Discover Waterside: A Premier Community in Sarasota and Lakewood Ranch

Why is everyone moving to Waterside?

Welcome to Waterside, one of the most sought-after communities in Sarasota and Lakewood Ranch. But what makes it so popular? Today, we’ll take a deep dive into what makes Waterside a top choice for homebuyers and why so many people love calling it home.

Prime Location & Unmatched Convenience

One of the biggest reasons people are drawn to Waterside is its location. It sits in Sarasota County with a Sarasota address, yet it’s part of Lakewood Ranch—offering the best of both worlds. It’s just minutes from downtown Sarasota and a short drive to University Town Center, providing easy access to shopping, dining, and entertainment.

When people inquire about moving to the Florida Gulf Coast, they often look for walkability, a friendly atmosphere, a sense of community, and convenience. Waterside delivers all of that and more.

A Vibrant Hub: Waterside Place

At the heart of Waterside is Waterside Place, a charming downtown district featuring a variety of restaurants, boutiques, and entertainment options. Some of the must-visit spots include:

• Good Liquid Brewing Company

• Astero 500

• Deep Lagoon

• Monkeys Boutique

• Florida Provision

Waterside Place continues to grow, with more shops and restaurants opening regularly. But that’s not all—there’s another hub of activity just a few miles away.

Center Point at Waterside: More Shopping & Dining

Located off University Parkway and Lakewood Ranch Boulevard, Center Point at Waterside is another hotspot for dining, shopping, and essential services. Some highlights include:

• Bar Italia and Owens Fish Camp (for incredible dining experiences)

• Badass Coffee (for a caffeine fix)

• Arhaus Furniture Store

• Pilates and yoga studios

• Doctors, veterinarians, and more essential services

Endless Activities & Community Events

Living in Waterside means there’s always something happening. On Wednesday nights, residents gather at Waterside Place for Ranch Nights, featuring:

• A variety of food trucks

• Cornhole tournaments

• Live music and entertainment

For those looking to get active, you can join MVP Sports to participate in sand volleyball or cornhole tournaments, making it easy to meet new people and immerse yourself in the community.

The Neighborhoods of Waterside

Waterside consists of nine unique neighborhoods, three of which are completely sold out. Each community offers a different experience, catering to various lifestyles and budgets.

Sold-Out Communities:

1. Shoreview – Developed by Pulte Homes, Shoreview boasts stunning water views and luxurious homes priced between $1M–$1.8M. Amenities include a clubhouse, resort-style pool, pickleball, bocce ball, and a kayak launch.

2. Lakehouse Cove – Built by Homes by Towne, this neighborhood offers homes from $800K to $4M with a range of floor plans and luxury builders. Residents enjoy a clubhouse, pool, fire pit, and kayak launch.

3. Avanti – Another Pulte neighborhood, Avanti is an ideal choice for first-time buyers and seasonal residents, with homes priced under $500K.

Available Communities:

4. Bungalow Walk – A smaller community by Dream Finders, offering two-story homes with primary bedrooms on the main floor. Prices range from $500K–$700K.

5. Wild Blue – A luxury community with homes starting at $2M, built by top-tier custom home builders. Features two massive amenity centers with dining, a golf simulator, a movie theater, sports courts, and more.

6. Shellstone – The next phase of Lakehouse Cove, with homes between $900K–$2M. This brand-new neighborhood will include an amenity center and a school.

7. Kingfisher Estates – A boutique luxury enclave with only 13 homes, each between 4,000–6,000 sq. ft., built by John Cannon Homes.

8. Emerald Landing – Developed by David Weekley, featuring a mix of townhomes, condos, and single-family homes. Prices start around $500K.

9. Alcove – A Neal Signature Homes community with 47 luxury homes priced between $1.2M–$1.8M. This community does not have amenities, perfect for those who want a lower HOA fee.

10. Nautique – A mix of townhomes and single-family homes by MI Homes, offering convenient access to Waterside Place. Prices range from under $500K for townhomes to $600K for single-family homes.

Why Choose Waterside?

From luxury estates to townhomes, from bustling downtown hubs to peaceful nature trails, Waterside offers a lifestyle tailored to a variety of needs. Whether you’re looking for walkability, a strong sense of community, or an active social calendar, this neighborhood delivers it all.

If you have any questions about Waterside or other Sarasota and Manatee County neighborhoods, my team and I would love to help you buy, sell, or invest in Real Estate. Give me a call today!