Sarasota has undergone a major social shift. Up until about 6 years ago, Sarasota was a progressive enclave in an otherwise conservative southwest Florida. That's why Sarasota had the circus, and all the uber wealthy from Chicago, and a strong emphasis on the performing/fine/classical arts. Siesta Key was the hippy artsy barrier island in stark contrast with all the others islands from Marco Island down south up to Anna Maria. Think of how New College was like Hippy University from the 1960's up until just recently when it became the focus of a political revolution. I am also a New College Alumni-- Class of 2004. That made Sarasota unique in southwest Florida and attracted a specific crowd of wealthy artsy people. COVID lockdowns in NY and CA sent a tidal wave of new middle-class conservative baby boomers flooding into Sarasota, and it has radically changed the vibe of the city. I'm seeing the younger, progressive, art-focused crowd leaving Sarasota and a new, more conservative crowd moving in. I think for older, Christian, Conservative Northerners with a lot of money Sarasota will get better and better. For the younger creative crowd, I think they need to get out of Sarasota ASAP, because it's going to get more expensive and their art/creativity is not going to be valued less and less there.

Nice job.

@ZachPayneSarasotaRealEstate

5 ай бұрын

Thank you!

Hey Zack, you missed one key cultural component, the arts scene. Sarasota is one of the most vibrant performing and visual arts venues in the Southeast, if not more broadly. Opera, ballet, orchestral, chorale, quality museums, the Van Wezel, etc. Art done well, well done, thanks to a community with a strong arts heritage.

@ZachPayneSarasotaRealEstate

6 ай бұрын

Steve, you are 100% correct! I will have to make a whole separate video on Sarasota's art scene!

I'm studying city options to live in Florida. Your information is very important! Thanks!

@ZachPayneSarasotaRealEstate

4 ай бұрын

You’re welcome! Reach out if you ever decide Sarasota is right for you! - 941-444-1245

I’m a financial guy and I have been for 30+ years. Interest rates are not gonna come down until next year and prices on houses are going to come down now. I can’t stay in Sarasota particular but if they’ve doubled in five years, you can imagine that’s a bubble. Regarding angry people, it’s everywhere. I have friends all over the country and some of them work in hospitality industries. People are angrier everywhere because of Covid I think. Drivers in Florida are the worst I have seen. I haven’t lived everywhere, but I have lived in eight states in about 15 cities in my life. I’m from the Northeast.

@ZachPayneSarasotaRealEstate

2 ай бұрын

I agree with you on all points except Sarasota as a real estate bubble. Using the term "bubble" implies that there will come a time when that bubble "bursts" which I don't predict happening in Sarasota. There are too many factors that are maintaining housing prices including retiring baby boomers looking to live in Sarasota, as well as people fleeing their home state for whatever reason (lifestyle, weather, politics). Thanks to covid and the push for permanent remote working, we now have more people moving to Sarasota than ever before. That doesn't mean that housing prices won't come down a little bit (hopefully a lot of bit). But don't forget the rates will at some point come down and when they do, get ready for the market to heat back up. The secret of sarasota has been outed. This town is not the quite hidden gem it once used to be where you could drive to the beach with little to no traffic. Either way thank you for your comment and perspective its greatly appreciated.

Im not interested in going to Sarasota but this is a well done video. Clear, concise, informative and had a good pace.

@ZachPayneSarasotaRealEstate

6 ай бұрын

Thank you!

Not bad.

This is from someone who has ACTUALLY lived here my whole life. You're seriously gonna say the weather is a GOOD thing? Sure, we don't have to scrape ice or defrost our cars before work, but a lot of us DO have to worry about whether or not our HOUSE is going to survive the year due to HURRICANES!!! So, no, the weather is NOT a plus.

@ZachPayneSarasotaRealEstate

Ай бұрын

Unless you live in a flood prone area, have large trees and big branches hanging over your roof, and don’t prepare you home for hurricane force winds, there the threat of a hurricane is quite minimal compared to areas that get things like tornados where you have no chance of preparing. There’s lots of things you can do to make sure you and your home are safe during a hurricane. Plus 99% of the time we get to enjoy sunshine and great weather. So YES THE WEATHER IS A GOOD THING!

I just moved out of Sarasota after living there for 3 years. I completely agree that the weather and beaches are huge pros! I also personally didn't find the traffic to be an issue at all (probably because I'm used to larger cities). My main reason for leaving was the social scene. If you're single and in your 20s (and especially if you're not originally from Sarasota), Sarasota can be an extremely boring place to live... especially if you're used to larger cities. I felt like it was very difficult to make friends that actually lived in Sarasota and dating was a nightmare. However, we probably aren't the ones buying homes so I understand why you excluded that haha.

@ZachPayneSarasotaRealEstate

6 ай бұрын

Haha your right! Everybody has an opinion on traffic. I hear clients from California say how nice it is driving here in SRQ and I look at them and think "they could never imagine what it was like driving here even 4-5 years ago. As for being in SRQ in your 20, I totally understand where your coming from. Limited night life and what feels like a constantly shrinking number of young people it can feel like we are the unicorns around town. Many of my friend migrated north to Tampa for a bigger city feel and faster paced lifestyle.

Good review, Zach. I think you covered the major points well. I've been visiting Sarasota since 2007 when a close friend moved there from New York. Always enjoyed my stays, with few complaints. Red tide, traffic/congestion, over-development and a wacky governor top the list, but, my favorite area of the state, certainly.