BEST Neighborhoods. The IDEAL Neighborhoods to choose.

When people think about moving to Sarasota or Lakewood Ranch, one of the first questions they ask is: “Where should I live?” Everyone wants to know the best neighborhoods — the ones that combine location, lifestyle, and that perfect Florida vibe.

We’ve put together a curated list of some of our favorite areas, from waterfront luxury to vibrant downtown living to master-planned communities with world-class amenities. Let’s dive in.

Sarasota’s Luxury & Waterfront Gems

West of Trail

If luxury and location are high on your list, you’ll want to explore West of Trail — the area west of Tamiami Trail, close to downtown Sarasota and Siesta Key Beach. It’s home to Southside Village, Morton’s Gourmet Deli, and plenty of walkable restaurants and cafes.

Within West of Trail, three neighborhoods stand out:

• Cherokee Park

• Hudson Bayou

• Harbor Acres

These areas feature some of Sarasota’s most stunning bayfront estates, often with private docks and quick access to open water. Homes here typically start around $2 million and can soar past $15 million for prime waterfront properties.

It’s also a hotspot for new luxury builds, with top names like Heritage Builders and Trend Building & Development creating gorgeous custom homes.

Downtown Sarasota

For those who thrive on energy and convenience, downtown Sarasota delivers. Here, you’ll find everything within walking distance — Whole Foods, the Saturday Farmers Market, live music venues, wine bars, and an incredible dining scene with favorites like Duval’s, Element, and Boca.

Housing is mostly high-rise condos, ranging from charming 1970s buildings to brand-new multi-million-dollar developments. Prices start around $1 million and can climb to $10 million for penthouses with panoramic bay views.

Downtown Sarasota also hosts signature events like the New Year’s Eve Pineapple Drop and lively Halloween street parties. Plus, you’re just steps from Sarasota Bayfront for unbeatable sunsets.

Gillespie Park

If you want a single-family home near downtown, Gillespie Park is a hidden gem. It’s an eclectic neighborhood where renovated 1950s bungalows sit alongside brand-new homes. The park itself features tennis courts, playgrounds, and walking trails.

Other walkable options nearby include Ringling Park and Laurel Park, all just minutes from the downtown core.

Lakewood Ranch’s Top Neighborhoods

Lakewood Ranch Golf & Country Club

Considered the crown jewel of Lakewood Ranch, this gated community blends elegance with flexibility. You can enjoy the country club atmosphere without being required to join, or, if you’re a golf enthusiast, you have access to four 18-hole courses.

Homes range from cozy two-bedroom villas to sprawling luxury estates over 6,000 square feet. Developed between 1997 and 2017, it’s a mature, tree-lined neighborhood that remains one of the area’s most desirable.

Wild Blue

Luxury living with resort-style amenities is the hallmark of Wild Blue. Built by top-tier builders like Stock Development, Lee Wetherington, John Cannon, and AR Homes, Wild Blue offers a wide variety of custom home designs.

Planned amenities read like a vacation brochure: a tiki bar on the lake, golf simulator, activity director, shared pickleball and tennis facilities, and golf cart–friendly streets.

Lakehouse Cove

Situated next to Shoreview, Lakehouse Cove offers a diverse range of homes — from well-appointed $800K residences to $4M custom builds. Its clubhouse is the heart of the community, with a pool, kayak launch, fire pit, and a packed calendar of events.

Azario at Esplanade

For golf and lifestyle lovers, Azario checks all the boxes. Built by Taylor Morrison, it has an 18-hole course, a resort pool with cabanas, a spa, fitness and yoga studios, and multiple dining venues — including the casual Olive & Vine and upscale Barrel House.

One unique perk? Until the community sells out, non-residents can dine here to get a feel for the neighborhood.

Emerald Landing

If you want brand-new construction with walkability, Emerald Landing in Waterside is worth a look. Built by David Weekley Homes, it offers condos, townhomes, and single-family residences all within a mile of Waterside Place’s shops, restaurants, and entertainment.

There’s also a community pool, pickleball courts, and even a boat launch for quick trips to downtown Waterside. Homes range from the mid-$600Ks to just over $1 million.

From bayfront estates in West of Trail to golf course retreats in Lakewood Ranch, Sarasota-Manatee offers something for every lifestyle. Whether you want to be steps from the action downtown, live in a gated luxury enclave, or find a new-build community with top-notch amenities, the right neighborhood is here waiting for you.

If you’re ready to explore these communities in person, give us a call, I’d love to help you find your perfect Florida home.