History of West of Trail Neighborhoods

Historic Sarasota Real Estate

If you’re looking for a conveniently located, safe and upscale community that celebrates the history and architecture of Sarasota, West of Trail Neighborhoods is where you need to be.

Incorporated in 1902 and named a city in 1913, Sarasota was once a group of smaller communities that later became part of the city but in some cases retained their original names.

The city was inhabited by members of the Ringling family (the same Ringling of circus fame). They began to invest in land and settle in the area. More and more people became attracted to the area and Sarasota real estate began to grow.

McClellan Park, part of the West of Trail Neighborhoods, was established by two sisters in 1913. It is one of the oldest and remains one of the most successful neighborhoods in the southern part of downtown Sarasota.

Another of Sarasota’s oldest neighborhoods, Cherokee Park, was established in the 1920s. So, too, was Avondale, which saw great sales in 1925 and quickly became a popular subdivision of Sarasota. Both of these communities are part of the West of Trail Neighborhoods, a historic downtown Sarasota collection of homes.

The name is synonymous with some of the most desirable homes in downtown Sarasota, which are located west of the Tamiami Trail. Today, homes in the West of Trail Neighborhoods reflect the various early and modern architectural styles of the area.

When you’re looking for Sarasota homes for sale, it’s hard to beat West of Trail Neighborhoods with their ideal location near to downtown Sarasota, proximity to the water, and variety of home styles.

Let’s take a closer look at this historic Sarasota real estate.

West of Trail Neighborhoods

Homes in the various communities of West of Trail Neighborhoods are diverse–there’s Spanish-style mansions and casitas, Florida bungalows, waterfront estates, Ranch and Colonial styles, Southern Plantation homes, Tudors, Mediterranean estates and American Craftsman styles.

Some homes were built in the early 1900s, some in the 1940s – 1960s and still others just in the last year or two. Prices range from $200,000 up to as high as $5,000,000. This eclectic arrangement of homes means that there’s something for everyone interested in buying Sarasota real estate.

While not known for any specific historic dwelling (though a 1926 Mediterranean style home in Avondale was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1992), many homes have been rebuilt or restored, so there is plenty of modern yet historic Sarasota real estate available in West of Trail.

If you happen to be looking for Sarasota homes for sale in West of Trail Neighborhoods, you might find everything from a vintage 1925 bungalow to a fully restored Bay Front mansion. Some neighborhoods, such as Arlington Park, might offer more in the way of affordability than, say, Cherokee Park.

Perhaps the most historic building in the area is Ca’D’Zan Mansion, home of John Ringling and his wife, which is a museum today. The home is of stunning Venetian Gothic style that captures the very essence of the Roaring Twenties. Fascinating tours of this example of historic Sarasota real estate are offered in addition to tours of the Museum of Art and Circus Museum.

Summing up West of Trail Neighborhoods: a unique blend of luxury, prime locations and history that gives you a balance of some of the top benefits that Sarasota real estate has to offer.