I'm a 53-year-old data analyst and Median household income is $93,958, which feels pretty solid for the area. It's a a small town city with about 4,905 people. Poverty rate is 5.6%, which is pretty low. Household incomes average around $93,958 in South Sarasota. The city has invested a lot in new development. What do you all think? The suburbs are where most families end up. The weather takes some getting used to. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level.
8 upvotes
11 Replies
Hannah Ramos
Came here for my partner's job and stayed because I'm still on the fence after all this time. The weather is honestly excellent and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
34 upvotes
kc_valentina
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. the quality of life is solid. Internet is surprisingly good in most areas.
32 upvotes
Madelyn White
100%
28 upvotes
Henry J.
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is public transit. it's been a really good experience overall. Worth doing your research before committing.
26 upvotes
Everett C.
Saving this thread
23 upvotes
minneapolis_wesley
I work in tech here and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The job market for my field is decent. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
19 upvotes
Evelyn
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a software engineer, 29, moved here 2 years ago from San Diego. I've lived in North and Lakewood, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good internet infrastructure
2. Active local events and festivals
3. Affordable housing options
4. The people are generally underrated - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Summers can be brutally hot
2. Far from beaches/mountains
3. The nightlife situation is affordable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- North: Great for retirees. challenging vibes, walkable.
- Lakewood: More affordable, family-friendly.
**Neighborhoods I'd avoid:**
- Without naming names, stay away from areas east of downtown until you know the city better.
**Cost comparison:**
Coming from San Diego, everything felt better than expected. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are pricey. Gas is wild. You can live comfortably on $90K-$70K here.
**Final verdict:**
No regrets on my end.. It's not perfect - nowhere is - but for the price point and quality of life, it's hard to beat. DM me if you have specific questions.
16 upvotes
Bryan W.
Hot take but it was the best decision I ever made. I know a lot of people disagree but after 5 years here, that's my honest assessment.
15 upvotes
Ethan W.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a electrician who relocated here from Chicago about 4 years ago. The main reasons were family and a fresh start.
Pros I've experienced:
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Four distinct seasons
- Close to major attractions
Cons that are real:
- Urban sprawl is real
- Road conditions need improvement
Financially, we've found it excellent compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are manageable, gas is hit or miss.
Socially, I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. No regrets on my end..
15 upvotes
Mateo Cruz
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a pharmacist who relocated here from New York about 8 years ago. The main reasons were quality of life and work.
Pros I've experienced:
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Lots of new development happening
- Good airport with direct flights
Cons that are real:
- Summers can be brutally hot
- Nightlife is limited
Financially, we've found it tough compared to where we came from. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. Groceries are stable, gas is better than expected.
Socially, I'm still on the fence after all this time. Definitely worth checking out..
14 upvotes
Eva Carter
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is walkability. the quality of life is solid. Worth doing your research before committing.
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