The White Sand Beaches of Sarasota Lure New Residents

by Warren Grant

There are people around the world who cross continents in order to marvel at the world’s most perfect white sand beaches, found in Sarasota and the seven islands (keys) that flank the city on the gulf coast of Florida, just south of Tampa. The people put the sand in a jar and carefully take it back home; such is its unique treasure.

While Sarasota offers boundless cultural, civic, dining, and recreational opportunities, it is the 99 percent pure quartz sand—powdery, white as snow, and cool to the summer touch—that shines brightest. Indeed, the Siesta Key beach there contains the “Finest Beach Sand in the World” as voted by countless outlets, including the Travel Channel , USA Today, and Conde Naste Traveler.

No need for a jar, however, for Ken and Judith Allen, who recently moved to Sarasota after 50 years living in metro-Washington, D.C. The Allens hadn’t really considered Florida as a retirement destination but were convinced otherwise after visiting with realtors Irv and Leslie Rothschild, who were manning a Sarasota booth at an ideal-LIVING Resort and Retirement Show last winter in Washington, D.C.

Just weeks after their encounter, the Allens spent four days luxuriating in the considerable allure of Sarasota, guided by the Rothschilds. “They literally took us under their wing and brought us through every step of the process. They are the most genuine couple and lifted every weight from our shoulders,” says Ken.

After the visit, the Allens sold their home in D.C. and purchased a homesite at Lakewood Ranch, a 34,000-acre, multi-generational planned community, just 20 minutes inland from downtown Sarasota and the beaches. The 2,400-sq.-ft. home they’re building should be ready by Thanksgiving, for which they are thankful given the current constraints on the workforce.

The Allens are renting right now, but Judith has already found great walking trails, and Ken is in heaven with some 75 golf courses in the region. They also enjoy the lower cost of living, low taxes, no snow shovels, and the low-maintenance lifestyle of their new home.

Some of the unique attractions of Sarasota include The Ringling, home to the State Art Museum of Florida, the Bayfront Gardens, two circus museums, the Ca' d'Zan Mansion, and the historic Asolo Theater.

There are also compelling examples of the Sarasota School of Architecture, a modernist movement that thrived in the mid-1900s. And a longtime local recommends Walt’s Fish Market and the Siesta Key Drum Circle that plays at dusk on Sunday nights.

To explore real estate offerings in Sarasota, visit Bright Realty at www.livesarasota.com or call 941-266-5308.

Life is for living, and you’ll find plenty of living going on in Hot Springs Village – the largest private, gated community in North America. Sitting on 26,000 acres of the scenic Ouachita Mountains, Hot Springs Village is a place you’ll be proud to call home. Whether you custom-build or move right in, your days can be filled with golfing, boating, hiking, fine dining and so much more. It’s truly a place for you to live your best life!