Sarasota neighborhoods are among the most diverse and beautiful in the country. From Arlington Park to Downtown Sarasota and Casey Key, each neighborhood teems with its own unique character and charm.
When it comes to living in Sarasota, there are no best neighborhoods. There are just different strokes for different folks, as the saying goes. So, enjoy exploring our list of noteworthy Sarasota neighborhoods below. From famous streets to locals-only gems, every Sarasota neighborhood has something special to offer.
Longboat Key
The town of Longboat Key celebrated its 65th Anniversary in November, 2020. Technically a barrier island, Longboat Key has long been a favorite among Snowbirds looking for a beachy-upscale condo, estate, or second home. Today, Longboat Key is enjoying a renaissance as a younger generation of Work-From-Anywhere professionals and families are moving into the area and redefining the landscape. This Sarasota neighborhood is comprised of mostly single family homes and condominium buildings nestled along 12-miles of public and private beaches. Championship golf, tennis clubs, upscale boutiques, fine dining, and breathtaking Gulf vistas are just a few of the many things that attract homebuyers to this Sarasota neighborhood.
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Casey Key
Casey Key is well known for being one of Sarasota’s most coveted neighborhoods. Case in point: 2020’s roaring real estate market saw a number of high end property sales, many ranging from $1 million to $5 million. If you are looking for private sunrises and sunsets, look no further than Casey Key, where the most exclusive lots span from Gulf-to-bay. Nearby, Venice Airport provides an easy and low-key means of jetting in and out of town. Ironically, this sunny and enchanting neighborhood is home to prolific horror author Stephen King.
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Siesta Key
In a word: Eclectic. There’s a little bit of everything on Siesta Key, ranging from $400,000 condos to multi-million dollar waterfront mansions. Siesta Key was named the #1 beach in America— #11 worldwide— by Trip Advisor in 2020. Calm waters and quartz sand beaches create the perfect backdrop for this family-oriented neighborhood. At the North end of Siesta Key is The Village, a delightful hodgepodge of local cafes, restaurants and art galleries. This neighborhood is the quintessential landing spot for anyone moving from the Midwest or Northeast who is just looking for something… different.
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City of Anna Maria
With a full time population of just under 2,000 residents, the City of Anna Maria is both picturesque and unique. In recent years, this neighborhood caught the attention of real estate investors who have since converted many of the City’s 1960s-era residences into vacation rentals. In fact, an estimated 75% of owners in this neighborhood rent their properties throughout the year. Water views, dining, local shops, and the City Pier are just a few of the things that make the City of Anna Maria so charming.
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Esplanade Siesta Key
Although on the mainland side of Stickney Point Road, Esplanade Siesta Key is a short 1-mile walk, bike, or drive to the famed sands of Siesta Key Beach. This neighborhood is a resort-style subdivision geared toward active adults. Highlights include a modern clubhouse with ample space for parties, fitness, cooking, and outdoor gatherings. Fire pits, barbecue areas, tall palms, and nine tranquil lakes make this neighborhood a serene spot for anyone looking to relax, make friends, and live the beach life from the mainland.
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Waterside at Lakewood Ranch
Snowbirds love Lakewood Ranch, and Waterside promises to be a coveted jewel in the master-community’s crown. The Waterside Lakewood Ranch neighborhood broke ground in 2017 and will eventually grow to over 5,000 lots. When it’s all said and done, Waterside will be a premier location for its proximity to the Waterside Place Village Centre. Upon completion, this mixed-use development will foster a genuine sense of community through convenient shopping, dining, and office spaces. Best of all, the neighborhood will feature an 8-acre island park accessible by pedestrian bridge.
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Heritage Harbour
Heading North, the master-planned community of Heritage Harbour is landing on more and more house hunter radars. Nestled on an astounding 2,500 acres, this neighborhood is the place-to-be for golfers (and partners-of-golfers who relish having the house to themselves!) Public courses include the famed Stoneybrook Golf Club as well as the Heritage Harbour Golf Club, each of which offers a beautiful but challenging 18-holes. The 27-hole River Strand Golf and Country Club— a member’s only retreat— is also nearby. The community’s Central Park rounds things out perfectly, providing walking trails, playgrounds, baseball fields, and a scenic backdrop for nature lovers.
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Renaissance at Wellen Park
Multigenerational households are becoming more common, and few neighborhoods promise to cater to this trend better than Wellen Park. With approvals in place for up to 60,000 homes, Wellen Park aims to become the premier destination for multigenerational families searching for villas, single-family homes, and resort-style amenities. The area is also a big draw for baseball fans, as Atlanta Braves’ spring training is hosted nearby at CoolToday Park.
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Grand Palm at Wellen Park
Renaissance isn’t the only place for families in Wellen Park. Grand Palm is another option that promises to be a premier destination for families moving to the Sarasota-area. Developed by Neal Communities, Grand Palm features a superb mix of amenities designed with both parents and children in mind. An upscale pool, fitness center, playgrounds, biking/walking paths, and courts for tennis, volleyball, and bocce— what’s more to want?
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Southside Village
If great neighborhoods are all about location, then Southside Village is hard to beat. Neatly nestled West of the Trail— that’s local-speak for Tamiami Trail, or Florida-41— Southside Village is just minutes from Siesta Key, Downtown Sarasota, and the bay. This neighborhood is loaded with Sarasota charm and features a diverse mix of bungalows, Florida ranch houses, and contemporary homes. Southside Village even has its own town square where local coffeeshops, boutiques, and the ever-popular Morton’s Gourmet Market call home.
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Manatee River District
Riverview Boulevard bisects this well-established and scenic area. Characterized by large homes, oversized lots, and majestic Oak Trees, the Manatee River District garnered national attention in 2020 as families from the Northeast and Atlantic Coast began buying up homes. Tranquil scenery, plenty of space, and good schools are just a few things that make this neighborhood special.
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Mallory Park at Lakewood Ranch
If you like Lakewood Ranch and want an affordable single-family home or townhome, Mallory Park is a great place to explore. With prices starting at the mid-$200s, this neighborhood as an exceptional option for families that want quality, scenery, and amenities. And when it comes to schools, the nearby A-rated Gullett Elementary school should put parents’ minds at ease.
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Venezia Park
Take a trip back in time to 1920s Spanish influence Florida living. As one of the country’s first master plan developments, Venetia Park it’s just oozing with that early 20th century charm. Families are sure to love this neighborhood, with its wide roads, many playgrounds, and meticulously landscaped green spaces. And everyone will love the nearby Venetia park shopping Square. Want to take a day trip to the beach? From this neighborhood, it’s just a short bike or car ride away.
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McClellan Park
Locals know McClellan Park as an idyllic neighborhood, perfectly placed between Southside Village and Downtown Sarasota. What many may miss, however, is the meaning behind the names of the neighborhood’s streets. Mietaw, Wewa, and Illehaw are all named for the Calusa Indians who originally lived in the area. Today, McClellan Park is a blend of new and old Florida architecture that creates an overall vintage-feel. The eclectic architecture is reflected in the home prices, which start in the $500,000s and top out at $3 million or more.
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Sapphire Shores
This charming, old-Florida neighborhood is perhaps best known for its Mediterranean, Moroccan, and Italianate architecture— all of which are aesthetics created by the community’s original 1920s deed restrictions. History buffs will love that the neighborhood is still graced by 13 of the original 1920s-era homes. Surrounding the neighborhood are some of Sarasota’s most coveted institutions, including the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art at the Northern end. Sapphire Shores draws artists, administrators, and faculty from the New College and Ringling College, making it a vibrant and exciting place to be.
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Lido Shores
Lido Shores plays an important role in Sarasota architectural history. Starting in the early 1940s, a group of local architects began to combine native materials with subtropical-inspired fixtures, like louvered walls and exterior shutters. Championed by architects like Tim Seibert and Gene Leedy, this distinctive style eventually became known as The Sarasota School of Architecture. Today, we simply know it as gorgeous. More contemporary home aesthetics have slowly made their way into the neighborhood, creating a unique blend of new-and-old that fits perfectly along the picturesque waters of the Gulf and Sarasota Bay.
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Downtown Sarasota
Downtown Sarasota is a small city with big dreams. Enjoy the perks of city life, without the downsides associated with other major metropolitan cities. Sarasota’s Downtown neighborhoods are clean, walkable, diverse, and ripe with possibilities. Begin the day with a stroll to a local bakery or coffeeshop. Spend your afternoon working from home with a view of the Bay, or head into town to work at one of the neighborhood’s popular co-working spaces. On Friday, meet friends at the marina for casual drinks at sunset. Or, dress-to-impress and catch a show, opera, or a gallery exhibit. With dozens of restaurants, bars, boutiques, and entertainment options, Downtown Sarasota is the place to be.
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The Rosemary District
Want to live downtown, without actually living downtown? We know what you mean. Walk a few blocks North of Downtown, and you’ll find yourself in the up-and-coming Rosemary District. This neighborhood is a melting pot of Sarasota culture, art, and style. Vibrant street art and sidewalk sculptures give the entire neighborhood a gallery-feel. Artisan cafes and bistros offer residents a wide array of tastes, perfect for a long day of remote work or brunch/lunch with friends. On the Western edge of the District, upscale condos with plush amenities offer the some of the best water views in the neighborhood.
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North Venice
Interest in the North Venice area is heating up. And for nature lovers, this neighborhood has a lot to love. The region is home to the Wild and Scenic Myakka River, an adjacent 70-acre nature park, ample walking trails, Turtle Beach, a short commute to Siesta Key Beach, and so much more. Nearby, the Venetian Golf and River Club offers a fun 18-hole experience for players of virtually any skill level.
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Palmer Ranch
This sprawling master planned community includes more than 30 individual neighborhoods that offer a range of homes for sale. From condos that start in the low $100,000s to multi-million dollar homes, Palmer Ranch has a diverse inventory just waiting to be explored. Hiking trails, bike paths, and a serene vibe are just three reasons why this neighborhood is a standout for those who enjoy the outdoors. Swimmers will love the swim club at Selby Aquatic Center, while golfers will be elated with the TCP Prestancia Golf Club. And while it feels secluded, Palmer Ranch is a short drive away from boutique gyms, grocers, and other local services.
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Snead Island
Follow the Manatee River West until it meets Terra Ceia Bay, and there you’ll find Snead Island. A favorite among boating and fishing enthusiasts, this island neighborhood has some serious Key West vibes. There’s a mix of new and old, with newer developments ushering in a variety of homes priced at $1 million or more. Whereas most outdoorsy neighborhoods provide walking trails, Snead Island offers canoeing trails that promise a break from the mundane.
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Phillippi Creek
River Forest, Pinecraft, and South Gate are just a few neighborhoods that extend outward from Phillippi Creek. For the outdoorsy types, living close to this calm waterway can make all the difference. Enjoy easy access to locals’ favorite canoeing, fishing, and kayaking spots. Fancy yourself a land lover? This neighborhood is also home of the Phillippi Creek Levee Trail. There, you’ll find scenic walking paths that weave through the County’s nature preserve.
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Payne Park Village
Young Professionals will enjoy the location, accessibility, and style of this small neighborhood located just East of Downtown Sarasota. A mix of townhomes and single-family houses line the 39-acre park, giving residents easy access to both park amenities and Downtown Sarasota. Runners and cyclists will love the nearby Legacy Trail extension, which is under construction and will add miles of walking and biking trails to the city upon completion. Payne Park also features a children’s park, tennis courts, and beautiful views. For the truly young at heart, Payne Park offers a skate park for anyone who wants to do some concrete surfing before or after work.
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Southgate
A classic Sarasota neighborhood, South Gate checks many of the boxes on Young Professional house hunters’ lists. It’s a traditional Florida neighborhood, but only a short 10-minute drive from Downtown. It’s on the mainland, but only an 8-minute drive from Siesta Key. Sarasota Memorial Hospital, Publix, Walmart, and other local services are well within reach. And if you need to drive North or South, this neighborhood is just a short drive to I-75. South Gate features mostly ranch-style homes that start in the low $300,000s on average.
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