Sarasota Home Buying Guide

If you dream of breathtaking ocean views, Sarasota, Florida, might be your new place to call home! Sarasota is a favorite destination for many, with over 250 days of sun a year, gorgeous beaches surrounding the city, a lively arts scene, and much more. Located on the Gulf of Mexico, Sarasota, Florida, offers a one-of-a-kind experience to its residents and visitors, providing plenty of attractions for all ages.

Neighborhoods

Harbor Acres

Harbor Acres is a neighborhood in Sarasota, Florida, that sits along the shores of Sarasota Bay. Harbor Acres is a low-traffic area that provides families with the safety of exercising, walking the dogs, and bicycling with family and friends. Harbor Acres homes for sale vary in sizes and styles, steering clear of the cookie-cutter style neighborhoods.

Harbor Acres is within walking distance from downtown, five minutes from a hospital, and has easy boating access and stunning sunset views.

Laurel Park

Laurel Park is a historic neighborhood full of single-family homes and apartment buildings. Located adjacent to the heart of the City of Sarasota, residents are within walking distance of the Sarasota downtown district. The neighborhood has easy access to restaurants, shops, and attractions like the Selby Gardens and the Sarasota Art Museum. The Laurel Park neighborhood is also known for its very own park, Laurel Park.

Related: Homes for Sale in Laurel Park

Glen Oaks Estates

Glen Oaks Estates is a small neighborhood with only 199 single-family homes surrounded by Oaks, Palm trees, pines, and other greenery. While the Glen Oaks Estates community is peaceful and quiet, the location is near perfect. The neighborhood is close to I-75, shopping, restaurants, a post office, and the popular Bobby Jones Golf Club.

While most of the homes in the neighborhood are older, homes for sale in Glen Oaks Estates have been remodeled and updated.

Beaches

While Florida is known for its beautiful beaches, Sarasota is surrounded by miles and miles of white sand and stunning sunset views.

Lido Key

Easily accessible from downtown Sarasota, Lido Key has three main beach areas: North Lido Beach, Lido Beach, and South Lido Beach Park. Each is a public beach that offers unique amenities to please all beachgoers. From wheelchair access at South Lido Beach Park to picnic tables, a playground for kids at Lido Beach, and a more secluded area at North Lido, Lido Key is a beautiful place to relax!

Longboat Key

Longboat Key is a 12-mile-long island between Sarasota and the Gulf of Mexico. The island is home to many resorts, beach cottages, hotels, and established residential areas. In addition, Longboat Key has a downtown district with shops, restaurants, and bars.

Siesta Key

Located a short drive from downtown Sarasota, Siesta Key beach has been consistently ranked among the best beaches in the U.S. Siesta Key has three beaches: Siesta Beach, Crescent Beach, and Turtle Beach.

There are shops, cafes, tennis courts, and playgrounds providing activities for those of all ages.

Casey Key

Casey Key is the oldest beach in Sarasota County. In addition, Casey Key is home to Nokomis Beach, a tiny island home to many celebrities. Visitors can go to the North Jetty Beach Park to enjoy bird watching, fishing, hiking, and more.

Healthcare

When choosing a place to live, knowing where the hospitals are and what healthcare can be provided to you and your family when needed is essential. Sarasota County has four hospitals, and all have been recognized and awarded for their quality of service. Sarasota Memorial Hospital, one of the largest acute care hospitals, is located in Sarasota and has been ranked on the list of the World’s Best Hospitals.

There is no mistaking that you will have ultimate healthcare providers when living in Sarasota, Florida.

Things to Do in Sarasota

Aside from the beautiful beaches and golfing, Sarasota is home to many historical sites, museums, and art galleries. In addition, Sarasota has many annual events, such as the Sarasota County Fair, Shark’s Tooth Festival, and the Sarasota Holiday Parade. In addition, the city provides many attractions and entertainment for people of all ages.

The Ringling

John Ringling, one of the five Ringling brothers who owned and operated “The Greatest Show on Earth,” spent his winters in Sarasota. The Ringling Museum of Art, Circus Museum, Ca’ d’Zan, Historic Asolo Theater, Johnson-Blalock Education Center, and Bayfront Gardens were all left to the State of Florida and then transferred to Florida State University (FSU). The amazing Ringling properties have been restored and are gems you don’t want to miss.

Marie Selby Botanical Gardens

The botanical gardens cover seven acres, displaying bromeliads, orchids, and more than 20,000 other plants. The Marie Selby Botanical Gardens is one of the best places to go for a walk in Sarasota. Children can also enjoy the butterfly garden, rainforest garden, waterfalls, and adventure trails.

Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium

Opened in 1955, the Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium has grown into one of Florida’s most significant marine research labs. You can encounter manatees, sea turtles, jellyfish, seahorses, and more.

Sarasota Jungle Gardens

The Sarasota Jungle Gardens was established in 1930 and is home to wildlife like flamingos, parrots, and iguanas. As you stroll in the park, you may encounter mammals, such as alligators, snakes, and lizards.

The Sarasota Jungle Garden has daily animal shows and petting zoos to entertain children while providing parents with walking paths that offer a tropical experience.