If you’re considering relocating to Southwest Florida, particularly in the vicinity of Sarasota, you’re likely aware of the overwhelming number of new construction communities available. With over 30 options in areas such as Lakewood Ranch, Wellen Park, North Venice, and Sarasota, making a decision can be daunting. In this article, we’ll explore the best communities in Sarasota, focusing on eight standout communities—two from each area. This guide will help you navigate through the choices and pinpoint the community that best suits your needs and lifestyle.
Wellen Park: A Hub for Active Lifestyles
Wellen Park Golf & Country Club
Wellen Park Golf & Country Club is a dream come true for golf enthusiasts. This expansive community offers something for everyone, from affordable condos to luxurious single-family homes. If you’re a golfer, you’ll appreciate the course layout and pristine condition, which make it a fun and challenging experience.
The community is set to feature around 1,400 homes and will be gated, offering a high level of security. Residents can enjoy resort-style amenities, including a pool, fitness center, restaurant, and multiple sports courts. The Homeowners Association (HOA) fees vary depending on the type of residence, ranging from around $500 to over $1,000 per month. This includes amenities and, for condos, maintenance and insurance.
Brightmore: The Premier 55+ Community
If you’re seeking an active adult lifestyle, Brightmore is the only 55+ community in Wellen Park. Built by Mattamy Homes, this community will consist of about 600 homes, offering a mix of villas and single-family residences. The HOA fees are more affordable, ranging from $300 to $400 per month.
Brightmore is designed with luxury and activity in mind. The community boasts nine pickleball courts, a stadium court for tournaments, a resort-style pool, a lap pool, a fitness center, and a clubhouse with a restaurant and café. Whether you’re into social clubs or organized activities, Brightmore offers a full-time activities director to keep your calendar full.
Both communities in Wellen Park are in prime locations, close to downtown Wellen Park and just a short drive from the beach. Whether you’re drawn to the golf lifestyle or an active adult community, Wellen Park has something for everyone.
North Venice & Nokomis: Coastal Convenience
Talon Preserve: A Connection to Nature
Talon Preserve in North Venice is a gated community that checks all the boxes for resort-style living. Developed by DiVosta, this community offers a range of amenities, including a resort-style pool, lap pool, splash pad, pickleball courts, tennis courts, and a game room. One unique feature of Talon Preserve is its direct connection to the Legacy Trail, a multi-use trail that stretches from downtown Sarasota to Venice.
This trail is a gem for outdoor enthusiasts, offering miles of scenic running, biking, and walking paths. Talon Preserve’s location is also ideal for beach lovers, as it’s just a few miles from Nokomis Beach. The community is set to feature over 900 homes, with HOA fees around $300 per month, making it a compelling choice for those who value both amenities and location.
Vicenza: A Blend of Builders and Styles
Vicenza is a smaller, yet highly attractive community located off Laurel Road in North Venice. What sets Vicenza apart is the diversity of builders—Neal Communities, MI Homes, and David Weekley Homes—each contributing their unique styles to the community. This variety prevents the “cookie-cutter” feel often found in single-builder communities.
Vicenza will offer a mix of single-family homes and villas, with amenities similar to those found in larger communities, including a resort-style pool, lap pool, and clubhouse. While it won’t have a restaurant or bar, it will still cater to those seeking an active lifestyle with social clubs and community events. Its proximity to the beach and I-75 makes Vicenza an ideal location for those who want easy access to both natural beauty and urban amenities.
Sarasota: Urban Living with Suburban Comfort
Skye Ranch: Family-Friendly and Amenity-Rich
Located off Clark Road, Skye Ranch is a growing community in Sarasota, primarily developed by Taylor Morrison. The community is divided into two sections: Esplanade, the luxury division, and Cassia, the more affordable section. The Hub, Skye Ranch’s main amenity center, recently opened and offers a resort-style pool, lap pool, splash pad, fitness center, and various sports courts.
Skye Ranch is particularly appealing to families, thanks to its extensive amenities, including outdoor fields for sports and a soon-to-be-built school nearby. The presence of luxury builders like Arthur Rutenberg and John Cannon adds to the community’s appeal, offering high-end home options alongside more affordable choices.
Grand Park: A Hidden Gem
Grand Park, another Neil Communities development, is slightly west of Skye Ranch and offers a similar amenity-rich lifestyle. This gated community will feature a resort-style pool, lap pool, fitness center, and numerous walking trails, making it a haven for those who love outdoor activities. Grand Park is set to include a mix of townhomes, villas, and single-family homes, catering to a wide range of budgets and preferences.
The location of Grand Park is another strong selling point. Situated off Clark Road, it provides easy access to I-75, downtown Sarasota, and the world-renowned Siesta Key Beach. Whether you’re a family or an active adult, Grand Park offers a lifestyle that combines convenience with luxury.
Lakewood Ranch: A Community for Everyone
Shoreview at Lakewood Ranch Waterside: Tranquil and Scenic
Shoreview at Lakewood Ranch Waterside is a relatively new community in the Sarasota County section of Lakewood Ranch. This community, developed by Pulte Homes, offers a peaceful, scenic environment with a focus on waterfront living. Shoreview is situated near the new Waterside Place town center, providing residents with easy access to shopping, dining, and entertainment.
The community will feature approximately 246 homes, all with access to a range of amenities, including a resort-style pool, fitness center, and tennis courts. The HOA fees are reasonable, making it an attractive option for those seeking luxury living without the exorbitant costs. Its proximity to both downtown Sarasota and Lakewood Ranch’s various offerings makes Shoreview a prime choice for those looking to enjoy the best of both worlds.
Esplanade at Azario Lakewood Ranch: Golf-Centric Luxury
Esplanade at Azario Lakewood Ranch is a standout community in Manatee County, particularly for golf lovers. Developed by Taylor Morrison, this large community offers a mix of villas, single-family homes, and townhomes, catering to various lifestyles and budgets.
The community’s amenities are top-notch, featuring a resort-style pool, a poolside Tiki bar, a restaurant, and a day spa. The centerpiece is its 18-hole golf course, which is currently open to the public but will eventually become private. Whether you’re an avid golfer or simply enjoy resort-style living, Esplanade at Azario offers a luxurious, community-focused lifestyle.
Conclusion: The Best Communities in Sarasota
The communities in Wellen Park, North Venice and Lakewood Ranch offer diverse lifestyles, amenities, and price points. Whether you’re a golf enthusiast, an active adult, or a family looking for a community with top-notch amenities, these areas have something to offer everyone. With so many options, it’s essential to consider what lifestyle and amenities are most important to you.
Also read: Gulf Gate Sarasota – Affordable Beach Living
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