The Best Places to Live on Florida’s Gulf Coast: Sarasota, Siesta Key, Lakewood Ranch & Venice

Thinking about moving to Florida’s Gulf Coast? Whether you're drawn to pristine beaches, resort-style communities, or historic charm, Sarasota County and the surrounding areas offer some of the most desirable places to live in the entire state. In this guide, we’ll highlight the best parts of living in or near Sarasota, Siesta Key, Lakewood Ranch, and Venice — and share some fun, surprising facts you probably didn’t know.

Sarasota, Florida: Culture Meets Coastline

If you're looking for the perfect mix of arts, culture, beaches, and boating, Sarasota delivers. Consistently ranked among the best places to live in Florida, Sarasota offers a vibrant coastal lifestyle with top-tier amenities.

Top Reasons to Live in Sarasota:

• Thriving arts scene – home to the Sarasota Opera, Ballet, Symphony, and Ringling Museum

• Walkable downtown with restaurants, rooftop bars, boutique shops, and Bayfront views

• Boating lifestyle – easy access to Sarasota Bay and the Gulf of Mexico

• Excellent healthcare – Sarasota Memorial Hospital is ranked among the best in Florida

• Diverse real estate options – luxury condos, historic homes, golf course communities

Fun Fact: Sarasota was once the winter home of the Ringling Bros. Circus, and you can still visit the original Ringling Estate and Museum — including a world-famous miniature circus model.

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Siesta Key: A Beach Town Like No Other

Consistently ranked the #1 beach in the U.S., Siesta Key is a slice of paradise. With its powdery white quartz sand that stays cool even in summer, it’s a favorite for both full-time residents and investors.

Why People Love Siesta Key:

• World-famous beach – 99% quartz sand that's soft, cool, and blindingly white

• Laid-back island lifestyle – golf carts, beach bikes, and walkable villages

• Top vacation rental potential – ideal for short-term rental investors

• Siesta Village – a vibrant scene of dining, bars, ice cream shops, and boutiques

• Sunset drum circles – a local tradition every Sunday at Siesta Beach

Fun Fact: Siesta Key’s quartz sand is so unique, it's believed by some locals to have healing properties — and scientists say it may have traveled from the Appalachian Mountains millions of years ago.

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Lakewood Ranch: Master-Planned Luxury

Located just east of I-75, Lakewood Ranch is the #1 best-selling master-planned community in the U.S. for multiple years running. It's perfect for families, retirees, and anyone who loves an active lifestyle with top-rated schools and amenities.

Living in Lakewood Ranch Means:

• New construction homes in gated neighborhoods and custom estates

• Top-rated schools – public, private, and charter options

• Miles of trails for walking, running, and biking

• Golf courses, parks, and pickleball courts galore

• Weekly events and markets in Waterside Place and Main Street

Fun Fact: Lakewood Ranch spans over 33,000 acres with more than 150 miles of trails and parks — making it larger than Manhattan.

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Venice, Florida: Charm, Canals & Shark Teeth

Venice is a beautiful Gulf Coast town with a slower pace, historic charm, and an affordable coastal lifestyle. It’s one of the best-kept secrets in Florida for boaters, retirees, and beach lovers.

What Makes Venice Special:

• Venice Beach & Caspersen Beach – known for shark tooth hunting

• Boater-friendly – canal homes, marinas, and Intracoastal access

• Mediterranean-style downtown – walkable, beautiful, and full of character

• Legacy Trail access – bike or walk from downtown to Sarasota

• Relaxed lifestyle – no hustle, no stress, just sunshine and Gulf breezes

Fun Fact: Venice is officially the “Shark Tooth Capital of the World” and hosts an annual Shark’s Tooth Festival every spring.

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Which Florida Gulf Coast Community Is Right for You?

Each of these communities offers something unique:

Whether you’re relocating, investing, or retiring, there’s a slice of paradise waiting for you on Florida’s Gulf Coast.

Ready to Make the Move?

As a top 1% Keller Williams agent and military veteran, I help buyers, sellers, and investors navigate the Sarasota area with confidence. If you're thinking about buying, selling, or investing, I’d love to connect.

Call or Text me at 941-400-8227 or visit ThePepperTeam.com
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