Choosing the Best Neighborhood in Sarasota, Florida
Choosing the right neighborhood is a big decision for anyone. The location of your home can affect nearly every aspect of your life, from how long it takes to get to work to the type of social scene you'll be a part of. Whether you're searching for a quiet neighborhood or one with plenty of nightlife options, there are many different neighborhoods in Sarasota that fit the bill.
Most people focus on location, but many other considerations should be made before living in Sarasota and before choosing where to live. Your neighborhood choice will play an important role throughout your time here, so make sure it's one you feel good about!
Picking the Right Community for You
Sarasota's districts have a lot to offer in terms of culture and recreation. With the Sarasota Opera, the Sarasota Ballet, and the Sarasota Orchestra on hand to provide cultural enrichment, along with a wide variety of museums and performing arts venues, it's easy to find something interesting to do. There is also a wide range of recreational activities available – including beaches and golf course communities – so visiting residents can enjoy themselves all year round!
You can choose from many different neighborhoods, each with its unique personality. Some are family-friendly, while others are more geared toward visitors. There are art communities that celebrate the Sarasota area's colorful artistic history. There are old Florida neighborhoods that showcase the area's natural charm. There are waterfront communities with all the benefits of living so close to the water. The location you choose will play a role in determining what kind of activities are at your fingertips.
There are many different homes in the Sarasota area, including apartments, condominiums, and single-family homes. You can find everything from beachfront condos to sprawling acreage properties, so if you're looking for a specific style of residence, you should be able to find it here! Different amenities are available depending on where you live– both for homes and for the buildings themselves.
What are the neighborhood demographics - is it predominately rich or poor, old or young, etc.? Deciding to live in a neighborhood with the right demographics is an essential part of finding your new place. You want to make sure that you'll be able to enjoy the same things about your neighborhood as everyone else who lives there (if not more.)
What are some local attractions? Living in one neighborhood vs. another can significantly affect how long it will take you to get to local attractions. If there are many exciting things nearby, it will be easier to find something fun to do whatever the season is!
Is there a lot of crime in the area? What are the crime rates like? It's important to consider whether or not your potential neighborhood is safe, especially if you have children.
Are you close to public transportation, schools (private schools, public schools, elementary schools, etc.), grocery stores, and other necessities? The placement of your home is a factor to consider, and the closer these things are, the easier your life will be. Especially if you plan to have a family, you want to make sure that schools are nearby.
How close are you to your workplace? Be sure to factor in the amount of time it would take for you to get to work from your potential new home. Living close to your job can be a vital part of living comfortably in a new place!
If you're looking for an apartment community, what amenities does it offer, such as fitness centers, pools, pet-friendly policies, etc.? Some apartment communities have more to offer than others, so it's important to find a place that fits your lifestyle. The luxury of an apartment community is that many come with something for everyone, whether you're young or old.
How much will it cost to live in the area? Decide if you're looking for a home or an apartment, and narrow down the list of available choices to include only what you can afford. You'll want to know how much it will cost before deciding which neighborhood is right for you!
Are there a lot of young children in the area? The Sarasota-Bradenton Metro has a higher proportion of families with young children than many other areas, so it should be easier to find if you're looking for a place where children are running around. However, some neighborhoods have higher numbers of retirees or young singles and couples as well! Perhaps you should spend some time finding the right community if you don't want to hear kids playing all day long.
How safe is it at night and day? How does the criminal activity rate of the neighborhood compare to the national average? Where are there a lot of families, and where are there more young singles and couples? Crime rates vary widely from place to place, so it's important to know what you can expect where you're moving.
What is the weather like in the area? The coastal living in Florida generally means warm weather year-round. Still, the inland parts of the Sarasota-Bradenton Metro can suffer from cold and even hot temps in winter and summer. Knowing where you're going to be living and how that affects your lifestyle is an essential part of finding a new home.
As we've outlined some of the most important questions to ask yourself, let's look at some of the most popular neighborhoods in the Sarasota-Bradenton metro area.
Top Destination Areas in Sarasota, Florida
1. Indian Beach Sapphire Shores
The beach and sense of community are both appealing factors that make Indian Beach a sought-after neighborhood. Top of the list of the state's elementary schools back in 2014 was Sapphire Shores' Central Elementary School.
Rather than a suburban neighborhood, the neighborhood is more like a college town because the New College of Florida and the Ringling College of Art Design are located nearby. It is currently selling for $315,000, an increase of 3.6% over last year.
2. Siesta Key
It should come as no surprise that Siesta Key is one of the most sought-after neighborhoods in Sarasota County because it has one of the best beaches in the entire country. The island's development is concentrated in Siesta Key Village where you can observe dolphins frolicking on the waves from open-air bars and waterfront restaurants.
Turtle Beach offers a low-key, natural vibe in the south end, which is less crowded and less developed. You can find a sea turtle nesting habitat on the half-mile-long beach (hence the name). This beach is not quite as picturesque as Siesta Beach's white sands, but it is Blue Wave certified environmentally friendly and has fewer people than Siesta.
It's important to remember that snowbirds and tourists are in massive numbers during the winter months if you plan to stay here permanently.
3. Laurel Park
Nationally registered as a historic site, Laurel Park is located in downtown Sarasota. Hold off on planning any major renovations if you plan to purchase a home until you speak with the proper authorities.
From a district that is recognized by the government as a historic district, the architecture is spectacular. There are bungalows and apartment buildings in Colonial revival, Mission revival, and Mediterranean revival styles throughout the neighborhood, giving it a timeless feel. Even the streetscapes have brick, completing the classic vibe.
The Laurel Park neighborhood, with its walkability, is close to all the amenities in downtown Sarasota. Key West brings to mind comparisons to Key West with its winding alleys and unmistakable Florida charm.
4. Gillespie Park
The neighborhood is becoming more walkable and green, yet home values are relatively low, despite a steady rise in home prices for several years. This historic neighborhood in Sarasota, just north of downtown, is filled with historic homes that date back to the 1920s and 1930s. The Gillespie Park area is a great place to live and invest right now.
One of the largest parks in the county, Gillespie Park, anchors the neighborhood. Tennis courts, playgrounds, and a large pond are available at Gillespie Park, named after John Gillespie, the first mayor of Sarasota and Florida's first golf course architect.
5. Lakewood Ranch
There are seven villages in Lakewood. Lakewood has more than 17,500 acres, more than half of which are designated as open space and recreation areas. An acclaimed golf course, as well as a world-class polo club, have resulted from this policy. If you value green space highly, you should seriously consider Lakewood Ranch with biking and walking trails.
The amenities at Lakewood Ranch might suggest a gated community, but the ambiance here is suburban and inclusive. In addition to wetlands surrounding the whole development, each village has its walkable center with restaurants and stores. Florida Green Building Coalition standards have been required for all construction since 2005 in this proud, green community.
Hopefully, you found our guide to choosing a neighborhood in Sarasota helpful. If you have any other questions or want more tips, feel free to browse through the rest of our blog for information that might interest you or contact us directly. We're always happy to help!
Abraham Berger is a distinguished writer specializing in moving articles, bringing his passion for relocation and expertise in the moving industry to help readers embark on seamless and stress-free moving journeys. With an innate ability to combine personal experiences with extensive research, Abraham's articles resonate with readers as he offers valuable insights, tips, and strategies for a successful move.