Buying vacation home in Sarasota area (Country Club, Venice: rental, neighborhoods, subdivisions)

[sunfishnet]

My husband and I are thinking of buying a vacation home in the Sarasota are. We want a single family home, which will not be used as a rental property. We have a budget up to $500K and I am at a complete loss as to what the most desireable areas are.

We have been directed towards Lakewood Ranch, but that's not really our thing. We both prefer the older 50's, 60's style of home with architecural detail. I like some of what I've seen in the Whitfield Estates area, but concerned about the neighborhood overall.

We'd like CC amenities and a private pool. The Florida MLS is impossible for me to get working. I keep getting "0" results no matter what criteria I use.

Can someone direct me towards some decent subdivisions? We don't need to have a water view, just a pool and nice, upscale neighborhood that is not "cookie cutter"...

Thanks so much.

[SoFLGal]

I like the Osprey Ave neighborhood. The homes are all different and quaint, it's close to downtown, Marina Jacks, Selby Gardens, etc. McClellan Park is another neighborhood close to Osprey Ave that has the same type of feel. The Landings is pretty neat as well-I love all of the big Banyan Trees in there. A few other neighborhoods worth investigating are-Cherokee Park, Bayview, Aqualane Estates, Oyster Bay, San Remo Estates. Sapphire Shores is on the bay side by the Ringling Museum and there are some neat homes in there as well.

I think Gypsychic just purchased a home in the Whitfield area so she might be able to shed some light on that area.

Good luck with your search!

[sunfishnet]

Thanks so much - this helps give me a place to start. We are heading down in two weeks and hope to have a couple places lined up to look at.

Right now, there is a listing in Whitfield that I love, though it needs some work, we'd be willing to invest in it - just wouldn't want to over-improve for the area.

There are also two homes in the Bent Tree area I like. Any input on that area?

[SoFLGal]

Bent Tree is another good option. It's one of the older golfing communities in Sarasota. Although you won't find any homes in Bent Tree built in the 50's & 60's-Bent Tree opened in 1985. It kind of reminds me of The Landings with all of the trees. I'm with you on the older neighborhoods. To me they have much more character

Coral Cove in south Sarasota is another area with neat older homes in it. You could probably find something off water in there in your price range.

[SoFLGal]

Just thought of another area! Southbay Yacht Club and Sorrento in Osprey (just south of Sarasota) might be to your liking as well. Definitely worth checking out!

[smiledoc1]

Originally Posted by sunfishnet

My husband and I are thinking of buying a vacation home in the Sarasota are. We want a single family home, which will not be used as a rental property. We have a budget up to $500K and I am at a complete loss as to what the most desireable areas are.

We have been directed towards Lakewood Ranch, but that's not really our thing. We both prefer the older 50's, 60's style of home with architecural detail. I like some of what I've seen in the Whitfield Estates area, but concerned about the neighborhood overall.

We'd like CC amenities and a private pool. The Florida MLS is impossible for me to get working. I keep getting "0" results no matter what criteria I use.

Can someone direct me towards some decent subdivisions? We don't need to have a water view, just a pool and nice, upscale neighborhood that is not "cookie cutter"...

Thanks so much.

Hi Sunfishnet,
My wife and I bought in Sarasota this past April. We were looking for something different architechturally than you, but I think you might enjoy reading the thread "Just Bought in Sarasota. Helpful Hints." LWR wasn't our cup of tea. We bought in the Palmer Ranch area. We made a very good choice.
Best,
smiledoc1

[FLBob]

One of the communities that I like is South Bay. This community is in Osprey. The western edge of the community is on the intra-coastal waterway. There is a yacht basin, tennis courts, clubhouse and very nice homes within your budget. The homes are custom, so each is unique. The community has been around a while so there is a mature feeling.
The home prices in South Bay range from the low $400k to well over $1M.

Sarasota Country Club is another option if your looking for a golf club community. This community has a very good course and homes that are within your budget.

I've always liked Calusa Lakes in Nokomis. This golf course community is in the Mission Valley estates area. Once again a mature look and feel to the community. Most homes will back up to the course. The fees are reasonable.

All three of the communities that I mention are close to beach access and an easy commute to down town Sarasota.

[loves2read]

you might also consider Venice--there are some homes that have the bungalow look built back in the 40s and 50s but they are not really in country club community that I know of
but Venice has lot to offer including just a slower pace with within easy drive of Sarasota itself...

[FLBob]

I agree with loves2read, but since I live on Venice Island I'm very biased. I did not suggest it earlier since you said that you wanted Country Club amenities. On the Island you can find 1920's vintage homes, some that will need updating and others that have recently been updated.
The streets are walkable/bikeable. The town is well landscaped. More of a small town feel with many housing options. A very nice downtown section. There is a municipal golf course, library, community center, tennis courts, basketball courts. Boat ramps on the intra-coastal, many dining options, and miles of under utilized beaches. Before making a decision come spend a day on Venice Island.

[Big House]

Originally Posted by sunfishnet

Thanks so much - this helps give me a place to start. We are heading down in two weeks and hope to have a couple places lined up to look at.

Right now, there is a listing in Whitfield that I love, though it needs some work, we'd be willing to invest in it - just wouldn't want to over-improve for the area.

There are also two homes in the Bent Tree area I like. Any input on that area?

Hi,
My wife and I just bought a house in PGI and love it! We went to Sarasota and Venice this past weekend, both are cool places to visit, and ideal for a vaction home! There are a lot of really nice shops, cool stores with furniture and art work.

Where are you from?
There is a lot to choose from, and a lot to learn when buying in the area.
You've found site where there are a lot of people that are willing to help.
And, there is a real opportunity right now to make some great deals!
Good Luck!
What is your time frame?