For many years, the city of Sarasota, Florida has quietly been undergoing a housing boom. Once a quaint town preferred by retirees and snowbirds, Sarasota is rapidly turning into the most desirable place to live in Florida and the entire world.
What makes Sarasota so desirable is the duality of life it offers. Situated on the Gulf Coast, the city offers some of the best beaches in the world. For the party-hoppers and beach-lovers alike, Sarasota has emerged as the perfect spot to live life. But the city also offers another aspect – the quiet, calming suburbs that offer convenient access to luxury, lifestyle, and the coast.
Over the years, Sarasota, FL has seen rapid economic growth and booming infrastructure. The proximity to Orlando and Tampa, two of the biggest cities in Florida, has also helped. Right now, it is a tempting place to build your own paradise. If you are interested in moving to the city of Sarasota, here are the 5 best neighborhoods within the city to call home.
Laurel Park
For those looking for the classic Florida lifestyle, Laurel Park is the ultimate place to be. As the historic center of the city, Laurel Park boasts buildings from the 20th and 19th centuries. You can even find some Colonial-era estates along the brick-paved streets of the neighborhood. Living here gives the vibes of traveling back in time to a pocket of history.
Functionally too, Laurel Park is a great spot to live in, as the neighborhood is within walking distance to Sarasota’s lively downtown. Everything you associate with a typical Florida life can be found in this beautiful neighborhood. One thing to note is that given the historic nature of the location, any new construction project requires proper approval from authorities.
As of August 2022, the median house value in Laurel Park was $1.1 million.
Siesta Key
Anyone seeking the silken sands of stunning beaches should find themselves lucky to live on Siesta Key. The island neighborhood is detached from mainland Sarasota while still having good connectivity, giving the perfect vibe for people hoping to taste the island life.
It's also interesting to note that the neighborhood offers a variety of flavors across the island. The middle region has the most infrastructure (and hence, the densest population). From cool pubs to waterfront restaurants, life is always interesting here. The southern part of the island is quieter, offering a more raw and natural experience. The southern beach is also the nesting ground of sea turtles, while dolphins can always be viewed by the residents. For nature lovers, Siesta Key offers an exhilarating experience.
Potential buyers should be aware that winter is the peak season for the island, and thus experience high tourist movement. As of August 2022, the median house value was $1.2 million.
Lakewood Ranch
Lakewood Ranch has emerged as the go-to destination for people who want the perfect residential space. The area is actually a planned community built by combining seven smaller regions. More than half the land has been designated for open spaces and recreational areas.
What this means is that unlike other areas of Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch has a pretty low population density. At the same time, it boasts of some of the most amazing infrastructure and facilities for its residents. You can find a world-class polo club, a sophisticated golf course, a biking trail, lush parks, and many more facilities.
Despite the amenities you would usually find in high-end residential societies, Lakewood Ranch is still a suburb at heart. The pollution is negligible and all constructions have to meet the state’s ecological standards. Without the rush of traffic or the blaring of factories, Lakewood Ranch is the perfect space to live quietly, surrounded by greenery.
As of August 2022, the median house value in Lakewood Ranch is $627K.
Gillespie Park
Gillespie Park is an excellent neighborhood simply because it combines the best features of Laurel Park and Lakewood Ranch – historic aesthetics and residential amenities.
Located north of downtown Sarasota, Gillespie Park has no shortage of historic real estate. While you might not find 19th-century homes here, buildings from the early 20th century are quite common and even for sale. Furthermore, the neighborhood is located right within sprawling Gillespie Park. This provides the locals with ample greenery and nature’s abode. The park also has tennis courts, playgrounds, and various other amenities for its residents. History and nature – Gillespie Park combines the best of both worlds.
Despite this amazing combination, Gillespie Park has not yet witnessed major housing inflation. This makes it one of the most affordable options in all Sarasota, FL. As of August 2022, the median house price was $698k.
Indian Beach - Sapphire Shores
Looking for the posh life? Well, here it is. The most elite and shimmering life in Sarasota, FL could be found in the neighborhood at Indian Beach - Sapphire Shores.
Located outside the Ringling Estate, the location sits comfortably in the lap of breezy, refreshing beaches on the mouth of Sarasota Bay. There is no shortage of historic buildings, or of greenery (courtesy of the parks around Indian Beach and Sapphire Shores). While the homes here aren’t exactly mansions, the modest single-family homes are perfect for those who are just starting a family. For people in higher education, the neighborhood is again highly desirable. The New College of Florida and Ringling College of Art & Design are both located within this region.
The area is rapidly growing, along with property prices. As of August 2022, the median house price was $817.5K.
Remember, a house is just a building; a home is a place you can love. Sarasota, Florida has no shortage of places that will make you fall in love with them. The stunning beaches, the majestic greens, and the soothing suburbs – all of them await you. Get in touch with us today and start your search for paradise.