A Guide to Neighborhoods in the Sarasota Destination

March 17, 2022 - Lauren Jackson and VSC Staff

Find the perfect spot and explore the destination with this Sarasota County Neighborhood Guide

Finding the right neighborhood for you can be a daunting task. When you relocate to Sarasota County, you might ask yourself what is important. Is it school district? Proximity to beach? Walkability to shops and restaurants? Quiet surroundings with plenty of space?

No matter your preference, we have you covered with this list of Sarasota neighborhoods linked with their locations around town. Don’t feel like diving into your own research? Check out a few spotlight neighborhoods and city classics.

Spotlight Neighborhoods

Wellen Park

If you’re looking 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 in North Port. This new community will offer downtown shops, plenty of turn-key new builds, and gorgeous waterfront walking trails.

Waterside Place at Lakewood Ranch

Waterside Place is the newest town center and waterfront retail and dining destination. With luxury apartments and townhome, neighboring builds with access via water taxi and trails, Lakewood Ranch's first village in Sarasota County is a great option.

Osprey

If you’d like idyllic old Florida living, check out the town of Osprey. Situated in the center of the county, its location is perfect: a five-minute drive north to Sarasota and a quick trip south brings you to the Island of Venice and all its quaint offerings. Much of Osprey falls along the intercostal waterway, so there is vast opportunity for waterfront living. Another perk involves its proximity to a top 25 school in the nation, Pine View - a great option for your extraordinary student.

Arlington Park

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

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 the outdoor coffee shop/brunch/bar hybrid The Overton, where the city’s hippest residents can be found.

Celery Fields

A bit off the beaten path, the Celery Fields offers acres of beautiful, deed-restricted subdivisions. If suburban life is your bag you simply must consider the Celery Fields. Named for the crop that once grew on the land where the quiet neighborhoods now occupy, this piece of paradise channels an unparalleled serenity anchored by a massive county park and nationally recognized birding sanctuary.

City Classics

Sapphire Shores

This neighborhood is teeming with historic Florida architecture, and is right down the street from two of Sarasota’s most famous residents, John and Mable Ringling, and their sprawling estate now known as The Ringling. This quiet neighborhood features plenty of waterfront and inland homes for a wide range of affordability.

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 in this otherwise quiet city.

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.

Island of Venice

This neighborhood is all about city planning. Largely developed in the 1960’s, it has everything: beach, boulevards, 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. We dare you not to fall in love.

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. No shoes, no shirt, no problem.

List of Neighborhoods

Below you’ll find our complete list of neighborhoods in the SRQ. Why “SRQ?” Because that’s our airport code, and how the locals lovingly refer to the area. Click around each neighborhood and find the best fit for you.