Move›Resources

Guides & Resources

Everything we've built to help you research, plan, and make a smarter move to the Sarasota area — in one place.

Relocation guides

Moving to Sarasota

Practical guides covering every stage of a Sarasota-area relocation — from first questions to first month.

Moving to Sarasota: Before You Pack the Boxes

Ten questions most people don't think to ask before relocating — and honest answers to each one. From flood zones to cost of ownership, commute reality to neighborhood personality.

The Sarasota Moving Checklist

A practical before, during, and after timeline for your move — from first research through your first 30 days in Florida. All 11 sections, fully interactive.

Newcomer's Guide

Everything you need to know in your first 90 days — driver's license, utilities, local services, hurricane prep, and how things actually work here.

Cost of Living Guide

What does it actually cost to live in the Sarasota area? Housing, insurance, property taxes, utilities, and the numbers that matter for your budget.

Area Comparison Guide

How does Sarasota compare to Tampa, Naples, Charlotte County, and other Florida markets? Side-by-side context for people weighing their options.

Find your place

Area Mini-Guides

Six focused guides for the most common lifestyle priorities — each one covering which Sarasota-area communities fit that way of living.

Walkable Areas

Downtown Sarasota, St. Armands, Venice, and Wellen Park — where you can actually leave the car at home.

Near the Beach

Siesta Key, Lido Key, Casey Key, Venice Beach — which Gulf Coast beach lifestyle fits you?

Great for Families

School districts, parks, youth programs, and the neighborhoods where families tend to put down roots.

New Construction

Wellen Park, Lakewood Ranch, and the master-planned communities where most of the new building is happening.

More Space

Larger lots, quieter streets, and the areas where you can spread out without leaving the Sarasota region.

Active Lifestyle

Pickleball, golf, boating, fitness culture — where to live if staying active is non-negotiable.

Not sure which fits you? Take the quiz

Downloads

Printable Resources

Formatted versions of our most-used guides — ready to print, save, or share.

Printable PDF

The Sarasota Moving Checklist

All 11 sections of the Smart Moves Moving Checklist in a clean, printable format — from first research through your first month in Florida.

Open & print or save as PDF

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