Sarasota Bradenton best places to retire

Nov 18, 2008 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ -- Sales of existing single-family homes in Florida rose 5 percent in third quarter 2008 compared to the same period last year, according to the latest housing statistics from the Florida Association of Realtors(R) (FAR). A total of 33,203 existing homes sold statewide in 3Q 2008; during the same period last year, a total of 31,558 existing homes sold statewide.

"Coming on the heels of positive sales activity in September, Florida's existing home sales are once again above year-ago levels in the third quarter," says 2008 FAR President Chuck Bonfiglio. "Despite lending restrictions and the difficulties of finding affordable credit, we're seeing buyers take advantage of homeownership opportunities in the current market -- buyers who want to make a long-term investment in their future. And, more than ever, people are turning to Florida Realtors to find the professional expertise, knowledge and friendly guidance they need to make the complex process of buying or selling their home go more easily and smoothly."

The statewide existing-home median sales price was $185,400 in the third quarter; a year ago, it was $233,200 for a decrease of 20 percent. In 2003, the third-quarter statewide median sales price was $163,700, which reflects an increase of about 13.3 percent over the five-year period. The median is a typical market price where half the homes sold for more, half for less.

Twelve of Florida's metropolitan statistical areas (MSAs) reported increased sales of existing homes in the third quarter compared to the same three-month-period a year ago, while seven MSAs also showed gains in condo sales. A number of local markets have reported increased sales activity over the past few months, according to FAR.

Florida Realtors continued to report positive signs for the state's housing sector in the third quarter, including an increase in pending home sales (based on contracts signed but not closed) and a slower rate of expansion of inventory levels in some areas.

The Sarasota-Bradenton area was recognized among the nation’s top areas for “Overall Quality of Life” (October 2006) by Business Development Outlook Magazine

Siesta Key’s Crescent Beach honored in the top 3 “Best Walking Beaches in the US” (2006) by Best Beaches USA

Sarasota listed as fourth among “The 15 Best Places to Reinvent Your Life” (June 2003) by AARP Magazine

Sarasota ranked #4 in “Boomtown 06: Hottest Midsize Cities in America” (2006) by Inc. Magazine

Sarasota placed in the top 5 of the “Hot Spots in the Sunbelt” (November 2006), by Biz Journal, earning recognition as one of the most attractive warm weather metropolitan areas

Sarasota listed as one of the “12 Great Places to Retire” (March 2005) by Kiplinger

Sarasota ranked #16 for “Top 25 Arts Destinations” (2006) in the small cities and towns category by American Style Magazine

The Sarasota-Bradenton area was listed in the top 50 cities in “Your Guide to the Best Places to Live” (2006) in the book Cities Ranked and Rated

The Sarasota/Bradenton/Venice area named one of the “Top 100 Places to Live” (2006) by Relocate America

Sarasota designated as “Best Place to Retire for Singles” (June 2006) by Fortune Magazine

History

Geography

Government links/Constitutional offices

Geography
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 725 square miles (1,878 km²), of which, 572 square miles (1,480 km²) of it is land and 154 square miles (398 km²) of it (21.19%) is water.

Government links/constitutional offices

Selby Botanical Gardens

Myakka Wild Life Tours

Sarasota Classic Car Museum

G WIZ Science Museum

Gwiz

Selby Gallery

Special districts

Judicial branch

Higher education

Top Choice for Business Relocation