Living in the Sarasota-Bradenton area or its surrounding neighborhoods is a great way to experience gorgeous weather year-round, a relatively low cost of living, and a strong sense of community.
The Sarasota-Bradenton area has everything visitors and residents expect from Florida. There are dazzling beaches for sunbathers and swimmers, stores and shops for every budget, hundreds of restaurants that range from casual taco joints to fine dining establishments, and an undeniable sense that life is meant to be savored and enjoyed. This area is located along the Gulf of Mexico, and less than an hour from Tampa and St. Petersburg.
If this area sounds like an ideal retirement destination to you, there’s even more to love in these active adult communities.
LakeRidge Falls – Sarasota, FL
High $200s – Mid $400s
For the feel of a close-knit community, consider LakeRidge Falls in Sarasota. This is a gated 55+ community of 399 single-family homes and attached villas built by Centex. There are three distinct neighborhoods, and homes range from 1,391 to 2,100 square feet.
It may be a small community, but it’s very active. There’s a clubhouse, a heated outdoor pool, a grand salon, and a fitness center. Residents frequently get together for social events and bingo nights. There’s also a travel group, bocce games, and Zumba classes.
This community is located in Sarasota, giving residents an opportunity to explore all that the city has to offer. Residents who appreciate art can visit the Ringling Museum of Art, which resembles a European museum. You can admire the enormous Rubens on display in one of the main galleries.
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Tidewater Preserve – Bradenton, FL
High $200s – Mid $1Ms
One of the newest 55+ communities in Bradenton is Tidewater Preserve. With 361 single-family and attached homes, residents can find it easy to socialize and get to know their neighbors. The homeowners’ association (HOA) is tasked with taking care of the grounds, including lawn care. Homes in the community include Carriage Homes that have three bedrooms and two bathrooms, and the Grand Villas, Riverfront Homes, and Classic Homes come in a number of two-, three-, and four-bedroom floor plans.
It’s hard for residents to be bored at Tidewater Preserve. Neighborhood gatherings, wine tastings, and exercise groups meet at The Lodge, which is the main clubhouse. There are also tennis courts, walking trails, and access to the Manatee River.
Bradenton Beach and Anna Maria Island are great places for swimming, snorkeling, and fishing, and they’re an easy drive from Tidewater Preserve. During spring training season, you’ll have a chance to cheer on the Pittsburgh Pirates at LECOM Park.
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Indigo – Lakewood Ranch, FL
Mid $300s – Low $700s
Lakewood Ranch is one of the most desirable residential spaces in the Sarasota-Bradenton area. Indigo is the latest 55+ community from Neal Communities, a builder known for resort-style amenities that fit perfectly with active lifestyles. Construction began in 2015, and once complete will have 600 single-family and attached homes in a variety of floor plans.
Indigo offers resort-style amenities such as an outdoor pool, a spa, a cabana, and polo fields for recreational or competitive play. Holiday parties and community events take place at the clubhouse, and the community’s gorgeous landscaping makes walking and biking pleasant and relaxing. Plenty of parks and trails are nearby, and it’s easy to get to Sarasota and Bradenton from Lakewood Ranch. The area is right off Interstate 75, making inter-state travel efficient.
Request more information about Indigo.
Esplanade at Artisan Lakes – Palmetto, FL
High $400s – Low $1Ms
To enjoy a larger community of neighbors, consider Esplanade at Artisan Lakes. This 55+ community in Palmetto is home to 800 single-family residences. The homes are spacious and elegant, ranging from 1,689 to 3,144 square feet. Many of the homes have open layouts, gourmet kitchens, and modern upgrades and fixtures.
With an on-site activities director putting together events, special interest clubs, and fun classes, residents can always find something to do. There are group fitness classes like aerobics, as well as sports courts for tennis and bocce ball. Swimming is particularly enjoyable in the resort-style pool. Residents enjoy the clubhouse, an event field, and the plentiful nature trails for strolling and biking. Palmetto is close to both Bradenton and Sarasota, as well as local beaches, parks, and preserves.
