A Guide to Neighborhoods in the Sarasota Destination

Finding the right neighborhood is daunting, we know. When relocating to Sarasota County, you’ll be armed with your own unique checklist. Are you looking for the best schools? Proximity to the beach? Walkability to shops and restaurants? Quiet surroundings with plenty of space to spread out?

No matter your preference, Sarasota has it, and we have you covered with this comprehensive list of Sarasota’s varied neighborhoods. We’ve picked a few of our favorites to help you discover what makes Sarasota living so great.

North Sarasota

Sapphire Shores

This neighborhood is teeming with historic Florida architecture, right down the street from two of Sarasota’s most famous residents, John and Mable Ringling, and their sprawling estate called the Ca’ d’Zan and art museum known as The Ringling, which hosts tons of events throughout the year. This quiet neighborhood features plenty of waterfront and inland homes for a wide range of affordability.

Waterside Place at Lakewood Ranch

Waterside Place is Lakewood Ranch’s newest town center with waterfront retail and dining destinations like new American cuisine at Post Kitchen & Bar and Korean barbecue at Korê. Its luxury apartments and townhomes, neighboring builds with access via a water taxi and trails, make it Lakewood Ranch's best all-encompassing village in Sarasota County. 

Alta Vista

If you’re looking for downtown amenities without having to deal with the hustle and bustle of living downtown, look to the Alta Vista area, on the outskirts of Sarasota’s municipal downtown. A ten-minute walk or three-minute drive will get you to Main Street. Meanwhile, the neighborhood boasts a huge park in Payne Park, which has walking trails, a circus-themed playground, tennis courts and more.

Celery Fields

A bit off the beaten path, the Celery Fields neighborhood offers acres of beautiful, deed-restricted subdivisions. If suburban life is your bag, consider the Celery Fields, named for the area’s past agricultural history. This piece of paradise channels an unparalleled serenity anchored by a massive county park and nationally recognized birding sanctuary. While you’ll find nearby amenities, it’s also just a hop and skip to University Town Center, the premier shopping district in all of Sarasota.

Myakka

Country life is the name of the game in Myakka, where sprawling properties with gorgeous farmhouses will leave you stunned. It’s home to Myakka State Park, which hosts 37,000 acres of Florida scrub and oak hammocks, ripe for adventurous exploration close to home.

Downtown Sarasota

Rosemary District

One of Sarasota’s most historic neighborhoods has seen a booming revitalization in the past few years. Now home to some of Sarasota’s favorite restaurants like, Arts & Central and Lefty’s Oyster & Seafood Bar, both with excellent outdoor seating to enjoy our pleasant winter weather. 

Gillespie Park

This post-transitional neighborhood is a stone’s throw from downtown’s Main Street. Filled with beautiful bungalows, it’s the perfect spot for chill couples looking for a slice of city life balanced by tight-knit neighborly friendships.

Laurel Park

Shaded by old-growth foliage and dotted with historic bungalows of all sizes, Laurel Park offers a quiet break from nearby downtown (which you can access in less than five minutes on foot). Here, you’ll find longtime residents, artists, funky folk and cool families communing together under the oaks.

Central Sarasota and South Sarasota

Southside

Southside has long been known as suitable for families of all types. Located near the highly coveted Southside Elementary school, this neighborhood offers plenty of kids, super walkability, and a quaint village of shops and restaurants called Southside Village. There, you can stock up on gourmet goods at Morton’s Market, or luxuriate in a craft cocktail at Mimi Brasserie & Speakeasy. One thing is certain: you’ll never run out of things to do in Southside.

Arlington Park and Southgate 

If cozy, tucked-away neighborhoods with big-time family vibes are your thing, consider a visit to Arlington Park and adjacent Southgate neighborhood. This historic area near the City of Sarasota welcomes a variety of architecture from the 1960s, 70s, 80s next to brand new modern builds in the style of the historic Sarasota School of Architecture. In the center of Arlington Park lies, well, a spacious park, complete with a lap pool, playground, basketball court, tennis courts, dog park, and walking trails, perfect for all kinds of family fun.

The Landings

Forever a favorite of growing families, The Landings subdivision is huge. Upon entering its gates, you’ll find well-manicured winding roads, with kids playing in the yard of their homes’ oversized lots. You could spend days exploring the community while looking for the perfect home, and leave with a wishlist as long as your arm. The nearby shopping plaza abuts the neighborhood and is home to some of Sarasota’s most desirable restaurants. There’s even a gym so you can work off whatever calories tempt you.

Gulf Gate Estates

Whether you’re looking for nightlife, secret shops, family-friendly activities, or killer cuisine—like upscale Mexican dining at Kolucan Mexican Bar & Grill—or all of the above, Gulf Gate offers so much with a smidge of “locals only” vibes. This hidden oasis is conveniently located in central Sarasota on the mainland, but less than a mile from Siesta Key’s south bridge.

Palmer Ranch

Suburban living is the name of the game in south Sarasota’s Palmer Ranch. With about a dozen gated subdivisions with comprehensive clubhouses, you’ll find golfing, swimming, socializing and more. Even better, there’s a ton of shopping along nearby Tamiami Trail. This neighborhood is close to Siesta Key, Gulf Gate, Osprey and Nokomis, making it perhaps one of the most conveniently located yet quiet areas in all of Sarasota.

The Islands

Lido Key

Lido Key’s massive appeal is easy to see while driving around the beachfront community. You’ll find new and historic mansions alike, retro apartment complexes and luxury condos, all within a few blocks from one another. If you’ve fallen in love with all things mid-century, consider the Lido Shores neighborhood, where preserved jewels of the modern architectural era will leave you stunned. Have we mentioned its proximity to St. Armands Circle and its historic Columbia Restaurant (where you can grab the legendary “1905 Salad”)? Well, they’re there too, waiting for you to move in.

Venice Island

This beautiful community is all about city planning. First conceptualized in the 1920s and further developed in the 1960s, Venice Island has everything: beach, boulevards and some of the best outdoor dining spots in town. Looking for a snack while you hunt for your perfect home? Be sure to stop by Fins at Sharky’s for a great bite and panoramic beach views. If you’re looking for outdoor activities, Venice is also known as the “Sharktooth Capital of the World. Factor in some beach time and see what treasures you can find.

Siesta Key

No list would be complete without beachy Siesta Key. Home to the #1 beach in the US, voted year after year by the likes of Dr. Beach and TripAdvisor, Siesta Key is all about that island life, with its secret canals, laidback restaurants and bars (we love Blasé Martini Bar), and beachy shopping galore. No shoes, no shirt, no problem.

South Sarasota County

Osprey and Nokomis

If you’d like idyllic old Florida living, check out the towns of Osprey and Nokomis. Situated just south of Sarasota proper, its location is perfect: a five-minute drive north will take you into Sarasota, and a quick trip south brings you to the Island of Venice and all its quaint offerings. Much of Osprey and Nokomis fall along the intercostal waterway, which is flanked by the desirable Casey Key to the west, which delivers vast opportunities for waterfront living. Nearby Pine View School is a top 25 school in the nation, and a prime spot for your extraordinary student.

Wellen Park

Are you eager for a combination of quiet with a vibrant downtown scene and friendly neighbors eager to get to know one another? Look no further than Wellen Park near North Port. This new community offers downtown shops, turnkey new builds, and gorgeous lakefront walking trails.

Englewood

For a taste of “Old Florida,” idyllic Englewood has you covered. Don’t let the slow pace fool you, though. Whether you’re strolling Historic Dearborn Street for small shops and restaurants, or lounging on the sand on nearby Manasota Key, you’ll find that Englewood is the very definition of Florida living.