What are the "nice" neighborhoods of Sarasota? (Lakeland: houses, school)

[movingover]

I have been looking at houses in Sarasota on realtor.com however when I go on Google and look at street view, it seems not all the neighborhoods are that nice. Now granted its a city, so its not going to look nice everywhere, so can someone tell me the names of the close suburbs that are very nice, or the city neighborhoods that are nice?

When I say nice I don't mean lifestyles of the rich and famous. But to make a comparison I live in Westchester, NY, so I am looking for a very nice neighborhood, semi-affluent but not necessarily super rich. Does this exist in Sarasota?

[atroxanautin]

I'm sure it exists. Maybe not in your price range though. Your criteria is pretty vauge so maybe if you are little more specific we would be able to help you out a little more. Houses in Florida have a pretty distinct architecture style, that you might have to get used to. So don't expect things like brick houses. What neighborhoods have you looked at?

[angelfish]

Hi, I lived in Rockland growing up so am familiar with Weschester. I am now in SoCal but have two homes in SRQ and may be relocating back. I think what you may be looking for you will find in most deed restricted communities/neighborhoods in Sarasota. Did you want to be in Sarasota County, or the city? Coastal or not? Of course what you would like to spend and if you have children is important as well. There are lovely areas of the Southside School neighborhood like Cherokee Park, McClellan Park and Harbor Acres I think you would be interested in. They are within City limits but close to the county line. They are west of the trail, and in close proximity to Downtown SRQ and the north Siesta Key Bridge.

If you were looking for a golf course community Palmer Ranch is east of the trail, further south with gated communities. There is also the Lakewood Ranch comunity out east, but it is a bit far from what Sarasota has to offer and closer to Manatee County. The Landings is a gated community in the heart of Sarasota, a little older, but very nice and west of the trail as well.

[smiledoc1]

Originally Posted by movingover

I have been looking at houses in Sarasota on realtor.com however when I go on Google and look at street view, it seems not all the neighborhoods are that nice. Now granted its a city, so its not going to look nice everywhere, so can someone tell me the names of the close suburbs that are very nice, or the city neighborhoods that are nice?

When I say nice I don't mean lifestyles of the rich and famous. But to make a comparison I live in Westchester, NY, so I am looking for a very nice neighborhood, semi-affluent but not necessarily super rich. Does this exist in Sarasota?

Hi Movingover,
We bought in the Palmer Ranch area which fits your description. Check out the thread "Just bought in Sarasota. Helpful hints". I think there aree some posts there that might help.

Best,
smiledoc1

[Suncoast Guy]

The nice neighborhoods of Sarasota are basically any area south of Fruitville or Bahia Vista Roads (minus a few I'm sure, but not much.)

[NJDevil]

As angelfish pointed out, you need to decide if you want to be near the water, or deed-restricted. Aside from that, it is easier to tell you what parts of Sarasota AREN'T nice. As also pointed out, the further south or the further towards 75 you go, the nicer it gets. I have always loved the area around the airport - Desoto Rd, Whitfield, etc. The areas to stay away from are basically all along 301, and the area between 41 and 301. I personally think zip 34231 is a great place to be because of the location/proximity to stores/restaurants/beaches.

[gypsychic]

Originally Posted by NJDevil

As angelfish pointed out, you need to decide if you want to be near the water, or deed-restricted. Aside from that, it is easier to tell you what parts of Sarasota AREN'T nice. As also pointed out, the further south or the further towards 75 you go, the nicer it gets. I have always loved the area around the airport - Desoto Rd, Whitfield, etc. The areas to stay away from are basically all along 301, and the area between 41 and 301. I personally think zip 34231 is a great place to be because of the location/proximity to stores/restaurants/beaches.

I SO agree with this! In fact we recently purchased a home in Whitfield (bayside) near where we lived when we first got married. I really love this area, even though we do have the airplanes flying nearby. These neighborhoods are older and have character, a great mix of homes, really nice neighbors and near everything. There are some great deals out there right now. Honestly, I don't think I would want to live anywhere else, I just love the vibe. Just to clarify for others on the forum who know we currently live in Lakeland, we still love Lakeland, and had planned to only use the Sarasota home for weekends and retirement, but decided we would move there now for economic (and personal) reasons.

The zip code up here is 34243, and I agree with NJDevil on 34231, also look into Southgate 34239 - great deals and central location. Re: Google streetview - it is a great tool but you REALLY need to see the area in person to get a true picture.