Congratulations, Sarasota!

Guest Correspondence

Let me be amongst the first to congratulate SRQ Daily readers on your astute choice of where to live, work, invest and do business. 

What you already knew is now officially out of the bag! In case you haven’t heard, the venerable US News & World Report, the 85-year-old “news to use” organization that rates America’s Colleges and Hospitals, now rates cities.  And last week, US News & World Report ranked Sarasota as the 18th Best Place to Live in America.    

Think about that for a second. Of the 30,000 local jurisdictions in the entire United States, our city and region are ranked right at the top. Of course, quality of life is a subjective matter and different people are looking for different things, so these ratings are done by comparing general data points and through surveys.

But overall, when the data and interviews are rated for Desirability, Value, Job Market, Quality of Life and Net Migration to the area, we are the No. 1 place to live in Florida. And although we are by far the smallest city in America’s top 20 cities, we are ranked right up there with Austin, Denver, San Francisco, Minneapolis and Des Moines. 

Apparently, the combo of our thriving arts and cultural scene, our gorgeous beaches, our increasingly walkable and charming business districts and a “booming restaurant scene” have caught the attention of those who are defining and rating great places to live. Good schools, clean parks and lots of things to do including fishing, golfing, tennis along with lifelong learning and volunteering opportunities pull us to the top. 

Of course, the downside of such recognition is that even more people might hear about us.  So, let’s just this keep this between ourselves. But just in case somebody leaks the story, the City of Sarasota is working on diversifying our transportation system to help keep the people already here moving about, and to prepare for more people trying to visit or join us. In fact, just last week the Sarasota City Commission directed city staff to prepare a plan to better utilize our water ways to provide fun, interesting and alternative ways to get around.  Perhaps there will be a water taxi opportunity in your future. 

My only concern is with moves like this, and the passion for community building so many residents have, we might go from the top 20 best places to live to the top 10!   

Rankings and bad jokes aside, thanks to the many people and organizations who are engaged in working to make our community a little better tomorrow, than it was yesterday. Our collective, long standing, keep improving mantra, is why so many enjoy each and every day, here and now, in this delightful place we call home.

Tom Barwin is Sarasota City Manager. Email him at Thomas.barwin@sarasotafl.gov   

 

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