Are you looking to move to a beautiful, family-friendly neighborhood in Sarasota? Located on the south end of Florida, Sarasota offers local residents stunning beaches, unique cultural explorations, and diverse dining and entertainment options making it the perfect place for young and growing families to settle down in. 

According to Money Magazine, Sarasota is ranked as “the best small city in the US.” Sarasota also contains more Zagat-rated restaurants within 20 miles than any other Florida city. This small city offers its residents over 35 miles of white, sandy beaches, and over 1,000 golf courses. With an average temperature of 76.2 degrees year-round, it’s no wonder millions of visitors make the trip to Sarasota every year. 

If you're looking to call Sarasota your home, you’ll want to make sure you land in the right neighborhood for your family. Below are some of the best neighborhoods for families in Sarasota:

Lakewood Ranch

Ranked at number 3 on the top-selling master-planned community in the entire US, the neighborhood of Lakewood Ranch is on the rise. With a population of roughly 11, 261 people, you’ll get that small-town feel while still having luxury amenities at your fingertips. While the beach is about a 30-minute drive, there are several parks, restaurants, and shopping options all within walking distance. 

With home construction at an all-time high, and the median sold home price at around $385,000, Lakewood ranch is becoming more popular than ever for growing families. Living here will mean you’ll always be apart of a tight-knit, family-oriented community. 

Venice

Once named one of the “Happiest Seaside Towns in America” by Coastal Living, Venice serves as the perfect backdrop for young families looking to lay down roots. This beach town offers residents a charming main street with no shortage of shopping, dining, and entertainment options. 

The median home cost in Venice is around $244,700 and there is an ever-growing demand for housing in the area. While Venice is generally known to be a popular tourist destination, the highly rated schools, low crime rate, and small community feel are just apart of what makes the coastal town of Venice the perfect place to raise a family. 

Siesta Key

While Siesta Key is a top tourist attraction in Sarasota, it also serves as home to a large number of young families. Surrounded by water on both sides, Siesta Key offers some of the best beaches in all of Sarasota, also making it among the most desirable places to live.

With small shops and restaurants located within walking distance from downtown, this beach town is ideal for families looking to settle down in a relaxing paradise far away from the hustle and bustle of a hectic lifestyle. With a median home value of around $659,000, owning a part of this paradise won’t come cheap. However, if you look hard enough, you could just find a hidden, more affordable, gem to call your own.  

Gillespie Park 

If you’re looking for an up-and-coming neighborhood that mixes downtown living with a community vibe, then look no further than Gillespie Park. This eclectic neighborhood offers local residents walkability, plenty of green space, and relatively affordable home values that are packed with historic charm. While new homes are continually being built in the area, most homes have been restored from the 1920s 

The neighborhood is home to one of the county’s largest parks which offers up several tennis courts and playgrounds. The historic downtown village is just a short walk away and is home to many boutiques, art studios, and restaurants. This historic yet affordable neighborhood may just be the perfect fit for you and your family.  

Anna Maria Island

Anna Maria Island is the one place where you’ll likely see more golf carts and bikes than cars. Located on a stretch of only 7 miles, this small island has everything you need right at your fingertips. Grocery stores, doctors offices, and even the top elementary schools in the area means you might never have to leave the island!. 

Median home values have been on the rise in the past several years and will likely continue to go up within the area. The luxury amenities along with the small town, island vibes make this an ideal place to raise a family. Surrounded by beautiful beaches, it will be hard not to feel like you’re on vacation year-round. 

Looking to compare best performing realtors® in Sarasota? Effective Agents will be happy to help you find the perfect realtor®to save you both time and money. Effective Agents will not only help you find someone knowledgeable about the best neighborhoods in Sarasota but also helps you to negotiate the best possible price. 

Find more news on housing in Sarasota by registering on 941area, your free guide to the Sarasota area. 

Cover photo courtesy of Flickr