AI-Scored Rankings • Updated 2026-04-03

Best Apartments in Sarasota, FL — Scored by AI

ListWise scores every Sarasota neighborhood on safety, walkability, schools, commute time, and rental value. See which areas actually match your lifestyle — not just what's cheapest.

$1,950/mo
Median Rent
57,738
Population
8
Neighborhoods Scored
Sarasota Memorial Health Care System
Top Employer
Local Insights

Why Sarasota? What Renters Need to Know

Sarasota averages $1,950 per month for a one-bedroom apartment. Siesta Key, one of America's top-rated beaches, commands rents exceeding $3,500, while mainland neighborhoods like Pinecraft and Newtown offer more affordable options starting around $1,200–$1,600.

Quick Facts

Population 57,738
Median Rent $1,950/mo
Top Employer Sarasota Memorial Health Care System
Neighborhoods 8 scored by AI
Rent vs. National$1,950 vs $1,500 national median

Rent Comparison

Sarasota median rent is $450 above the national median of $1,500/mo.

Largest Employer

The largest employer in Sarasota is Sarasota Memorial Health Care System, making the Downtown Sarasota area and nearby neighborhoods popular for commuters looking to minimize travel time.

Top Neighborhoods

Top Neighborhoods in Sarasota

Ranked by ListWise's composite AI score. Top 3 shown free — unlock all 8 for the full picture.

#1

Downtown Sarasota

Score: 86/100
Safety B+
Walk Score 82
Avg Rent $2,500
Schools 6/10
#2

Siesta Key

Score: 88/100
Safety A-
Walk Score 48
Avg Rent $3,500
Schools 7/10
#3

Laurel Park

Score: 84/100
Safety B+
Walk Score 72
Avg Rent $2,200
Schools 7/10

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#4

Southside Village

Score: 85/100
Safety A-
Walk Score 75
Avg Rent $2,300
Schools 7/10
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#5

Pinecraft

Score: 76/100
Safety B-
Walk Score 62
Avg Rent $1,600
Schools 5/10
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#6

Gillespie Park

Score: 78/100
Safety B
Walk Score 70
Avg Rent $1,750
Schools 5/10
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#7

Newtown

Score: 60/100
Safety C-
Walk Score 52
Avg Rent $1,200
Schools 3/10
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#8

Gulf Gate

Score: 80/100
Safety B
Walk Score 58
Avg Rent $1,850
Schools 6/10
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See All 8 Sarasota Neighborhoods Ranked

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How It Works

How ListWise Scores Sarasota Apartments

1

Tell Us Your Priorities

Rank what matters: safety, schools, walkability, commute, budget, nightlife. Every Sarasota renter is different.

2

AI Scores Every Listing

We pull real-time data from MLS, crime stats, school ratings, transit APIs, and walk score databases for Sarasota.

3

Get Your Ranked List

Receive a PDF + Excel report with Sarasota properties ranked by YOUR priorities. Delivered within 24 hours.

FAQ

Frequently Asked About Sarasota

What is the average rent in Sarasota?

Sarasota averages $1,950 per month for a one-bedroom apartment. Siesta Key, one of America's top-rated beaches, commands rents exceeding $3,500, while mainland neighborhoods like Pinecraft and Newtown offer more affordable options starting around $1,200–$1,600.

Is Sarasota a good place to live?

Sarasota consistently earns top national rankings for quality of life, offering world-class beaches, a thriving arts scene through the Ringling Museum and arts district, excellent healthcare, and a sophisticated dining and culture scene unusual for a city its size. It is particularly popular with retirees and remote workers.

What is the arts scene like in Sarasota?

Sarasota punches far above its weight in arts and culture, anchored by The Ringling Museum of Art, Asolo Repertory Theatre, Sarasota Opera, and the Florida Studio Theatre. The city has a long-standing reputation as the 'Cultural Capital of Florida' and draws major performances and exhibitions year-round.

What are the best neighborhoods in Sarasota?

Siesta Key offers the most iconic beach lifestyle but at significant cost. Downtown Sarasota and Southside Village offer walkable urban living near restaurants and the arts district. Laurel Park is a charming historic neighborhood with a strong community feel and good walkability.

What is the job market like in Sarasota?

Sarasota's economy is primarily driven by healthcare through Sarasota Memorial, tourism and hospitality, real estate, and a growing technology sector. Many residents also work remotely or are retirees, and the city attracts significant seasonal population from northern states that supports retail and service employment.

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Data is for informational purposes only. Verify all information independently before making housing decisions.