Sarasota Homes for Sale & Living Guide
Sarasota combines Gulf beaches, a lively downtown and a deep arts scene, which is why so many people choose it for a full-time move or a second home. Whether you're buying, selling or investing, we're Eric and Traci Bolen of Sand + Sea Homes with eXp Realty, and Sarasota is our home base.
Market Snapshot
Median Sale Price
$607,211
+32.0% YoY
Homes Sold
295
+33.3% YoY
Days on Market
93
+15 days YoY (median)
Sale-to-List
94.2%
+0.6 pt YoY
Life in Sarasota
The City of Sarasota is the county seat of Sarasota County, set on Sarasota Bay with the barrier islands just offshore. Downtown has restaurants, galleries, waterfront parks and performing arts venues. The Ringling museum complex, the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall and nearby St. Armands Circle and Lido Key are local favorites, and the beaches of Lido and Siesta Key are minutes away.
Neighborhoods
Downtown and the bayfront. High-rise and mid-rise condos within walking distance of restaurants and the arts.
Historic and close-in neighborhoods. Older homes, cottages and renovations near downtown.
The keys. Lido Key, St. Armands and Bird Key offer island living close to downtown. See our Siesta Key guide too.
Suburban Sarasota. Many homes with a Sarasota mailing address sit outside city limits in unincorporated Sarasota or Manatee County, with a wide range of prices.
Home Types and Prices
Sarasota offers everything from downtown condos and bayfront towers to mid-century homes, waterfront estates and suburban single-family homes.
As a reference point, Redfin reported a median sale price of $607,211 for the City of Sarasota in September 2026, up 32.0% from a year earlier. There were 295 homes sold that month, with a median of 93 days on market (15 more than a year earlier), and homes sold for about 94.2% of list price on average. City-limits medians move a lot with the mix of downtown condo and waterfront sales, and they don't represent the larger Sarasota area. A big year-over-year jump in the median can simply reflect the mix of homes that sold, so ask us for street-level comps before drawing conclusions.
Selling? See our selling page, get a home value estimate, and read whether home staging helps you sell for more.
Flood Zones, Insurance and Condo Rules
Flood zones. Bayfront, keys and low-lying neighborhoods are often in FEMA flood zones. Check the flood zone and elevation, and get quotes early.
Insurance. See whether Florida home insurance rates are coming down.
Condos. Review milestone inspections, reserve studies and any special assessments: what to know before buying a Florida condo.
Schools
Sarasota is served by Sarasota County Schools, along with private schools and magnet options such as Pine View School (application required). Assignments depend on the address, so confirm with the district.
Getting Around
Sarasota Bradenton International Airport (SRQ) is north of downtown. US-41 (the Tamiami Trail) runs along the bayfront, and I-75 is east of the city. Downtown and the bayfront are walkable, and Sarasota County's Breeze transit serves the area. Expect heavier traffic to the keys during season.
Nearby areas: For more detail, see our guides to Downtown Sarasota and Palmer Ranch.
Why Work With Sand + Sea Homes
We're Eric and Traci Bolen, a husband-and-wife team of REALTORS with eXp Realty. We know Sarasota's neighborhoods, condo buildings and keys, and we help buyers weigh flood, insurance and association details while helping sellers price and market well. Ask us about as-is sales, inspections and repair negotiations. If you're new to the area, our buying page walks you through the process, and our step-by-step buying timeline shows what to expect.
Ready to explore Sarasota? Call or text Eric & Traci at (941) 352-2121, search the homes above, or get your home's value.
Sarasota FAQ
How much does a home cost in Sarasota?
Redfin reported a median sale price of $607,211 for the City of Sarasota in September 2026, up 32.0% from a year earlier. City-limits medians swing with the mix of condo and waterfront sales, and the wider Sarasota area has many more price points.
Is a Sarasota address always in the City of Sarasota?
No. Many homes with a Sarasota mailing address are in unincorporated Sarasota County or even Manatee County, which affects taxes, services and rules.
Do I need flood insurance in Sarasota?
It depends on the property. Bayfront, island and low-lying homes are often in FEMA flood zones where lenders typically require flood insurance. Check the flood zone and get quotes before you make an offer.
What should I check before buying a Sarasota condo?
Ask for the building's milestone inspection and Structural Integrity Reserve Study, the budget and reserves, any planned special assessments, and the association's rental and pet rules.
Which schools serve Sarasota?
Sarasota is served by Sarasota County Schools, plus private schools and magnet options such as Pine View School. Confirm the assignment for a specific address with the district.
