Explore the Hottest Neighborhoods in Sarasota. These 5 locations are always on everyone’s must-see list.
Why are these neighborhoods the HOTTEST? These communities are most requested and selling really fast! In fact, the prices in these neighborhoods are climbing quickly! You may want to jump into one of these neighborhoods now before prices get even higher.
Skye Ranch
This first neighborhood is the only neighborhood on this list that is new construction. It is Skye Ranch by Taylor Morrison. Located East of Interstate 75 off of Clark Rd/State Rd. 72.
Skye Ranch began construction in 2020. The demands started immediately as home buyers saw the vision of what this place will look like upon completion. With miles of walking trails that connect you to parks, wildlife, and state-of-the-art amenities. Just a few of the outstanding features include a vacation-style lagoon and Jr Olympic swimming pool, and splash pad. In addition is has a state-of-the-art fitness center, rock climbing wall, indoor basketball courts, a cafe, events center and so much more.
Skye Ranch is definitely a special place to call home. The Builder took special care to preserve the natural beauty of the land. When you visit the community you will see rows of lush palm trees and grand old oaks as well as lakes and forested wetlands.
Withing Skye Ranch, the gated community Cassia features 17 different floor plans to choose from. The smallest plan, Saint Vincent comes in just under 1800 sq. ft. The base price for this model starts at 400k. A few other popular plans include the Amelia, The Beacon, and 2 story models such as Sand Key and Martinique. The 2 story homes range in size from 2500 to almost 4000 square feet.
Also at Skye Ranch, you will find the Esplanade community. This very popular Taylor Morrison community for those wanting 1 level homes and active lifestyles. Paired villas are also sold here with a base price in the mid 300’s. In addition, there are 6 other ranch-style plans from 1800 square feet to almost 3000 square feet. Rounding out Skye Ranch are a handful of premier lots that John Cannon and Arthur Ruttenberg are building luxury homes on so you can see there is something for everyone.
Like all new construction, there is a waiting list to be put however so if you are thinking this is the perfect location for you be sure to reach out, and let’s discuss how to get your dream home built.
The Meadows
Moving on we are going to one of the most tried and true locations in all of Sarasota. Located in the heart of Sarasota is The Meadows.
The Meadows is located just minutes from Downtown Sarasota, University Town Centre, and Interstate 75. This 1650 acre development has an abundance of canopied oaks, over 85 lakes and waterways, 14 miles of walking trails, 2 golf courses, and a number of tennis courts. Not to mention community and wellness facilities, clubhouses, dining facilities, and a small shopping center. You can see why so many call The Meadows home.
Established in the 1980’s you can find all types of living. From condos to villas and single-family homes. Build for the lifestyle of its residents you may rarely leave your neighborhood. You Connect with your neighbors, learn new sports, volunteer, attend a social activity. The Meadows has it.
Currently, in The Meadows, you may still be able to find a 2 bedroom, 2 bath condo for under 200,000. However, most villas will be at that 350,000-400,000 price point. You can find small villas will less than 1200 square feet or spacious 1800 sq. ft. There are a number of little communities each with its own pools so you can relax, sit by the pool and read or host a little get-together with friends and know that you are not bothering anyone.
Single-family homes can be found under 400,000 in The Meadows but I will caution that these homes most likely will need a bit of a refresh. As mentioned this neighborhood has been around since the 1980s and we can find homes in their original state to those that have been completely remodeled. Some include pools and some do not. The average size for single-family homes is between 2000-2500 square feet.
Palmer Ranch
Palmer Ranch is the next hottest neighborhood in Sarasota. It is booming and always requested. Unlike Lakewood Ranch, it is not its own city. Palmer Ranch is part of Sarasota. It is located just south of Clark Rd. Highway 72, West of Interstate 75 and is boarded to the west by Tamiami Trl or highway 41. Palmer Ranch has now extended almost to Osprey and Nokomis along Honore. It is approximately 60 Square miles in Size so it encompasses a lot of Sarasota.
If you are new to the area keep in mind that Palmer Ranch is very large. Hence, there are a variety of sizes and price points within this neighborhood. With over 35 distinct communities and growing this location is very popular for year-round residents and snowbirds. Depending on which community you live in it is just a short 10-15 minute drive to Siesta Key or Nokomis Beaches. Convenient to interstate 75, dining, shopping, and other businesses. The convenience to beaches and interstate is just part of the draw. Most, but not all communities are gated neighborhoods, Construction of the area began in the 1990s and you will find lots and lots of ranch-style homes. Originally build with snowbirds in mind it has now become very popular with residents of all ages, singles, and families.
You can find neighborhoods such as Wellington Chase that have been around for some time to the luxurious neighborhood of Prestancia which includes 2 18 hole private golf courses. Many of the new communities such as Sunrise Preserve or Talon Preserve include resort-style pools, tennis courts, pickleball courts, social directors and so much more. These new communities make it so easy to get to know your neighbors and to feel like you are truly part of a community. When looking for homes throughout Palmer Ranch expect home prices to begin just under 450,000 for single-family and go up from there. The average price home is well over 500,000 at this time and homes are on the market sometimes just hours before getting snatched up.
West of Trail
Heading West toward the Beaches of Sarasota we have to talk about one of the most desired, hottest, and prettiest locations in all of Sarasota. Which are the communities and neighborhoods within the area considered West of Trail. Referred to simply because it is indeed west of Tamiami Trail bordering Mound St. downtown and extending south to Bee Ridge Rd.
There are a plethora of reasons why so many homeowners seek to call this area home. It is located in a superb location, downtown is within minutes, Siesta Key is a very short 10-minute drive. Sarasota Memorial Hospital is located in Southside Village and also Southside Elementary School. This location makes it very easy for parents to walk their students to school.
It can get a little congested at 3:00 so you need to plan accordingly when driving through the neighborhoods. There are a number of different neighborhoods all located in this coveted location. We have Cherokee Park, Harbour Acres, McClellan Park, Avondale, and a number of others. You will also hear mention about the famous Flower Streets, such as Rose and Magnolia.
First developed in the 1920s and 30’s you will still find a handful of homes with the original structures. More common are homes built in the late ’40s and 50’s. These historic homes range in shapes, sizes, characteristics and are all charming. In the past decade, we have seen a number of these older homes be torn down and a number of modern homes being built. This neighborhood has such a great variety. As you will see we have very large homes along the bayfront, and a few smaller ranch-style homes right next door. Some neighborhoods are waterside and you are able to have a dock and boat lift. The views across the bay to Siesta Key and Lido Key are breathtaking, especially during sunset.
So can you guess what the MOST requested and HOTTEST neighborhood in all of Sarasota is?
Gulf Gate
This may surprise many but the neighborhood of Gulf Gate is asked about and sought out all the time. Due to its convenient location to Siesta Key Beach and the very popular Gulf Gate Village this ideal location is for everyone. Whether you are a snowbird looking for a second home, or a family that wants to be close to Gulf Gate Elementary school, or an empty nester that just wants a walkable and manageable size home to own Gulf Gate is the neighborhood.
It is so hot that when new listings hit the market in Gulf Gate it is not odd to get as many as 20-30 showing requests in the first day.
Home prices have also soared in Gulf Gate in the past year. Prior to the pandemic, you may have been able to find a home with a pool of around 350,000 in Gulf Gate, today it is almost impossible to find a pool home in this area less than 500,000. This is a 1980’s development with many homes only being 1400 to 2000 square feet so these are not new homes, these homes are not large, these are not high-end, ultra-modern, or spectacular. In truth when I first moved to the area and I saw and heard about Gulf Gate I was a little surprised but with time I do understand the draw and how it just fits anyone and everyone’s needs.
So there you have it – the Hottest Neighborhoods in Sarasota. Did I miss a neighborhood that you think should have been on the list? If so be sure to mention it in the comments. And if you would like additional information about any Sarasota neighborhoods, I’d love to chat with you.
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