Forbes Magazine has recently recognized Sarasota on its list of ‘The Best Places To Retire In 2019’. The magazine itself cited the area’s sunny weather and walkability, along with its fantastic culture and creativity. From its great shopping, dining, and outdoor entertainment, to its intertwined history with one of America’s most renowned circuses, Sarasota stands out.
Check out what Forbes had to say about Sarasota below:
Even for the we’ll-do-it-our-way Baby Boom generation, retirement usually means two predictable changes: less income and more freedom to live where you please. That’s why so many folks at least consider moving in retirement and why Forbes’ list of The Best Places To Retire In 2019 highlights 25 locales that offer both affordability and a high quality of life.
Our new roster, our ninth annual such list, contains places in 17 states across all four continental time zones. While they vary dramatically by size, climate and culture, all offer excellent retirement value for the buck. The list is in alphabetical order, meaning we consider all equally worthy
The List:
We compiled our list of the Best Places To Retire In 2019 by amassing and comparing data on nearly 700 places across all 50 states. We sought affordable places (as measured by median home price, cost of living and state taxes) with a high quality of retirement living and populations of 10,000 or more, either in the specific locality or a metro area. We also looked for places with good economic prospects, since that translates into opportunities for retirees who want to work part-time and more likely home price appreciation, should you decide to move again down the road.
When it came to judging quality of life, we considered a range of factors, including doctor availability, serious crime, air quality, walkability, and bike-ability, as well as a community’s ranking on the Milken Institute list of best cities for successful aging. Since this is a retirement list, we ignored data on local school districts. But the presence of colleges was considered a plus, as it tends to mean more cultural and other amenities are available at a reasonable price.
With so much shopping, dining, and entertainment going on within the city, it’s clear that Sarasota is a pretty special place. BLVD Sarasota, a 49-residence luxury condominium project is in the heart of it all, located on the southeast corner of Boulevard of the Arts and Tamiami Trail. Now officially topped off, it has brought an exciting energy to the city’s vibrant downtown arts district that Sarasota has never seen before, with the new Bay and Quay projects right around the corner.
BLVD Sarasota exhibits stunning architecture with panoramic views. Residents are accommodated with a select set of amenities, ranging from a zero-horizon pool that overlooks the city and the bay to a large temperature-controlled wine vault with private lockable showcases on the fifth floor. Located within walking distance of the diverse Rosemary District, and the new bayside projects – The Bay and The Quay. Right around the corner, residents can enjoy Sarasota’s world-class entertainment, museums, art galleries and restaurants it is no wonder why residences nearly halfway sold out.
Our new sales studio is now open, featuring your in-person virtual reality experience at 1266 1st Street, Suite 5, Sarasota FL 34236. Call our client liaisons at 941-316-1499 to schedule your tour today. If you are unable to make it into the studio, download our Digital Brochure here.
Head to Sarasota’s downtown area, and within minutes, you’ll be surrounded by art, boutique stores, and unique dining experiences. That’s how you know that you’re in the Rosemary District. In 1884, a land surveyor named Lewis Colson arrived with coworkers from the Florida Mortgage and Investment Company to what would later become Sarasota and collected vital data. Come 1885, Colson decided that he liked the area so much that he would live there. What came after that was a cultural renaissance, forged by the art, music, and dance of the locals.
The eclectic downtown district is where chefs show off their skills with wide-ranging ingredients, where artists show off their skills with splashes of color, and the waterfront sparkles with the light of the sun. But what skyrocketed this distinct downtown to the top of everyone’s ‘to visit’ list has to do with the district’s history.
Redevelopment of the Rosemary District began with the Rosemary District Plan, which restructured the area into a mostly residential zone. The addition of shops and restaurants, combined with the creation of residential housing in an area known for its artistic and cultural offerings has brought many people to the area. Even today, the Rosemary District continues to evolve, replacing worn-out fixtures with modern ones, revitalizing historical buildings, and adding new luxury residential offerings such as BLVD Sarasota.
The most exciting new addition will be quite dramatic. The Bay, located directly on Sarasota Bay adjacent to the Van Wezel performing arts center, will be one of the finest outdoor parks and recreational complexes in the country. The Bay will serve as Sarasota’s social centerpiece incorporating a variety of activities for the entire family. Festivals and concerts will be held at the outdoor amphitheater continuing the city’s legacy of arts and entertainment. Couples can set out for a romantic night on the town dock their boat at The Bay. Head to the Municipal Auditorium and the Art Center Sarasota or to the highly acclaimed restaurants that dominate the Rosemary District. The Bay is not the only big thing coming to the area. Keep your eye out for the new Quay Sarasota–an upcoming shopping, residence, business, and lifestyle center located adjacent to the new Westin Sarasota.
Even more exciting, BLVD Sarasota, with just 49 luxury condominiums, is currently under construction leading the renaissance of the area. It has brought an exciting energy to the city’s vibrant downtown arts district that Sarasota has never seen before, with the new Bay and Quay projects right around the corner.
BLVD Sarasota exhibits stunning architecture with panoramic views. Residents are accommodated with a select set of amenities, ranging from a zero-horizon pool that overlooks the city and the bay to a large temperature-controlled wine vault with private lockable showcases on the fifth floor. Located within walking distance of the diverse Rosemary District, and the new bayside projects – The Bay and The Quay. Right around the corner, residents can enjoy Sarasota’s world-class entertainment, museums, art galleries and restaurants it is no wonder why residences nearly halfway sold out.
Our new sales studio is now open, featuring your in-person virtual reality experience at 1266 1st Street, Suite 5, Sarasota. Call our client liaisons at 941-316-1499 to schedule your tour today or download our Digital Brochure
The benefits of owning a luxury maintenance-free condominium in the heart of Sarasota are numerous. You’re close to the vibrant arts and culture of the area. You’re only a short bicycle ride or walk to the best beaches in the Florida, and you are surrounded with infinite places to dine, shop and be entertained. When doing your research for potential new home options, here’s a few things to be sure to check on.
Walkable Location
Don’t underestimate this aspect of your lifestyle. Being able to leave the car at home and walk to your destination makes it easy to live a healthier and happier lifestyle. How close is the coffee shop in the morning? Can we walk to dinner? Are there great places to jog or workout along the waterfront? Also check the location of the MURT trail too. Being connected to St. Armands Circle, Lido Key and other popular destinations are a bonus thanks to this amazing trail system.
New Developments in the Area
While Sarasota is already a great place to live, the renaissance of the waterfront and the addition of new and exciting projects are changing the face of the downtown region. The Rosemary District in particular will benefit from the new shops, restaurants and entertainment at The Quay which is adjacent to the new Sarasota Westin. One look from the rooftop bar to the north, and you’ll see the future of Sarasota. BLVD Sarasota, a new luxury condominium, is now under construction and will include a street-level dining experience. The Bay, an upcoming outdoor entertainment area was just approved, and features a waterfront amphitheater, new modern piers for visiting vessels, and a kayak launch. As an entertainment center, The Bay will work to provide the residents of Sarasota with even more ways to enjoy themselves in Florida’s Cultural Coast.
Modern Features
Luxury features enhance the atmosphere of a spacious living space. While ‘atmosphere’ may be a broad term, it’s something that you’ll recognize immediately. It will be reflected in the flooring, space utilization and kitchen design. Keep an eye out for high end finishes and top-rated appliances, as well as countertops made with natural stone aesthetics and the efficiency of granite or quartz. Purchase early in the construction timeline if you wish to insert your design aesthetics into the space. Personalization options disappear once the contractor starts the interior finishes of each residence, often even before the building is half-way constructed.
Resort-Style Amenities
Newer buildings have raised the bar on standard amenities for new homebuyers. Just consider this….at BLVD Sarasota, residents will enjoy a rooftop, zero-horizon pool, a state-of-the-art fitness center and a residence gathering space. But the community really separates itself with its ground floor, upscale restaurant, high-tech golf simulator with indoor driving range, and temperature controlled wine with private lockable showcases. There’s even a convenient 5th floor dog walking lawn and dog grooming facility so you don’t have to leave the building. BVLD’s social room also includes a grand piano, pool table, game areas—even a bar and service kitchen for private events.
The most important thing to keep in mind is to be aware of how well the building location fits with your lifestyle. BLVD Sarasota, a 49-residence luxury condominium is currently under construction in the heart of the New Downtown Sarasota, located on the southeast corner of Boulevard of the Arts and Tamiami Trail. It is surrounded by the exciting energy of the city’s vibrant downtown arts district that Sarasota has never seen before, with the new Bay and Quay projects right around the corner.
BLVD Sarasota exhibits stunning architecture with panoramic views. The residences range from 3,550 to 5,500 sq. feet and start at $1.9 million. Located in the diverse Rosemary District, just around the corner from the new bayside projects – it is no wonder why BLVD Sarasota is nearly 50% sold out.
Due to construction progress, our new sales studio is now open, featuring your in-person virtual reality experience at 1266 1st Street, Suite 5, Sarasota. Call our client liaisons at 941-316-1499 to schedule your tour today. Prior to your visit, we recommend downloading the Digital Brochure from our website.
Some of the best ways to see Sarasota are through its parks and trails. From manicured lawns to kayak launches and beautiful waterfront views, you can get a sense of what the city is like through parks and trails such as Payne Park and Bayfront Park. The next time that you have a sunny day to enjoy, get out there and get walking!
Standing for ‘Multi-Use Recreation Trail’, the residents of Sarasota have found multiple ways to enjoy this path that runs through the city. Whether you’re drawn to it because of its beautiful bay front views, its proximity to landmarks such as the Marie Selby Botanical Gardens and the John Ringling Causeway Bridge, or for your own reasons, you’ll have all kinds of excuses to take this trail!
As soon as you see the bright blue waters and white sand beaches of this park, you’ll instantly be at peace. Take some time to ride a paddleboard across the waters, search for shells on the beach, or lie back and enjoy catching up on your suntan! Wildlife abounds here, so keep an eye out for pelicans, especially at Brushy Bayou!
This is the big bridge that connects Downtown Sarasota to Bird Key. Make a morning of riding a bike or walking to the top of the bridge, and spend your afternoon exploring the beautiful houses and charming small town of Bird Key. When you head back up the bridge, don’t miss out on getting photos of the Sarasota city skyline!
This small park in the heart of Sarasota’s downtown offers something for everyone! Kids can play on the playground, grownups can walk the trails that run through the park, and everyone can enjoy the waterfront view! Keep an eye out for the Unconditional Surrender statue here!
The best things in life are sometimes the simplest ones-Centennial Park is proof of that. Plenty of benches and a great view of the bay make this the perfect spot to sit back and watch the waves roll in. Hop onto the nearby beach and enjoy using the sand as an easy kayak launch, or dock your boat at the boat docks here!
If any place embodied Sarasota’s artsy, playful spirit, it would be Payne Park! Formerly the site of a baseball stadium and field from 1924 to 1989, this park now hosts walking trails, a playground, a tennis center, and even a disc throwing golf course!
BLVD Sarasota is now under construction! These residences start at $1.9 and offer a landmark lifestyle in the heart of Sarasota’s downtown arts & entertainment district. With just 49 residences ranging from 3550sf to 5500sf, these BLVD Sarasota residences will feature large wrap around terraces, soaring ceilings, and a rooftop zero-horizon pool to capture the city views and expansive sights of Sarasota Bay. Spacious designs offer some of the largest floor plans in Downtown Sarasota. BLVD Residents are always steps away from Sarasota’s world-class entertainment, museums, art galleries and restaurants.
Our new sales studio is now open, featuring your in-person virtual reality experience at 1266 1st Street, Suite 5, Sarasota FL 34236. Call our client liaisons at 941-316-1499 to schedule your tour today. If you are unable to make it into the studio, download our Digital Brochure or visit our website, BLVDsarasota.com.