The Many Sides Of Sarasota County, by Nicole Smith

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Real Estate

Sarasota, Florida

What a beautiful and wildly eclectic grouping of lifestyle choices. There is a special spot for almost everyone searching for their slice of Florida. Are you looking to retire to a quiet small town on the beach, maybe you’re searching for a Country club atmosphere with in community Golf? Others are seeking a serene country lifestyle out east, or do you want to join in on the energetic lifestyle of Downtown Sarasota? Within this Sarasota Metro area lies many subsections, each unique from one another. Without a basic understanding of all the different subsections, how is someone who is relocating from another state supposed to choose? 

First let’s cover the fact that there is a massive difference between saying you want to live in Sarasota, or that you want to live in Sarasota County. Sarasota County has home prices ranging from $200k up to 18 million or more. Sarasota County includes the city of Sarasota, the many subsections of mainland Sarasota, Siesta Key, St. Armands Key, Bird Key, Lido Key, half of Longboat Key, Casey Key, Osprey, Nokomis, Venice, Venice Island, Englewood, and North Port. Additionally I might add that knowing part of Manatee County does in fact have a Sarasota address is a good idea. Sarasota County has an A rated public school district, a multitude of public, private and semi-private golf courses, white sand beaches, mostly locally owned restaurants, and accommodates buyers of almost every budget or lifestyle choice. Sarasota County also has a variety of 55+ communities that make retirement dreams a reality with lower home costs, something to be aware of whether you are above or below this age restriction. Yet just another reason to start your Sarasota County home search with an experienced local Realtor®. 

Below you will find notes on each section of the county from me, a 20+ year on and off resident. My family moved me to Sarasota ( the manatee county portion ) when I was 10 years old. I grew up here, and have seen all of these areas go through many changes and an abundance of growth through-out the years. I have personally lived in Venice, the city of Sarasota, a few Sarasota sub-sections, Nokomis, and North Port… so I know a thing or two. Either way, without further adieu, your area guide is here in 3….2……1….

Central Sarasota

Lifestyle - Close to downtown, Lido key, St. Armands Circle, Sarasota Bayfront, Marinas, Sarasota Yacht Club, and the Ritz Carlton Beach Club. Living in this area allows you to easily explore an array of boutique shopping, dining, and lounges in our downtown area. Skip across the Ringling Bridge to visit St. Armands Circle for the same experience, but with an island flare. Anywhere in this general area allows for less than a 20 minute drive to Lido Beach, and in some cases Siesta Key Beach. There are also a few public golf courses that you may choose to enjoy. Central Sarasota living focuses mainly on your vicinity to the beaches, shopping, dining, and casual nightlife. Our mass shopping hub “ University Town Center “ is 20 minutes or less from any point.

Current Home Prices ( based on single family homes and condos without age restrictions )  $79,000 - $18,000,000

Housing types - New Construction Condos, Townhomes, and Single Family Homes. Resale Condos, Townhouses, and Single Family homes. Historic Single family and Multi-Family Homes.

What is it missing? - In community Golf Courses and Country Clubs.

South Sarasota 

Lifestyle: Close to Siesta Key, and Casey Key. This area has a larger selection of gated subdivisions, some with private or semi-private golf courses and Country Clubs. You will find less locally owned restaurants and shopping here, but you are still within 30 minutes of everything downtown has to offer. South Sarasota is also home to our “Palmer Ranch” community. Here you will find manicured roads, gated and non gated communities, golf courses, and many recently completed New Construction subdivisions with a variety of different amenities to fit your needs.

Current Home Prices: ( based on single family homes and condos without age restrictions ) $99,000 - $7,000,000

Housing types - Mostly resale Condos, Villas, Townhomes, and Single Family homes. Small opportunity for new developments and New Construction Single Family homes, Villas, Townhomes, and Condos.

What is it missing? Approximately 20-30 minutes to Downtown and St. Armands Circle. More chain retailers than locally owned. Lack of high rise condos.

North Sarasota

Lifestyle: Close to Downtown, St. Armands, Lido beach, and University Town Center. North Sarasota has waterfront homes along the bay in a quickly gentrifying area on its west side. North Sarasota is currently underway on the “Bayfront” project which gives more public access to our beautiful Sarasota Bay. It is planned to have a large open green space for picnicking and festivals, a boardwalk over the bay and natural mangroves, and in the future is planned to have a few restaurants and lounges for visitors and residents to enjoy. Easy access to Sarasota International airport. Mixture of Gated communities, deed restricted, and non deed restricted communities. Country Clubs and golfing opportunities are available a few miles west of the bay. North Sarasota also offers homes with large lots in an area called “Desoto Acres”. 

Current Home Prices: ( based on single family homes and condos without age restrictions ) - $99,000 - $7,000,000

Housing Types: New Construction Condos, Townhomes, and Single Family Homes. Resale Condos, Townhouses, and Single Family homes. Historic Single family and Multi-Family Homes.

What is it missing? With half of this area being still under gentrification, some home buyers can be put off by the government housing and state funded centers in the western area. North Sarasota also contains two of the busiest main roads in the county, Fruitville and University Parkway.

The Keys

Lifestyle: It’s quite simple, its island life! Explaining the in-depth differences between each Sarasota County Key is a blog in itself. For more in depth information on the Islands of Sarasota County, look for our follow up blog.

East County

Lifestyle: People move to east county for a variety of reasons. Larger lots, exclusive Country Clubs, Equestrian communities, fly-in communities, and the best private golf course in Sarasota Metro. Even at the farthest reach you are still within 30 minutes of University Town Center and Downtown Lakewood Ranch. Mature landscaping is abundant in east county offering buyers the opportunity to maintain privacy between homes and still enjoy living without deed restrictions in some areas. East County also offers communities like The Founders Club for buyers with discerning taste searching for an exclusive Country Club lifestyle with all the amenities one could ask for, including in community fine dining. Residents enjoy the calmer atmosphere and ease of travel to local places of interest due to having less daily traffic than you get in West County.

Current Home Prices: $280,000 - $7,000,000

Housing Types: New Construction Condos, Townhomes, and Single Family Homes. Resale Condos, Townhouses, and Single Family homes. New Construction or Resale with acreage.

What is it missing? East County will have a longer travel time to the beaches and Downtown Sarasota. You can expect to be about 30 minutes from Downtown Sarasota, and 30-45 minutes from the closest beach.

Lakewood Ranch

Lifestyle:  Country Clubs and New Construction galore! The Ranch is a close knit community just east of the highway with the southern portion still located in Sarasota County. Anywhere you go in “The Ranch” you fill be greeted with manicured roads and well cared for plazas. This entire community has mostly been developed within the last 10 years. There is a wide selection of gated and non gated communities, Country Clubs,, Golfing ( this is where the Ritz Carlton Golf Club is located ), and close to many great dining and shopping options in Downtown Lakewood Ranch, University Town Center, and soon to be added Waterside at Lakewood Ranch. This is one of the most highly sought after communities in America, and is currently still expanding its borders to accommodate the high demand of people wishing to reside here. Currently only a few New Construction communities are within Sarasota County, but more available options will surely be continuing to pop up as developers expand.

Current Home Prices: ( in Sarasota and Manatee county, based on single family homes and condos without age restrictions ) - $200,000 - $4,000,000

Housing Types: New Construction Condos, Villas, Townhomes, and Single Family Homes. Newer Resale Condos, Villas, Townhouses, and Single Family homes

What is it missing? You will have a longer travel time to the beaches and Downtown Sarasota. You can expect to be about 30 minutes from Downtown Sarasota, and 30-60 minutes from the closest beach.

Osprey

Lifestyle: Similar to South Sarasota. Most people aren’t even aware they have left Sarasota when they cross over the invisible line to Osprey. This is a very small subsection in-between Sarasota and Nokomis. Osprey offers quick access to both Siesta Key and Casey key, depending on your island mood. Here you will find a few locally owned restaurants, and chain retailers. The physical area of Osprey is so small that you will really either be traveling to Sarasota or Venice for most of your activities. Osprey offers slightly budget conscious buyers a chance to be within close vicinity to the beaches, you get more for your money in Osprey in comparison to South Sarasota. There is of course the exception of one of the more exclusive Country Club communities, “The Oaks”. When searching for homes in this area, keep in mind that The Oaks has moderately priced homes but mandatory memberships can come as a shock to some. Initial membership fees being from $45,000 to $60,000, and the community also has high HOA costs compared to the area average. The Oaks is still a wonderful opportunity for those who are looking to join a higher end Golf and Country Club, while still being within 10 minutes to Siesta Key and Casey Key. This is one of the very few communities of its kind in all of Western Sarasota County.

Housing Types: New Construction Single Family Homes. Resale Condos, Townhouses, and Single Family homes.

Current Home Prices: $120,000 - $4,500,000

What is it missing? A designated Town Center for shopping and dining

Nokomis

Lifestyle: I would describe Nokomis as the epitome of a laid back, old Florida beach town. Comprised of non deed restricted communities and Golf & Country Clubs. There is no where you can go in Nokomis and be more than 15 minutes to the beach! Nokomis is a small sub-section located South of Osprey and North of Venice. Nokomis residents tend to be focused on casual and easy living. You will enjoy charming locally owned restaurants such as Cafe Evergreen, and Captain Eddies Seafood. You will also find some of the more affordable waterfront homes, boating communities ( private boat ramps and storage ), and mainland homes within walking distance to the beach in the County. Home to Pops Sunset Grill, Pelican Alley, and Casey Key Fish House ( as seen on MTV’s “Siesta Key” ) which all offer boat parking on the Intercostal waterway. 

Current Home Prices: $150,000 - $4,000,000

Housing Types: New Construction Single Family Homes and Villas. Resale Single Family Homes, Villas, Condos, and Townhomes. Homes with Acreage.

What is it Missing? Fine dining. If you are a true foodie, you should note that you will be usually be traveling about 30-40 minutes to enjoy higher end restaurants in Sarasota County.

Venice

Lifestyle: What was once a small sleepy beach town is now one of the best places to retire in America. Mainland Venice has also gained traction with families being out priced in Sarasota, but still want a great place close by to raise their kids and send them to our A rated public schools.  You will find a collection of non deed restricted areas such as Venice East, South Venice, North Venice, and Venice Gardens. Gated communities with amenities like Grand Palm, and Stoneybrook. Or if Golf & Country Club Living is more your speed, Venice has some of the most affordable communities and golf memberships around. Residents enjoy quick access to Downtown Venice ( located on Venice Island ) which offers all locally owned boutiques and restaurants, public tennis courts, and farmers markets. The longest travel time to the beach will run about 20 minutes or less from most of the town. While you’re spending your day on the Island, you may also choose to visit our locally famous “ Sharky’s on the Pier”. Sharky’s is literally a restaurant on the beach, step outside of the tiki bar ( beach wear appropriate ) to find yourself toes deep in soft, white west coast sand! Bring your fishing polls to try your luck on the pier, or head upstairs to “Fins” which is a completely separate and casually upscale dining experience with gulf views! 

Current Home Prices: $120,000 - $3,500,000

Housing Types: New Construction Single Family Homes and Villas. Resale Single Family Homes, Villas, Condos, and Townhomes. Homes with Acreage.

What is it Missing? This location will typically give you around a 45 minute drive to the fine dining and upscale boutiques of Downtown Sarasota, and 30 minutes to University Town Center. 

North Port

Lifestyle: North Port offers the largest selection for those wanting to build new in a non deed restricted area of Sarasota County. Currently one of the least developed areas of Sarasota County, buyers can still purchase large empty lots and build their dream home to their exact specifications with almost no restrictions on the type, size, or builder. North Port is located just about half way between Sarasota and Fort Myers, and is without question absolutely the most affordable place to purchase waterfront property in all of Sarasota County. Residents in North Port now can take a short drive to Wellen Park Town Center for shopping and dining, which is brand new to the area. In central North Port you will find a large selection of chain retailers and restaurants. Out east in North Port Estates you will find large country style homes, and many owners have horses here! If you love camping and riding ATV’s, North Port has a variety of places to enjoy the great outdoors with riding trails and/or mudding holes! 

Current Home Prices: $85,000 - $1,050,000

Housing Types: New Construction Single Family Homes and Villas. Resale Single Family Homes, Villas, Condos, and Townhomes. Homes with Acreage.

What is it missing? North Port does not offer options for those seeking Golf & Country Clubs. This area is about 30 minutes to the closest beach. Fine dining and upscale shopping will require a trip to Sarasota or Fort Myers, about 45 minutes to an hour of travel time.

Englewood

Two of the the three zip codes that make up Englewood Florida are in Charlotte County. For the purpose of this blog, I’ll be focusing on 34223, which is in Sarasota County.

Lifestyle: Much like Nokomis, this part of Englewood is a pretty laid back place to call home. More than 50% of Manasota Key, Historic Downtown Englewood, a nice variety of well established low-key communities and Boca Royale Golf and County Club all reside on the Sarasota side of the county line. Residents enjoy beautiful gulf beaches, fishing, kayaking, boating of all kinds, and public golf courses in a relaxed subtropical environment. The weekly Farmer’s Market, active Moose Lodge, mom and pop restaurants and many downtown events, lend to that small town vibe. There are moderately priced homes from 3 to 15 minutes to Manasota Beach. 

From Historic Downtown Englewood, the South Venice shopping district is only 10 minutes to the north, Venice Island is only another 10 minutes up the road, and the brand new Wellen Park Town Center is less than 15 minutes to the east.

Current Home Prices: $50,000 - $4,700,000

Housing Types: New Construction Single Family Homes and Villas. Resale Single Family Homes, Villas, Condos, and Townhomes. Homes with Acreage.

What is it Missing? Fine dining, Shopping Malls

Wellen Park

Lifestyle: This is the land of casual, resort style amenities in the heart of South Sarasota County. Often touted as the 4th fastest growing community in America,  there are multiple builders aggressively building new single family homes, condos and villas to meet the growing need. Phase one of the new town center is well under way and the artist’s rendering is exciting to look at. Every Wellen Park home is part of their sub community's HOA. The vast majority include lawn care, fitness centers, resort style community pools, tennis and pickle ball courts. Some are larger and more extravagant than others. Two include in-community golf courses. Many are also gated. Multiple gulf beaches are 10 to 15 minutes from Wellen Park. From young families to retires, new and old Floridians are loving this exciting addition to Sarasota County.

Current Home Prices: $300,000 - $1,300,000

Housing Types: New Construction Single Family Homes and Villas. Resale Single Family Homes, Villas, Condos, and Townhomes.

What is it missing? Non-deed restricted properties. Boat-able waterfront homes. Fine dining and upscale shopping may still require a trip to Sarasota or Fort Myers, about 45 minutes to an hour of travel time. However, a variety of restaurants are slated for the new town center. 

Written by Nicole Elle Smith

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