What are the West of Trail Neighborhoods?
The West of Trail Neighborhoods in downtown Sarasota include an eclectic mix of nearly 35 communities with exclusive homes of varying traditional and modern styles. You’ll find everything from Tudor and Spanish mansions to bungalows or 1940s ranch-style homes.
As Sarasota was established and incorporated from a village in 1902 to a city in 1913, many of the communities became part of the city but retained their original names. Thus, West of Trail Neighborhoods include such names as Cherokee Park and Harbor Acres.
Each community among the West of Trail Neighborhoods reflects a distinct specific architectural style and lifestyle. These communities offer multiple property options in a vast price range to suit each individual buyer.
Which neighborhood might be the best fit for you? Let’s take a closer look at a few of these communities and what makes them stand out.
Some Top West of Trail Neighborhoods
Whether you’re looking for a touch of historic Florida or want a more modern setting, you’re bound to fit in a West of Trail community.
Here are some of the top West of Trail Neighborhoods along with a brief description to help you decide on your next location:
Cherokee Park: close to the Gulf and the attractions of Siesta Key, this community consists of mostly remodeled homes built post-WWII. There’s easy access to beaches from the bayside area, as well as shops and restaurants in the historic downtown area. You can choose from waterfront estates and more classic styles with lots of privacy to be had on luxurious lots!
Harbor Acres: one of the upscale West of Trail Neighborhoods, Harbor Acres is a waterfront community of larger homes (between 4,000 – nearly 8,000-square feet), many built in the 1920s. With private docks available, this is a top choice for boating enthusiasts. Walk to nearby Selby Botanical Gardens and downtown shops and dining establishments. It’s within walking distance of Sarasota Memorial Hospital and close to the Ringling Museum of Art, theaters and live music venues.
Oyster Bay: another waterfront community, Oyster Bay contains homes that can encompass up to 15,000-square feet — mostly Spanish Mediterranean and ranch styles. You’ll find both single-family homes as well as condos in this community. The community’s Field Club offers swimming, tennis and boating. It’s close to several theaters, clubs and Selby Botanical Gardens.
Avondale: a product of the Sarasota real estate boom of the 1920s, this community offers Spanish, ranch and Colonial style homes from the 1920s – 1940s. Walk to Bayfront Park and Southside Village as well as the botanical gardens. This is a community of wide, tree-lined streets and sidewalks. AreaVibes ranks Avondale as #1 in Sarasota and scores it an 80 in livability, which translates to “Exceptionally Livable”.
Arlington Park: once a neighborhood of older, shabbier houses, this is now a desirable community of fixed up and newer homes where you might find a nice dwelling in the $200,000 range. It’s also in close proximity to all the amenities of downtown Sarasota. It has been described as a top community to raise children; “old school as far as family living goes” is how one resident put it.
Other Notable West of Trail Communities
Here’s a brief look at a few other communities that make up the West Trail Neighborhoods:
- Indian Beach: a desirable location of diverse homes, from mansions to ranches to bungalows built in the 1920s, 40s and 50s.
- Sapphire Shores: an exclusive neighborhood of older homes, Sapphire Shores provides a tropical atmosphere and is only minutes to downtown Sarasota restaurants, bars, shops and theaters.
- McClellan Park: a community of Tudor and Spanish-style estates, McClellan Park is one of the oldest communities in West of Trail. Made up mostly of 4-bedroom, 3-bath homes, and schools that rate 10/10 from GreatSchools.org.
- Lincoln Park: a modern community built in the 2000s, Lincoln Park has quick access to both water and downtown; very small community with homes ranging in the 2,800 – 3,600-square foot range.
- The Landings: from single-family, one-level homes to luxury condos and townhouses, The Landings offers a wide variety of styles for diverse lifestyles. A premier gated community for those who are 55+, though other ages may find it comfortable here.
