The 15 Best southern sarasota neighborhoods | 2025

Introduction

Southern Sarasota has a way of sneaking up on people. It’s not loud or flashy, but once you spend some time here, it starts to make a lot of sense. You’ve got easy access to the beach, a bunch of neighborhoods that feel genuinely livable, and a slower pace that still keeps you close to everything. Whether you’re hoping for a gated golf community, something walkable to nature, or a spot that just feels like home base without the fuss, this part of town offers a solid mix. What follows isn’t a ranked list—it’s just 15 neighborhoods that locals actually talk about, each with its own personality, depending on what kind of life you’re looking to build here.

1. Country Club of Sarasota

For golfers and tennis players, Country Club of Sarasota checks a lot of boxes. It wraps around the Prestancia golf course and sits right next to Serendipity Racquet Club, so you’re never far from a tee time or a match. The homes here are spacious and sit on larger lots, with that mature, established feel you don’t always get in newer neighborhoods. It's gated, quiet, and super close to shopping on Beneva or Clark Road—plus you're only about 15 minutes to Siesta Key.

2. Deer Creek

Deer Creek is gated, green, and gives you a peaceful retreat while still being right in the heart of it all. This is one of those neighborhoods where the trees are tall, the landscaping is lush, and nearly every home backs up to a lake or preserve. The community offers a mix of custom-built homes and maintenance-free villas, and you're only a few minutes from Legacy Trail, grocery stores, and even Costco. Siesta Key Beach? About 10–12 minutes west.

3. Esplanade on Palmer Ranch

If you want amenities that feel like a vacation resort, Esplanade might be your spot. This neighborhood is social, energetic, and packed with perks—think tiki bar, wellness center, resort-style pool, and courts for every sport you can imagine. It’s gated and HOA-maintained, so yard work is off your plate. Plus, it connects directly to the Legacy Trail for biking or running without ever hitting a main road.

4. Grand Park

Grand Park is one of the newer master-planned communities in Sarasota, located just east of I-75. It's designed with parks, walking trails, lakes, and tons of space to breathe. The homes are modern, and the vibe is very community-driven—with a clubhouse, pool, and courts for pickleball and tennis. You’re close to top-rated schools, just minutes to the interstate, and about 25 minutes to Siesta Key.

5. Hammock Preserve

Tucked off Honore Avenue, Hammock Preserve is a gated, tropical-feeling community built by DiVosta. It offers a relaxed but social vibe with a fire pit, barefoot bar, and resort pool that make it feel like you're living at a boutique hotel. The homes are newer and back up to preserves or ponds, and the whole community feels private but connected. You're also super close to Nokomis, Oscar Scherer Park, and Siesta Key.

6. Isles of Sarasota

The Isles is one of Palmer Ranch’s most peaceful and well-landscaped neighborhoods. Built around lakes and nature preserves, it features a mix of homes and villas with a big emphasis on community activities. There’s a fitness center, tennis courts, a big lagoon pool, and walking trails. It’s the kind of place where you can be social if you want—but also retreat to the quiet.

7. Legacy Estates at Esplanade

This is the upscale extension of the Esplanade community—larger homes, bigger lots, and a quieter feel. It’s gated and backs up to the Legacy Trail in spots, so outdoor access is built right in. You still get to enjoy all the resort-style amenities of the main Esplanade campus, but you’re in a low-density pocket that feels a little more elevated.

8. Oyster Bay Estates

Oyster Bay is one of Sarasota’s legacy neighborhoods. Located west of the Trail near Roberts Bay, it’s full of large lots, old-growth trees, and bayfront homes. Some homes here are newer builds; others are renovated mid-century classics. The Field Club sits right in the neighborhood, and you’re just minutes to Southside Village or Siesta Key. If you’re looking for coastal Sarasota living without the planned community feel, this is it.

9. Pelican Cove

This is one of the most unique and nature-filled condo communities in the area. Located on Little Sarasota Bay, Pelican Cove feels like living in a nature preserve with banyan trees, boat slips, and boardwalks connecting each area. There are six pools, three clubhouses, and dozens of clubs from photography to woodworking. It’s a slice of creative, low-maintenance paradise—ideal for retirees or seasonal residents who want something more laid back and natural.

10. Prestancia

Prestancia is one of Palmer Ranch’s crown jewels for golf lovers. It's gated, quiet, and built around the TPC Prestancia courses. You’ll find estate-style homes, villas, and condos tucked into lush landscaping, with easy access to the country club and its social calendar. It's a solid choice for those who want something classic, refined, and tucked away—but still central to beaches, restaurants, and shopping.

11. Stoneybrook Golf & Country Club

Stoneybrook is your friendly country club neighborhood with full golf membership included for all residents. It’s gated and offers condos, villas, and single-family homes around a beautiful Arthur Hills-designed course. The clubhouse is the hub of activity, and there's also a pool, tennis courts, and fitness center. You’re near Central Sarasota Parkway, so it’s a straight shot to the beach or downtown.

12. Sunrise Preserve

Sunrise Preserve is one of the newest entries in this area and it definitely leans into the “resort lifestyle” category. The homes are modern, clean, and open, and the amenity center includes a pool, tennis and pickleball, and a firepit hangout space. It’s a great fit if you want something move-in ready with a good mix of full-time and part-time neighbors. Plus, you’re super close to the state parks, I-75, and Palmer Ranch shops.

13. Turtle Rock

Turtle Rock has long been a favorite in Palmer Ranch thanks to its wide sidewalks, green space, and family-friendly layout. There are two gates for easy access in and out, and homes here sit on larger lots, many with lake views. There’s a clubhouse, pool, tennis, and miles of walking trails. Families like it for the schools; retirees like it for the peace and privacy. Everyone appreciates that it’s 10 minutes to Siesta Key.

14. VillageWalk

VillageWalk is one of the most self-sufficient communities in all of Sarasota. It has its own café, salon, post office, gas station—you could live here and never leave. The community is entirely maintenance-free, and the grounds are filled with lakes and walking bridges. There’s also a fitness center, two pools, and tons of clubs and activities. It’s busy in a good way, and the location near Honore and Central Sarasota Parkway puts you right in the mix of everything.

15. Legacy Trail-Adjacent Pockets

Okay, this one’s a bonus—but several smaller neighborhoods in southern Sarasota back right up to the Legacy Trail, offering unbeatable bike and walkability. Whether it's a condo community or a tucked-away single-family development, being near this trail is a lifestyle all its own. If walkability and outdoor activity are high on your list, don’t sleep on these lesser-known gems just off the main corridor.

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