Best Place To Live and Invest in Sarasota Florida
Best Neighborhoods to Buy a House in Sarasota, Florida
Sarasota, Florida is a city known for its stunning beaches, vibrant arts scene, and outdoor recreational opportunities. If you’re considering buying a house in Sarasota, you’ll be pleased to know that there are several neighborhoods that offer a range of options to suit different lifestyles and preferences. From waterfront communities to urban downtown living, Sarasota has it all. In this article, we’ll explore some of the best neighborhoods to buy a house in Sarasota, providing you with insight into what makes each area unique.
Downtown Sarasota: The Heart of the City
One of the most sought-after neighborhoods in Sarasota is Downtown. As the heart of the city, Downtown Sarasota offers a vibrant and cosmopolitan lifestyle. It’s a place where you can live, work, and play all within walking distance. The neighborhood is characterized by its modern high-rise condos, overlooking Sarasota Bay, and a myriad of amenities right at your doorstep.
Living in Downtown Sarasota means having access to world-class restaurants, upscale shopping boutiques, art galleries, and theaters. The bustling Main Street is home to a variety of dining options, from trendy cafes to fine dining establishments. The Sarasota Opera House and the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall are also located in the area, providing residents with endless opportunities for entertainment.
Siesta Key: Beachfront Paradise
If you’re dreaming of living by the beach, Siesta Key is the neighborhood for you. Located just southeast of Downtown Sarasota, Siesta Key is a barrier island known for its pristine white sand beaches, turquoise waters, and laid-back atmosphere. In fact, Siesta Key Beach has been consistently ranked as one of the best beaches in the United States.
Living on Siesta Key means having direct access to a range of recreational activities. Whether you enjoy sunbathing, swimming, paddleboarding, or simply taking long walks along the shore, Siesta Key has it all. The island also offers a variety of dining options, from casual beach bars to fine waterfront restaurants.
In terms of housing, Siesta Key offers a diverse range of options to suit different preferences and budgets. You’ll find everything from beachfront estates and luxury condos to cozy cottages and vacation rentals. The median listing price for homes on Siesta Key was $1.2 million as of November 2022, with 129 listings available.
Longboat Key/St Armands Circle: Exclusive Island Living
For those seeking an exclusive island lifestyle, Longboat Key is the perfect neighborhood. Situated just west of Sarasota, Longboat Key is a barrier island known for its luxury resorts, world-class golf courses, and stunning waterfront properties. The island offers a sense of seclusion and tranquility while still being within easy reach of Sarasota’s amenities.
One of the highlights of Longboat Key is the Longboat Key Club, a prestigious golf and tennis resort. Golf enthusiasts can enjoy playing on two championship golf courses designed by renowned architects. The club also offers a range of amenities, including tennis courts, pools, and dining options.
Just a short drive from Longboat Key is St. Armands Circle, a vibrant shopping and dining destination. This circular area is home to over 130 shops and restaurants, offering everything from high-end fashion boutiques to art galleries. It’s the perfect place to indulge in retail therapy or enjoy a leisurely meal.
Longboat Key offers a mix of housing options, including luxury waterfront estates, condominiums, and gated communities. The median listing price for homes on Longboat Key was $1.3 million as of November 2022, with 152 homes available.
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Lakewood Ranch: Family-Friendly Community
If you’re looking for a family-friendly neighborhood with plenty of amenities, Lakewood Ranch is an excellent choice. Located just east of Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch is a master-planned community spanning over 8,500 acres. It offers a wide range of neighborhoods, top-rated schools, championship golf courses, and a variety of recreational activities.
One of the highlights of Lakewood Ranch is Main Street, a bustling area with shops, restaurants, and a movie theater. Residents can enjoy live music concerts, outdoor events, and the vibrant atmosphere of this pedestrian-friendly street. The community also boasts numerous parks, trails, and lakes, providing ample opportunities for outdoor recreation.
Lakewood Ranch’s central location, just off Interstate 75, makes it convenient for commuting to Tampa or Sarasota. The community is also home to the Lakewood Ranch Medical Center, a renowned hospital serving the region.
Housing options in Lakewood Ranch range from single-family homes to villas and apartments. The median sold price in October was $623,600, with 66 homes available.
The Oaks: Exclusive Gated Community
For those seeking an upscale and exclusive lifestyle, The Oaks is the neighborhood to consider. Located 12 miles south of Downtown Sarasota, The Oaks is a gated community known for its luxury amenities and championship golf courses.
The Oaks Club offers two 18-hole championship golf courses designed by world-renowned architects. Golf enthusiasts can enjoy the meticulously manicured fairways and picturesque views while honing their skills. The club also features 12 Har-Tru tennis courts, a resort-style pool, and a 7,500 sq ft fitness center.
The Oaks Clubhouse is the social hub of the community, offering a top-tier culinary program and a variety of social events. Residents can indulge in themed dinners, attend wine tastings, or participate in fitness classes.
Homes in The Oaks are predominantly custom single-family estates, offering privacy and luxury living. The median listing price in November was $1.7 million, with 20 homes available.
Gillespie Park: Artsy and Revitalized
If you’re looking for an urban neighborhood with character, Gillespie Park is worth considering. Located north of Downtown Sarasota, Gillespie Park is a funky and artsy neighborhood that has seen a resurgence of interest in recent years.
Gillespie Park is known for its historic homes, many of which were built in the 1920s and 1930s. These homes feature iconic narrow architecture and have been revitalized to preserve their original charm. The neighborhood is also home to a public park, offering playgrounds, basketball courts, and a dog park.
Living in Gillespie Park means being within walking distance of excellent shopping, dining, and entertainment options in Downtown Sarasota and the Rosemary District. The neighborhood offers a mix of single-family bungalows, midcentury homes, and modern-style constructions. The median list price for homes in Gillespie Park was $600,000 as of November 2022, with 11 homes available.
Laurel Park: Charming and Convenient
Located just south of Downtown Sarasota, Laurel Park offers a charming and convenient place to call home. The neighborhood is known for its historic bungalows, live oak trees, and brick sidewalks.
Laurel Park was one of the first established neighborhoods in Sarasota and has a rich history. The area is home to a mix of vintage single-family bungalows, Spanish-style cottages, and newer construction homes. Some developers have embraced the Sarasota School of Architecture’s influence, creating modern-style homes that blend seamlessly with the neighborhood’s character.
Living in Laurel Park means being within walking distance of shops, restaurants, art galleries, museums, and theaters in the nearby Burns Square. The neighborhood is also close to Hudson Bayou, where you’ll find newer construction homes and mansions from the 1930s.
Laurel Park offers a range of housing options to suit different preferences and budgets. The median list price for homes in Laurel Park was $950,000 as of November 2022, with nine homes available.
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Arlington Park: Central and Affordable
Arlington Park is a central Sarasota neighborhood that offers affordability and convenience. Located just minutes from Downtown Sarasota and Lido Beach, Arlington Park is highly popular due to its lower price tag and zoning for top-rated schools.
The neighborhood’s centerpiece is the 36-acre Arlington Park, which features an Olympic-sized swimming pool, tennis courts, meeting rooms, and a gym. The park also offers picnic pavilions, a playground, and a basketball court, making it a popular destination for families.
Arlington Park was initially developed as a suburb in the 1920s and features a mix of historic bungalows, midcentury ranches, and newer construction homes. The neighborhood’s central location provides easy access to shopping and dining options along the nearby South Tamiami Trail.
Arlington Park offers a central location with plenty of amenities at a more affordable price point. The median list price for homes in Arlington Park was $699,000 as of November 2022, with 40 homes available.
Indian Beach/Sapphire Shores: Waterfront Living
For those seeking a waterfront lifestyle, Indian Beach/Sapphire Shores is an excellent choice. Located just minutes north of Downtown Sarasota, this neighborhood offers a quiet and secluded living experience.
Indian Beach/Sapphire Shores is known for its beautiful parks, including Sapphire Shores Park and Indian Beach Park. These parks offer amenities such as playgrounds, picnic pavilions, and a boat launch, making them perfect for outdoor enthusiasts.
The neighborhood features a range of homes, from historic gems to modern masterpieces. Whether you’re looking for a waterfront property or a non-waterfront home, Indian Beach/Sapphire Shores has something to offer. The median list price for homes in Indian Beach/Sapphire Shores was $712,000 as of November 2022, with 25 homes available.
Palmer Ranch: Planned Community with Endless Amenities
If you’re looking for a planned community with endless amenities, Palmer Ranch is an excellent option. Spanning over 10,000 acres, Palmer Ranch offers over 50 miles of walking and biking trails, more than 90 neighborhoods, and dozens of parks.
One of the highlights of Palmer Ranch is The Mall at University Town Center, a premier shopping destination. Residents can enjoy world-class shopping, dining, and entertainment options, all within a short drive from home. The community is also home to top-rated schools, including Pine View School for the Gifted.
Housing options in Palmer Ranch range from condos to sprawling estates, with several 55+ communities within the neighborhood. The median list price for homes in Palmer Ranch was $544,900 as of November 2022, with prices ranging from $185,900 for a condo to $2.3 million for a single-family home.
Conclusion of The Best Place To Live and Invest in Sarasota Florida
Sarasota, Florida offers a diverse range of neighborhoods, each with its unique charm and lifestyle. Whether you’re looking for an urban downtown experience, a beachfront paradise, or an exclusive island living, Sarasota has it all. From the vibrant streets of Downtown Sarasota to the pristine shores of Siesta Key and the luxury estates of Longboat Key, there’s a neighborhood to suit every preference and budget. Explore these neighborhoods further, and with the help of a local real estate agent, find the perfect place to buy a house in Sarasota, Florida.
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Best Place To Live and Invest in Sarasota Florida
