory.
Bayfront Park (Park): 5 Bayfront Dr, Sarasota, FL 34236 — A City of Sarasota park on Sarasota Bay with trails, a canoe launch, a playground, picnic facilities and a splash fountain.
Lido Beach (Beach): 400 Benjamin Franklin Drive, Sarasota, FL 34236 — A Gulf beach on Lido Key with beach access, a pool, a concession, picnic pavilions and lifeguards.
Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall (Landmark): 777 North Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL — A performing arts hall on Sarasota Bay that opened in 1970, designed by William Wesley Peters of Taliesin Associated Architects.

Frequently Asked Questions About Sarasota

What county is Sarasota in?

Sarasota is in Sarasota County and has been the county seat since the county was created in 1921.

When was Sarasota incorporated?

Sarasota was incorporated as a town on October 14, 1902, and reincorporated as a city on May 13, 1913.

Why is Sarasota called the Circus City?

In 1927 John Ringling moved the winter quarters of the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus to Sarasota.

Which barrier islands are within Sarasota city limits?

Lido Key, St. Armands Key and the northern part of Siesta Key.

What is the official state art museum of Florida?

The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, at 5401 Bay Shore Road in Sarasota.