Sarasota, FL

From bayfront condos and historic homes downtown to the barrier island properties on Lido and Siesta Key, Sarasota is a city defined by its water — and that means salt air, humidity, and coastal grime are part of daily upkeep for a huge share of local homes.

It's also a city with a lot of architectural character worth protecting, from Sarasota School of Architecture homes to bayfront high-rises, all of it under strong Gulf Coast sun that makes solar panels and glass exteriors work hard year-round.