Sarasota is rich of attributes that contribute to its quality of life. We have good schools, and active arts and cultural community. Sarasota is home to the renowned FloridaWest Coast Symphony, the Sarasota Ballet, and the Asolo Theater for the Performing Arts as well as many more theater venues and art galleries. Close to downtown, you will find museums, a botanical garden, and numerous art galleries and festivals. Sports training and
academies, upscale shopping in areas such as St. Armands Circle, and great restaurants. Great golfing, fishing and boating opportunities. The area is well known for its philanthropy and quality of life.
Here are some facts about Sarasota gathered from the Sarasota Trends Magazine , January 2011
Median age in Sarasota: 51 years
Taxes: ranks 22nd in total taxes levied per capita
Crime: ranks the state’s 14th most populous
Schools: 76% meet high standards in reading, 82% in math, and 89% in writing. The district has received an “A” grade from the state every
year since 2004. Pine View School for gifted children (grade 2-12) ranks among the 10 best public schools in the nation.
Economy: mainly small business, self-employed; 13.2% in leisure/hospitality
Industry: retail trade, healthcare, construction, administrative/waste services, hospitality/food services
Hospitals: Sarasota Memorial Health Care System, Venice Regional Medical Center, Doctors Hospital, and Englewood Community Hospital
Tourism/Arts/Leisure: Sarasota in known for its beautiful beaches. Siesta Key beach was ranked as the best beach in the US 2011. http://www.drbeach.org/top10beaches.htm. But Sarasota is also know as the cultural capital of Florida. Examples are the
John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, Sarasota Film Festival, Mote Marine Laboratory, Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, The Ringling International Arts Festival, and new home for the Baltimore Orioles spring training