Sarasota is considered one of the most beautiful cities in Florida. Living here is a dream for many people and those who do call it home love the beaches, warm weather, and amazing wildlife. For every upside, there is also a downside. Despite its idyllic qualities, there are some bad things about Sarasota, Florida to look out for.
Cost of Living
Affordability is key for some people who look at budget first when deciding where to live or vacation. Living by the water, having views of the water, or being able to play in and around the water comes with a price tag that can be high. Condos in Sarasota can cost as much as $600,000 with average rents being around $2000 a month. Moving further inland can offer lower prices. The standard of living reflects the retirees who make up a large portion of the population. Expenses like groceries, dining out, and shopping reflect a higher cost of living, as well. For average residents, it can be a tight squeeze to pay bills every month depending on where the economy is at as well.
Dangerous Weather
Weather is a key factor in choosing where to visit or live. In some parts of the country, people wake up looking at their weather app or turning on the news to find out what the road conditions are like, whether to bring a jacket and boots, or what the temperatures will be like today. Sarasota is different in that many days look the same with the sun, sun, and more sun on the horizon. Every day is warm and inviting with the occasional spate of bad weather. Some points of contention make it a less than favorable place to live. Humid heat can move at certain times of the year making it hard to breathe. Subtropical climates like Sarasota mean it is hot year-round and hotter in the summer months. Sunscreen is a must, especially for those who want to care for their skin and health. Storms and hurricanes are just another reason why some people don’t like Sarasota. Every few years property can be damaged by tropical storms and hurricanes. The rare event may move in seeing life-altering hurricanes that could sweep away everything in minutes. Insurance can be very expensive if not impossible to get because of the risk. People who choose Sarasota as their home learn to live with evacuation orders in the back of their minds and focus on living their best life today.
Social and Cultural Downsides
Retirees love the area for its warm weather and quality of life. Their routine is pretty much set and they don’t like much change. Younger residents might like more than beach and bar scenes to soak in the sun. Recreational and creative outlets are far and few between 20 to 30 somethings, though some things are shifting in their favor. Sarasota is and may always be a place where people come to enjoy it later in life, leaving younger people to find other outlets or places to explore.
Disruptive Visitors
Vacationers and visitors to Sarasota are welcomed by some residents and frustrating to others. Sarasota is a place where people come to retire and rest, with some visitors coming in just the winter months of January to April to escape northern snowy climes. Spring break is another animal altogether with younger high school and college students flocking to its beaches and bars for a week of summer fun. Budgeting extra time for travel may be necessary as the swell of visitors floods the roadways. It may also increase prices for dining and entertainment venues.
Love it or leave it, bad things about Sarasota, Florida can keep some people from visiting or choosing it as their new home. As a city, it offers lots of opportunities along with the beachside communities which offer an otherworldly getaway. However, the challenging sides of living here may not overshadow the enjoyment of the sand and sun so many people love about life in Sarasota.
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