Find Assisted Living Communities Near Sarasota, FL
Sarasota, Florida, offers seniors the chance to age gracefully within assisted living. Standards are high for assisted living facilities in Sarasota, and it shows. Seniors and their families can expect exceptional care, compassionate communication, and a sense of fun from their Sarasota assisted living facility.
Assisted living facilities offer a comfortable environment, meals, and personal care for seniors who need some extra help in their daily lives. Whether it means help with mobility, staying groomed, or maintaining their fitness, assisted living communities in Sarasota have the resources and the experience to give you and your loved one peace of mind.
A Place for Mom partners with 28 assisted living facilities within a 10-mile radius of Sarasota’s downtown area. This guide has everything you need to know about our partnering assisted living communities in Sarasota, Florida. Learn about what living in these communities is like according to residents and families. Discover how much your loved one can expect to pay, along with some valuable resources to help them afford the right community. We also include information about transportation, health care, and senior-vetted activities in the Sarasota area.
Sarasota assisted living facilities | 1379 reviews
It was really a super convenient location for us. 5 minutes away It was a good overall experience for me and my father until he passed
Brookdale Sarasota Midtown has done a remarkable job taking care of my mom. They call their program Crossings and really have a top notch team. I appreciate the good communication and care. It’s not the...
It's cozy and has a nice library. They need to improve on the food. For activities I don't know if they have an ice cream social.
I enjoy the fellowship that I have found here at the community. Everybody likes everybody. I really like my quiet apartment where I can reflect. My big window has a nice view and allows a ton of natural...
They have recently gone through some changes but I'm happy to say they are all for the better. They currently have a very caring staff. Now they just need more residents! My mother is 100, and says her...
The staff paid personal attention to each resident which was very much appreciated. My Dad was a Navy vet and he said before he moved in that he liked just about any food because of his years on board ships....
Overall we were pleased with the care that my mother received here. I gave numbers 3 and 4 lower due to the constant turnover of staff and lack of training. The facility is clean, never has an odor. Good...
The Memory Care Facility is outstanding!! Staff are caring & very attentive to my husbands needs and condition. He is happy & safe!! I I am so grateful for the care he is given 24-7! Inspired Living...
Great move in experience. The process went smoothly. The food is excellent and many choices. Am enjoying all the activities and live music. Have met a couple of guys and having fun hanging out in the...
We like that Inspired Living at Hidden Lakes is close to our (my sister an myself) homes. Staff is extremely friendly. [name removed] at the front desk remembered my name on my second visit. Memory care is...
Our free advisors can help
- Compare local facilities
- Determine care type
- Schedule tours
- Evaluate pricing
Needed to find a safe caring facility for our mother, and after reviewing several facilities decided that Windsor was a perfect fit. She enjoys lots of activities and social interaction every day. Staff is...
I would reccomend Brookdale Palmer Ranch to others, with a couple of provisions. If the person in question can get around on there own and likes to go outside, then another location would be better. A place...
The staff is exceptional, and the receptionist [name removed] is a great person, and goes out of her way to assist you no matter what.I would definitely recommend this place. The unit director [name removed]...
The stairways aren't very attractive, the elevators could get cleaned more frequently. Most of the meals are very good. There are not a lot of activities in house. They have outings two days per week, plus...
Deer Creek has been very responsive to my uncle's needs and any requests that we have made. They have really tried hard to protect his dignity and genuinely seem to care about him. I chose Deer Creek...
Ever changing constant renovation period management is eager to please, as with all 55 plus communities food is mediocre but descent. I can see that Windsor of Lakewood Ranch attempts to provide balance...
Head of Facility [name removed] is very responsive, attentive and on top of the residents needs; nursing staff truly cares about the residents and providing the best possible care. They could have more...
The executive director to the staff are absolutely wonderful to work with. They take their time to talk with you with any questions you may have. My mom is in the memory care. The cleanliness is always...
Its hard to get a hold of someone in memory care to ask questions or take care of my mom. Also, we just moved in a couple months ago and all of a sudden the rent went up [fee removed] per month which is not...
We love the staff, they're very friendly. The nice residents have also helped her to adapt. The food is not that great. Hate to say that, but for what people pay in any of these facilities, dining should...
They were very supportive, even before we signed a lease, to help with the hospital and rehab forms. The move in process was seamless, very adaptable to my timing, and very friendly about letting me have the...
They are very friendly and they always remember my loved on when she goes for her respite stays. I would recommend them to friends and family. I'm very satisfied with this caring and friendly facility.
We absolutely would recommend the facility and we actually have already! The move in process was very easy! Communication is AMAZING! Housekeeping is great. The food is okay, but part of that is just because...
I'm glad I chose Arden Courts for him. Because he was quiet and seemingly content, I think he was overlooked at times. Not mistreated just overlooked. Especially Sunday evenings when AC was extremely...
Staff are very contented and always available. Numbers in Memory Care are down currently because of deaths and skilled nursing needs (which is available but on a different floor), so staff ratios are high,...
Our methodology
How we identify the top facilities in your location
We developed a proprietary recommendation system that ranks communities based on factors
we know are important to seniors and their families:
- Proximity to your location
- Recent, high-quality reviews
- How much information the facility shares with our users
Where we source our information
14,000+ communities
We’ve collected data from and about our network of more than 14,000 senior living communities in the U.S. for over twenty years, and we update this information at least once a year.
350,000+ reviews
Additionally, we’ve gathered over 350,000 reviews from senior living residents and family members to provide first-hand accounts of what senior living communities are really like.
- Costs of assisted living in the Sarasota area
- How people pay for assisted living in Sarasota
- Understand Florida laws and regulations for assisted living facilities
- What to expect from assisted living in Sarasota, FL
- Explore senior care with confidence
- Unfamiliar with Sarasota? Highlights for seniors
- Health care for seniors in Sarasota
- Transportation for seniors in Sarasota
- Senior activities in Sarasota
Costs of assisted living in the Sarasota area
Assisted living in Sarasota costs an average of $4,500 a month.[01] This total monthly sum includes more than just a room and meals. Additional fees for care tend to fluctuate as care needs change. The final amount families paid for assisted living each month includes the following:
- Rent for a private or shared room
- Three meals a day
- Personal care services
- Housekeeping and maintenance
- Amenities, such as access to a gym
- Wellness classes and activities
Sarasota cost of living
The cost of housing in Sarasota is about 22% higher than in the rest of Florida.[02] Despite the higher housing costs, assisted living costs in Sarasota are at or just above the national average. Sarasota has a wide range of affordability in its assisted living communities. Some luxury communities cost up to $6,500 a month, while others cost about $3,500.[01]
Florida cost of living
Florida is an affordable state, especially compared to states along the East Coast and in the West. Florida doesn’t have an income tax, including on Social Security benefits and pensions. It also doesn’t have an estate or inheritance tax. These tax breaks can help offset some of the higher cost of living in Sarasota.
Sarasota compared to nearby neighborhoods
The figures in the chart below reflect the average starting costs of assisted living in Sarasota and neighboring areas. It’s best read as a comparison of the general cost of living in Sarasota versus neighboring cities.
Average monthly cost of Assisted Living in Sarasota, FL vs. nearby cities
Average monthly cost of Assisted Living in Sarasota, FL vs. the state and national average
Average monthly cost of Assisted Living in Sarasota vs. other types of senior living
Median monthly costs of Assisted Living in Sarasota, FL by room type
Average cost of Assisted Living in Sarasota over time
How people pay for assisted living in Sarasota
Most families attempt to pay for their loved one’s assisted living with public funds, such as veterans benefits, Medicaid, and Medicare, first. However, not everyone is eligible for these resources. And even when using public funds to pay for assisted living, most families need to supplement the cost with their own income or savings.
Anyone can pay for assisted living. The key is planning ahead. Explore these private and public payment methods we’ve compiled to make your own payment plan.
Retirement accounts are one of the most common and widely used methods to pay for assisted living. However, these are not the only ways to use your private funds. Learn how to leverage your own or your loved one’s assets to make sure they get the care they need. The following articles explain each payment method in detail.
Senior veterans can expect to find a wide and welcoming community in Sarasota, Florida. There are plenty of local organizations dedicated to helping veterans thrive. The Sarasota County Department for Veterans Services is an excellent starting point for veterans interested in applying for benefits, learning about housing or employment opportunities, or getting involved in service projects.
Can I pay for assisted living with veterans benefits?
Your loved one may be able to pay for some or all their assisted living expenses with veterans benefits. Some, like VA pensions and the Aid and Attendance benefit offered through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), can be used to cover anything that improves the veteran’s quality of life, including any fees associated with assisted living.
Eligibility for veterans benefits
There are nine categories of veterans benefits and multiple options within each category. Each different benefit has its own eligibility requirements. Your veteran loved one is likely eligible for some veterans benefits. It’s best to talk to a benefits counselor who can look closely at their case and help them apply for the right benefit or benefits.
Veterans benefit counseling in Sarasota
Sarasota veterans have access to a wide network of benefit counselors local to Sarasota and from the state of Florida. Most of these resources are for benefit counseling, but the Sarasota Vet Center also offers mental health counseling to veterans and their families at no cost to the veteran.
The benefit counselors listed below can help you and your loved one identify the right benefits to apply for and walk you through the application process. Applying for veterans benefits can be complicated, but you don’t have to do it alone.
- Veterans service organization (VSO). Veterans service organizations (VSOs) are the most common route to getting benefit counseling. These organizations are VA-vetted and offer benefit counselors throughout the United States, including Florida. Expert veterans benefit counselors can help you identify the right benefits and apply. To get in contact with a VSO, go to the VSO webpage and click on “Find a new representative.” You can also go to the National Resource Directory and search “VSO in Florida.”
- Sarasota County Department for Veterans Services. Sarasota County outlines useful eligibility information for local veterans on their veterans services page. The Sarasota County Department for Veterans Services also offers access to the forms and resources you need to apply for veterans or survivors benefits. You can request a benefit seminar with a benefit counselor by calling the department or by mailing this form to the address provided on it.
- The Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs (FDVA). The Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs offers fully virtual benefit counseling to veterans and their families across the state. The benefit counselors are available only for virtual benefit counseling services. Call 727-319-7408 to set up your first virtual appointment.
- Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) and Disabled American Veterans (DAV) Sarasota. Both Sarasota VFW and DAV chapters are nonprofit organizations that offer a variety of services to local veterans. Benefit counseling and other forms of financial relief are among the services provided. These organizations may be able to help you or your loved one appeal denied benefits claims. To get in contact with local Sarasota chapters, use the numbers and email addresses listed below.
Resources for Sarasota veterans
Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs
9500 Bay Pines Blvd., #214
St. Petersburg, FL 33708
Phone: 727-316-7440
Email: vso@fdva.state.fl.us
Virtual benefits counseling
Sarasota County Department for Veterans Services
2200 Ringling Blvd., Suite 125
Sarasota, FL 34237
Phone: 941-861-3024
Email: veterans@scgov.net
Benefit Seminar Request Form
Sarasota Vet Center
4801 Swift Road
Sarasota, FL 34231
Phone: 941-927-8285
Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 3233
124 S. Tuttle Ave.
Sarasota, FL 34237
Phone: 941-365-1918
Disabled American Veterans Chapter 97
7177 Bee Ridge Road
Sarasota, FL 34241
Phone: 727-319-7444
Medicaid is a federal health insurance program for low-income adults and people with disabilities that is administered by the states. Each state runs their Medicaid program a bit differently. Florida Medicaid may cover some of the costs associated with assisted living. Run by the Agency for Health Care Administration, Florida Medicaid offers two different plans:
- Managed Medical Assistance (MMA) plan. The MMA plan is Florida’s general Medicaid plan. It functions like other health insurance plans and covers doctor’s visits, prescriptions, and some procedures. The MMA plan will not cover any amount of time or care in a long-term care facility, such as an assisted living facility.
- Statewide Medicaid Managed Care Long-Term Care (SMMC LTC) plan. The SMMC LTC plan is for people who need long-term nursing care. This plan covers more services than the MMA plan.
Covered services under the SMMC LTC plan
Florida Medicaid’s SMMC LTC plan covers the same health care services as the MMA plan, as well as personal care services. In general, the SMMC LTC plan covers the following additional services:
- Personal care and assistance with activities of daily living
- Medication management
- Therapy, including occupational, physical, and respiratory
- Transportation to and from medical appointments
The SMMC LTC plan may cover rent and meals
Florida Medicaid’s SMMC LTC plan guarantees coverage for rent and meals for eligible seniors already residing in Medicaid-approved nursing homes in Florida. In Florida, any facility that provides skilled nursing care is considered a nursing home.
Some assisted living facilities fall under this category and may be Medicaid-approved. If your loved one doesn’t yet live in a Medicaid-approved nursing home, or you are unsure if they qualify, you may want to speak with an advisor at your loved one’s community or an eldercare attorney.
Eligibility for Florida Medicaid
To be eligible for Florida Medicaid, a senior should meet these criteria:
- Be a Florida resident
- Be without health insurance
- Be low-income
An individual can make no more than $18,075 a year, and a couple can make no more than $24,353 a year. These numbers may be adjusted annually for inflation.
Eligibility for the SMMC LTC plan
To be eligible for the SMMC LTC plan, a senior must be in need of a nursing facility level of care. To meet this requirement, a senior typically goes through the Comprehensive Assessment and Review for Long-Term Care Services (CARES) program. If a senior needs an assisted living level of care, they’re generally eligible for the SMMC LTC plan.
You can schedule your free needs assessment by contacting the local Medicaid office.
Home and community based services waivers
Florida seniors may be eligible for a home and community based services waiver (also called a HCBS waiver) to help cover the costs of in-home care, which may be provided in their assisted living community. Here’s what you need to know about HCBS waivers in Florida:
- HCBS waivers can help pay for home care services, like bathing, grooming, meal preparation, and mobility assistance.
- HCBS waivers are also called Section 1915(c) waivers.
- HCBS waivers are part of Florida Medicaid’s SMMC LTC plan.
- If you or your loved one is 65+ and is eligible for the SMMC LTC plan, you’re likely also eligible for HCBS waivers.
- You can choose your home care service while using a HCBS waiver.
Help to apply for Florida Medicaid
Seniors or their families living in Sarasota, Florida, can find Medicaid benefits counseling from a few different organizations, including the following:
- The Florida Department of Health — Sarasota County. The county employs human services counselors to help you apply for the right Florida Medicaid plan.
- The Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders (SHINE) program. SHINE is a free program run by the Florida Department of Elder Affairs and the Area Agency on Aging. It offers benefits counseling for Medicaid and Medicare in Sarasota’s Senior Friendship Centers. Call 866-413-5337 to set up a benefits counseling appointment.
- The Florida long-term care ombudsman. All complaints about Medicaid or the application process can be directed towards the Florida long-term care ombudsman.
Sarasota resident Medicaid resources
Florida Medicaid
2727 Mahan Drive
Tallahassee, FL 32308
Phone: 866-762-2237
Apply for Florida Medicaid, MMA plan
SSA office — Sarasota
2001 Siesta Drive
Sarasota, FL 34239
Phone: 800-772-1213
Department of Elder Affairs for the State of Florida
Phone: 800-963-5337
Area Agency on Aging for Southwest Florida, Inc.
2830 Winkler Ave., Suite 112
Fort Myers, FL 33816
Phone: 239-762-6900
Medicare is a federally run health insurance program. Medicare covers some health care costs for seniors age 65 and older or people with disabilities. While Medicare won’t cover the cost of rent or meals at an assisted living facility in Sarasota, it can cover some health care procedures, medications, and items.
Medicare covers short-term and medically necessary health care costs
Like most health insurance programs, Medicare only covers health care expenses. Short-term expenses, such as a few days in a rehabilitation facility, are typically covered. Recurring expenses, like dialysis or medications, are also often covered.
In order for Medicare to cover a procedure, medication, or item, a physician and Medicare official need to establish that it’s medically necessary. You can get an idea of what’s usually covered by Medicare by going to the coverage portal on the Medicare website.
Medicare Savings Programs in Sarasota
Seniors in Sarasota can get help to pay for their Medicare premiums through local Medicare Savings Programs. Typically, a senior needs to be under an income limit to be eligible for one of these programs. In Sarasota, you need to make less than $1,549 a month as of 2022, although this limit may be updated to reflect inflation. The Medicare website outlines these programs in full and includes updated information about how to apply.
Medicare benefits counseling in Sarasota
If your loved one is struggling to apply for Medicare or understand their coverage, they can speak to a Medicare benefit counselor. The following organizations offer Medicare benefit counseling services at no cost to the senior:
- Florida Department of Health. Seniors can contact the Florida Department of Health directly to be paired with a benefit counselor.
- The Department of Elder Affairs. These counselors may be local to Sarasota. You can set up your appointment by calling the Department of Elder Affairs.
Sarasota resident Medicare resource
SSA office — Sarasota
2001 Siesta Drive
Sarasota, FL 34239
Phone: 800-772-1213
Understand Florida laws and regulations for assisted living facilities
Sarasota assisted living facilities have high standards and offer compassionate care to their residents. All assisted living facilities in Florida are licensed and regulated by the Bureau of Health Facilities Regulation.
The bureau regulates a few different assisted living licenses. Small residential care homes receive an Adult Foster Care license, and communities that offer skilled nursing receive an Extended Congregate Care license. Most traditional assisted living communities apply for the Assisted Living Facility license.
Florida assisted living regulations
According to the Bureau of Health Facilities Regulation, all assisted living facilities in Florida should follow these standards to maintain their licensure:
- Facilities must be kept in a clean and livable condition.
- Facilities must provide residents with nutritious daily meals.
- Facilities should allow residents to keep their personal belongings in their room.
- Facilities should allow spouses in the same facility to share a room.
- Facilities should contact families or guardians at least once every 30 days.
Employee requirements in Florida assisted living facilities
Employees in Florida need to first meet the following requirements before working in an assisted living facility:
- All employees must pass a background check.
- Within 30 days of their employment, caregiving staff members should complete a 4-hour training on senior care.
- Administrators should complete an initial 26 hours of training and 12 hours of continued training every two years.
Inspection results for Florida assisted living facilities
The Bureau of Health Facilities Regulation inspects all assisted living facilities at least every two years. Inspection results are available on Florida Health Finder. You can search by community type, location, or proximity to a given address.
Florida Department of Health contact information
Florida Agency for Health Care Administration
2727 Mahan Drive
Tallahassee, FL 32308
Phone: 888-419-3456
Feedback form
Bureau of Health Facility Regulation
COVID-19 regulations for Sarasota assisted living facilities
Florida doesn’t enforce any masking, vaccination, or quarantine mandates for assisted living communities. However, communities may ask staff members, visitors, and residents to mask.
Residents of assisted living facilities in Sarasota are encouraged to receive visitors regularly. Visitors are allowed at any time, regardless of vaccination status, and can take their loved one on outings and trips. You can find vaccination sites, testing centers, local mandates on the Sarasota COVID-19 FAQ page.
Facility cleanliness. Frequently used areas are regularly disinfected.
Staff safety. Caregiving staff members are required to go through a 4-hour training course on senior care and disease mitigation.
Vaccination. All visitors are allowed in Florida assisted living communities regardless of vaccination status.
CDC guidelines. Sarasota assisted living communities follow CDC guidelines.
What to expect from assisted living in Sarasota, FL
Standards are high for Sarasota’s assisted living communities. Considered one of the best places to retire in the world, Sarasota lives up to its reputation. Lush scenery, including the famous Siesta Key Beach, and a coastline that’s protected from coastal weather patterns are just a few of the reasons why Sarasota tops so many retirement wish lists. Discover what makes Sarasota so special, and learn about our local partnering assisted living communities.
Assisted living vs. other care types
Seniors and their families can expect exceptional care from their assisted living community in Sarasota. Assisted living provides a step up in care from independent living and usually involves personal care services. Assisted living is a good option for people who need help with their activities of daily living, such as grooming, bathing, or remembering to take medications, but it doesn’t provide health care or rehabilitation.
Sarasota’s assisted living is world-class
Over 37% of the population in Sarasota is 65+, and its popularity among seniors is still growing. Assisted living communities in Sarasota have developed to meet this demand, and the competition for new residents has pushed local assisted living communities to excel.
Communities are uniformly spotless, combining familiar design touches with state-of-the-art security systems and amenities. Residents receive compassionate care from some of the best caregivers in Florida. In Sarasota, caregivers are there because they want to be.
Multicare assisted living facilities in Sarasota
About half of Sarasota’s assisted living facilities provide at least one additional care type. Memory care is the most common care type tied to assisted living in Sarasota, and memory care is also the fastest-growing care type in the area. Many assisted living communities are also partnered with independent living facilities and skilled nursing units.
These facilities tend to be large and are evenly distributed throughout downtown Sarasota and neighboring suburbs. Most multicare facilities in Sarasota were built between 20 and 30 years ago. Amenities such as yoga studios, bars, and game rooms are the norm. Almost all assisted living communities also include a pool, although the beach is nearby.
Daily living in Sarasota’s assisted living facilities
Residents can often choose to have their own room or share a room with a spouse or a roommate. Rooms range between about 220 square feet to over 1,000 square feet for a shared room. Restaurant-style dining is offered at almost every assisted living community, and communities enjoy offering chef-prepared meals using local produce and seafood.
Activity coordinators work to fill residents’ days with engaging and sociable pastimes. Outings to local cultural highlights and, of course, the beaches occur every week in most communities. Daily activities like gardening clubs, finance classes, fitness courses, and dances are also common.
Sarasota is a senior living paradise
Safe, quiet, and dynamic, Sarasota has a strong argument to be paradise on earth. With a population of about 54,764 people, Sarasota is just the right size for most seniors. Bright blue skies, crystal clear water, and an unusually vibrant cultural scene keep even the most urbane residents happy.
And Sarasota plays host to a few well-known names, including Mick Jagger, Stephen King, and Brian Johnson. Ernest Hemingway and Jimmy Buffet have also called Sarasota home, so you’ll be in good company as you sip your margarita on the beach.
Assisted living in the surrounding Sarasota suburbs
Lakewood Ranch and Bradenton offer cost-effective senior living options within an hour of Sarasota. Lakewood Ranch is inland and attracts young professionals, families, and seniors. It’s a growing city, and the assisted living facilities tend to be newer and more affordable. It’s within a 25-minute drive of Sarasota.
Bradenton is just north of Sarasota and is booming with seniors who want to stay near the water. It’s only 15 miles away from Sarasota, but senior living costs are about $500 cheaper, on average, in Bradenton than they are in Sarasota.
Explore senior care with confidence
Know where to start.
Identify the right care for your loved one with our free assessment.
See what you can afford.
Understand cost and payment for long-term care based on your loved one's needs.
Find top facilities for you.
Free, personalized guidance from our Senior Living Advisors can help you narrow your search.
Tour your favorite facilities.
Our free touring checklist can help you choose the right community.
Unfamiliar with Sarasota? Highlights for seniors
Health care for seniors in Sarasota
Sarasota has a strong network of health care professionals and hospitals to serve local seniors. Hospitals and health care providers are spread evenly throughout the city, which keeps health care accessible for seniors regardless of where they live.
Sarasota Memorial Hospital has 895 beds, making it the largest public hospital in Sarasota. Operated by the Sarasota Memorial Health Care System, it offers care services within every specialty. Providers specialize in geriatrics and neurology, among other specialties. The hospital has its own Cancer Institute. The hospital system operates six different campuses across Southwest Florida, but the main campus is in Sarasota.
1700 S. Tamiami Trail
Sarasota, FL, 34239
Phone: 941-917-9000
Find a provider
The HCA Florida Blake Hospital is an award-winning hospital specializing in acute care, including emergency medicine, burn care, strokes, heart health, trauma, and orthopedics. While technically in Bradenton, it serves all of Sarasota County.
2020 59th St. W
Bradenton, FL 34209
Phone: 941-792-6611
Find a provider
Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Sarasota
Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Sarasota is Sarasota County’s most well-known rehabilitation facility. Specializing in rehabilitation care for strokes, hip fractures, and spinal cord rehabilitation, Encompass also runs support groups for amputees, stroke and cardiac patients, and MS patients.
6400 Edgelake Drive
Sarasota, FL 34240
Phone: 941-921-8600
What to expect
Transportation for seniors in Sarasota
Of our partnering assisted living communities in Sarasota, 96% offer complimentary transportation, so seniors won’t need to worry about finding their own way to get around. Visiting family members and friends should be aware that Sarasota is a driving city. While only 24 square miles, Sarasota does have traffic, especially during the winter months. Expect to spend some time in the car if you’re trying to get to the more popular areas, such as Siesta Key Beach.
Sarasota’s public transportation system is called Breeze (formerly known as The Sarasota County Transit System, or SCAT). Breeze offers bus transportation throughout Sarasota County. It also offers OnDemand, which is a pickup and drop-off service. Routes, fees, and instructions for how to sign up for OnDemand can be found on the Breeze website.
WalkScore.com rates cities for their walkability, bikeability, and public transportation. Sarasota received the following scores, each out of 100:
Walk Score
Transit Score
Bike Score
Senior activities in Sarasota
Living in Sarasota comes with its own rewards. Seniors in Sarasota benefit from a community of engaged peers, and visiting family or friends can enjoy one of the top vacation spots in the world. While there’s not a bad time to visit Sarasota, it does get hot in the summer months. Peak season runs from about November to March.
Activities in Sarasota’s assisted living communities
Almost every partnering assisted living community in Sarasota employs an activities coordinator to plan daily classes, games, and outings for the residents. Residents can enjoy their community’s amenities, like a pool, garden, or game room. Visiting musicians and lecture series often come through Sarasota assisted living communities, enriching the lives of the residents.
Connect at Senior Friendship Centers
Sarasota County’s senior centers are called Senior Friendship Centers, and seniors can purchase yearly memberships for $125. With a membership, seniors can access daily classes, activities, social events, and all services run by the center.
These include a daily lunch at the Sarasota Friendship Café, educational programs, adult day care, and the Friendly Visitor Program. You can learn more about what’s included in your Senior Friendship Center membership and sign up on the Sarasota Friendship Center webpage.
Recharge at Siesta Key Beach
Siesta Key Beach is one of the best beaches in the world. Made up of almost 100% white quartz sand, it stays cool on your feet on even the hottest of days. The clear water and expansive shallows are perfect for wading. It’s also large, so you can find your own patch of paradise. Siesta Key Beach is one of the few public beaches with lifeguards on duty. Seniors can also request sand wheelchairs at any of the lifeguard stations for no cost.
There are additional beach options in and around Sarasota. Lido Beach, Caspersen Beach, and Longboat Key Beach are popular favorites, and they also offer sand wheelchairs. Unlike most other cities on the Gulf Coast, Sarasota is typically protected from coastal storms.
Explore Sarasota’s circus past at The Ringling Museum
The Ringling Museum offers a deep dive into the long history of circus life in Sarasota. John Ringling — also known as the Circus King — built his fanciful Ca d’Zan mansion here, and it’s still open for tours today. The museum also includes two separate circus museums, the Bayfront Gardens, the State Art Museum of Florida, and the Asolo Theater. Budget at least one full day for The Ringling Museum, or buy a membership to visit for shorter times across a few days. Seniors get ticket discounts at the door.
Go birding at Celery Fields
The Sarasota Audubon Society recommends The Celery Fields as one of Sarasota County’s best birding destinations. The Celery Fields are the region’s primary storm water collection zone, and Sarasota County has worked to restore more than 100 acres to traditional wetlands. It’s an ideal location for breeding birds, and many can be seen from picnic areas scattered throughout the site. Seniors get an admissions discount.
Find Paul McCartney’s car at the Sarasota Classic Car Museum
Amble amongst antique and notable vehicles from history in the Sarasota Classic Car Museum. In its collection are Paul McCartney’s Mini Cooper and John Lennon’s Mercedes Benz. Besides its permanent collection, the museum also has traveling exhibitions, such as The Automotive Art of Ferdinand Porsche and Enzo Ferrari.
Explore the rest of Florida from Sarasota
Sarasota is within driving distance from some of Florida’s most celebrated attractions. Walt Disney World is an hour and a half away, and Fort Myers is just under two hours away. Everglades National Park is two and half hours south of Sarasota.
Local guides to Sarasota
Visitsarasota.com is an excellent resource to find up-to-date information about events and deals in Sarasota. Learn about weekly community events, farmers markets, and restaurant deals.
Frequently Asked Questions
This is the answer for Top 3 BoSLA winners The Windsor of Bradenton, Bayshore Guest Home and Gardens and Venice Green Village
Answer for Seminole, FL Average Cost – Cheaper Option City with Link. IN-13923
Answer for $3,417 Average Cost – Cheaper Option City Price. IN-13923
10-mile radius
There are 63 $3,417assisted living facilities near Sarasota, Florida See the full list.
Test “Review” Short Code 8.1
Test default radius short code10-mile radius ….
This is from View > Destination > FAQs assisted living
References
A Place for Mom. (2022). A Place for Mom proprietary data.
Rentcafe.com. (2022). Cost of living in Sarasota, FL.
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Veteran status (S2101): Sarasota city [Data set]. American Community Survey
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Age and sex (S0101): Sarasota city [Data set]. American Community Survey.
More questions?
Ask an A Place for Mom local advisor at no cost.
- Bradenton, Florida
- Venice, Florida
- Parrish, Florida
- Lakewood Ranch, Florida
- Palmetto, Florida
- Ellenton, Florida
- Sun City, Florida
- Longboat Key, Florida
- The Meadows, Florida
- Siesta Key, Florida
- Myakka City, Florida
- Tallevast, Florida
- Whitfield, Florida
- Oneco, Florida
- Bayshore Gardens, Florida
- South Bradenton, Florida
- Bee Ridge, Florida
- Terra Mana, Florida
- Terra Ceia, Florida
- Desoto Acres, Florida