The Sarasota area scored 64.1 out of 100 from the result of more than 176,000 interviews conducted from January through December 2014 to end up at the top of the Gallup Healthways annual Community Well Being rankings. Northport-Sarasota-Bradenton won the top spot from “100 largest metro area in the United States.” Interviews were conducted in all 50 states plus the District of Columbia.

There are five essential elements used to obtain a city’s well-being index. See if your city is on the top 10 list.

1. Northport-Bradenton-Sarasota, FL
2. Urban Honolulu, Hawaii
3. Raleigh, North...

John Allen's new listing in the lovely gated community of Red Hawk Reserve went under contract in just 4 days! Located east of I-75, the neighborhood is within minutes of Sarasota's University Mall.  

For outdoor activities, Twin Lakes Park is just across the street. Siesta Key Beach is a short drive from Red Hawk Reserve.

Sarasota, A Dream Come True

Residents of Sarasota weren't too surprised when "Coastal Living" magazine named it a "Dream Town" last week. With gorgeous waterfront views at every turn, a charming downtown area, excellent arts and cultural venues, a nice year-round climate and white-sandy beach, those of us who live here are living our dream.

View "Coastal Livings" slides of Sarasota here.

More Good News for Sarasota Real Estate

Baby boomers have always trended toward Sarasota, and according to a recent article in article on the Better Homes & Gardens website, they will probably continue to make their way south.  Sarasota offers the active lifestyle baby boomers seek, in addition to its warm climate, white sandy beaches and plenty of cultural venues.

You can read the entire article at BHGRealEstate.com.

Sarasota is quite a festive little city. There is always something exciting happening in the downtown area. This morning, Nik Wallenda of circus aerialist fame attempts to walk on a high wire from the Unconditional Surrender, sometimes called the Kissing Sailor statute, to the roof of Marina Tower. Streets in the area will be blocked off for over an hour and spectators are encourage to walk to the event or take the roundtrip “free” trolley from the Van Wezel Hall of Performing Arts parking lot.

Wallenda is a six time Guinness World Record holder and walked across Niagara Falls last year. The walk scheduled for today will be 200 feet over U.S. 41. Wallenda is being allowed to do this walk without a tether.

Downtown businesses plan to have a great day, and many are offering specials for visitors. A crowd of thousands is expected, and the weather is gorgeous here in Sarasota, Florida. Known for its warm climate and sunny white sand beaches, the city’s cultural...