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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.
Types of care available in Sarasota, FL
Senior Apartments
The community is very well kept, the cleanliness is great. With the covid pandemic our loved one has opted out of going to the dining room and cooking for himself, but with the meals he has taken from the dining room have been excellent. He also opted out of the activities for now, so we don't have much experience with all they have to offer. The value for cost is excellent it is a wonderful place.
I like them and would recommend them. I did not review other locations before choosing this, but the single level was one positive that I really liked.
I have a family member at Heron East and have to say that this one of the best communities in Sarasota. The staff is always friendly and courteous, they not only treat my aunt as though she is family but makes me feel the same, their is tons of tons of outdoor space for her to enjoy, the in-house providers are so fast to respond to her care need and the Culinary Director, [name removed], always makes sure she has a delicious meal. Earlier this year they added an on-site rehabilitation that my Aunt was able to take advantage of and has gained so much more confidence and independence with their therapy program Kudos the [name removed] and her team for all their hard work. I would highly recommend Heron East.
4730 Bee Ridge Road, Sarasota, FL 34233
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....
Rethinking Senior Living. Redefining Independence.There’s a different way to do senior living that doesn’t include living an isolated life at home. There’s a different way to be retired that doesn’t include spending days with the hassles and worries of home ownership and upkeep like cleaning and...
1015 7th Ave E, Bradenton, FL 34208
It took a while to get use to assisted living. It is different that independent living, but the staff have worked to make it pleasant. The activities department here has been what I have enjoyed the most.
At Great American Assisted Living Community at Bradenton, we provide a caring, comfortable atmosphere all wound up in an active and secure community. Located underneath the shade of the palm trees in Bradenton, our suburban campus is the perfect place to call home. With quality care provided in a...
1700 21st Avenue West, Bradenton, FL 34205
Very helpful and caring staff. Very welcoming towards visitors. Picked because size of available apartment and because it offers a guarantee of lifetime care.
Sunny skies and warm hearts beckon at Westminster Manor, offering A Strong Foundation for Your Future. Our beautiful community is conveniently located on quiet neighborhood streets in Bradenton. Enjoy a lifestyle enriched with maintenance-free living, a wide variety of choices in residences, our...
19315 W Villages Pkwy, Venice, FL 34293
[name removed] and [name removed] are very thorough kind and fun. Look forward to moving here
Solea Wellen Park is a new, resort style, 55 and up, active adult apartment community coming January 2024. Our community is a new housing option for those that are ready to live a stress free, maintenance free lifestyle, but are not ready to slow down! Live easy, where friendships and laughter...
6851 Willow Creek Circle, North Port, FL 34287
This was for a client of mine. He's very happy about it so I'd recommend them.
Willow Creek offers affordable 1 and 2 Bedroom apartments tucked away in North Port Florida. Willow Creek offers many amenities such as a sparkling pool, fitness center, beauty shop, restricted access building entries, elevators, and laundry facilities on every floor. Enjoy the retirement...
2290 Cattlemen Rd, Sarasota, FL 34232
We moved our father into Heron East and we were surprised at how the staff went over and above to make him feel comfortable and cared for. The move in was easy, the food is great and he has made some new...
Heron East Assisted Living has been providing a warm, lively community setting and outstanding care for Sarasota seniors since 1999. Our dedicated and experienced staff reflects a stable team with many years tenure, offering more than 60 years of experience in elder care. The City of Sarasota...
215 W Grand Central Ave, Tampa, FL 33606
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...
520 Rio De Janeiro Avenue, Punta Gorda, FL 33983
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...
Tucked away in the charming West Florida city of Punta Gorda, a new community in the Deep Creek neighborhood offers seniors age 55 and better a new standard in independent living. Charlotte Crossing is unique blend of one and two bedroom residences that offer modern conveniences, smart...
100 Rotunda Lakes, Rotunda Wesst, FL 33947
100 Rotunda Lakes, Rotunda Wesst, FL 33947
3001 W De Leon St, Tampa, FL 33609
500 Knights Run Ave, Tampa, FL 33602
Upside is truly an exclusive opportunity to live independently on your own terms. We offer luxury living options with over 2,500+ apartments in our network across the country alongside a dedicated and experienced personal concierge support system. Upside is a uniquely designed senior...
1210 E. Ray Charles Boulevard, Tampa, FL 33602
1210 E. Ray Charles Boulevard, Tampa, FL 33602
1615 Hacienda Ct, Tampa, FL 33605
801 Chestnut St, Clearwater, FL 33756
338 Stenstrom Rd, Wauchula, FL 33873
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.
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:
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.
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.
13.05 miles from you
Your zip code
17.66 miles from you
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.
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.
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 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.
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:
Tenants in Sarasota should follow these standards:
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.
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.
Over 37% of the 54,842 people living in Sarasota are over 65, making Sarasota a true hot spot for seniors. 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 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.
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. 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.
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.
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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Percentage of seniors 65 and older within the Sarasota population
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.
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
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 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
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.
59
33
76
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.[01] 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.
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.
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’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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
Westminster Manor, a CCRC, Solea Wellen Park and Willow Creek 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 2,243 per month. This cost may vary based on location, amenities, floorplan, level of care and other factors.
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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