The Saunders Blog

University Park, FL – Neighborhood Video

University Parkway is fast becoming one of the top neighborhoods in Sarasota. Everyday new stores and restaurants are opening. A luxury mall is being planned. The schools are new and top-rated. There’s gourmet food shopping at Fresh Market and the latest movies in nearby Lakewood Ranch. And the location can’t be beat – just fifteen minutes to downtown and twenty to the beaches.

Originally called County Line Road, the Parkway marks the boundary between Sarasota and Manatee counties. Once a largely rural area, the Parkway has grown to become a collection of upscale, sophisticated communities. This is modern Florida living at its finest, with a wide variety of housing choices.

East Manatee, FL – Neighborhood Video

Just a few years ago East Manatee was considered beautiful but definitely off the beaten track. The development of the I-75 corridor has changed all that. Now this area of old Florida farms and ranches has become one of the fastest growing parts of the state. And while new planned communities dot the landscape, the giant oaks and pine groves remind us of the area’s historic past.

Some of the new communities in East Manatee are among the most luxurious in Florida. The lavish Concession Golf Club boasts world class dinning and was rated “Best New Course” by Golf Digest. Greyhawk Landing is family oriented, with a resort-style clubhouse and a pool that kids love. Waterlefe and Heritage Harbor – both gated – feature golf and tennis. Other communities include the River Club, Greenfield, Mill Creek – each with its own special flavor.

Bird Key, FL – Neighborhood Video

Bird Key is quintessential Sarasota. An island set in the middle of Sarasota Bay, it was first developed by circus magnate John Ringling back in the 1920’s as a retreat for his own family. Today it glitters as one of the finest neighborhoods in town. Thanks to an extensive network of canals, more than two thirds of Bird Key’s 500 homes are on the water, many with dockage for large yachts. Spectacular views abound, both of the downtown skyline and of the lush mangrove islands that dot the bay.

Bird Key has what may be the best location in Sarasota. It is five minutes to the shops, restaurants, and cultural activities of downtown, and even less to glamorous St Armand’s Circle and the white sand beach of Lido Key. The new Ringling Causeway, built in 2004, replaced a drawbridge and now offers convenient, unimpeded access to all the pleasures of Sarasota. The bridge also offers a perfect jogging path with a spectacular view of the city and the bay.

Manasota Key Neighborhood Video

Manasota Key is one of Florida’s best kept secrets. It offers superb shelling, swimming, and beautiful sunsets in glorious “Old Style Florida” fashion.

Manasota Key is a classic narrow barrier island nestled along Florida’s west coast. With the Gulf Of Mexico along the west and peaceful Lemon Bay along the east, this is a place for water lovers, with water never more than a short walk away.

Manasota Key is home to some of the most exclusive homes around. There are no high-rises or traffic lights- just a two-lane road and pristine beaches. The northern and central part of the island, located in Sarasota County, is completely residential. Private homes sit on one-acre lots, tucked behind lush tropical foliage. Many of the homes have their back yard on the bay and their front yard on the Gulf. The southern part of the island is in Charlotte County and has more development. There are low-rise multi-family condos and old fashioned beach cottages on the south end. The southern tip of Manasota Key is occupied by Stump Pass Beach State Park.

Osprey Neighborhood Video

Osprey, located directly south of Sarasota, is the best of both worlds. It has a small town feeling, with tree-lined streets that end with a glimpse of the bay. But it’s less than 30 minutes from the sophisticated pleasures of downtown Sarasota.

What sets Osprey apart from its neighbors is its historic pedigree. This is where Bertha Palmer, grand dame of Chicago society, built her famous home, The Oaks. Her arrival in1901 gave Osprey a certain cachet that it has maintained ever since.

Manatee, “North of the River” Neighborhood Video

History is everywhere “North of the River.” That’s what the natives call the towns of Palmetto, Ellenton, and Parrish that line the shore of the mile-wide Manatee River. The ancient Indians mounds at Emerson Point show that people have been living here for centuries. And legends of pirates hiding out in the coves and bayous of Terra Ceia linger to this day.

North Port Neighborhood Video

North Port is one of the largest cities by geographic area in Sarasota County.  It is conveniently located next to Venice and Port Charlotte, offering many of Florida’s amenities with a small town familiarity.  Toledo Blade and Sumter Blvd. act as gateways into this well-priced primary and second home mecca.

North Port has experienced explosive growth in recent years, making it a natural destination for young families as well as those seeking a second home in a warmer climate.

Palmer Ranch Neighborhood Video

Palmer Ranch is a master-planned community offering its residents the ultimate Florida lifestyle. It is conveniently located near Sarasota’s beaches, downtown, and arts and entertainment district.

The 10,000 acre area is rich in history. It was part of the original land bought by Bertha Honore Palmer around the turn of the 20th century.

Port Charlotte Neighborhood Video

Port Charlotte is located between Sarasota and Fort Myers. It sits right at the mouth of Charlotte Harbor, where the Peace River and Myakka River meet. Residents refer to it as the “Jewel on the Harbor,” with a charming personality and beautiful waterfront living. Bayshore Park runs along the whole waterway with fishing piers, kayaking, walking trails, restaurants and picnic pavilions.

The homes in Port Charlotte range from smaller 2-bedroom bungalows to larger Tudor homes and even Mediterranean estate homes. There are also waterfront communities offering carriage homes, single-family homes and estate villas.

Punta Gorda Neighborhood Video

The city of Punta Gorda is located between Sarasota and Fort Myers at the mouth of beautiful Charlotte Harbor. Its fine location allows for endless recreation. The deep harbor and 75 miles of deep sailboat water canal frontage make it an excellent sailing and boating location, as listed by numerous magazines and sailing publications.

The homes range in style from canal front homes to waterfront condos. The charismatic Downtown area boasts many historic homes. The residential areas near the heart of downtown feature many brick streets lined with huge royal palms. Several Key West-style homes boast tin-roofs and charming verandas. Smaller bungalows sit slightly further inland and evoke memories of the fishing village of yesteryear.