Top 5 Best Places To Live NEAR SARASOTA Florida (top-rated, hidden gems, affordability, more!!!)
Table of Contents:
- Introduction
- Parrish, Florida
- Wellen Park
- Northern Lakewood Ranch
- Nokomis, Florida
- West Bradenton
Introduction
Living near Sarasota, Florida, the benefits are vast. You have world-class beaches, your downtown district is 3 and a half miles to those beaches. There’s a bay in between, both on and off paper this is paradise on earth. But paradise oftentimes comes at a cost, both literally and figuratively. Not just the price premium, but you have a mature real estate market and older housing that has been developed a long time ago.
1. Parrish, Florida
Parrish, a trending suburb, offers an appealing option for value seekers wanting proximity to Sarasota without the high price tag. This area benefits from Lakewood Ranch's development, which set a high standard for master-planned communities. In Parrish, buyers can find newer, larger homes at a more affordable price compared to Sarasota or Lakewood Ranch. This affordability means many are willing to trade a bit of distance from the beaches for spacious homes, pools, and community amenities. Parrish averages a home cost of around $485,000, offering significant savings compared to Lakewood Ranch’s near $800,000 average.
2. Wellen Park
Just south of Venice, Wellen Park is known for its mix of coastal proximity and new construction, featuring multiple master-planned communities and easy access to beaches. Venice Beach, Caspersen Beach, and Brohard Beach, all within 8-12 miles, provide residents with plenty of waterfront options. Wellen Park’s appeal lies in its well-thought-out development that includes golf cart-friendly neighborhoods, walkable areas, and a central downtown district. The combination of these features, along with a range of housing options from villas to custom builds, makes Wellen Park a vibrant and accessible community.
3. Northern Lakewood Ranch
The northern section of Lakewood Ranch appeals to those looking for affordability without sacrificing new construction and quality amenities. This area has been developed in stages, with the newest neighborhoods located north of the established sections, providing options for families and empty nesters alike. Communities like Esplanade and Sweetwater offer modern amenities and planned environments while still being relatively close to Sarasota. The northern Lakewood Ranch area has homes priced around $633,000 on average, making it more affordable than other parts of the region.
4. Nokomis, Florida
Located just south of Sarasota, Nokomis offers a blend of historical charm and new developments that are redefining its real estate landscape. With nearby beaches like Nokomis Beach and Venice Island’s Caspersen and Brohard Beaches, residents enjoy an easy coastal lifestyle. Nokomis’s location allows for quick access to both Sarasota and Venice, making it ideal for those seeking a balanced coastal and suburban experience. New construction projects in this area continue to add to the local amenities and expand housing options, drawing buyers who appreciate its blend of accessibility and affordability.
5. West Bradenton
West Bradenton is seeing exciting developments with the introduction of the Seaflower master-planned community. Located near IMG Academy and the beaches of Anna Maria Island, this area combines coastal proximity with urban conveniences. Seaflower aims to create a secure, organized community environment, offering thousands of new residential units, retail spaces, and office buildings. Bradenton’s growth makes it an attractive choice for those who value beach access, with Seaflower enhancing the region’s appeal for families and individuals looking for a mix of lifestyle, convenience, and affordability.
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