Sarasota & Central Coast

The cultural and economic heart of the metro, centered on the city of Sarasota (pop. ~59,000) and the surrounding unincorporated communities stretching from Longboat Key to Bee Ridge. Downtown Sarasota is a walkable urban core with the Ringling Museum, Sarasota Opera, galleries along Palm Avenue, and waterfront parks on Sarasota Bay. The barrier islands -- Longboat Key (pop. ~7,500), Lido Key, Siesta Key (pop. ~5,500), and Bird Key -- offer Gulf-front luxury and world-famous beaches (Siesta Beach is regularly ranked #1 in America). Inland, Gulf Gate Estates, Bee Ridge, Kensington Park, Sarasota Springs, and Fruitville provide mid-range suburban living with easy beach access via Clark Road and Bee Ridge Road.