Exceptional museums, theatrical productions, dining, and (of course) the beaches, make Sarasota, Florida, a natural place to retire if you enjoy the finer things in life. To get a sense of the city’s appeal, look to a recent review of Sarasota in the Wall Street Journal: “As the sun sinks into the horizon, hungry pelicans dive into the warm dark-green waters, while the beach’s almost talcum-fine white sands cool.”
Given that Sarasota is one of the buzziest cities in the country for retirees — 37% of the city’s population is over age 65 — most seniors move here well before they need assisted living or memory care. Seniors not looking to purchase a pricey retirement home in Sarasota instead look for independent living or a senior apartment.
Senior apartments tend to have fewer amenities than independent living communities and no additional levels of care. But in Sarasota, where you’ll find unique attractions scattered along its pristine Atlantic shoreline, the entire area is essentially an amenity. And because there are so many seniors, there’s no shortage of good living options to fit a variety of budgets.
This guide has information about senior apartments in Sarasota. Whether you’re looking for a low-key haven to rest in between beach outings, birding expeditions, and social hours, or you want a luxurious hideaway, Sarasota has you covered. Read on to learn everything you need to know about senior apartments in Sarasota. We review how much senior apartments in Sarasota cost, laws and regulations, how you can pay for your housing using your income, Medicaid, Medicare, or veterans benefits, and more.
Senior Living Apartments in Sarasota, FL
Exceptional museums, theatrical productions, dining, and (of course) the beaches, make Sarasota, Florida, a natural place to retire if you enjoy the finer things in life. To get a sense of the city’s appeal, look to a recent review of Sarasota in the Wall Street Journal: “As the sun sinks into the horizon, hungry pelicans dive into the warm dark-green waters, while the beach’s almost talcum-fine white sands cool.”Read more
Given that Sarasota is one of the buzziest cities in the country for retirees — 37% of the city’s population is over age 65 — most seniors move here well before they need assisted living or memory care. Seniors not looking to purchase a pricey retirement home in Sarasota instead look for independent living or a senior apartment.
Senior apartments tend to have fewer amenities than independent living communities and no additional levels of care. But in Sarasota, where you’ll find unique attractions scattered along its pristine Atlantic shoreline, the entire area is essentially an amenity. And because there are so many seniors, there’s no shortage of good living options to fit a variety of budgets.
This guide has information about senior apartments in Sarasota. Whether you’re looking for a low-key haven to rest in between beach outings, birding expeditions, and social hours, or you want a luxurious hideaway, Sarasota has you covered. Read on to learn everything you need to know about senior apartments in Sarasota. We review how much senior apartments in Sarasota cost, laws and regulations, how you can pay for your housing using your income, Medicaid, Medicare, or veterans benefits, and more.
Senior Apartments Facilities near Sarasota, FL
Staff is very accommodating, [name removed] went out to the rehabilitation facility to see her and check on her, as of yesterday she had moved to Georgia with her daughter, she is declining rapidly and the...
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...
Very helpful and caring staff. Very welcoming towards visitors. Picked because size of available apartment and because it offers a guarantee of lifetime care.
Our family and loved one have had a great experience with Elison of Bella Vita. The community is clean. The staff are is friendly, caring, and helpful. Everyone is very welcoming. There are meals and...
I was blessed to live there for over 6 years. The staff was so helpful and friendly. I loved my apartment which had the most awesome view of downtown Tampa. I developed a strong friendship with some of...
It's been going well, so far. I am still getting moved in so I haven't had a chance to really check everything out. It's a clean place though, and the staff is friendly. Everything is nice, and I like it so...
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- What families are saying about senior apartments in Sarasota
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- Understand Florida laws and regulations for senior apartments
- What to expect from senior apartments in Sarasota
- Explore senior care with confidence
- Unfamiliar with Sarasota? Highlights for seniors
What families are saying about senior apartments in Sarasota
Recent reviews for senior apartments in Sarasota
The Windsor of Bradenton
Westminster Manor, a CCRC in Bradenton, FL
The Windsor of Lakewood Ranch
Costs of senior apartments in the Sarasota area
Senior apartments are the most affordable senior housing option in Sarasota, but they’re far less common than independent living communities. The main difference between senior apartments and independent living communities is in the extra services and amenities. Independent living communities tend to roll all of their monthly fees — including rent, utilities, housekeeping, amenity fees, and a meal plan — into one sum. On the other hand, senior apartments function like all other apartments and don’t include housekeeping or meals.
How much do senior apartments cost in Sarasota?
Most people pay between $2,000 and $2,500 a month for their senior apartment in Sarasota.[03] This amount includes rent and access to amenities including pools, gyms, and walking trails.
In addition to your monthly rent, you can expect to pay for the following:
- Water
- Electricity
- Gas
- Trash services
Unlike other senior care types, senior apartments don’t provide meals, personal care, or housekeeping. However, you can hire your own housekeeper or caregiver to provide in-home care from your senior apartment.
What’s the cost of living in Sarasota?
Sarasota is one of the most expensive places to live in Florida. On average, people pay 22% more for rent in Sarasota than in the rest of Florida.[03] The cost of living in Sarasota reflects its desirability. Sarasota regularly tops lists as one of the best places to retire in the world, and people are willing to pay for this little piece of paradise.
Sarasota may be more expensive than other parts of Florida, but it’s just as affordable as other top retirement destinations in the United States like Scottsdale, Arizona; Austin, Texas; or Asheville, North Carolina.[04] Florida’s tax laws can also offset some of the cost of living in Sarasota. Florida doesn’t tax income, including Social Security benefits or pensions. Florida also doesn’t have an estate or inheritance tax, which primarily benefits seniors and their families.
The following graphic compares the cost of senior living in Sarasota to the surrounding areas. The figures don’t include the total costs for housing paid by seniors in Sarasota, and only include baseline costs.
Average monthly cost of Senior Apartments in Sarasota, FL vs. nearby cities
Sarasota, FL
How people pay for senior apartments in Sarasota
Most tenants pay for their senior apartment using income or savings. While some public funds like Medicaid and Medicare won’t pay for your senior apartment, others can, including veterans benefits and Section 8 housing vouchers. Read on to learn how to use both private and public funds to keep your dream apartment in Sarasota within reach.
Income or savings aren’t the only ways to use your private funds to pay for your senior apartment. Other methods, like reverse mortgages, cashing out a life insurance policy, or selling a house, can help you afford your Sarasota apartment. Learn how to leverage your assets to pay for your senior apartment by reading the articles below.
Sarasota is a welcoming place to veterans. About 78% of veterans in Sarasota are over 65, so the city is well-equipped to help senior veterans access their benefits and find community. The Sarasota County Department for Veterans Services is a useful resource and outlines benefit eligibility and community services.
Can I pay for my senior apartment in Sarasota with veterans benefits?
You may be able to pay for some or all of your senior apartment in Sarasota using veterans benefits.[03] You or your family may be eligible for the VA Pension or the Aid and Attendance benefit. Both of these benefits can be used to pay for anything that improves your quality of life, including rent in a senior apartment. Eligibility is determined on a case-by-case basis, so you should contact a benefits counselor to help you apply.
Getting help: How to apply for veterans benefits
Applying for veterans benefits is notoriously difficult. But that doesn’t mean it’s impossible for you to access the benefits for which you’re eligible. The key is to find the right benefits counselors to help you determine your eligibility and apply.
We’ve compiled this list of veterans benefits counselors in Sarasota so you can make the most of your benefits. You can choose which program or counselor works best for you.
Veterans benefits counseling in Sarasota
Veterans in Sarasota can access benefits counseling from dedicated counselors based in Sarasota or from the state of Florida. Besides benefits counseling, veterans and their families can access mental health counseling and social services from the Sarasota Vet Center. Below you’ll find the list of benefits counseling services for Sarasota veterans.
- Veterans Service Organizations (VSO). One of the most common ways to get benefits counseling is through Veterans Service Organizations (VSOs). These are VA-vetted benefits counselors across the United States, experts in veterans benefits, and who help you identify the right benefits for you and apply. Connect with them before starting an application to ensure you get the most out of your veterans benefits. To get in contact, 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. The Veterans Services page for Sarasota County outlines useful eligibility information for local veterans. It also provides access to the forms and resources you need to apply for veterans or survivor’s benefits. You can request a benefit seminar with a benefit’s counselor by calling the department or by mailing this form to the address provided on it.
- The Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs (FDVA). Veterans can access benefits counseling directly from the Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs. Professional benefits counselors are employed by the department and are available for virtual benefits counseling services only. Call 727-319-7408 to set up your first virtual appointment.
- Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) and Disabled American Veterans (DAV) Sarasota. The Sarasota VFW and DAV chapters are nonprofit organizations dedicated to assisting local veterans. Both offer benefits counseling and other forms of financial relief. They can also help you appeal denied benefits claims. To get in contact with local Sarasota chapters, use the numbers or email addresses listed below.
Number of veterans who live in Sarasota, Florida
About 78% percent of Sarasota veterans are 65+
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
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
Residents can’t cover senior apartment costs with Medicaid or Medicare. Both of these government programs are health insurance options and can only be used to pay for health or personal care expenses (rent in a senior apartment falls outside of this purview). However, you should still understand how Medicaid and Medicare can help you save on health care expenses.
Florida Medicaid: State-run health care program
Florida Medicaid is a health insurance plan specifically for low-income individuals. In Florida, the state Medicaid program is run by the Agency for Health Care Administration (also called the AHCA). You can select from two different health insurance plans under Florida Medicaid:
- Managed Medical Assistance (MMA). This is the most frequently used plan for low-income individuals living in a senior apartment. The MMA plan functions like all health insurance plans and covers basic health care needs such as doctor’s visits, prescribed drugs, and hospitalization. The MMA plan also covers transportation to and from appointments.
- Statewide Medicaid Managed Care Long-Term Care (SMMC LTC). As soon as a senior transitions to a long-term care facility, such as assisted living, memory care, or a nursing home, they may become eligible for the SMMC LTC plan. This plan is specifically for people in long-term care. It may also cover some aspects of home care.
How do I know if I’m eligible for Florida Medicaid?
You’re eligible for Florida Medicaid if you meet all of the following requirements:
- You’re a Florida resident.
- You’re in need of health care.
- You qualify as low-income or very low-income, meaning you must make less than $18,075 before taxes.
You also must meet at least one of the following criteria:
- You’re 65 years or older.
- You’re responsible for someone under 18 years of age.
- You’re blind or have severe vision impairment.
- You have a disability or a household family member with a disability.
- You’re pregnant.
Medicare: Federal health care program
Like Medicaid, Medicare won’t cover rent for your senior apartment. However, it will pay for certain health care expenses. Unlike Medicaid, Medicare is a health care program specifically for seniors. Most seniors over 65 are eligible for Medicare if they paid their Medicare taxes or are married to someone who has paid their Medicare taxes.
What does Medicare cover?
Medicare covers short-term and medically necessary health care expenses for seniors over 65. Short-term means that Medicare will cover the entire cost of inpatient stays (either at a hospital or a rehabilitation facility) for up to 20 days. Medicare will cover rent for a room, meals, and all care services during this time. From days 21-100, Medicare will pay some of the cost, and you’ll have a daily copay. Medicare may also cover some recurring expenses, like medications or dialysis.
What Medicare considers to be medically necessary depends on the individual. Some procedures are always considered medically necessary, such as coronary bypass surgery. In general, a physician and Medicare need to both agree that the procedure, test, medication, or item is medically necessary before Medicare agrees to cover it. To help you understand what types of things Medicare covers, check out the Medicare coverage portal.
Help paying Medicare premiums in Sarasota
Sarasota residents can get help paying their Medicare premiums with local Medicare Savings Programs. You can find more information about these programs, including how to sign up for them, on the federal Medicare website. Generally, you need to make less than $1,549 a month to be eligible for a Medicare Savings Program, although these numbers are updated periodically to reflect inflation.
Medicaid and Medicare benefits counseling in Sarasota
Seniors across Florida can get benefits counseling for Medicaid and Medicare through the Florida Department of Health. The Department of Elder Affairs for the State of Florida also offers benefits counseling for seniors across the state.
Sarasota Medicaid and Medicare 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: 1-800-772-1213
Department of Elder Affairs for the State of Florida
Phone: 800-963-5337
Area Agency on Aging for Southwest Florida, Inc.
2830 Winkler Ave., Ste. 112
Fort Myers, FL 33816
Phone: 239-762-6900
Sarasota has a few different safety nets for seniors in need. Seniors who need help paying rent, finding affordable housing, or getting a daily meal can find resources to help with these needs in Sarasota.
Housing assistance in Sarasota
The Sarasota Housing Authority runs two different housing programs: the Housing Choice Voucher Program (also known as Section 8) and the project-based voucher program. Section 8 housing units are dwellings — usually apartments — that accept Housing Choice Vouchers. It’s important to note that none of A Place for Mom’s partnering senior living facilities accept Section 8 housing vouchers. Individuals using a voucher will pay up to 30% of their monthly income on rent. Using income cutoffs, the most a person will pay for rent in a Section 8 apartment in Sarasota is $802.50.
Sarasota housing assistance eligibility
Only low-income individuals are eligible for housing assistance in Sarasota. Income cutoffs vary across the nation, but in Sarasota the most a person can make to be considered low-income is $32,100 a year or $2,675 a month before taxes. However, most vouchers are reserved for people making less than $20,100 a year before taxes. You can apply for a Section 8 housing voucher on the Sarasota Housing Authority website listed below, but you may be put on a waitlist.
Can I pay for my senior apartment in Sarasota with a housing voucher?
While there are apartment complexes in Sarasota that take Section 8 housing vouchers, none of these is a senior apartment complex. If you decide to apply for a voucher, you’ll likely be put on a long waitlist before receiving your voucher because of high demand. A Place for Mom doesn’t partner with any senior apartments that accept housing vouchers.
Rental assistance in Sarasota
Seniors needing help paying rent for their senior apartment can look to Catholic Charities, the Salvation Army of Sarasota, and Jewish Family and Children’s Services. All of these nonprofit organizations offer short-term rental assistance, direct financial assistance, and financial counseling.
Food assistance for seniors in Sarasota
Sarasota’s Senior Friendship Centers run two different meals programs for local seniors. Friendship Dining opportunities take place every day at locations throughout the city. You can find a list of open dining centers by calling 941-955-2122. This program offers anyone over 60 a tasty lunch or dinner in a safe and pleasant environment. There’s a suggested donation of $3 per meal, but anyone will receive a meal regardless of their ability to pay.
The Friendship Home Delivered Meals program takes up to seven frozen meals directly to seniors. Anyone over 60 is eligible to receive these meals, and deliveries are made once a week. You can learn about eligibility or sign up by calling 866-413-5337.
Social Security benefits
Seniors can use Social Security benefits to help pay their rent. While most Social Security benefits won’t cover the entire cost of rent in Sarasota, they can offset some of the costs. Eligibility for Social Security benefits is based on work credits and other factors, such as having a disability.
The easiest way to learn about which Social Security benefits you’re eligible for is to take the Eligibility Quiz on the Social Security website. You can also review the quick overview of Social Security benefits below.
- Social Security Retirement benefit (SSR). If you’re between the ages of 62 and 70 and have paid Social Security taxes for more than 10 years (this is the same as getting work credits), then you’re likely eligible for this benefit. However, you can no longer apply for this benefit once you’re over the age of 70.
- Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). This benefit is specifically for individuals with a disability who have also paid their Social Security taxes.
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI). This benefit is for people with a disability or visual impairment who haven’t paid Social Security taxes. It adds financial assistance to other Social Security benefits.
- Social Security Survivor’s pension. This benefit is for widows or widowers who may not have paid their Social Security taxes but were married to someone who did.
Sarasota resident public assistance resources
Sarasota Housing Authority – Housing Choice Voucher Program
269 S. Osprey Ave., Suite #100
Sarasota, FL 34236
Phone: 941-361-6210
Sarasota Catholic Charities – homelessness prevention programs
5055 N. Tamiami Trail
Sarasota, FL 34234
Phone: 941-355-4680
Email: joan.pierse@catholiccharitiesdov.org
Salvation Army of Sarasota County
1701 S. Tuttle Ave.
Sarasota, FL 34239
Phone: 941-364-5557
Housing and food assistance programs
Jewish Family and Children’s Services
2688 Fruitville Road
Sarasota, FL 34237
Phone: 941-366-2224
Sarasota Senior Friendship Centers
1888 Brother Green Way
Sarasota, FL 34236
Phone: 941-955-2122
Nutrition and dining
Understand Florida laws and regulations for senior apartments
Senior apartments are more similar to other apartment complexes than they are to other senior living facilities, like assisted living or memory care. Because they don’t offer any care services, senior apartments only need to follow the types of regulations that other apartment complexes follow. Unlike other senior care types, senior apartments aren’t licensed or regulated by the Florida Department of Health.
Senior apartments differ from other apartment complexes only in their age requirements. Most have an age minimum of 55 or 62. However, some senior apartments allow younger tenants to reside there if they live with a senior resident.
Being a tenant in a senior apartment
When you live in a senior apartment, you enter into a tenant-landlord relationship with the community. You may not have rented before, or perhaps it’s been a long time since you’ve rented, so it’s important to understand your rights and obligations as a tenant of a senior apartment. Some things, like paying a security deposit or pet deposit, may come as a surprise if you’ve never rented before.
Florida oversees landlord and tenant disputes
Florida tends to be friendly to tenants and holds both landlords and tenants to high standards. Many states don’t have a governing body to mediate landlord and tenant disputes, but Florida does through the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. This department also develops and enforces landlord and tenant expectations.
Holding tenants and landlords accountable
In Florida, if an apartment complex fails to meet the basic requirements listed below, the resident can break their lease within one week of informing their landlord. Likewise, if the tenant fails to meet basic standards of behavior, the landlord can begin eviction proceedings within one week if the problem isn’t resolved.
If you feel your apartment complex is failing to meet the basic standards, you should provide several written notices and give the landlord time to respond before taking any action. You may also want to consult with a local lawyer or housing association, as they will be more familiar with tenant-landlord law.
Senior apartments in Sarasota should follow these standards:
- Keep all living areas up to code and in a livable condition
- Provide running and hot water, gas, and electricity
- Offer heat in the winter
- Supply extermination services as needed
- Handle all major repairs and maintenance
- Provide tenants with locks and keys prior to move-in
- Notify the resident before entering the apartment
- Return the security deposit within 15 days of the tenant vacating
Tenants in Sarasota should follow these standards:
- Pay their security deposit
- Pay rent on time
- Don’t overuse utilities, like water, electricity, or gas
- Don’t drastically alter the apartment without permission from the landlord
- Keep the apartment in good condition
- Adhere to community guidelines, like quiet hours and picking up after your pet
Senior apartments for seniors with disabilities
Some seniors with disabilities may prefer to live in a senior apartment instead of an assisted living facility. While senior apartments don’t offer care services, they are barred by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) from preventing an individual from residing in their complex due to a disability. The apartments don’t have to be ADA compliant, but all public areas in the apartment complex do.
Seniors with disabilities are also allowed to make reasonable accommodations to their apartment to make it more accessible, according to the Fair Housing Act. An individual also can’t be rejected or evicted from their apartment if they have a service animal, and their service animal should be permitted in all public areas of the apartment complex.
COVID-19 regulations for Sarasota senior apartments
Senior apartments in Sarasota don’t have any special requirements to prevent the spread of COVID-19. They follow the guidelines developed by Sarasota County, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and Florida’s COVID-19 Response Team. Sarasota County provides vaccine locations, testing locations, and safety recommendations on their COVID-19 page.
What to expect from senior apartments in Sarasota
Over 37% of the 54,842 people living in Sarasota are over 65, making Sarasota a true hot spot for seniors.[02] About half of the resident seniors are snowbirds, coming for the winter months, while the other half live in Sarasota year-round. Many of these seniors own a second home in Sarasota, rent an apartment, or live permanently in an independent living community.
Senior apartments vs. independent living in Sarasota
Senior apartments are not as common as independent living communities in Sarasota. Many seniors in Sarasota want to settle down permanently and look for a community that can provide them with levels of care as they age. Some seniors are also drawn to the meal plans, housekeeping, amenities, and activity schedules of independent living communities. However, senior apartments do exist in Sarasota. They tend to be older and have fewer amenities than independent living communities.
While independent living is more expensive than senior apartments, in Sarasota senior apartments are still more expensive than in most places throughout the United States. Expect to pay between $2,100 and $2,700 a month for a one- or two-bedroom senior apartment in Sarasota.[03]
A sensational yet expensive retirement haven
It’s not hard to see why Sarasota was rated the best place to retire in the United States by U.S. News and World Report in 2022.[06] Sarasota’s natural beauty is unmistakable, and Siesta Key Beach, which is only a 15-minute drive from Sarasota, is on par with beaches in the Maldives, Hawaii, and Greece. Entertainment, too, isn’t hard to find in Sarasota. A thriving arts scene and a steady stream of performances and concerts keep local seniors entertained. In fact, Sarasota is home to quite a few rock stars, including Mick Jagger of Aerosmith and Brian Johnson of AC/DC. A large portion of Sarasota’s residents are well-resourced seniors.
Sarasota is expensive, and the cost of living is on the rise. This makes Sarasota a challenging place for seniors looking to live their retirement years on a budget in a senior apartment. Traffic can be a problem, especially for seniors who want to continue driving independently. Independent living communities, with complimentary transportation and on-site salons, clinics, and activities, help solve this problem.
Senior apartments in Sarasota
There are fewer true senior apartments in Sarasota than independent living communities. Senior apartments tend to be in older buildings, typically offer one- or two-bedroom floor plans, and are clustered near the downtown area. Most complexes have a pool and a gym, and they either provide in-unit washers and dryers or have a community laundry room. Senior apartments don’t include meals or care services, but they sometimes provide activity schedules developed by volunteers or residents.
Senior apartments in Bradenton and Lakewood Ranch
Both Bradenton and Lakewood Ranch are growing communities outside of Sarasota. They provide a slightly lower cost of living while still being close to Sarasota’s main attractions. Bradenton is north of Sarasota, and many of its senior living communities are near the ocean. Lakewood Ranch is inland, east of Sarasota, and it attracts young professionals and families but has more affordable senior living options.
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Unfamiliar with Sarasota? Highlights for seniors
Number of seniors over the age of 65 currently living in Sarasota
Percentage of seniors 65 and older within the Sarasota population
Median annual income in Sarasota
Health care for seniors in Sarasota
Because such a high percentage of seniors live in Sarasota, the city has a well-developed and accessible hospital system. Seniors tend to go to the hospital nearest to them, as heavy traffic can make driving difficult. But all hospitals in Sarasota provide excellent care and compassionate assistance.
Sarasota Memorial Hospital
A public hospital with 895 beds, Sarasota Memorial Hospital is the largest hospital in Sarasota and is operated by the Sarasota Memorial Health Care System. This hospital provides a wide range of specialties, including geriatrics, neurology, and oncology, with its Cancer Institute. It has 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
HCA Florida Blake Hospital
The HCA Florida Blake Hospital is an award-winning, 383-bed hospital. It specializes in acute care, including burn care, emergency medicine, strokes and heart care, trauma, and orthopedics. While in Bradenton, it still serves the Sarasota area.
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 one of the best places to receive rehabilitation care after a procedure or an illness. They specialize in stroke, hip fracture, and spinal cord rehabilitation, among others. They also provide 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
Traffic in Sarasota can be fierce, especially during the winter months. Most Sarasotans drive, but residents of independent living, assisted living, or memory care communities receive complimentary transportation throughout the city. Senior apartment residents either drive their own vehicle or use public transportation throughout town.
Sarasota County Transit, also known as SCAT, is undergoing a rebranding effort and will soon be known as Breeze. SCAT offers fairly reliable bus routes throughout Sarasota and the surrounding areas within Sarasota County. It also provides OnDemand, a pickup and drop-off service for people of all ages. You can find bus routes, fees, and sign up for OnDemand on the SCAT website. Bus routes and OnDemand include Siesta Key Beach.
WalkScore.com ranks cities for their bikeability, walkability, and public transportation. Each of the following scores for Sarasota are out of 100.
Walk Score
Transit Score
Bike Score
Senior activities in Sarasota
You’re lying on a beach with impossibly white sand. The waves lapping against your feet are so clear and warm that you almost forget they’re there. Someone is strumming a Van Morrison song on their guitar, and the notes sail over the salty air. Maybe later you’ll go to an award-winning museum, catch a ballet, or try out that new restaurant everyone is talking about.
You’re in Sarasota, the small Florida city that maintains a “highbrow culture and low-key seaside charms,” according to the Wall Street Journal. And you’re in good company: Stephen King, Judy Blume, and Mick Jagger all call Sarasota home, and Ernest Hemingway, Jimmy Buffet, and Shel Silverstein used to reside in the city.
Activities in Sarasota’s senior apartments
Senior apartments don’t typically employ an activity coordinator. However, there are often resident-led activities and regular social events in Sarasota’s senior apartment complexes. Fishing is a popular activity in the area, and some apartments have their own fishing clubs. Game nights, happy hours, and group trips to the beach are also regular pastimes — and if your apartment complex doesn’t have a club that suits your interests, you can often start one yourself.
Siesta Key Beach
Sarasota County has 37 miles of beaches, but it’s hard to overstate the magic of Siesta Key Beach. The sand is made up of almost 100% silicone, making it a uniquely bright white that keeps cool even on the hottest July days. Clear, clean water and expansive shallows — you’re likely to have plenty of space most of the year — make Siesta Key Beach the perfect place to wade and go for a quick dip. The beach also employs lifeguards.
The Ringling Museum
The Ringling Museum’s large campus is home to the eccentric Ca’ d’Zan Mansion, the Bayfront Gardens, an Art Library, the Asolo Theater, two different Circus Museums, and the State Art Museum of Florida. You’ll find LED illuminations, gallery talks, and tours spread across the campus. Seniors enjoy discounted admission.
Marie Selby Botanical Gardens
Flora fans will enjoy both campuses of the Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, specializing in air plants, such as orchids, and native species. The thoughtfully landscaped outdoor areas and lush indoor greenhouses are refreshing for people of all ages. Seniors don’t get a discount, but admission is only $11 and is free for members.
Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium
Explore the deep sea and contribute to the restoration of local shark populations and coral reefs by visiting the Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium. You can see a wide variety of marine life in the aquarium and can enjoy the many programs developed by the laboratory, including the Coffee with a Scientist lecture series, Breakfast with the Sharks, and SEAsonal Tastings. Seniors don’t get a discount, but admission is reasonable. It’s recommended to purchase your tickets in advance, though, as the aquarium gets busy.
Day trips from Sarasota
Sarasota residents enjoy easy access to surrounding attractions. Disney World is about an 80-minute drive from Sarasota, which makes it accessible as a day or weekend trip. Fort Myers, with its own excellent beaches, is within a two-hour drive. Everglades National Park is about two and a half hours away from Sarasota and is a must-do for any Florida resident or visitor.
Local guide
Visitsarasota.com has updated information about Sarasota activities, including information about where to stay and where to eat. You can find information about beach conditions and suggested itineraries for visitors or residents. Deals for local restaurants are also posted on the website — don’t miss Margarita Mondays at Circo!
Frequently Asked Questions
The Windsor of Bradenton, The Windsor of Lakewood Ranch and Westminster Manor, a CCRC are the top-rated Senior Apartments facilities near Sarasota, FL. These Senior Apartments facilities received the highest rankings based on verified family reviews. See full list of communities.
The average cost of Senior Apartments in Sarasota is 2424.12 per month. This cost may vary based on location, amenities, floorplan, level of care and other factors.
References
Lobrano, A. (2018, Jan. 18). A Florida beach vacation with snob appeal. The Wall Street Journal.
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Age and sex (S0101): Sarasota city [Data set]. American Community Survey.
Rentcafe.com. (2023, March). Cost of living in Sarasota, FL.
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Veteran status (S2101): Sarasota city [Data set]. American Community Survey.
A Place for Mom. (2022). A Place for Mom proprietary data.
U.S. News & World Report. (2023). Best places to retire in the U.S. in 2022-2023.
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