Sarasota is a popular destination for families looking to relocate to sunny Florida. With beautiful beaches, a vibrant arts scene, and great schools; it offers an idyllic lifestyle. The following blog article highlights the 10 of the top new construction communities tailored specifically for families moving to the Sarasota area in 2024.

This article was derived from my full-length YouTube video. You can view it at the bottom of the page.

Community 1: North River Ranch

Located in the rapidly growing suburb of Parrish, North River Ranch takes the #1 spot. This huge masterplanned community offers homes from multiple builders like Neal Communities, giving a wide variety of options.

Prices start in the mid $300s, on the more affordable end for Sarasota. North River Ranch appeals to families with its extensive 26 mile trail system, bike share program, and recreation facilities like sports fields, courts, and playgrounds.

The proximity to the in-progress downtown area called Market Walk is also a major perk - it will house a Publix, restaurants, medical offices, and more. For growing families who want space to spread out, North River Ranch makes an excellent choice.

Community 2: Palm Grove 

Palm Grove is another Neal Communities neighborhood in Northern Lakewood Ranch off Uihlein Road. Located close to highly rated schools like B.D. Gullett Elementary, Mona Jain Middle, and Lakewood Ranch High, it appeals to families focused on education.

Prices start even lower than North River Ranch, in the $300s for townhomes and villas. Single family offerings will be affordably priced as well compared to other Lakewood Ranch communities. Fitness, trails, resort-style pools, and sports courts cater to multi-generational households. With nearly 1,000 homes consisting of villas, townhomes, and single family houses, Palm Grove combines convenience, recreation, and excellent schools.

Community 3: Star Farms

Managed by the #1 USA volume builder D.R. Horton, Star Farms contains a mixture of homes from mid-priced production houses to luxury custom builds. The family-centric Junction Place amenity center boasts every sports facility imaginable plus a splash pad and kid’s pool.

A planned trail system will connect directly to the upcoming K-8 school, making for a safe route to school. With varied home types and prices from $350s to multi-millions, Star Farms lets families select the right fit while enjoying resort-style community amenities.

Community 4: Sweetwater

In East Manatee County, Sweetwater by MI Homes features low-maintenance living with impressive community amenities tailored for families. Their amenity center includes a resort-style pool, fitness center, sport courts, cafe, and even a bike pump track loop for adventurous kids to hone their cycling skills.

Home prices range from mid $500s to over $1 million, but the designs offer spacious floorplans packed with luxury features. Sweetwater appeals to sophisticated families who want a private, upscale atmosphere without a long drive to schools, shopping and entertainment.

Community 5: Lorraine Lakes

Another large volume builder Lennar created Lorraine Lakes right near the LKW Ranch Premier Sports Campus, making it perfect for sports-oriented families. It stands out with the unique amenity...including a private bus loop within the gates, providing safe and easy school transportation.

Along with first-class recreational features like the pool, splash pad, sports areas, and putting green, Lorraine Lakes has a dedicated lifestyle director who brings families together through parties, movie nights and more. In Northern Lakewood Ranch near top-ranked schools, Lorraine Lakes caters to what active families want.

Community 6: Emerald Landing 

In Souther Lakewood Ranch (Sarasota County), Emerald Landing in the Waterside district  offers townhomes and waterview single family homes from esteemed builder David Weekley Homes. Surrounded by scenic preserves along Kingfisher Lake, prices reach from $500s to $900s.

The amenity campus provides an outdoor playground and splash pad where kids can safely play while adults workout at the fitness center. And the central Waterside community contains abundant shopping, dining, and entertainment options. With outstanding Sarasota County schools close by, Emerald Landing gives convenience plus resort-style amenities at an attainable price point.

Community 7: Cassia at Skye Ranch

This brand new community by Taylor Morrison in central Sarasota combines affordable new construction pricing with unbeatable amenities ideal for families. Cassia at Skye Ranch features 14 open concept floorplans from 1,800 to 4,000 square feet.

Their amenity campus sets them apart with options like a resort pool, kids pool, splash pad, sports courts, rock climbing wall and even an on-site restaurant. Situated with fantastic proximity, the neighborhood also boasts easy access to beaches, malls, sporting events and more. Active families who want space to grow will love Cassia at Skye Ranch. 

Community 8: Talon Preserve

Nestled between Sarasota and Venice, Talon Preserve by Pulte Homes and Lennar has reasonably priced homes starting under $400k. Their amenity campus contains a resort-style swimming pool, splash pad, tot lot playground, and a one-of-a-kind games room.

Nature lovers will enjoy the location near Oscar Scherer State Park plus the Legacy Trail for hiking and biking. And it’s only eight minutes to Nokomis Beach for summer fun. Talon Preserve proves families can get spacious new construction homes without blowing their budget.

Community 9: Vistera of Venice 

Another Neal Communities planned development, Vistera of Venice brings their signature resort-style amenities to South Sarasota County. Located just below Palmer Ranch and North of Venice Island, it capitalizes on this less expensive region while retaining high standards.

David Weekley Homes and MI Homes are also building homes in this new neighborhood encompassing townhomes, villas and single-family residences from 1,500 to 4,000 square feet, with prices ranging from mid $400s to $1 million.

When the community is complete, plans include a resort pool, splash pad, game room, community park, and more. Growing families who want room to spread out will find everything they need in Vistera of Venice.

Community 10: Lakespur in Wellen Park

Rounding out the list is Lakespur inside the popular Wellen Park development. Wellen Park stands out for its vibrant downtown district with dining, shopping, and entertainment in a walkable community layout. Families love navigating the pedestrian friendly roads via golf cart to access area attractions.

Lakespur provides Wellen Park living at lower price points starting in the $400s, with Lennar and Pulte Homes currently building and Mattamy Homes to follow. Though amenity space is limited with just a pool and tot lot, families gain savings that allow enjoyment of all Wellen Park’s offerings across the whole community.

Plus Wellen Park has some of the best school options in Sarasota County already, with a K-8 school and high school slated to open in coming years. Lakespur lets families buy into the sought-after Wellen Park lifestyle without blowing their budget.

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With enticing amenities, great schools, and homes catering to every budget, these ten new construction communities truly offer something for every type of family looking to put down roots in the Sarasota region. Whichever neighborhood fits your family's needs, you can feel confident finding your perfect home base to enjoy the Florida lifestyle.