10 BEST RETIREMENT COMMUNITIES in Florida (2025 edition!!!)

1. Geography: Where Sarasota Fits in Southwest Florida

Sarasota benefits from a central location in Southwest Florida. Tampa is an hour to the north, Fort Myers is an hour to the south, and Naples is two hours south. This positioning gives Sarasota incredible access to the best Florida has to offer.

When you zoom into Sarasota itself, it is primarily split between Sarasota County and Manatee County. Key areas include Sarasota’s city limits, Osprey, Nokomis, Englewood, North Port, and Venice. In Manatee County, you have spots like Longboat Key and parts of Lakewood Ranch.

Most people navigate Sarasota by focusing on four main directions when relocating:

• Northeast (Lakewood Ranch and beyond)
• South (Palmer Ranch, Osprey, Nokomis, Venice, and Wellen Park)
• Central Sarasota (areas hugging I-75)
• Barrier Islands (Siesta Key, Lido Key, Longboat Key, and more)

While Sarasota offers many options, most people begin their search in these core areas, narrowing their choices based on lifestyle and housing criteria.

2. Real Estate: What’s Available and Why It Matters

Northeast of Sarasota

This area, anchored by Lakewood Ranch, is ideal for those who love suburbs. It features:

• Over 40 communities with homes built post-1995, including gated and non-gated options.
• A mix of property types: townhomes, villas, single-family homes, and luxury estates.
• Top-rated schools, libraries, sports facilities, and suburban downtowns.

Lakewood Ranch offers new construction and resale options with abundant amenities, making it the most comprehensive suburban option near Sarasota.

South of Sarasota

Heading south brings you closer to the coast, with areas like Osprey, Nokomis, Venice, and the newly developed Wellen Park. Key benefits include:

• Coastal proximity: Most homes are less than 20 minutes from the beach.
• A balance of old Florida charm and new construction.
• Affordability: Homes here are often more cost-effective than those in Lakewood Ranch.

Venice Island offers a walkable downtown and easy beach access, while Wellen Park combines master-planned living with coastal convenience.

Central Sarasota

Central Sarasota is ideal for those who want proximity to everything. This area features:

• A mix of older homes, remodeled properties, and new construction.
• Communities like Artistry, Sky Ranch, and Grand Park, offering suburban-style living with Sarasota charm.
• The “west of the trail” area, providing premium proximity to downtown and the barrier islands.

While Central Sarasota’s options may feel random, they offer the closest proximity to Sarasota’s cultural and recreational hubs.

Barrier Islands

For those focused on beach living, Sarasota’s barrier islands each offer something unique:

• Siesta Key: Famous for its quartz-white sand, laid-back vibe, and accessibility.
• Lido Key: Bougier with high-end shopping at St. Armand’s Circle.
• Longboat Key: Residential, private, and high-end, perfect for year-round living.
• Venice Island: Walkable, historic, and more affordable compared to northern islands.

Each island offers its own distinct lifestyle and amenities, catering to a variety of preferences.

3. Amenities and Lifestyle: What’s Happening in Sarasota

Sarasota is known for its beaches, arts, and culture. Siesta Key has been ranked as the #1 beach in the United States, offering sand that stays cool to the touch. The city is also considered Florida’s Cultural Coast, with a high density of theaters, art galleries, and museums.

The restaurant scene is diverse, attracting chefs and restaurateurs who love the Sarasota lifestyle. Many areas prioritize walkability, with urban districts designed for enjoyment rather than just commuting.

New Commercial Developments

Recent expansions have improved suburban convenience:

• Fruitville Commons: A mixed-use area with dining, breweries, and more.
• Waterside Place: A vibrant suburban downtown with restaurants, a farmers market, and recreational options like paddleboarding.
• University Town Center: A high-end shopping and dining destination near I-75.
• Downtown Wellen Park: A brand-new urban hub south of Venice.

These developments reduce the need to commute into downtown Sarasota, making suburban living more self-contained.

New Residential Developments

Exciting new master-planned neighborhoods include:

• Hi Hat Ranch and 3H Ranch: Proposing over 14 neighborhoods with diverse builders and amenities, offering a Sarasota alternative to Lakewood Ranch.
• SeaFlower: Located in western Bradenton, offering new construction just minutes from the beach.
• South of Palmer Ranch: Expanding areas like Nokomis and northern Venice with new master-planned communities and infrastructure.

Final Thoughts



That’s a wrap for the 2025 Sarasota A to Z Guide! Whether you’re moving now or 10 years from now, this guide is designed to give you a no-regrets experience. If you’d like personalized help navigating Sarasota’s real estate market, don’t hesitate to reach out. Our team specializes in relocation and new construction and is here to assist you every step of the way.

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