Boomers Relocating to Sarasota: Meeting People when You're New in Town

Sarasota folks tend to be down-to-earth and genuine. Not everyone, but in general that's the laid-back, easy-going vibe in this small town city on the Gulf Coast of Florida. And they smile and say "hello" when you pass them walking down the street. Who wouldn't smile when surrounded by all this daily beauty?

Remember, too, that you're not alone. Most people who live here now came from some place else. So they tend to be friendly to other recent newcomers.

Still, when you're new in town, it can feel isolating and lonely. Here are some suggestions for connecting with other humans in Sarasota:

Sarasota Newcomers Club

Women With Moxie

Meetup groups

Senior Friendship Center - lots of activities, including lunchtime dancing to a live band, yoga and tai chi classes, inexpensive lunch, low-cost medical and dental services, etc. Ages range from Boomer to older.

Live Music in Sarasota - Every night of the week--and, thankfully, that means from 7-10PM for many venues--you can enjoy live music by incredibly talented local and nationally touring musicians at informal small restaurants, bars, and clubs. For daily calendar of venues and performers, go to gotonight.com. For suggestions about musicians you may enjoy, go to bestmusictonight.blogspot.com. Don't be intimidated about showing up on your own. You'll find that most places here include a friendly mix of all ages. Mattison's City Grille, the Blue Rooster, J.R.'s Old Packinghouse Cafe, Siesta Key Oyster Bar, Marina Jack's Bayside Bar and Restaurant are some of the best places to be impressed, eat well, and have fun.

Neighborhood Associations - They typically meet once a month. There's also a Coaltion of City Neighborhood Associations. 

Animal Shelters & Rescues - 

• Walk and hug a dog, meet others who love pets. Sarasota County Animal Services, Humane Society Sarasota, Southeastern Guide Dog (play with puppies!). 
• Foster a dog, so you have immediate companionship at home, without any long-term commitment, and the fosters typically pay for meds and vet costs. Ewenity Herding Dog Rescue has a wonderful program and saves hundreds of dogs each year. (Including mine! best dog ever.)