A Florida retirement is financially feasible for many people, especially since living in the state comes with low property taxes and energy bills. There’s no state income tax either.
On the Gulf Coast in Sarasota and Bradenton, active adults looking for a place to settle can find sunny winters, world-class golf, and calm, clear waters. There’s also a lot of art, culture, shopping, and nature.
Sarasota, Florida real estate can be affordable, especially in these 55+ communities. Not only is the price right; buyers also have a good chance of putting a checkmark next to everything on their housing wish list.
Strathmore Riverside Villas – Sarasota, FL
Low $100s – High $200s
At Strathmore Riverside Villas, active adults can find waterfront living on Phillippi Creek, which comes with a boat dock, a fishing dock, and a marina.
In addition to the riverfront access, Siesta Key Beach is four miles away. Single-story condo living is available for buyers seeking a low-maintenance, high-energy lifestyle. Homes are between 864 and 1,800 square feet with one or two bedrooms. They are well-landscaped with covered parking, and the homeowners’ association (HOA) takes care of all exterior maintenance and common area upkeep.
In addition to the waterfront amenities, residents at Strathmore Riverside Villas enjoy a clubhouse with a library and multi-purpose room, an exercise center, a heated outdoor pool, and shuffleboard courts. Residents enjoy poker and line dancing, and there are classes for computers and aerobics.
Learn more information about Strathmore Riverside Villas here.
Village in the Pines – Sarasota, FL
Mid $100s – Low $200s
Another great option for buyers looking for affordable Sarasota, Florida homes for sale is Village in the Pines.
This 55+ community has nearly 200 attached villas with two or three bedrooms. Two full bathrooms are found in each home, and depending on the unit, there’s an attached two-car garage or a covered carport. Homes are between 1,021 and 1,756 square feet and include private laundry rooms.
Amenities include an outdoor pool and patio and a clubhouse with plenty of space for holiday parties, club meetings, and social activities. Surrounded by lakes and excellent shopping. Village in the Pines is an ideal spot for beach and nature lovers.
Celery Fields is a short drive, and a great place for birding, walking, or enjoying a picnic. St. Armand’s Circle has a number of local and big-brand shops to visit and great dining options, including the famous Columbia Restaurant.
Learn more information about Village in the Pines here.
Tallywood – Sarasota, FL
Low $100s – Mid $100s
Buyers who want to live close to downtown Sarasota are just minutes from museums and shops at Tallywood, an affordably priced 55+ condo community that’s also not too far from the beach.
Tallywood is a community of 185 condo units, all of which have two or three bedrooms, two bathrooms, and between 1,069 and 1,500 square feet. All homes have carports for one car, and some properties include dens and outdoor courtyard space.
Plenty of amenities are available to residents, including a clubhouse, fitness center, and an outdoor pool and patio.
Residents don’t have to travel far to find grocery stores like Publix, Whole Foods, and Save A Lot. There are also pharmacies, banks, and retailers close to the community, and University Mall is a short drive.
Some of Sarasota’s cultural hotspots are within 10 minutes, including The Ringling, an impressive museum with artwork by European masters, and Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, which is a living museum of plants and flowers and offers discounted memberships to locals.
Learn more information about Tallywood here.
Lakeshore Village – Sarasota, FL
High $100s – Low $400s
Water views don’t have to come with an outrageous price tag, especially at Lakeshore Village in Sarasota. This 55+ community has five lakes spread out through the neighborhoods, and residents are permitted to catch and release fish at those lakes.
There’s also a heated saltwater swimming pool, making a swim possible and pleasant all year long. Residents also enjoy the tennis courts, horseshoe pits, and billiards room. The clubhouse hosts weekly coffee socials, concerts, and happy hours on Friday nights.
The homes at Lakeshore Village are spacious attached villas. Floor plans offer between 1,605 and 2,400 square feet and either two or three bedrooms. Homes include two-car garages and features such as high ceilings and skylights. There’s also an active HOA taking care of maintenance and common areas.
Residents are close to all the retailers they need, including grocery stores, restaurants, and two malls. Siesta Key Beach isn’t far, and if you’re looking for fresh seafood and happy hour specials, be sure to check out Siesta Key Oyster Bar, which is not far from the community.
Learn more information about Lakeshore Village here.
Harmony at Lakewood Ranch – Bradenton, FL
Low $200s – Mid $300s
Buyers looking for new homes for sale in Bradenton, FL can find affordable options at Harmony at Lakewood Ranch. Construction on this community began in 2017, and there are no age restrictions, so it’s a great option for active adults who live with grown children or grandkids.
With 13 floor plans and a combination of single-family homes and townhouses, it’s easy to find a property that fits your lifestyle and budget. Homes have between two and five bedrooms and at least two bathrooms.
Amenities within the Harmony at Lakewood Ranch community include a clubhouse, a large resort-style pool, and a fitness center.
In Bradenton, residents are close to some of the best beaches on the Gulf of Mexico. The white sands of Coquina Beach are just minutes away, and there’s also some great golf in the area, particularly at River Run Golf Links. Bradenton is less than an hour from Tampa and conveniently located just off Interstate 75.
Learn more information about Harmony at Lakewood Ranch here.
