As the hub of the city, Downtown is characterized by its bustling streets filled with art, food, and shopping. Here, you can find a wide assortment of housing types, but high-rise apartments and lofts are among some of the most popular. You’ll also find luxury modern towers, mid-rises, and even single-family homes.
The downtown area is adjacent to the Bay, which means you can look forward to waterside dining or walking alongside the marina. The Bay Park is an ambitious plan to create an open, welcoming, free and inclusive park for all. The Bay project is currently underway which is transforming Not only will The Bay, Sarasota’s 53-acre waterfront park, be an open, accessible, free and welcoming space for our richly diverse population, but it is also home to Sarasota’s equally diverse ecosystems. It will include a boardwalk, mangrove walk, kayak launch, and more.
As the heart of the city, downtown is perfect for anyone who wants to be in the middle of the action. The atmosphere here can best be described as vibrant and upbeat, with a robust artistic and cultural community. The downtown district is filled with high-end benefits and amenities that will make you feel right at home. As a new resident, you’ll quickly become acquainted with the town’s strides to be eco-conscious and environmentally friendly.
Getting around Downtown Sarasota couldn’t be easier, thanks to the city’s top-notch public transportation system. The city’s electric car shuttle service, Gotcha, is available for a 2 ½ mile radius from pick-up for $3 per person. The Sarasota County Area Transit (SCAT) offers efficient bus services throughout the county.
From sidewalk cafes to chef-driven restaurants, Sarasota’s Main Street offers visitors and residents an escape from the order. Restaurants in the downtown district represent a wide range of international cuisine, ranging from Thai to tacos and everything in between. Enjoy an elevated culinary experience at Selva Grill, a Peruvian-inspired eatery that is famous for its inventive ceviches and sizable cocktails.
After dinner, head over to O’leary’s Tiki Bar for some drinks to end the night. With attentive bartenders and a colorful atmosphere, this tiki bar offers an authentic Sarasota experience. This waterfront outpost, adjacent to Marina Jacks, is known for its tropical drinks, which can be enjoyed along with breezes from the Gulf of Mexico.
For some live entertainment, theater enthusiasts can take in a show at Sarasota Opera House or the Florida Studio Theater. The Van Wezel, the Crown Jewel of Sarasota Bay, is a true pioneer in the cultural development of Sarasota, they present a broad spectrum of the world’s finest performers resulting in unforgettable evenings.
There’s no shortage of exciting things to do when living in Downtown Sarasota. Start off your weekends at the Downtown Farmers Market, which takes place every Saturday. Browse the nearly 50 booths featuring local artisans, baked goods, fresh produce, meats, cheese, and flowers.
Downtown Sarasota boasts a colorful assortment of festivals that take place throughout the year. This includes the Sarasota Jazz Festival, Sarasota Wine and Food Festival, and Sarasota Film Festival. If you’re new to town, these festivals provide the perfect opportunity to get plugged into the local community and get to know your neighbors.
Sarasota schools offer “school choice.” All of Sarasota is served by Sarasota County Public Schools; the city has 15 public elementary schools, five public middle schools, and six public high schools. You can find more information about all of them below.
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