When people think of Florida, their minds often wander to sandy beaches, warm breezes, and sunny skies. While Florida has many beautiful areas, some hidden gems offer incredible lifestyle benefits without the crowded tourist feel. In this guide, we explore six of the best places to live in Florida, focusing on unique neighborhoods in Sarasota County, including Nokomis, Venice Island, and Englewood. These communities provide the perfect balance of nature, water access, affordable living, and a sense of belonging.
1. East Sarasota – Mature Neighborhoods with Large Lots
Overview:
When considering Sarasota, most people imagine neighborhoods out east, like Sky Ranch, Hampton Lakes, and Hi Hat Ranch. However, there are several mature neighborhoods closer to town that offer expansive lots, a convenient location, and a sense of character. Many of these neighborhoods were built decades ago, featuring larger lots than what you’d typically find in newer developments.
Why Live Here:
- Spacious Lots: One of the standout features of these mature neighborhoods is the expansive lot sizes that new construction neighborhoods often lack. These homes are usually not part of the cookie-cutter developments that characterize much of Florida’s more recent construction. You’re looking at properties that typically sit on quarter-acre to third-acre lots.
- Convenient Location: Being close to town, schools, parks, and various family-friendly activities adds to the desirability. Moreover, you’re much closer to the Gulf than many of the new developments further east.
- Investment Potential: As property prices continue to climb in Sarasota, these mature neighborhoods become increasingly valuable. Large lots in well-established neighborhoods near the beach and town center will likely be in high demand in the future.
Who It’s Best For:
- Families looking for more land and proximity to amenities.
- Homebuyers seeking a community with established character and mature landscaping.
2. Sorrento Neighborhoods in Nokomis – Canal Access and Boating Lifestyle
Overview:
Sorrento is a collection of 12 neighborhoods located south of Osprey and Sarasota and just north of Venice. These neighborhoods offer a wide range of housing options, from villas and condos to expansive Bayfront estates. The majority of these communities are situated west of US-41, providing quick access to the bay and the Gulf of Mexico.
Why Live Here:
- Canal and Marina Access: Many Sorrento neighborhoods either have homes directly on canals or offer marina access for residents. Imagine walking out your back door, hopping on your boat, and cruising to the Gulf within minutes. The proximity to the Venice Inlet also makes boating a dream for residents.
- Deed-Restricted and Well-Maintained: Most neighborhoods in this area are deed-restricted, meaning they are well-kept and have a cohesive aesthetic. Residents take pride in their homes, ensuring the neighborhoods remain beautiful and welcoming.
- Affordable Living: With home prices starting in the low $200,000s for condos or villas, you can find an affordable piece of paradise. Single-family homes in this area begin in the $300,000-$400,000 range, while canal-front homes range from $800,000 to $1.2 million. More luxurious bayfront properties go for around $4-5 million.
Who It’s Best For:
- Boating enthusiasts looking for canal-front properties or easy access to marinas.
- Those who want to live close to the Gulf without paying Sarasota’s higher price points.
3. Venice Island – Historic Charm Meets Beach Living
Overview:
Venice Island, particularly its southern portion, is transforming from a sleepy retirement town to a year-round paradise. It features two charming neighborhoods: Beach Manor and South Venezia Park. Known for its modest homes built between the 1950s and 1960s, the area offers a diverse range of properties, including villas and single-family homes, all within walking distance to the beach.
Why Live Here:
- Proximity to the Beach: Residents are just a mile from Service Club Beach, with many more beaches, parks, and boat launches within a short drive. Whether you enjoy fishing, kayaking, or simply soaking in the sun, you’ll love the accessibility to outdoor activities.
- Community-Oriented Lifestyle: Venice Island features a casual, small-town vibe with festivals, community events, and attractions like the local art center, library, and historic district. It’s an ideal place for families, young professionals, and retirees who seek a close-knit, friendly environment.
- Affordability: While the island as a whole has seen rising property prices, these neighborhoods offer more affordable options compared to other parts of Venice. Villas start in the high $200,000s, and single-family homes in the $400,000 range. Even larger, renovated homes top out around $950,000, which is competitive for this highly sought-after island location.
Who It’s Best For:
- Beach lovers who want to live on a charming island.
- Families and retirees looking for an active, community-focused lifestyle.
4. North Nokomis – Affordable Acreage and Mature Neighborhoods
Overview:
North Nokomis is an underappreciated gem for those looking to escape the hustle of Sarasota while staying close to the beach. It’s filled with mature neighborhoods offering spacious lots and diverse housing options. Many of the homes here feature the charming character of older Florida architecture.
Why Live Here:
- Mature Landscaping: Unlike newer developments, these neighborhoods have mature trees and established gardens, giving a sense of privacy and a natural setting that’s hard to find elsewhere.
- Convenience: Located just south of Sarasota and north of Venice, these neighborhoods offer quick access to both cities’ amenities. Being close to I-75 also allows easy travel throughout Florida.
- Room to Spread Out: With properties larger than typical new construction lots, you can enjoy more space for outdoor activities or even add a pool.
Who It’s Best For:
- Those who desire more land without sacrificing convenience.
- Homeowners who want a blend of privacy and proximity to Sarasota’s urban amenities.
5. North Englewood – Off-the-Beaten-Path Coastal Living
Overview:
North Englewood offers a mix of older and newer neighborhoods located just south of Venice. This area is not as well-known to tourists and is home to several attractive communities, including Overbrook Gardens, Englewood Isles, and Beachwalk by Manasota Key.
Why Live Here:
- Close to the Beach: Residents of these neighborhoods can be on the beach within five minutes. Overbrook Gardens has canal-front homes leading out to Lemon Bay, along with a boat launch. Englewood Isles also features a marina and canal-front properties.
- Diverse Housing Options: From small block homes to large estate properties, North Englewood caters to a wide range of preferences and budgets. You can find villas, condos, single-family homes, and luxury estates.
- Affordability: Englewood homes are more affordable than properties closer to Sarasota. Canal-front homes in this area can be found for around $700,000 to $800,000, while bayfront properties range from $1.3 million to $4 million. Villas and smaller homes start in the high $200,000s.
Who It’s Best For:
- Those seeking a more secluded, coastal lifestyle with easy beach access.
- Homebuyers looking for affordable waterfront properties.
6. Sorrento Ranches – Country Living Close to the Beach
Overview:
Sorrento Ranches in Nokomis is the place to be if you’re looking for larger lots and a rural feel without being too far from the beach. Homes here often sit on five-acre parcels, giving residents plenty of room to breathe.
Why Live Here:
- Space and Privacy: The expansive lots in Sorrento Ranches provide ample room for outdoor activities, whether it’s gardening, horse-riding, or simply enjoying the natural surroundings.
- Convenient Location: Despite the rural vibe, Sorrento Ranches is conveniently located near major roads, providing quick access to both Venice and Sarasota.
- Investment Potential: As property values increase in Sarasota County, large parcels of land near the Gulf are becoming increasingly valuable.
Who It’s Best For:
- Homebuyers seeking more acreage and a country feel.
- Those who want the best of both worlds: privacy and proximity to town and beach amenities.
Conclusion – Best Places to Live in Florida
These six neighborhoods showcase the diversity and appeal of Sarasota County’s lesser-known areas. Whether you crave a boating lifestyle, a beachside community, a rural retreat, or a family-friendly environment, there’s a neighborhood here that could be your next dream home. As these areas continue to grow and evolve, they remain some of the best places to live in Florida, offering the perfect blend of lifestyle, location, and affordability.
Also read: 15 Hidden Neighborhoods on Florida’s West Coast
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