Sarasota

The rich history, vitality and breathtaking beauty of Sarasota has sent many a writer and artist scrambling to put pen to paper and brush to canvas in order to capture its essence. Longtime resident and local historian, Jeff LaHurd calls Sarasota 'a lyrical name for a lovely and lively area that is always moving forward.' Sarasota is that rarest of place that combines vintage small-town charm with boisterous big-city amenities in a way that makes it the envy of municipalities many times larger. Add to this an unparalleled Gulf Coast setting, a bustling economy with a huge philanthropic heart, and a cultural scene of astonishing breadth, and you'll understand why Sarasota has etched itself on the heart of so many newcomers from everywhere in the world and every walk of life.

Residential opportunities in Sarasota are as varied as its people, proudly showing off the same colorful and eclectic mix. From coastal castles to classic Florida bungalows; golf course condos to street-side town homes and lofts, your choices are as unlimited as the sun-filled days that stretch before you.

Carefully controlled growth over the years has pushed the city eastward, with wave after wave of neighborhoods coming of age. These newer developments blend with historic areas of downtown Sarasota extending the city's charming metropolitan essence inward. Move further east and you'll find spectacular Lakewood Ranch, the talk of Florida, which is a brand-new community that's become a city unto itself with its own shopping, hospital, schools and corporate centers. Naturally, there are innumerable golf courses, parks, greenways and recreational facilities. All have been painstakingly planned to exist in harmony with the natural surroundings, whose preservation lends so much to the popularity and prestige of Sarasota's eastern quarters.

Move still further eastward and you'll inhabit a world of small equestrian haciendas, gentleman farms, countryside estates and grove-side neighborhoods. Rich in history, these areas afford plenty of room to spread out in a style to suit your fancy. Pure nature, open expanses of land, and quiet countryside surroundings offer sanctuary from the hustle and bustle of city life.