Jan 2, 2024 - written by Lee Libro
After the rush to buy Real Estate during the COVID years, Sarasota became one of the fastest growing areas in the country, and if you ask some locals they would say it's full. If it were a hotel they'd put up the NO MORE VACANCIES sign. But for those to whom the sunshine and beauty of living in this gulf coast community still beckons, the rest say "Come on Down." The lifestyle here is not claimed by one, but is open to all.
In the last 20 years, the city of Sarasota itself has taken on a more metropolitan big-city aura with the construction of several high rise condominiums. In 2001, the Ringling Bridge was reconstructed to avoid traffic delays caused by its being a draw bridge at that time. Since then along with the high arched beauty that it is today, the whole skyline of the city has transformed. In reality the cities' growth is not based in population figures. Since that time, most of the population growth has been largely outside of the city. According to Census.gov, the city of Sarasota has only seen a growth of just under 5000 people in the last 20 years, while the county--which extends east to parts of Lakewood Ranch and Myakka and south encompassing Venice, Nokomis and Northport--has grown from 332,224 in 2001 to 462,286 in 2022.
From it's majestic beach sunsets to its seasoned canopied neighborhoods to the newer developments to the east and south, Sarasota has something for everyone. Read on to discover the top 12 most sought after areas and learn a bit more about the many diverse neighborhoods of Sarasota, Florida.
Here are the top 12 areas (in no particular order):
1. West of the Trail
2. Downtown
3. Bird Key
4. Lido Key/ south Longboat Key
5. Siesta Key
6. Bahia Vista/Arlington Park
7. Bee Ridge /East Sarasota
8. East if I-75 /Fruitville to Lakewood Ranch
9. Palmer Ranch
10. The Meadows & UTC
11. Venice
12. Osprey/Nokomis
Let's Get Started!
1. WEST OF THE TRAIL
Let's start with the most posh. The neighborhoods that sit between the Tamiami Trail (Rt 41) and the bayfront contain homes situated on some of the most beautiful stretches of waterfront the city has to offer. If you are right on the water, it's the boating that captivates you here. Otherwise it might just be the lifestyle living close to any one of the high-end, culturally rich hubs, such as Southside Village, Hillview, Marina Jacks, Main Street, Laurel Park, Burns Ct, The Ringling Museum area or the newly developed Bayfront area, called "The Bay." Whether you are looking south of downtown and "West of Trail" or directly downtown and "West of the Trail" or north of downtown and "West of the Trail" the phrase West of the Trail is a phrase that captures the attention of those in the know regarding prime real estate.
2. DOWNTOWN SARASOTA
Photo: Copyright 2019 Lee Libro
Downtown Sarasota offers a year round Saturday morning Farmer's Market, an amazing 1920s opera house, art galleries galore, numerous theaters, excellent restaurants, rooftop bars, boutiques, music festivals, a World class Marina, the new Bay Park and more, it's no wonder that so many people want to live downtown. But what it makes it even more attractive is that Downtown Sarasota is one of the few cities along the Gulf Coast that sits right on the water. Sarasota Bay is at your doorstep and just beyond that, via the Ringling Causeway bridge, are the Gulf of Mexico beaches.
Downtown homes largely consist of mid-rise and high-rise condos, most in the millions, but wind your way in from the Bayfront to the streets woven between Fruitville and Osprey or Fruitville and Martin Luther King and you might just find an authentic Spanish mediterranean bungalow from the John Ringling era or a mid-century gem just waiting for your special touch. Search Downtown Sarasota Home or Condo HERE.
3. BIRD KEY
Situated in the middle of Sarasota Bay right off the Ringling Causeway, Bird Key is ideally located between Downtown Sarasota and Lido Key. Home to beautiful waterfront mansions, the Bird Key Yacht Club and the occasional mid-century masterpiece, Bird Key real estate is some of the most sought after in all of Sarasota. As one might expect, being on the water is a priority for Bird Key home owners, but just as appealing are the parks that flank the causeway just at her entrance. The Causeway and its parks offer some of the best recreational space for biking, jogging, dog-walking as well as watersports. While the Bird Key and causeway parks are also open to the public, the privacy of the interior of Bird Key and the Bird Key Yacht Club itself are highly coveted and so the property values there reflect her exclusivity.
4. LIDO KEY
Photo: Courtesy of St. Armand's Circle Association
Just across the Ringling Causeway, the commercial vibe of downtown Sarasota City continues at St. Armand's Circle. Here, perched between the city and only a stone's throw to the beautiful gulf beaches of Lido Key, restaurants and shops are a visitor's delight. St. Armand's Circle is always bustling and offers the Lido Key homeowner the best of both worlds; beach life and city life all in one. After a cruise or dip in the crystal waters, one can either head to dinner at one of the many restaurants with outdoor sidewalk dining, rent a city bike out to explore all corners of the key, including a stop at City Island to visit Mote Marine Aquarium, kayak or Paddleboard through the mangrove tunnels or fish off one of the small park piers. Homes on Lido Key often come with a hefty price tag as this is one of the most vibrant areas of Sarasota with the Gulf of Mexico right at your doorstep.
5. SIESTA KEY
Living on Siesta Key is all about the laid back lifestyle. If you can see yourself living in a home on a canal with kayaks and paddle boards or a mid-rise condo steps from one of the most beautiful white sand beaches in the world, then Siesta Key is for you. Having grown immensely in popularity with the advent of the Dr. Beach reports with Siesta Key always ranking high, Siesta Key struggles with the influx of frequent vacationers upon her quiet tendencies. That being said, the enormous public beach still remains pristine and beautiful despite its growing popularity. The quiet corners of Siesta Key remain unexplored by the crowds, so there are many real estate options for those who want to recapture that old Florida peacefulness, mostly down on the south end of the island. With the value of this location continuing to rise, one should expect to pay top dollar for a home on Siesta Key.
6. ARLINGTON PARK
Photo: Courtesy of Agoda
As revitalization grows in concentric circles from the epicenter of a prime real estate hub, Arlington Park, located between Bahia Vista and Webber Streets, saw real estate values increase even before the Covid buying frenzy began. This is largely due to the positioning of this area being directly east of the Trail from Harbor Acres, Southside Village and the north bridge to Siesta Key. The area encompasses many neighborhoods, including Southgate, Hyde Park, Loma Linda, many non-deed-restricted, many older homes attractive to flippers as well as teardowns that have prompted palatial new construction. Here one might find short term rentals/airbnbs a popular option for investors due to the proximity to the wonderful neighborhood park, Arlington Park, downtown, the beaches and the Legacy Trail (a former rail line converted to a recreational biking/walking trail that extends from Downtown Sarasota to Venice). Homes prices within this area vary depending on the age and location of the home, with renovated and new construction pitching well into the millions.
7. BEE RIDGE / EAST
Known for its diverse neighborhoods and A rated schools, the area of east Sarasota along Bee Ridge Rd and east of I-75 offers the homebuyer a location that is just far enough away from the busy city center, but close enough for an easy drive to shopping, dining and the beaches, not to mention it's home to several golf course communities, such as Laurel Oak Estates and Misty Creek. Search for golf course homes HERE.
8. EAST of I-75 / FRUITVILLE
Similar to the description of no. 7 (East of Bee Ridge) but further north near the border of the Sarasota and Manatee County line, separated by University Parkway, one will find homes ranging from working ranches to brand new estate homes built in new communities, including Waterside, the newest "village" of Lakewood Ranch, the top selling master-planned community in the nation. This area appeals to those who love open spaces, typically homes that live large and a location that still harps back to the days when the land was oak hammocks and cow pastures. Communities such as The Founders Club deliver a sense of the old south with a majestic golf clubhouse and oaks hung with Spanish moss. One might also find a non-deed-restricted horse ranch style home out along the Fruitville corridor if they are lucky, but most of the development out this way falls into the HOA category with resort style living being the most sought after.
9. PALMER RANCH
Years before Lakewood Ranch began, there was Palmer Ranch. Built as a master-planned community with less of the commercial and more of the residential emphasis, Palmer Ranch begins south of Clark Rd and spreads toward Nokomis. The communities of Palmer Ranch offer homes of varying sizes, styles and price points. The appeal of Palmer Ranch to many is that it is located just a short drive from Siesta Key Beach or Nokomis Beach, and still not too far from all that downtown Sarasota has to offer. Single Family Homes, Condos, Townhomes, Villas, you name it...there is something for everyone in Palmer Ranch.
10. THE MEADOWS
With the development of the UTC Mall and Benderson Park in northeast Sarasota, the Meadows has become an increasing popular area. Traditionally it consisted of golf enthusiasts, snowbirds and others seeking the quiet of tree-lined streets and a golf cart for visiting a buddy after a round of golf at the local village restaurant. Now, it has taken on a more dynamic vibe with the same emphasis on golf and friends, only with plenty of shopping, the UTC Mall and a Whole Foods just down the street. While much of The Meadows properties date back to the 80s, many have been given new life by buyers who, knowing the value of location, have renovated. Multiple developer projects are still in the works at nearby Benderson Park, including the new world class Mote SEA (Science Education Aquarium) going up at the already famous site of World Championship Rowing.
11. VENICE
If there was any one area of Sarasota County that still feels like Old Florida it's Venice. Downtown Venice is quaint, but GORGEOUS, with its Spanish mediterranean architecture, streets lined with tall palm trees that lead right to Venice Beach, and it's many indie shops and restaurants. While Downtown Sarasota has sped into the 21st century leaning more toward the faster pace of the other side of Florida, Venice has preserved the authentic pace and flavor of the gulf coast. Needless to say there is development in Venice, but the downtown area and the coast neighborhoods near the public beach have remained largely untouched. Newer developments with HOA communities and resort-style living are situated on the east side of 41...off the island, because yes, downtown Venice is technically an island. Home prices have risen in the last several years, however, one can get more for their money in Venice than in areas closer to Downtown Sarasota.
12. OSPREY/NOKOMIS
Photo: Copyright 2023 Lee Libro
Just as Venice lives at a slower pace, so does nearby charming Osprey, the historic home of Bertha Palmer, one of the original developers of early 20th century Sarasota. Known for its stunning waterfront vistas, the area offers residents a serene escape amid its beautiful beaches such as Nokomis Beach and North Jetty Park. Small town charm is fused perfectly with outdoor activities, including boating, fishing, and exploring the Legacy Trail. Diverse real estate offerings include waterfront estates on Casey Key to cozy family homes along Shackett Creek in Nokomis to condos catering to a variety of preferences. Find your perfect home in Osprey Nokomis HERE.
Thinking about moving to Sarasota?
If you're thinking about moving to Sarasota, the best place to start is by finding an experienced Realtor. Rick Libro with Fine Properties will help you get started, whether you are looking to buy now or in the future. Visit www.HousehuntSarasota.com to get started! Online viewing and saving properties is just the beginning. Feel free to call or e-mail RickLibro@gmail.com or 941-504-2850 to dig deeper into your search. He is an expert at negotiating for the best terms on the home you want and easing the process for YOU!