FINDING YOUR SUNNY
RETIREMENT HOME IN SARASOTA FLORIDA
If you’re in the market for a home in Sarasota, FL you’ve come to the best site to help you find what you need.
Here’s how it works …
We’ve got an MLS search feature of all available homes in the Sarasota, Bradenton, Siesta Key, Longboat Key, and Venice area. You can log onto www.SearchforSarasotaProperties.com and you will immediately be directed to the site!
Top Sarasota Communities to Consider for Retirees
If you’re looking for a particular type of community in Sarasota, we’ve listed some of the most popular communities below and have arranged them by lifestyle category:
Send us an e-mail NOW if you'd like to know more about these wonderful Island Communities!
- Barrier Islands and Waterfront Lifestyle
Longboat Key is a 9-mile long barrier island off Florida’s West Coast sandwiched between Sarasota Bay and the Gulf of Mexico. It’s such a special place, it remains popular with retirees and second-home owners. The appeal comes from the combination of the casual, white sandy beaches and the feeling of an upscale community with manicured landscapes, fine dining and boutique shops. Longboat Key has about 500 single family homes and many more condos. The Longboat Key Club provides tennis and golf enthusiasts with first-class facilities. Longboat Key is the only barrier island in Sarasota with a golf course.
✓ Lido Key
An island paradise linking Sarasota and Longboat Key is the enchanting community of Lido Key. With miles of white sandy beaches and beautiful tree-lined streets, Lido Key becomes a tropical paradise just waiting for you to relax and enjoy your retirement years. Scuba divers, snorkelers, fishermen and boaters will have abundant recreational opportunities. Cap off your fulfilling day with a gourmet dinner at one of the many fine dining establishments located on this exclusive Key. As an ideal retreat from the rat race, take the pressure off your life at home in Lido Key.
✓ Bird Key
One of the finest residential areas among the barrier islands, Bird Key is home to over 500 upscale properties occupied by doctors, lawyers, CEOs and retirees of all kinds. This private, secure community has its own Yacht Club where you can enjoy sailing, tennis and fine dining and is the ideal location for entertaining and socializing.
This exclusive island sits comfortably on the warm, gentle waters of the Gulf of Mexico. Here you’ll find the ultimate private, secure setting where you can engage in social activities to enhance the already close community bonds the residents share.
Siesta Key is an 8-mile long sub-tropical delight with the finest white powdery sand beaches in the area. Residents here find everything they need – from haute couture and casual fashion to fine dining and pizza – so they rarely venture far from their precious paradise.
You’ll find a wide range of housing options in Siesta Key from luxury hi-rise condos with sensational views to palatial estates situated among a tropical paradise to a cozy bungalow. Whatever you’re looking for, you’ll find it here on our enchanting Siesta Key Island.
Fifteen miles to the south of Sarasota sits the perfect location for deep-water fishing, boating, scuba diving and other recreational activities. Casey Key is one of Florida’s most prestigious addresses and the homes range from modest to palatial. You’ll enjoy everything from surfing to leisurely strolls along the beach.
Deep water docks afford access to the Gulf via the Intercoastal Waterway. The south portion of the Key at Nokomis Beach covers 20 acres of prime fishing and boating and includes a public park and boat ramp. Exuding southern charm, elegance and grandeur, Casey Key is the perfect location for the discriminating tastes of baby boomers and retirees alike. So if you’re looking for a place to get away from it all, yet you want the choice of nearby amenities, choose Casey Key for your next home.
Send us an e-mail now if you'd like to know more about any of these mainland waterfront communities!
- Mainland Waterfront Communities
✓ Southpointe Shores
Highly sought-after, Southpointe Shores is a quiet neighborhood of bayfront and canal-front homes with spectacular views of the tranquilizing waters of the bay. There are also off-water homes available in this fine close-in community.
Located in the popular “West of the Trail” waterfront community, homes here range from beautifully designed spacious homes to more moderate dwellings. A community park and boat ramp provides you with fishing and recreational opportunities.
✓ Harbor Acres
Harbor Acres is an established community full of families and professionals residing in an impressive array of new and older homes. Located between the lively downtown area and the beautiful Sarasota Bay, you can see why it is a desirable neighborhood for retirees and baby boomers.
If you’re a boating enthusiast, you’ll love this tasteful, relaxed neighborhood. Its beautifully landscaped streets and impressive older homes blend flawlessly with the styles of new construction. The location is superb—closing to downtown, the arts, boating, beaches, shopping and dining. A most coveted address.
✓ Cherokee Park
Once covered in citrus groves, Cherokee Park is a long established bayside community in downtown Sarasota. First developed in the 1930s, it is one of Sarasota’s oldest and most beautiful neighborhoods.
Cherokee Park is an area of stately traditional and hacienda-style older homes. Most homes replicate either a traditional or Spanish style and almost every home has been lovingly maintained or expertly renovated to showcase the special character of this attractive neighborhood.
This 22-acre peninsula became renowned as the gateway to John Ringling’s resort communities of St. Armand’s, Lido and Longboat Keys. Golden Gate Point is home to some of the city’s most impressive new addresses such as Vista Bay Point and La Bellasara. These luxury condominiums, along with many others that line the sandy white beaches, offer breathtaking views of picturesque Sarasota Bay, city lights, the glittering waters of the Gulf of Mexico and magnificent sunsets.
With easy access to shopping, dining and cultural events, you’ll have it all right in your own neighborhood.
Known for its flourishing art and cultural community, Longboat Village residents enjoy its cultural opportunities as well as the tropical beauty. Residents take great pleasure in surrounding themselves with neighborly citizens who often share potluck dinners and quiet front porch conversations.
Most homes in Longboat Village sit on the waterfront and enjoy excellent views of the majestic bay. You can choose from home styles such as the Florida Ranch and the Key West to more contemporary styles of the newer homes.
If you want an exceptional, but casual beach lifestyle with an old Florida feel, then enter the gates of The Sanderling Club on the south end of Siesta Key. There’s a lot of history to this community. It’s roots began as a winter resort on the Key and consisted of only small carriage homes and beach cabanas. The cabanas were designed by the renowned Sarasota architect, Paul Rudolph who also designed the Sanderling Beach Club which is listed today in the National Register of Historic Places.
Homes in The Sanderling Club come in many sizes and shapes and most have been refurbished or remodeled over the years. All have large lots in a well-planned community.
Siesta Cove
Imagine living in a place where you can walk or ride your bike to Siesta Key’s fine white sand, or go shopping in the Siesta Key Village. Siesta Cove is a unique and special neighborhood nestled into Siesta Key’s natural, tropical landscape. Many of the homes here have bay frontage with captivating views. Here you can own a single family home or a classic Florida beach style cottage.
The Southbay Yacht & Racket Club is located in Osprey, FL which is just South of Sarasota and North of Venice. Many of the homes here have beautiful Bay frontage. The community was planned in a park-like setting with over 5 miles of walking and/or biking paths. Southbay also boasts one of the finest community-owned deep water marinas on the West Coast of Florida. Only residents can enjoy the 172 boat slips, some of which can accommodate boats up to 55 feet in length.
Southbay has 350 homes and with lighted tennis courts, a community swimming pool and beautiful clubhouse, Southbay is a perfect choice for those who enjoy the boating lifestyle.
Send us an e-mail now if you'd like to know more about these fine golf and/or gated communities!
- Golf and Gated Communities
Nestled among a lush tropical landscape is the gated sanctuary of Bay Isles on Longboat Key. Sailing fanatics can hoist their sails from the world-class marina and golf enthusiasts will enjoy the emerald green fairways of the Harbor side golf course.
With single family homes ranging from 2000-7000 square feet, you’ll have plenty of room to spread out and enjoy your spacious new home. You can find an array of courtyard, maintenance-free and bayfront homes in the charming community of Bay Isles. Bay Isles residents also enjoy a private, gated beach area with cabanas.
A master-planned community located just east of I-75, Bent Tree offers exceptional golfing as well as a full social calendar. Retirees and professionals alike love the country club style living offered by this fabulous community.
From condos to exclusive estates, you’ll have your choice of living surrounded by the pristine setting in an assortment of classic and modern homes.
Considered one of the best golf communities in the area, Calusa Lakes offers homeowners a quiet, relaxing golf course community.
Home buyers have a choice of many different architectural styles – from custom-designed homes to Mediterranean-style. Most are set on a large piece of property teeming with natural vegetation and lush landscapes. You’ll certainly feel the pride of ownership in this pristine neighborhood.
A fabulous golf community of the highest order, the Country Club of Sarasota is perfect for retirees, baby boomers, golfers and non golfers, anyone looking for a lovely gated community conveniently located near the hub of all the cultural amenities Sarasota has to offer.
With mostly single family homes on large lots, the neighborhood enjoys lakefront vistas bordered by the extraordinary world-famous TPC Golf Course at Prestancia.
A great location in Central Sarasota this established community has a full calendar of planned social activities for its homeowners. The club is undergoing extensive renovation. When completed, the golf course will be completely refurbished and redesigned and the community will have a brand new and very impressive club house.
Most of the homes are situated beautifully on large lots with big back yards. Many of the homes have the beautiful golf course links adjacent to their yard. There are more than 700 single family homes in Forest Lakes, most of them old Florida ranch style homes that were built in the 1960’s. Many of these homes have been bought by boomers or investors who have refurbished and updated them.
Driving through Gator Creek, you feel as though you’ve stepped back to a time when Florida was yet untouched. This expansive area located near the Myakka State Park has a private championship golf course that’s been consistently rated highly by the USCA. Most of the homesites in the community of Gator Creek are about 6 acres and many residents own horses. It’s not uncommon to see horses walking in the streets of this beautiful community. There are a variety of architectural styles here, yet all are in harmony with the surroundings.
Luxury and comfort in a secured gated community just East of I-75 off University Parkway. Beautiful homes from maintenance free villas to lavish architectural masterpieces line the golf course in this master planned community. The community clubhouse is a beautiful place for weddings or special occasions or just to meet some friends.
Lakewood Ranch is a 8,500 acre master-planned, award-winning community encompassing all aspects of residential and commercial development. Seven villages, offering a variety of lifestyles from townhomes to estate living, share dramatic landscapes with forest and wetland preserves and hundreds of species of native wildlife. Recreational facilities include Lakewood Ranch Country Club and Athletic Center, 54 holes of Championship golf, the Sarasota Cricket Club, nine world-class polo fields and a variety of community parks, lakes and nature preserves. The community, also features shopping, dining and excellent schools and healthcare facilities, and was recently voted "Best Neighborhood" by the readers of Sarasota Magazine.
The community of Laurel Oaks Estates is 813 acres of land with only 430 home sites. The homes in the community are a variety of architectural styles and all take advantage of the natural surroundings. These impressive homes range in size from 3000 square feet to 7,000 square feet. This upscale, gated community features two Gary Player championship golf courses set amidst the natural wetlands and nature preserve.
Misty Creek is the only golf course in all of Southwest Florida that is set in a wildlife preserve with resident bald eagles. Every fairway is bordered on one or both sides by dense vegetation and live oak forests… one spectacular view after another.
Misty Creek is a meticulously planned and designed golf course influenced by the natural topography and not by home sites.
Some of the features of the community are:
• Fully Staffed Pro Shop – PGA Professionals
• Reciprocal Summer Playing Privileges At Most Area Private Golf Clubs
• Active Men’s & Women’s Golf Associations
• Junior Golf Program Available
• Always A Tee Time!
The campus at Misty Creek features an extensive practice facility, including a driving range, full-scale short game area and large putting green.
The location of this prestigious TPC golf community is close to just about everything Sarasota has to offer. When you become a member, you have access to all TPC (Tournament Players Club) golf courses throughout the country.
Homes in the gated community of Prestancia in Palmer Ranch, are coveted for their fine architectural details and large lots. Luxury country club living is the hallmark of this fine community. Within the community of Prestancia, there are also two and three bedroom villas, low-rise condominiums and maintenance-free homes.
Family friendly" Serenoa Lakes is a community of 92 homes planned on half-acre homesites in Sarasota, adjoining the southern perimeter of the premier Serenoa Golf Course. The community is conveniently located just East of I-75 near Clark Road.
Serenoa Lakes, named for the many lakefront areas in the 185-acre community, features oversized homesites with golf course, lake and preserve views. A concerted effort was made to preserve as much of the natural landscape as possible and to maximize the open space among the homes. If you enjoy fishing and kayaking, there’s a 30-acre stocked lake! Throughout the neighborhood, you will find a good variety of home styles and floor plans.
Stoneybrook Golf & Country Club
Stoneybrook Golf & Country Club, located within Palmer Ranch has an 18-hole semi-private championship golf course along with a beautiful clubhouse. Young professionals and active retirees all enjoy the benefits and amenities this community has to offer.
This community offers single family homes that are situated on lakefront or wooded home sites. Condominiums are also available and many have panoramic golf course views.
Golf Digest voted this golf course “Americas Best New Private Course” in 2007. . Here amid ancient oak hammocks, only 236 magnificent homes grace the 1,200-acre reserve. This extraordinarily private community is be a worthy complement to the unique experience of The Concession Golf Club and its Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course. The Concession is truly a luxury gated community and conveniently located east of I-75 between State Road 70 and University Parkway. Besides golf, the distinctive clubhouse features a fitness center, pool, spa, dining and tennis.
The Founders club is an exclusive, guard-gated community that takes full advantage of its most pristine surroundings. There are well over 700 acres accented by 100 acres of picturesque lakes, pines, palms and old oak hammocks providing unique canopies above the meticulously landscaped streets. There are only 262 homes throughout the community providing for a true intimate setting. 200 of these homes enjoy direct golf course vistas highlighted by free-flowing fairways, wetlands and natural preserves. The entry gatehouse, the golf clubhouse and the homes themselves are designed to blend the private club nature of The Founders Club with the beauty of these most pristine surroundings. These exclusive homes in The Founders Club start at $700,000.
The Meadows is a mature country club community featuring a wide range of neighborhoods. Situated on 1650 acres are over 3400 residences including single family homes and garden villas. It is one of Sarasota’s most desirable communities. The community has over 80 stocked lakes and nature preserves, 14 miles of bike trails and a 1.7 mile fitness trail. The resort-like atmosphere includes golf, tennis, racquetball and biking. Many of the homes in The Meadows have been remodeled with more modern materials.
Located in the town of Osprey, just South of Sarasota, The Oaks is one of the most prestigious locations in the area. Palatial homes are set amidst an old Florida backdrop of tree-lines streets and manicured grounds. The Oaks consists of three neighborhoods—Oaks Bayside, The Oaks Preserve, and The Oaks Clubside. The newly refurbished championship golf course is located east of US 41 and has 36 holes designed by William Byrd and Ted McAnliss. There’s a beautiful clubhouse, 12 Har-Tru tennis courts, an over-sized swimming pool and a regulation croquet court.
From Plantation homes to Georgian Mansions, some of the most beautiful homes in Sarasota are located in The Oaks.
University Park Country Club is a seamless blend of man and nature where attention to detail marries European Inspiration with American Achievement. Here, you will have a paradise to call your own. We offer a private world of secluded neighborhoods that are beautifully situated overlooking shimmering lakes, preserve areas and expansive fairways.
Nestled within the heart of the community you will find University Park Country Club. From its courteous attentive service, to its impeccably maintained facilities, the Country Club provides its members with a very special venue to savor life’s most privileged pleasures. Golf, tennis and croquet are just a small part of what life has to offer in University Park. There are several communities within University Park, all with beautiful homes and in a variety of price ranges.
The Venetian Golf and River Club
This Mediterranean-inspired community was developed by WCI. The location, on the Myakka River, is a nature-lover’s paradise. There are over 1000 acres and 663 of them are devoted to golf courses, lakes, wetlands, conservation areas and a 70-acre nature park. There is a kayak launch, too. The new River club offers a state of the art fitness center as well as a swimming pool and lap pool.
There are many different styles and prices ranges of homes to choose from in this fabulous gated community.
4. Over 55 and Looking for an Active Adult Community?
For those of you over the age of 55 looking for an Active Adult Community, you’ll find the perfect location for your retirement in Sarasota. With so many of these communities available, retirees find they are surrounded by people just like themselves – people who want to enjoy their privacy yet able to participate in activities such as social events, weekly dinners, bingo, casino nights, exercise classes, craft classes, group travel trips and much more.
Read more about what Active Adult Communities have to offer by clicking here
5. Stop Working and Buy a Maintenance-Free Home!
The term “maintenance free” varies from community to community, so it’s important to read the deed restrictions and rules and regulations of the Homeowners’ association. In a maintenance-free community, you typically pay a monthly, quarterly or yearly fee to a homeowner’s association and, in return, the association contracts with outside vendors to handle the maintenance.
The maintenance-free lifestyle has many benefits for retirees and for second homeowners as well. Since most homes or villas in these communities have built-in alarm systems and the sprinkler systems and yards are maintained by the HOA, it is easy to just lock up and leave without having to worry. Most maintenance-free communities also provide for Internet and cable TV within the HOA structure.
Many of the maintenance-free communities are located within other communities such as The Founders Club, University Park, Deer Creek, Turtle Rock and Lakewood Ranch and The Enclave in Silver Oak. Additionally, there are many stand-alone maintenance- free communities like Willowbend in Osprey, Portofino on the Bay and Willow Chase in Nokomis just to name a few.
So whether you’re looking for an Active Adult Community or a maintenance-free home, come and enjoy our warm Florida weather and put the days of shoveling snow behind you – way behind you!
When you’re ready to visit these neighborhoods, give us a call or send us an e-mail and we’ll help you find the right home in that area.
Copyright 2007 Nicki Conway
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Wouldn't You Love to Retire to Sunshine and Beaches?
Are you tired of shoveling snow every winter? Are you ready to start enjoying the good life? If you're looking for a place with powdery white sandy beaches, ample sunshine and a lovely community filled with other people who share your interests, then you'll love Sarasota Florida. A haven for retiring Baby Boomers, Sarasotans have found the ideal location in which to retire and spend their lives enjoying themsleves surrounded by sun, fun and culture. Sarasota is a shiny jewel box located on the Gulf Coast of Florida.
This website is your key to that jewel box. You'll have everything you need to find the perfect retirement or vacation home in Sarasota right here at your fingertips.
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How to Find the Right Retirement or Vacation Home
Finding the right home requires a lot of thought and planning. Here's our four-step plan to help you find your ideal retirement or vacation home.
- Review your desired retirement lifestyle
- Decide which type of community you'd like to live in
- Prepare before searching
- Work with a specialist who understands your needs
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How Can We Help You?
As experienced Real Estate Professionals, Baby Boomers and residents of Sarasota, we are ideally qualified to help you retire in the fast-growing and culturally active city of Sarasota.