Living in Sarasota County, Florida: A Local Guide
Sarasota County runs along the Gulf from Sarasota and its barrier islands south through Nokomis, Venice and North Port to the north side of Englewood. It is a big part of where I work every week, and it holds more variety than most people expect: a city with arts and dining, some of the best-known beaches in the country, golf communities, and newer neighborhoods inland. This guide walks you through the towns, the beaches, what I check before every purchase, and the practical details you will need once you move in.
The Towns
Sarasota: Downtown on the bayfront, St. Armands Circle, and the barrier-island beaches of Lido Key and Siesta Key. The Ringling museum and a busy arts and theater scene are part of everyday life here.
Venice: A 1920s planned downtown with palm-lined Venice Avenue, beaches a short walk away, and fossil shark teeth in the sand. Read my Venice guide
North Port: The county's most populous city as of the 2020 census, with newer neighborhoods, more space for the money, and Warm Mineral Springs Park. Wellen Park, a newer master-planned community, sits between Venice and North Port.
Nokomis and Osprey: Between Sarasota and Venice, with Nokomis Beach on Casey Key and easy access to the bay.
Englewood (north side): The Sarasota County side of Englewood, including Manasota Key's northern beaches. Read my Englewood guide
Beaches and the Outdoors
Siesta Beach: named the No. 1 beach in the United States for 2026 by U.S. News & World Report, with soft white quartz sand.
Lido Beach and Turtle Beach: on Lido Key and the south end of Siesta Key.
Nokomis Beach and Venice Beach: Nokomis is on Casey Key; Venice Beach is a short walk from downtown Venice.
Manasota Beach and Blind Pass Beach: on Manasota Key, with a more natural feel and room to walk.
Myakka River State Park and the Legacy Trail: wildlife, trails and a paved biking and walking trail that runs north from Venice toward Sarasota.
Boat ramps: Higel Marine Park near Venice Inlet, Nokomis Beach, Centennial Park / 10th Street in downtown Sarasota, and Blackburn Point Park in Osprey. Sarasota County maintains 13 motorized and 29 non-motorized public water launch facilities.
Getting Around
Interstate 75 and US 41 run the length of the county. Sarasota Bradenton International Airport is just north of downtown Sarasota.
What I Check Before You Buy
Sarasota County felt the 2024 hurricane season, when Hurricane Helene's storm surge was followed by Hurricane Milton. Homes are selling, and many have been repaired or updated since, which is exactly why the right questions matter. Before you make an offer, I walk you through:
The flood zone and the elevation of the home
Storm history: what was damaged, what was repaired, and whether it was permitted
Wind and flood insurance quotes, before you are under contract
Whether the home is inside a city (Sarasota, Venice or North Port) or in the unincorporated county, and what that means for taxes and services
Community rules, fees and what they cover, for homes in golf and gated communities
Sarasota County Market Snapshot
August 2026
Single-family homes
Median Sale Price: $470,000 (down 1.1% from August 2025)
Median Percent of Original List Price Received: 94.7%
Median Time to Contract: 47 days
Months Supply of Inventory: 3.7
Closed Sales: 646
Townhouses and condos
Median Sale Price: $310,000 (up 3.3% from August 2025)
Median Percent of Original List Price Received: 91.6%
Median Time to Contract: 83 days
Months Supply of Inventory: 5.2
Closed Sales: 281
Source: REALTOR® Association of Sarasota and Manatee (RASM), August 2026 market report (published September 16, 2026). These are county-wide figures. Venice, North Port and Englewood each have their own numbers, so ask me for the street you are looking at.
Moving Here: The Practical Details
Water and sewer: Sarasota County Public Utilities, 941-861-6790 (Spanish: 941-861-6734)
Electricity: Florida Power & Light (FPL)
Homestead exemption: file between January 1 and March 1; you must live in the home as of January 1. Apply at sarasotapropertyappraiser.gov
Good to know: smoking is banned at all Sarasota County beach parks and recreation spaces, and a 2.45% surcharge applies to card payments at county park facilities.
Let's Talk About Sarasota County
Whether you are moving here, buying a second home or selling the home you have, I am your Florida connection, before, during and long after the transaction. Je parle français.
Call or text 941-457-9636 · Audrey@AudreySmithFlorida.com
Audrey Pascale Smith, PA · REALTOR® · Lic. SL3208134 · Keller Williams Island Life Real Estate · Each office is independently owned and operated. · Equal Housing Opportunity.
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