Located along Florida’s Gulf Coast, Sarasota, Florida is a busy and lively city, which is why it’s considered the cultural capital of Florida. Since it’s situated on the Gulf Coast, expect that you’ll enjoy beaches that span for miles! In addition to the beaches, Sarasota is also home to plenty of tourist attractions. This includes the Sarasota Jungle Gardens and the Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium. If you love art, then visit the thriving art galleries in Downtown Sarasota.
As an up-and-coming city, Sarasota’s population count is increasing annually. If you want to be a part of this thriving community, take note of the best places to live in Sarasota, FL.
Bird Key
Perhaps the best words to describe the community of Bird Key are exclusive, affluent, and secluded. Bird Key, a gated community, has 510 single-family residences. Out of these residences, 300 are waterfront homes. Since the majority of homes are bay front and canal-front, it’s one the best places to live in Sarasota for boaters. This is especially true since the community features the Bird Key Yacht Club.
When it comes to shopping and dining, Bird Key is located between downtown Sarasota and St. Armands –– both areas have a variety of places to shop and dine. If you want to fish or exercise, Bird Key is positioned directly across from Bird Key Park and the John Ringling bridge, a popular place to take a quick jog.
Downtown Sarasota
Downtown Sarasota is truly among the best places to live in Sarasota due to its art galleries, ballet shows, museums, and various entertainment options, such as the following:
- Sarasota Opera House
- Players Center for Performing Arts
- Florida Studio Theater
- Asolo Repertory Theater
- Van Wezel Performing Arts Halls
In addition to its entertainment options, downtown Sarasota also has a wide variety of restaurants and housing options. For these reasons, the community has been on the “Top 10” lists more than once. As one example, Downtown Sarasota was ranked first place for overall well-being. It also ranked 9tht on the list of the top one hundred-fifty best places to live in 2021-2022.
Lakewood Ranch
A well-planned yet unique community, Lakewood Ranch is composed of villages surrounded by 31,000 acres of breathtaking lakes, parks, and preserves. In order to provide residents with an amazing place to live, Lakewood Ranch builders are meticulously selected. As a result, Lakewood Ranch meets the needs of each resident, both existing and potential ones. It’s also currently recognized as a best-selling community for multigenerational living, hence one of the best places to live in Sarasota.
Lakewood Ranch has the following amenities:
- Parks
- Walking trails
- A-rated schools
- Polo grounds
- Golf courses
- Lakewood Main Street
- Premier sports campus
Lakewood Ranch is perfect for those moving into the area with kids. Indeed, kids will get the proper education due to the presence of A-rated schools in the neighborhood.
Longboat Key
Nestled between Sarasota Bay and the Gulf of Mexico, Longboat Key was voted the fifth best island to visit by Travel and Leisure. Along the coast, multi-million dollar residences and condos stretch for 12 miles., allowing homeowners to witness the green- blue waters reminiscent of the Caribbean.
If you enjoy the charm of a small town, Longboat Key is the place for you. There are no t-shirt shops, huge malls, traffic, or fast food restaurants in this area, making it an ideal location for a tropical luxury getaway.
Siesta Key
Siesta Key is perfectly situated off the coast of Sarasota. Siesta Key is home to a magnificent beach that’s popular among both visitors and residents alike. With approximately eight miles of the most amazing soft white sand and sparkling blue waterspeople who dream of living in Florida will consider Siesta Key a paradise.
In addition to its award-winning beach, you’ll also find houses in a variety of sizes and styles –– from beach cottages to multi-million dollar mansions. Siesta Key’s community also boasts the following amenities:
- Siesta Key Crystal Classic (Sand sculpting festival)
- Dining and shopping villages
- Water sports
- rum Circle (Sunday evenings one hour before sunset)
If you’re searching for a home in Sarasota with a stunning view of the beautiful Florida shoreline, Siesta Key is the place to be.
Lido Key
Located to the west of downtown Sarasota, this seaside haven is home to condos, hotels, and luxury houses. You can also find various shops and restaurants in St. Armands Circle, which is just a few steps away from the community.With its beachside location and stunning scenery, it’s no wonder Lido Key is one of the most sought after places to live in Sarasota. One could say that the vacation never ends in Lido Key.
Laurel Park
Laurel Park, which is located in Sarasota’s historic downtown area, was designated a National Register of Historic Places District in 2008.
Since it’s an official historic district, you can expect that the architecture in this area is equally historic. For instance, you’ll see multi-unit apartment buildings and bungalows in Mediterranean revival, Colonial revival, and Mission styles, giving the entire neighborhood a timeless feel. Brick-lined streets complete the classic look.
With close proximity to the hot spots in Sarasota, Laurel Park is considered one of the most walkable neighborhoods, therfore one of the best places to live in Sarasota.
Pine Shores
What was once a hidden and neglected neighborhood of the Sarasota area, Pine Shores has now piqued public interest in recent years. Even though it’s not directly on the famous Sarasota beaches, Pine Shores residents can still walk to Siesta Key, allowing them to enjoy the benefits of beach living. here are plenty of restaurants, entertainment venues, and shops that are within a short driving distance.
The majority of the dwellings in this neighborhood were constructed between 1950 and 1960. In Pine Shores, there are some more modern houses and condos, but they are overshadowed by the older and traditional structures. These old properties give the “old Sarasota” atmosphere that residents enjoy. Consider being a part of the Pine Shores neighborhood if you love living in a classic Florida home.
Gillespie Park
If you love green spaces and walkability, then you’ll enjoy living in Gillespie Park, which is located just outside downtown Sarasota. The prices of property in this area are still relatively low, but it’s been steadily rising for the past few years. This is because the historic homes, which date from the 1920’s and 1930’s, are being renovated and updated. Thus, one can safely say that having a property in Gillespie Park will not only be one of the best places to live in Sarasota, but also a great investment opportunity.
Gillespie Park offers the following amenities:
- Tennis courts
- Large pond
- Playground
- Barbecue
- Basketball
- Cycling
- Dog Park
- Drinking Fountain
- Pickleball
- Picnic Tables
- Playground
- Tennis Court
- Walking Path
If you want to live in a community where there’s a sense of camaraderie, Gillespie Park is the perfect place for you. The neighbors here are friendly and they often hold events that bring the community together.
Ringling Park
Ringling Park’s main attraction is its location bordering the downtown Sarasota area on the east. Because of this, Ringing Park has the best walkability in the Sarasota community. All the restaurants, shops, waterfront, and recreational facilities are conveniently accessible to residents of Ringling Park.
If you want to live in a central location but still enjoy the peace and quiet of a residential area, then Ringling Park is the perfect place for you. This neighborhood is filled with families, young professionals, and retirees who all love the Sarasota lifestyle.
Indian Beach/Sapphire Shores
Located “west of the trail” just north of downtown Sarasota is Indian Beach/Sapphire Shores.. In addition to having access to views of Sarasota Bay, Indian Beach/Sapphire Shores is also composed of historic mansions and modern single-family homes.
In addition to offering luxurious houses and great views, Indian/Beach Sapphire Shores is also home to New College of Florida and the Ringling College of Art and Design. As a result, the entire neighborhood does not just seem beautiful; it has a pleasant college town feel to it as well.
Furthermore, Indian Beach Sapphire Shores is one of the most culturally diverse neighborhoods in all of Sarasota. This is because the area is composed of a mix of old and new world cultures. You can find an abundance of different types of cuisine, art, and music near Indian Beach/Sapphire Shores.
Overall, living in Indian Beach Sapphire Shores is an experience unlike any other. If you want to live in a luxurious and culturally diverse neighborhood, then this is the place for you.
Call a Realtor Today
If any of the areas mentioned above have inspired you to move to Sarasota, it’s important to avoid picking the first house you can find in the area. Instead, it’s best to team up with a great local realtor. An experienced Sarasota realtor assures you that you’ll get the best opportunity.
A professional local realtor will also help you navigate all of the aspects involved in the home buying process, which can be long, complex, and tedious without professional guidance.
Brista Realty has the experience in the Florida real estate industry to find you one of the best places to live in Sarasota. With agents who are knowledgeable in the market, you can rest assured that you’ll have a professional working by your side.
So, if you’re trying to choose between the best places to live in Sarasota or are just curious about the different types of neighborhoods the city has to offer, then don’t hesitate to contact Brista Realty today. We are more than happy to answer any questions you may have and help you find your dream home.