If you are weighing a move to Florida’s Gulf Coast, focus on the fundamentals: lifestyle, access, community quality, and total cost of ownership. Sarasota and Manatee counties check those boxes without the hype.
Community quality and planning
Lakewood Ranch remains one of the top-selling master-planned communities in the United States, earning the No. 2 spot nationally in RCLCO’s 2024 and mid-year 2025 rankings, and the top multigenerational community designation. Translation: consistent buyer demand, strong amenities, and a wide mix of neighborhoods for different life stages.
Healthcare access is a common relocation filter. Sarasota Memorial Hospital ranks among the nation’s best in U.S. News, with multiple high-performing specialties.
Beaches and outdoor lifestyle
Quality of life is a prime draw. Siesta Beach was named the No. 1 beach in the United States by Tripadvisor’s 2025 Travelers’ Choice Awards and earned global recognition on other lists this year.
Access and connectivity
SRQ continues to add routes and set passenger records, making seasonal and business travel easier than in years past. The airport marked its busiest month ever in March 2025 and is trending up year over year.
Taxes and cost of living
Florida has no state personal income tax. For many relocating buyers, that is a material boost to net take-home pay.
Overall living costs are close to national averages, with local variation by neighborhood and home type. Recent indices place Sarasota roughly 5 percent above the U.S. average, and Manatee County in a similar band. Housing is the swing factor.
The full cost picture: insurance, HOA, and CDD
Here are some facts about ownership costs in Florida.
- Home insurance. Premiums are higher than the U.S. average due to wind and storm risk. Current statewide estimates vary by carrier and coverage, with recent analyses placing Florida among the most expensive states. Reforms and improving insurer results are creating early signs of relief, but pricing is still market-specific. Expect quotes to vary by build year, roof age, elevation, and distance to coast.
- Flood coverage. Standard homeowner policies exclude flood. Lenders may require separate flood insurance depending on zone; many owners elect it voluntarily.
- HOA and CDD. In master-planned areas like Lakewood Ranch, you will typically see both HOA dues and, in some villages, a Community Development District assessment that funds long-term infrastructure. HOA ranges often fall in the few-hundred-per-month band, varying by amenities and maintenance level.
A thorough up-front review of insurance, HOA, and CDD is essential. We model these into monthly cost so there are no surprises.
Market dynamics and timing
After a steadier than expected spring and summer, buyer activity has been rebuilding into fall. Master-planned demand, improving travel access, and lifestyle drivers are supporting showings and contract volume in key sub-markets. National migration data also shows broad metro growth from 2023 to 2024, with the South leading.
How we help out-of-state buyers
- Shortlist communities that match your lifestyle and budget, then compare total monthly cost, not just price.
- Contrast new construction and resale, including builder incentives and warranties where relevant.
- Pre-screen homes with live video and neighborhood tours.
- Coordinate insurance quotes, CDD and HOA disclosures, and inspection teams before you fly in.
Bottom line: Sarasota and Manatee counties offer planning, healthcare, beaches, and access that hold their value through cycles. If you want sun, strong amenities, and a practical cost framework, this region is worth a hard look.
