Hot Pockets: Best Neighborhoods from Venice to Lakewood Ranch

By Christy Pessemier | Photos Courtesy of Michael Saunders & Co | May 2024

Florida’s Suncoast, including Sarasota and its surrounding areas, are known for having something for every age group. The area continues to rank in top ten lists for places to live and retire in Florida and the U.S. In fact, if you had a checklist of the top things to look for, our region would easily check off every box. 

With a thriving art scene, a wide variety of cuisines and dining options, award-winning beaches, a strong focus on conservation and community, and top educational opportunities—this area fits the bill for all ages and personality types. So, it’s no surprise that the moving trucks keep coming, and even after a challenging market in 2023, our real estate scene continues to draw throngs of newcomers from all over the United States.  

According to Michael Saunders, Founder and CEO of Michael Saunders & Company, people relocating here are often surprised at the variety of options available to them along the Suncoast. 

“Many people from out of state are coming from places where there’s not much available land,” Saunders said. “And they’re amazed to know what’s available here—particularly new construction.”  

She says the region has much to offer with “incredible communities” and points out that the real estate market here has picked up with more activity since last year. 

“What’s different here than other parts of the country is that we now have inventory,” Saunders said. “And we’ve had a real uptick in people looking and making decisions.” 

Wellen Park, Venice 

According to Saunders, one of the fastest growing neighborhoods in Sarasota County right now is Wellen Park, an 11,000-acre mixed-use community that includes 7,000 acres of undeveloped land. Wellen Park’s downtown weaves in shopping and dining with single-family homes and condos. Apartment complexes, an assisted living facility, hotel accommodations, walking trails and pedestrian-friendly streets are all included as part of the entire community’s design.  

“The name Wellen Park comes from the Dutch word for wellness, and that’s very appealing to all age groups,” Saunders said. “It’s an amazing master planned community; a best-kept-secret joining Lakewood Ranch as an award-winning community.”

“They’re building a new high school, and there are miles and miles of trails. It’s just an amazing way for someone who is not from here to instantly have not only lifestyle, but access to multiple neighborhoods, amenities, and gathering spaces to get to know other residents,” she added. 

Lakewood Ranch

Lakewood Ranch continues to be one of the fastest growing communities in the area and has been since it first began in 1995. Formerly a cattle ranch, it’s a family-focused community now home to thousands of residents of all ages. 

Like Wellen Park, Lakewood Ranch is a mixed-use community, with the appeal of a small city. Residents and visitors love the wide-open green spaces, lakes, nature, and fitness trails. It also has a small, quaint downtown area with plenty of shopping and dining, and a year-round weekly farmers market. But stay tuned because there’s much more coming to this area. 

Lakewood Ranch’s motto of “Live, Work, Play,” is something many newcomers want a slice of, which is why listings move so quickly there.

“People love buying homes and condos in Lakewood Ranch where they have access to a multitude of amenities including shopping, dining, pickleball, golf, and even polo,” Saunders said. “They love being in that cocoon of having everything.” 

With new villages and neighborhoods in the works, and plenty of new construction—Lakewood Ranch is slated to continue its reputation as one of the most sought-after neighborhood communities in Sarasota and Manatee counties and in the U.S. 

Luxury Waterfront and Vertical High-Rise Condo Neighborhoods

“The upper end of the market, I’m happy to say, has been very active,” Saunders said. “Luxury buyers are seeking new or fully renovated properties with fine finishes, sensible floor plans, combined with outdoor living space, which is well located and properly priced. This is a very healthy market right now.”

Some of these high-demand areas are in Downtown Sarasota, Harbor Acres, Bayfront, Siesta Key, St. Armand’s Key, Longboat Key, Lido Key, and Bird Key. 

Downtown Sarasota and Bayfront

“There are maybe ten new condominium buildings of different sizes working their way through city planning right now,” she commented. “The Ritz Carlton Residences, Sarasota, One Park, Rosewood Residences, and the Sota Residences are some of the newest to the market.” 

Owning a condominium in Downtown Sarasota provides residents with easy access to all downtown offers, including its many theaters, museums, galleries, dining, and restaurants. The icing on the cake for most residents is being close to the water. For those who own condos with a water view, it’s an even bigger bonus. 

Many of these state-of-the-art condo buildings are designed as mixed-use communities and include valet and concierge services, pool access, as well as upscale lounge, bar, and restaurant facilities.

The Barrier Islands

“The island lifestyle is still very appealing,” Saunders shared, pointing out the popularity of homes in these areas. 

Though each key has its own feel and community—most residents have the benefits of easy access to beaches, tropical weather and gulf breezes, boating, watersports, and breathtaking views. 

Siesta Key is consistently top ranked nationwide for its sugar sand beach. Buyers are drawn to the small-beach town feel, along with well-loved Siesta Village shops and restaurants.

Longboat Key, a barrier island separated from the mainland by Sarasota Bay, is known for its beautiful 11 miles of beaches, island-style restaurants, and luxury resorts including Longboat Key Club—which hosts golf, condos, and waterfront homes. Also opening later this year is the five-star St. Regis Longboat Key Resort which includes residences. The Key has many more popular high-end neighborhoods. Residents appreciate the close community feel, and slower pace of life. 

Sought after St. Armands Circle, on St. Armands Key, with its European style shops and famed restaurants, is just a short walk or drive to Lido Beach, on adjoining Lido Key. 

Bird Key has a desirable location between downtown Sarasota and St. Armands Circle. It’s known for its luxury waterfront homes with expansive views of Sarasota Bay.

Casey Key, with its gracious waterfront mansions, many with their own private beaches, sits on the southern end of Sarasota. 

To the north is Anna Maria Island in Manatee County, another hot community that continues to draw newcomers.

Also, further to the south are several islands that hug the coastline—Manasota Key, Palm Island, and Boca Grande. The area is popular for fishing, boating, shelling, beautiful beaches, and laidback island living.

All the barrier islands offer a plethora of lifestyle choices where you can enjoy the beauty of living on an island, spend all day in your swimsuit and flip-flops, and feel right at home. 

West of Trail 

The West of Trail neighborhood includes homes to the West of Tamiami Trail (Route 41), along Sarasota Bay, and features a mix of home styles like historic bungalows, waterfront villas, and luxury estates. It’s known for having a charming community feel. 

Residences here are some of the most sought after in Sarasota County. Newcomers are attracted to the affluent lifestyle, and easy access to downtown and Sarasota beaches.

“It’s perfect for people who want to be close to everything,” Saunders said. 

Equestrian Neighborhoods

If you take a short 20 to 60 minute drive from Downtown Sarasota to East of I-75, in Sarasota and Manatee County, you’ll see a whole different world. Instead of repeated housing developments, spacious one to five acre horse farms spread throughout the open landscape. It’s almost as if you’d gone to a completely different area of the state, because it’s such a contrast to being right along the coast. 

Since the 1930s this has been a draw for horse lovers wanting space and acreage for equestrian training centers and clubs, horse boarding, breeding and show, along with riding lessons.

Some horse farms properties even come with a tennis court, barn (or space to build one), and a swimming pool. 

Saunders says buyers coming here from out of state are doing their homework, and they have a specific focus. 

“Most buyers today are coming to us well prepared in terms of the research they’ve done,” she said. “They’re not only looking for a certain type of home, but they’re also concerned about the environment and the quality of life they have when they come here,” Saunders said. 

As someone who has her finger on the pulse of the region’s real estate for nearly five decades, Saunders’ company of real estate professionals are known for finding the right neighborhood for a buyer. She says it all comes down to listening closely to what their needs and wants are. Saunders advises real estate agents to pay close attention to the lifestyle newcomers are after.

“You’ve really got to be very, very good at actively listening to what your customers want,” she said. “Do they want the attractive lifestyle of planned communities like Lakewood Ranch and Wellen Park, or the luxury and proximity to everything that Downtown Sarasota and Bayfront homes and condos offer? Or do they want waterfront estates on the keys—or lovely neighborhoods like West of Trail?”

She points out that many of the home and condo sales are the result of people who moved here during Covid and bought whatever was available, but now are looking for the home that really suits their lifestyle and personality. 

“We’ve been spending time with consumers who spent last year not making decisions and we’re helping them now with all the information and data they need and want,” she added.

Along with listening well and providing the data they’re looking for, Saunders says a big driving force behind the success of the market today is pricing well. 

“Aspirational pricing is not getting any activity,” Saunders comments. “Properties in these neighborhoods that are priced well are selling. And now with this growing inventory we have available to us, it’s good news.”  

Some other notable mentions for the most sought after neighborhoods and communities in the region are Southgate, Gulf Gate, and Arlington Park, which continue to attract buyers.

All featured properties are listed for sale through Michael Saunders & Co. For more info, call 941.955.8200.