moving to florida in 2026?
here’s why everyone is landing in sarasota - bradenton - lakewood ranch…
Thinking about moving to Florida in 2026? Here's why Sarasota, Bradenton, and Lakewood Ranch keep topping relocation lists — and how to buy here without overpaying.
Florida is still one of the fastest-growing states in the country, and most of that migration isn't going to Miami anymore. It's landing on the Gulf Coast — in Sarasota, Bradenton, and Lakewood Ranch — where the beaches are world-class, the rankings are hard to ignore, and the real estate market still makes financial sense.
Here's the short version of why:
#1 Ranked County in America for Retirees
Sarasota County topped Niche's 2026 national rankings for best counties for retirees, and placed third in Florida for public schools. It's one of the few markets that consistently scores well for both families and people winding down — strong healthcare access, low crime, and weather that actually delivers on the Florida promise.
Lakewood Ranch: 8 Straight Years as America's #1 Master-Planned Community
Lakewood Ranch has been the top-selling multigenerational community in the U.S. for eight consecutive years (RCLCO, 2025). With 77,000+ residents, A-rated schools, 150+ miles of trails, and three town centers, it's built for every stage of life. It straddles Sarasota and Manatee counties and still has major expansion underway, with thousands of new homes in the pipeline. Wellen Park, just down the road, has been climbing the same national rankings and offers newer construction at competitive price points.
florida Has No State Income Tax
Every paycheck, every retirement distribution, every dollar of investment income — you keep more of it in Florida than in almost any other state. Property insurance has increased across the state in recent years and is worth factoring carefully into your budget, but for most people relocating from New York, New Jersey, or California, the overall tax picture still moves clearly in their favor.
The Sarasota Real Estate Market in 2026:
The median sale price for a single-family home in Sarasota County is $475,000 as of May 2026 (RASM / Florida Realtors). Inventory sits at 4.4 months of supply — still a seller's market, but with homes averaging 50 days to contract, buyers have room to think. It's a far calmer buying environment than the 2021–2022 peak, and still more affordable than Miami or Naples for comparable Gulf Coast living.
Buy or Sell With a Sarasota Agent Who Shows You the Numbers
zhuzh srq is a brokerage built on transparency — 1% or 1.5% listing commission versus the traditional 3%, with no cut to photography, staging, or marketing. Founded by a former new-home sales & marketing manager who watched clients get overcharged for years, the brokerage runs on one idea: no egos, just results.
If Sarasota, Bradenton, or Lakewood Ranch are on your list, we'll walk you through exactly what your budget gets you — no pressure, no upsell.
Ashley Fawn Sanders | broker-owner