SARASOTA'S BEST KEPT SECRET NEIGHBORHOODS. AMAZING VALUES!

Sarasota is beautiful — and yes, it’s expensive. The same goes for Lakewood Ranch. With Florida’s housing market skyrocketing in recent years, most people assume affordability and Sarasota simply don’t mix.

But here’s the good news: if you look beyond the well-known hotspots and trendy master-planned communities, Sarasota still has neighborhoods that offer space, character, and tremendous value. Many of them fly under the radar, even for locals.

Today, we’re highlighting several of Sarasota’s best-kept secret neighborhoods — places that are gorgeous, peaceful, and often overlooked. If you’re searching for charm, privacy, and value, these communities deserve a spot on your list.

1. Secluded Oaks: Privacy, Character, and True Old-Florida Charm

Tucked east of I-75 off Clark Road, Secluded Oaks lives up to its name. This quiet neighborhood is made up of just 98 homes, giving it a quaint, tucked-away feel that so many buyers crave.

Unlike newer developments with identical facades, Secluded Oaks was built by four of Sarasota’s most respected homebuilders, including Arthur Rutenberg. That means custom details, varied architecture, and strong construction — qualities that stand the test of time.

Why people love it:

• Large lots and plenty of privacy

• Homes ranging from 2,200–3,000 sq. ft.

• Many properties include private pools

• Very little through-traffic thanks to its hidden location

Homes typically sell between the low $700s to around $1M, with an average near $780K. Inventory is limited here, so when a home does hit the market, it tends to move quickly.

2. The Lakes (The Lakes Estates): A Peaceful, Established Community

If you love neighborhoods with character and mature landscaping, The Lakes may steal your heart. Developed between 1988–1995, this community sits between McIntosh and Bahia Vista — right in the middle of Sarasota — yet feels worlds away from the busier areas.

With 190 homes and 49 villas, The Lakes offers beautiful tree-lined streets, sidewalks, wide setbacks, and that nostalgic Old-Florida vibe buyers can’t resist.

Community perks include:

• Two community pools

• Tennis courts

• A fitness center and clubhouse

• Very reasonable HOA fees

Villas generally fall in the $300K–$400K range, while single-family homes vary widely, averaging around $780K. Estate-size homes can reach $1M, while smaller homes often hover near $600K.

The location is unbeatable: 10 minutes to downtown, 15 minutes to Siesta or Lido, and just minutes to UTC and I-75. If you prefer established neighborhoods over large master-planned communities, The Lakes should be high on your list.

3. Mote Ranch: Nature, Tranquility, and Convenience

Located off Honore near University Parkway, Mote Ranch blends peaceful Florida living with everyday convenience. Spread across more than 1,000 acres along the Braden River, this neighborhood offers beautiful pockets and cul-de-sacs, each with its own charm.

Named after William Mote of Mote Marine Laboratory, this community feels quiet, natural, and serene — a rare combination these days.

What residents enjoy:

• Community pool and recreation center

• A scenic nature trail

• Optional access to nearby golf and country clubs

• Close to UTC, shops, and dining

• About 15 minutes to downtown or Lido Beach

It’s the kind of neighborhood people stay in for years, simply because they love the lifestyle.

4. Sylvan Lee: One of Sarasota’s Hidden Beauties

With only 46 private homes, Sylvan Lee is one of Sarasota’s most charming and tucked-away neighborhoods. Located between Palmer and Bee Ridge east of I-75, this small community is easy to miss — unless you know exactly where to look.

Canopied oak trees, quiet streets, and eclectic home styles make this neighborhood feel truly unique. Built by M/I Homes, Sylvan Lee offers both ranch and two-story options, many with private pools and secluded backyards.

Typical pricing:
Homes usually range from about $650K to $1M, with an average near $800K. It’s extremely safe, very friendly, and ideal for buyers who want something distinctive rather than cookie-cutter.

5. Bent Tree: Golf-Community Beauty Without Mandatory Fees

Bent Tree — located off Bee Ridge east of I-75 — is one of Sarasota’s most elegant master-planned golf communities. Imagine peaceful lakes, mature oak trees, wide fairways, and winding streets. Now imagine enjoying all of that without a required golf membership.

That’s Bent Tree.

The neighborhood offers:

• Single-family homes, condos, and villas

• Prices starting in the $300s for villas

• Homes in the $500s–$800s for larger properties

• Sizes ranging from 1,200–3,000+ sq. ft.

Convenience is another major draw. From Bent Tree, you’re about 20 minutes from almost everything: downtown Sarasota, UTC, Lakewood Ranch, Waterside, and the beaches. It’s no surprise that Bent Tree remains one of Sarasota’s strongest value communities.

Final Thoughts

These neighborhoods offer some of the best value in Sarasota — and inventory is limited across all of them. Homes in these areas hold their value well and often sell quickly because buyers recognize the charm, privacy, and location advantages they offer.

If you’d like to dive deeper into any of these communities or discover other hidden gems throughout Sarasota and Lakewood Ranch, I’d love to help. Sarasota is full of wonderful neighborhoods that deserve more attention, and I’m here to guide you through them.

Thanks for reading — and as always, work with someone who truly knows the area.