Sarasota and Bradenton Community Profiles

Are you in search of a great retirement community in the Sarasota or Bradenton areas?

There are some excellent options to choose from in and around these fantastic Gulf Coast towns. Each option offers its own unique set of amenities, types of housing, and price points to consider.

Whether you are looking for a big community packed with all of the latest and greatest amenities or a small community where the people and the social environment are more important, you can find the perfect fit for your ideal lifestyle in Sarasota and Bradenton.

Esplanade at Lakewood Ranch

Esplanade at Lakewood Ranch is a 1,350 home gated community that is geared towards (but not restricted to) active adults. If going green is important to you, then you fill fit right in here because Lakewood Ranch is the country’s largest green-certified community.

The amenities here feature an impressive clubhouse and a wonderful lagoon-style pool. There are also plenty of outdoor spaces, a dog park, and even a canoe and kayak launch.

Residents at Esplanade at Lakewood Ranch occupy three different types of single family homes that range from 1,686 to as much as 3,159 square feet. These homes typically cost anywhere from the high $200s to as much as $500,000.

Harbor Isle

Harbor Isle is a small gated community of new and resale homes located just outside of Bradenton. Construction here started in 2010 and upon completion there will be a total of 686 villas and condos.

Private cabanas and a tiki relaxation area are the amenities that really stand out here. There is also a plan to build a beach club which could open sometime later this summer.

Homes at Harbor Isle come in three different series and range from about 1,400 to almost 3,000 square feet in size. High ceilings and convenient flex rooms are a design staple here. Units typically sell for anywhere from the mid $400s to almost $800,000.

Indigo

If you are looking for a community where every single building is brand new, Indigo is the choice for you. Construction on this 453 home community in Lakewood Ranch just started this year, so everything is going to be brand new!

Plans for amenities include a centerpiece clubhouse, as well as a resort-style pool. There will also be plenty of walking and biking trails.

All of the homes at Indigo will be single family homes in the 1,400 to 1,764 square foot range. They are currently selling in the mid-to-high $200s.

Tidewater Preserve

Located right on the Manatee River, Tidewater Preserve offers its residents stunning views of the water and direct access to the Gulf of Mexico. Construction started here in 2012 and there are plans to build a total of 361 homes.

The community features two clubhouses. One offers all of the standard community amenities while the other is focused on hosting community and private parties overlooking the community lake.

Tidewater Preserve offers both carriage homes and single family homes that can range in size from 1,710 to over 4,300 square feet. These homes sell for anywhere from the high $200s to the high $700s.

Sandhill Preserve on Palmer Ranch

Sandhill Preserve is another small community in the area that is filled with tons of new construction. Building here started in 2013 and the plans call for a total of 305 single family homes.

Planned amenities include a community clubhouse, resort-style pool, and an event lawn complete with BBQ area and fire pit.

The single family homes being built here range from 1,659 to 2,634 square feet and typically sell for somewhere between $300,000 and $500,000.

Sun City Center

Another popular community that is actually just a bit north of the Sarasota/Bradenton area is Sun City Center. The focus here is on lifestyle, as there are an incredible amount of amenities to choose from and the cost is actually quite reasonable.

Sun City Center includes a massive 54,000 square foot clubhouse, four different golf courses, 14 tennis courts, and 10 different pools to choose from. And that isn’t even starting to cover all of the options for activities, dining, and entertainment.

Homes here are available as villas or single family homes and can range from the high $100s to just over $300,0000. Depending on your choice, sizes range from 1,500 to well over 3,000 square feet.

Completed Communities

The communities listed below are already complete, so if you'd like more information about any one of them in particular, it'd be best to contact a local Realtor.

VillageWalk of Sarasota

Located in the Palmer Ranch community, VillageWalk is a gated neighborhood of just under 1,200 townhouses, villas, and single family homes. The key selling point for this neighborhood is the attention to detail that is put into the landscaping throughout the entire community.

In addition to having first-class landscaping, VillageWalk also boasts its impressive Town Center, which puts the typical community clubhouse to shame. In addition to all the normal amenities, the Town Center also has a gas station, barber, hair stylist, travel agency, and more!

Homes at VillageWalk were built between 2002 and 2009 and range from the high $200s to the high $500s depending on style and square footage.

The Isles on Palmer Ranch

If clubs and activities are something that you are looking for, The Isles on Palmer Ranch is a great place to find them. This smaller community of only 674 homes offers a tremendously diverse collection of recreational activities to choose from.

Most of those activities take place in the 11,000 square foot clubhouse, where you can easily find competition for just about any sport or activity you might be interested in. There is also a heated lagoon-style pool for those who prefer to kick back and relax.

Housing at The Isles is composed of villas and single family homes that were built between 2006 and 2013. These homes range from 1,526 up to 1,858 square feet. They typically sell for anywhere from the high $200s to the high $500s.

Cascades at Sarasota

Cascades at Sarasota is a very intimate 55+ community that is a perfect fit for social retirees. With a total of 453 homes, this is one of the smaller gated communities in the area.

Despite its small size, the community still boasts a 25,000 square foot clubhouse, indoor and outdoor pools, and tons of great activities.

Homes here are all single family homes that were built from 2005 to 2010. They range in size from just under 1,500 to just under 2,500 square feet and typically sell somewhere between the mid $200s and mid $300s.

LakeRidge Falls

Located just about five miles north of Sarasota, LakeRidge Falls is an extremely intimate community of only 399 homes that were constructed between 2001 and 2003.

One of the biggest features for this community is that the clubhouse sits right next to a beautiful lake. There are also all the standard amenities you would expect, including a resort-style pool.

Villas and single family homes at LakeRidge Falls typically sell for anywhere from $200,000 to just under $400,000. They range in size from 1,391 to 2,91 square feet.