Siesta Key Reality

Reality Show Versus Reality

Is Siesta Key really like the MTV series “Siesta Key“? Is any reality show REALLY a good depiction of reality? Probably not. However, there are many ways the tv series showcases the reality of the beauty that Siesta Key has to offer.

Siesta Key is a barrier island in Sarasota Florida, off the Gulf Coast of Mexico. The perfect setting for the producers of ‘Laguna Beach’ to replicate their 2000’s hit show with a new group of young adults trying to figure out their lives.

Many viewers want to know, is the Gulf Coast really like that? Now seeing Siesta Key as their new DREAM location to move.

Am I a credible source?

I’ve been living on the Gulf Coast of Central Florida for about 6 years now, originally from north of Seattle Washington. My partner and I sell real estate all up and down the coast from Tampa Bay to Siesta Key. We’re pretty in tune with what it’s like here and understand the contrast from locations outside of Florida.

Here are a few ways it’s different and the few it’s similar.

How Siesta Key Differs from the Reality Show

Differences:

#1 There’s a lot of money in Sarasota, Siesta Key, St Petersburg, Tampa even.. but just like most places it’s not all luxury. Of course the show is only going to show the areas with 2 million dollar waterfront homes. However, there’s still a lot of improvement to be made in central Florida in terms of gentrification. Meaning, there’s a lot of low end “avoid this area” parts of Sarasota still.

“The show makes it seem very ritzy and glamorous with beautiful beaches,” she said. “It is like that for the most part, but I feel like the show doesn’t fully reflect all of Sarasota. It’s more of a real place with more diversity than the show might reflect.” Thirty-two-year-old Rebecca Blanton who grew up visiting Siesta Key.

The Parties, galas, and events..

#2: Let’s talk about the partying. Siesta Key is no Miami. I’m sure it gets hype during spring break, but from what I’ve seen of the show, the partying, galas, and events are exaggerated.

#3: The series follows young adults, in their early 20’s, depicting them as “successful” as they live it up in luxury. From my experience most young adults in the area aren’t like this. The Tampa Bay area is actually one of the top 10 fastest growing metros for entrepreneurs. Most of my friends in their 20’s are working multiple jobs while trying to grow their business and are as humble as they come.

"Sarasota is a very wealthy town. Working in a school like the one I work at [ Katie works at a prestigious private school in Sarasota] kids roll up in a different car every day — Maserati, Rolls Royce. That's the normal thing for a certain group. I didn't grow up like that. My husband didn't grow up like that. A lot of my friends didn't. There’s a variety of economic groups. I feel like this show in particular shows the top percent."

Katie, 28

born and raised in Sarasota

How Siesta Key is similar to the show

Yes, it really is that beautiful. The water in Siesta Key is really that clear. It really is sunny pretty much all of the time. Check out this article on the official Visit Sarasota website giving you exact locations of hot spots shown on the show and in cast members instagram photos.

Let's hear from some Locals..

Okay so maybe one persons opinion doesn’t hold much weight, let’s hear from the locals who responded to a Cosmopolitan article written when the show aired.

"At the same time these people who say the representation is wrong, I just don't understand how someone could say that. Just tell me what’s not realistic about it: these are wealthy, young, beautiful people. They live in beautiful houses, do beautiful things, and live in a beautiful city. And they ride around in boats. That's very, very realistic, and that's what it's like to live here. I just don't get the whole backlash and anger, because there's nothing that happens on this show that I'm like, ‘Oh, that's not real.’”

Richard, 29

Lived in Sarasota since 1 years old

"If the show was based on what I did when I came home from college, which was sitting on the beach, putting baby oil on, getting burnt every day, or being in an internship, I don't think that that would get the views. Most 22-year-olds don’t own a 39-foot boat but this is Alex's reality. He does live in that house; he does own that boat."

Sarah, 33

Bron & Raised in sarasota

“MTV hasn't dropped the ball in depicting the gorgeous natural assets that we have, even if the cast they hired is as fake as they come. We're a city that's stuck in between wanting to stay in the past — a hidden gem of Old Florida — and moving to a more urban, lively, and cosmopolitan feel. If anything, the show opens that dialogue, which is never a bad thing.”

Melissa, 33

10 Years in Sarasota

"My hope, as the show progresses, is that MTV continues to highlight all of the really positive things this town has to offer: the art scene, the beautiful landscape, and the incredible philanthropic side of our wealthy residents.”

Kelly, 35

Born & Raised in Sarasota

Are you ready to move to Siesta Key?

Okay so it sounds like the locals claim it’s a lot like the show portrays in terms of the scenery. Are you ready to move here now?

I will say, as someone who moved here from out of state specifically for the sunshine and beach vibes, the Gulf Coast has definitely met my expectations. My partner Katelyn also moved from out of state almost 10 years ago. She’s originally from Philadelphia and now specializes in the Sarasota, Siesta Key real estate market. We’re both under 30 (for one more year) and know exactly what you’d be looking for if you choose to make the move!

Check out some listings in Siesta Key and let us know if you’d like to partner up to purchase your Florida home!