Considering living in Sarasota? Known as Florida’s cultural coast, this beachside city is great for visiting museums, celebrating festivals, or appreciating performance arts. Sarasota is one of the best places to live near the ocean with great housing, a strong job market, and waterfront recreation. Though the cost of living in Sarasota is relatively high, there are still ways to live more affordably. Determining the best places to live in Sarasota combines crime rates, cost, and quality of life. If you’re moving to Sarasota, here are five safe, affordable suburbs to settle down!
Is Sarasota a Safe Place to Live in 2025?
While the Sarasota crime rate may be above the national average, it remains safer than 6% of Florida cities and 9% of cities across the U.S. It’s important to note that crime is typically concentrated in certain areas. Sarasota boasts several safe suburbs further from the city center. If you’re looking for a balance of safety and affordability, some of the best Sarasota suburbs include Bee Ridge and Fruitville.
Bee Ridge
- Home Price: $249,900 median purchase price; $1,477 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 67% of Florida cities
- Perfect for: Families, retirees
If you’re looking for a great place to live in the Sarasota area, look no further than Bee Ridge! This suburb offers a quiet, friendly community about 20 minutes from Downtown Sarasota, with housing options that range from cozy cottages to coastal-style ranches. Dog owners will enjoy Bee Ridge’s sparse suburban feel, with lots of options for long walks or play—and if you need a relaxing getaway, you can quickly escape to Siesta Key, an eight-mile-long island that’s home to one of the best beaches in the world. Additionally, families in this area appreciate close proximity to several highly-rated schools like Ashton Elementary School and Sarasota Middle School, while commuters have easy access to Clark Rd and I-75!
Things to Do in Bee Ridge
Walk the dog or go on a scenic jog at Urfer Family Park. Take the kids on a bike ride through the Legacy Trail, starting at Ashton Trailhead. Book a saltwater fishing charter and try your hand at tarpon fishing near the coast of Sarasota with Hook One Fishing Charters. Play a game of mini golf or practice your swing at the driving range at Evie’s Family Golf Center before grabbing some Chili Cheese Fries or Chicken Tenders from Evie’s Tavern & Grill. Enjoy Mexican entrees like the Tacos Sudados, Steak Quesadilla, or Pancho Nachos at Mi Pueblo. Feast on delicious Italian dishes like Spaghettini with Pesto, Chicken Scarpariello, or Grandma’s Smashed Meatball Pizza at Cafe Barbosso. Start with a Jumbo Shrimp Cocktail followed by Chicken Mad Thai or Pan Seared Cod for dinner at Madfish Grill. Or meet up with friends for local brews like the Peach Berliner or Watermelon Seltzer and bites like Fish Dip and The PigFish Salad at Calusa Brewing.
Q: What are the most affordable Sarasota suburbs?
A: Palmetto and Bradenton are among the most affordable Sarasota suburbs, offering budget-friendly housing without compromising on convenience, safety, or comfort—making them a good place to live in Sarasota.
Bradenton
- Home Price: $192,800 median purchase price; $1,158 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 17% of Florida cities
- Perfect for: Singles, young professionals, families, retirees
Known as “The Friendly City,” Bradenton boasts a welcoming, close-knit community near the beaches of the Gulf of Mexico. Living in this Sarasota suburb offers an inviting combination of natural beauty, cultural attractions, and recreational opportunities where residents can enjoy the waterfront views and laid-back coastal lifestyle that Florida offers. Neighbors connect during frequent community events like the Bradenton Public Market, Music in the Park, and more, while Historic Downtown Bradenton—a vibrant social hub—lends itself to the suburb’s artistic culture. Additionally, parents can send their kids to great Florida schools like Manatee High School and nearby Freedom Elementary School. There’s also easy access to good healthcare at HCA Florida Blake Hospital, Manatee Memorial Hospital, Riverside Medical Center, and more.
Things to Do in Bradenton
Sign up for Gentle Yoga with Manatees, Sidewalk Astronomy, Backyard Science, or other engaging and educational events at The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature. See exotic plants in the Hidden Garden Nursery, walk along the Rare Fruit Trail, or check out local artists during Art in the Park at the Palma Sola Botanical Park. Stroll through local art galleries or shop for new pieces during Third Saturday Markets at the Village of the Arts—known locally as The Village. Take the family to see pro drag racing at Bradenton Motorsports Park. Start your day off with a Raging Breakfast Burrito, Crab Omelet, or a Bananas Foster Waffle from Sage Biscuit Cafe. Stop for an Italian lunch and share a Bianca Pizza, Short Rib Ravioli, or Mix Cheese Platter at Arte Caffe Italian Bakery. Enjoy a plate of Asian Lettuce Wraps, Fish Tacos, or Chickpea Hummus for your mid-day meal at PIER 22. Or try fairytale-themed menu items like Happy End, Princess Island, and other authentic German dishes from Lucky Frog Restaurant.
Q: Is Sarasota more affordable than Miami?
A: Yes, Sarasota is a more affordable place to live on average than Miami. While the cost of living in Sarasota is 14% above the national average, the cost of living in Miami is 24% above the national average. Although both are coastal Florida cities with eclectic amenities, Sarasota housing prices are lower than Miami’s.
Fruitville
- Home Price: $275,600 median purchase price; $1,639 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 59% of Florida cities
- Perfect for: Singles, young professionals, families, retirees
Want to live in a safe, affordable area within minutes of Downtown Sarasota? Fruitville is the place to be! This large Sarasota suburb offers a little something for everyone—including coastal-style ranches and budget-friendly apartments, a variety of shopping and dining options, easy access to outdoor recreation, and great schools like Fruitville Elementary School and McIntosh Middle School! Residents also appreciate the Fruitville Grove Farm Market, which helps the community connect through frequent events like Goat Yoga and seasonal farmers’ markets. And with I-75 running right through the center of this Sarasota suburb, you’ll have no problem traveling to other parts of the Sarasota metro area.
Things to Do in Fruitville
Take the kids to the playground or play a game of tennis at Fruitville Park. Kayak through restored wetlands and take in the sight of over 200,000 aquatic plants at The Celery Fields. Bring your pup to a dog play date, meet up with friends for a game of softball, or try your hand at archery at 17th Street Park. Meet a two-toed sloth up close, do yoga with a fox, or feed lions and bears at Big Cat Habitat. Get your breakfast food fix with a Biscuit Sandwich, Avocado Toast, or Chia Bowl at Buttermilk Handcrafted Food. Try the Shrimp Scargot, Fried Clam Strips, or Cod-Zilla Fish Sandwich for dinner at Kacey’s Seafood & More. Grab takeout dishes like Egg Rolls, Salmon Teriyaki, or Fried Pork Dumplings from Asian restaurant Ginza. Or unwind with a live show and a Circus City IPA, Hawaiian Lion Porter, or Conch Republic Key Lime Wheat Ale at Big Top Brewing Company.
Q: Is Sarasota safe?
A: Yes, Sarasota is generally safe, especially in its residential and suburban neighborhoods. With this in mind, it’s still smart to check neighborhood-specific data. Some of the safest Sarasota suburbs include Bee Ridge, Fruitville, and South Ridge Gate, offering lower crime rates, good schools, and more peaceful environments.
Palmetto
- Home Price: $161,300 median purchase price; $994 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 13% of Florida cities
- Perfect for: Families, retirees
Nestled near the waters of Terra Ceia Bay and Manatee River, Palmetto offers a blend of accessibility, community, and privacy—with housing options that include cozy cottages, modern condos, and charming ranches. The area’s waterfront views and lush green spaces make this Sarasota suburb ideal for Florida residents who want to spend time outside. You can get to know your neighbors during festivals and events like the Manatee County Fair, Palmetto Market, Children’s Parade & Party in the Park, and the Manatee Annual Taco Fest. And if you’re looking for historic charm, the Palmetto Historic District in the center of town is a quaint area dating back to the early 20th century!
Things to Do in Palmetto
Attend annual events like Palmetto’s Heritage Festival or learn about the city’s history at the Manatee County Agricultural Museum. Spot numerous species of native birds while strolling through the Palmetto Estuary Preserve. Go hiking through miles of trails or try kayaking through the Manatee River at Emerson Point Preserve. Beat the heat with a swim and watch your kids play on the waterslides at the Lincoln Aquatic Center. Sip on Lavender Moon Milk, Pineapple Whip, Purple Rain, and other signature drinks from Tenth Street Coffee. Fill up on the Farmer’s Breakfast, Popeye Omelet, or a Riverwalk Skillet from D’s Breakfast & Burgers. Get your seafood fix with Maple Miso Salmon, Caribbean Mahi Mahi, or Gulf Shrimp & Grits at Mila’s on the Manatee. Or celebrate date night with one of four different dining experiences while enjoying views of the water at Riverhouse Waterfront Restaurant.
Q: Is it more expensive to live in Florida or California?
A: The cost of living in Florida is 42% lower than the cost of living in California and 2% lower than the national average. Similarly, housing costs in Florida are lower than in California. Since these coastal states have summer amenities, it’s important to consider your budget before moving to Florida or California.
South Gate Ridge
- Home Price: $256,400 median purchase price; $1,375 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 58% of Florida cities
- Perfect for: Singles, young professionals, families, retirees
Looking for affordable homes in the Sarasota area? South Gate Ridge is known for its budget-friendly bungalows, cottages, and Mid-Century ranches. But great housing isn’t all this suburb offers! South Gate Ridge is centrally located, providing residents with a quick commute into the city—and if you’re working in healthcare, you’ll find the Sarasota Children’s Clinic, Cancer Center of Sarasota-Manatee, Sarasota Medical Center, and more nearby. South Gate Ridge also offers access to well-rated schools like Wilkinson Elementary School and Riverview High School, as well as nearby parks and green spaces.
Things to Do in South Gate Ridge
Go hiking, fishing, or biking at Red Bug Slough Preserve. Catch high school baseball games with the family at RAMS Baseball Complex, or spend an afternoon picnicking and getting some fresh air on the softball pitch at Bee Ridge Park. Shop for hanging airplants, tabletop gardens, and figurines at the locally-owned Airplantation. Settle in for brunch with dishes like the Western Omelette, Russian Blintzes, or Banana Pancakes at Millie’s. Order house-made pasta dishes like Capellini Pescatore, Shrimp Scampi, and Pappardelle Alla Bolognese at Chianti. Choose from traditional Greek meals like Spanakopita, Moussaka, Stifado, and more at The Greek Taverna. Sample beers like the Red Bug Slough Amber, Mango Siesta, or Lazy Gator Lite Lager at Brew Life Brewing—”Sarasota’s smallest brewery!” Or kick back and relax with craft beers, cocktails, and wines by the glass at PaddyWagon Irish Pub.
Q: Where is the safest place to live in Sarasota?
A: One of the safest suburbs in Sarasota is Bee Ridge, which is safer than 67% of Florida cities. Other safe places to live in Sarasota include Fruitville and South Gate Ridge.
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The Extra Space Storage team is committed to helping people find the perfect place to call home no matter what stage of life they’re at. Our “Best Places to Live” picks, are designed to make moving easier by providing accurate and comprehensive information on various metro areas across the country. We consider factors like cost of living, job opportunities, local attractions, education, and more to help those looking to move make an informed decision. Discover more about our methodology today.
Suburb statistics from AreaVibes
