Sarasota is one of the most desirable Florida tropical areas to live in. You'll enjoy the quality of life in this highly cultural area that features plenty of sunshine, gorgeous ocean and lake views, and a variety of housing options.

To assist you with a rich description of the different neighborhoods in Sarasota, we've given you neighborhood summaries below. We suggest you look at our pages featuring golf communities, gated communities, new construction and condominiums as well for pictures and additional information.

Sarasota Mainland
So many of the mainland's neighborhoods have been revitalized and yet still offer the ambiance and charm of Old Florida. They enjoy being near Sarasota's cultural events, fine restaurants and shopping areas. Sarasota’s downtown district is experiencing a rebirth that has provided new luxury condominiums facing the bay to renovated apartments, and renovated single-family homes.

Familiar to Sarasota, the museum area features a wonderful blend of contemporary and traditional homes. Along Sarasota Bay you'll find very stately and grand homes within the city. The beautifully tree-lined side streets offer more affordable homes adding to the eclectic atmosphere of Sarasota. This has been a great area for patrons of the arts, retirees and artists who enjoy the close proximity to all of the cultural happenings. Homes in the museum area are priced from $80,000 to $900,000.

Bird Key
Privacy, security and exclusiveness describes Bird Key pretty well. The close proximity to world-class shopping at St. Armands Circle, beautiful Lido Beach and the dazzling downtown theater district, quiet streets, and city skyline vistas are additional advantages to this very prestigious neighborhood.

Originally developed in the 1950's, Bird Key offers homes situated directly on the bay or on deep-water canals. Many of these homes have since been renovated and some have become distinctive in size and design. Boaters are drawn to Bird Key not only for their private waterfront properties but also for the very prestigious yacht club. Home prices range from $155,000 to $1,500,000.

Casey Key
Casey Key is one of the most prestigious addresses in Florida. The island is eight miles located south of Siesta Key, between the Gulf of Mexico and Blackburn Bay.

Wealth, elegance, and old-Florida ambiance describes this tiny exclusive island. Here you can expect to find conservative, highly aesthetic architectural styles which are restricted to single-family residences. Residents will enjoy the pristine beaches and plenitful wildlife that are protected by legislation. Home prices range from $$200,000 to $2.5 million.

Lido Shores
Lido Shores is situated just north of world-renowned St. Armands Circle and surrounded by the Gulf of Mexico, Sarasota Bay and New Pass.

With views of the Sarasota skyline, it's own private beach, deed-restricted properties, Lido Shores has attracted residents who are artists, intellectuals and highly successful entrepreneurs. Many of the homes in Lido Shores have been renovated or replaced and boast view of the Sarasota skyline. Home prices range from $$200,000 to $2.5 million.

Longboat Key
Just over the bridge is the island community of Longboat Key. There are two different perosnalites to the island that are determined by their location. To the south you will find high-rises along Gulf of Mexico Drive as well as rambling bayside estates, landscaped fairways and lawns plus high-end shopping areas. Many of the high-rises feature opulent condominium living.

The north end of Longboat Key features a more "village" atmosphere and is the site of the island's original residential properties. Residents enjoy shopping at Whitney Beach's shopping center and the quaint ambiance.

Country Club Shores
Located on the southern end of the Longboat Key, Country Club Shores features single-family home neighborhoods. Properties situated on deep sailboat water canals,provides a boater's haven for residents. Home-styles in Country Club Shores are primarily single-story and reflect the old-Florida style. Homes for sale are priced approximately from $375,000 to $1.5 million.

Longboat Key Club
Longboat Key Club is made up of 1,000 acres bordered by the Gulf of Mexico to the west and Sarasota Bay to the east. Within the Longboat Key Club community is a combination of elite resorts, quiet residential neighborhoods, and condomimium enclaves. Residents here enjoy the many recreational opportunities available to them.

Longboat Harbor North
This community features mid-rise condominiums that include all of the resort amenities plus a marina and a private beach club. You can enjoy the vistas of Sarasota Bay in a two-bedroom condo priced around from the $125,000's to the $160,000's.

Siesta Key
Siesta Key is famous for it's world-famous beaches, tropical island resort setting, an active arts population, fine cuisine, sophisticated boutiques and shops,and lush tropical vegetation.

The island is made up of three areas that include north, middle and south. the north end of the island was the first area to be developed. There are many large, expensive homes here as well as homes located on the water. You'll find homes reflecting classical key architecture. Sarasota’s historic Out-of-Door Academy, now one of the region’s top private schools, with a sprawling campus in a quiet neighborhood can be found in the north end of Siesta Key.

Mid-Key is the heart of Siest Key and here you will find the bustling village that is welcoming to all. Not only are there great restaurants, art shops, boutiques, and beach bars but there is very affordable homes for sale. You can expect to find beachfront homes, cottages and a variety of condominiums. Overlooking the bay is some of the most distinctive properties. Prices range from $105,000 to $2 million.

South Siesta has become a very affluent neighbohood within the past ten years. Here you can find one of the first gated communities, the Sanderling Club. Many of the estates are situated among secluded wooded lots and bayside locations. Closer to Turtle Beach you'll find some smaller, moderately priced homes and luxury condos.

St. Armands Key
Although St. Armands is known the world over for it's fine dining establishments and shopping, it is also a fabulous residential community with over 225 homes. Just like so many communities within the Sarasota area, many older homes in St.Armands Key are being renovated or replaced with more elaborate estates. One of the draws to St. Armands Key is the wonderful blend of architectural styles ranging from Old-Florida to mediterranean to contemporary. Within a few minutes walk, residents can enjoy famous St. Armands Circle and Lido Beach. Equally convenient is the dowtown area, airporta and theatre district. Homes for sale range from $150,000 to $1,500,000.