Downtown Sarasota
Young professionals, retirees, empty nesters
The Neighborhood Vibe: walkable, arts-oriented, active at night
Why People Choose It: Proximity to theaters, restaurants, waterfront, and condos with bay views
Downtown Sarasota has mid-rise condos, restaurants, galleries, and the bayfront park within walking distance. It’s the center of Sarasota’s cultural life and appeals to people who want a city feel with easy access to beaches.
Zoned Schools:
- Alta Vista Elementary
- Brookside Middle
- Sarasota High
Median Home Price: Condos typically $550k–$1.5M+
Similar Neighborhoods:
-St. Petersburg Downtown
-Naples Downtown
Rosemary District Neighborhood
Young professionals, creatives, remote workers
The Neighborhood Vibe: Loft-style buildings, newer developments, walkable to downtown
Why People Choose It: Easy walkability and a newer urban feel
Rosemary District sits just north of downtown and has newer apartments, townhomes, and mixed-use buildings. It’s one of the most walkable parts of the city and has become popular with younger residents.
Zoned Schools:
- Alta Vista
- Brookside
- Sarasota High
Median Home Price: $450k–$900k
Similar Neighborhoods:
- Tampa’s Channel District
- Fort Lauderdale’s Flagler Village
Gulf Gate Estates
Families, retirees, renters
The Neighborhood Vibe: Friendly, practical, and close to Siesta Key
Why People Choose It: Affordable homes close to beaches
Gulf Gate is a well-established neighborhood south of downtown with ranch-style homes, a local commercial strip, and great proximity to Siesta Key. It’s practical, walkable within the neighborhood, and known for a community-oriented feel.
Zoned Schools:
- Gulf Gate Elementary
- Sarasota Middle
- Riverview High
Median Home Price: $400k–$550k
Similar Neighborhoods:
-St. Pete’s Jungle Prada
-Naples’ Naples Park
The Palmer Ranch Neighborhood
Families, retirees, golfers
The Neighborhood Vibe: Large, planned communities with lakes and trails
Why People Choose It: Newer homes, easy living, safe neighborhoods
Palmer Ranch is a huge master-planned area with subdivisions, gated communities, and plenty of parks and lakes. It’s clean, organized, and feels modern without being sterile.
Zoned Schools:
- Laurel Nokomis
- Sarasota Middle
- Riverview High
Median Home Price: $500k–$900k
Similar Neighborhoods:
-Lakewood Ranch (adjacent)
-Wesley Chapel suburbs
Siesta Key Neighborhood
Retirees, second-home owners, beach lovers
The Neighborhood Vibe: Laid-back, scenic, resort-like
Why People Choose It: Direct beach access and island living
Siesta Key is a mix of condos, beach cottages, and luxury homes on the water. It offers the most iconic Sarasota lifestyle and appeals to people who want to spend most of their time near the water
Schools (off-island)
- Phillippi Shores Elementary — IB program, well-regarded
(Some pockets zone to Southside Elementary depending on the exact address.)
- Brookside Middle School — IB Middle Years Program
- Riverview High School — strong academics, big arts programs, respected athletics
These are solid schools, and plenty of Siesta Key families are part of these feeder patterns.
Median Home Price: $800k–$3M+
Similar Neighborhoods:
-Naples’ Old Naples
-Fort Lauderdale’s Lauderdale-by-the-Sea
Lido Key Neighborhood/Islan
Retirees, second-home owners, beach-focused residents
The Neighborhood Vibe: Quiet, upscale, beachfront
Why People Choose It: Steps from Lido Beach and the dining at St. Armands Circle
Lido Key is quieter than Siesta Key and closer to downtown. Homes range from older condos to multi-million-dollar waterfront estates.
Median Home Price: $900k–$4M+
Similar Neighborhoods:
-Longboat Key (adjacent)
-Marco Island
Longboat Key Neighborhood
Upscale retirees, seasonal residents
The Neighborhood Vibe: Private, scenic, resort communities
Why People Choose It: Luxury coastal living away from crowds
Longboat Key is one of the most desirable areas on the Gulf Coast. Homes include high-end condos and waterfront estates with views of the Gulf or the bay.
Median Home Price: $1M–$4M+
Similar Neighborhoods:
-Naples’ Port Royal
-Jupiter Island