Since 2021, Florida has been the hottest destination for new residents across the country – and last year, Sarasota was named the best place to live in the Sunshine State. While the city has long been a favorite of tourists and homeowners alike, experts point to the recent trend towards custom luxury home building as inspiring the most recent influx. They point out that although those seeking sophisticated and luxury custom homes headed to Naples and Miami in the past, Sarasota is the latest place to be.

The more the city has grown into a mecca for arts, culture, shopping, dining and boating, the more people have streamed into the area. Florida’s warm weather and lack of income tax has long drawn people from around the country, and those looking for luxury lifestyles note that the area still offers more affordable options than upscale enclaves in California, New York and other states. Of course, one of the primary reasons we are so desirable is our world-renowned beach – with its pristine white sands and crystal clear waters. The award-winning Siesta Key Beach is just one of the truly special stretches of waterfront that makes us unique. But beyond the beach, the are many more reasons to build your custom home in Sarasota.

We’re Younger Than You Think: According to the recent census, nearly 15% of our population is under 18 years old, and only 37% is over 65 years old – a far cry from the retirement community reputation that Florida typically endures. Because Sarasota offers one of the top-rated school systems in the state, it is a popular place for families, making our lifestyle perfect for the young, and the young at heart.
Water, Water Everywhere: If you are a water lover, Sarasota is a fantasitc place to build a luxury home. The beach gets a lot of attention for good reason, but there are myriad other waterfront options. An aerial view of Sarasota reveals a labyrinth of canals and rivers that snake from Sarasota Bay inland, from the Manatee River to Phillippi Creek. The mainland offers Bay views for miles, and bayous and lagoons abound. If you have a boat, love to fish or simply like to watch water birds from a kayak – Sarasota is a heaven for homeowners.
You Can’t Beat Our Cultural Vibe: Not many beach towns can also boast to be a prolific arts and culture enclave – but in Sarasota, you can have your feet in sugar sand all day and see a Broadway production at night. You can choose to visit our world-class botanical gardens, catch a show at the Sarasota Ballet, or see your favorite performer at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Center. The Ringling Museum and Ca D’Zan are rich in history, and there are many amatuer theaters to enjoy dinner and a show. From Burns Court antiquing to Towles Court artists, the vibrancy of Sarasota’s culture and nightlife is amazing.
But It’s Not All Culture: Sometimes you just want to kick back and enjoy a burger at a waterfront grill, or listen to some live music at the beach. In Sarasota, you can be as sophisticated or laid-back as you choose. So grab a kayak and paddle away from it all!
You Can Choose Your Lifestyle: Those looking to build a Sarasota custom home have a huge diversity of neighborhoods to choose from. Sarasota’s downtown mixes historic estates with modern minimalism with ease, along treelined streets dotted with bistros and shops. You can build on the water, on one of our many golf courses, or “east of 75” if you prefer acreage, old Florida banyans and Spanish moss and horse farms. There is quite literally a neighborhood for any preference – from beach to golf to country estate.

At JTL Studios, we love to help new residents to build their dream custom home. If you haven’t visited Sarasota – or haven’t visited recently – we invite you to come and explore. And when you are ready to build, call our team. We specialize in the custom new homes, upscale renovations and inspired interior design that make Sarasota the true jewel of the Gulf Coast.