Along Sarasota’s iconic bayfront, Downtown Sarasota is held together by a bustling Main Street featuring locally owned and operated shops and restaurants. Above the retail spaces, you’ll find luxury condominiums and apartments like the Vue and the brand new Mark. Downtown Sarasota is renowned all around the world as a cultural hot spot, with a recognized arts scene. While city ordinances close things up pretty early here, you’ll love the live music as the sun sets, along with the eclectic visitors who frequent popular restaurants like BOCA and Mattison’s.
This area comprises several unique neighborhoods that are all unique and quaint in their own ways. From waterfront views at Golden Gate to historic cottages in Laurel Park, there’s something here for everyone.
Neighborhoods in Downtown Sarasota
Main Street & Surrounding Avenues
Main Street and the surrounding avenues of Downtown Sarasota are extremely walkable. You’ll find stunning high-rise apartments and condominiums overlooking the city here. While most of the real estate starts at $1 million, you may find a few of the older buildings with units around $500,000 or less. New buildings, like the Vue, located at the corner of U.S. 41 and Gulfstream, feature bayfront views, while The Mark, at the corner of State Street and Pineapple Avenue, includes retail and access to the best restaurants and nightlife in the area. You’ll like it here if you enjoy easy access to everything, without a vehicle. Be warned that this area of Downtown Sarasota can attract a lively crowd after dark, so if you are seeking a quiet setting, this may not be the place for you.
Laurel Park
Laurel Park is perhaps one of the most iconic neighborhoods in Sarasota. It has undergone a major upgrade, from untidy old homes to renovated, high-end historic cottages. No two homes are alike in this eclectic area, with funky architecture and tree-lined alleys. You won’t find much here below $600,000, but if you’re willing to do some updating and reno work, you just might find yourself in the home of your dreams. Many of the properties here date back to the twenties, with some modern development being mixed in only recently. This area is much quieter than Main Street, but still within walking distance of all the action.
Rosemary District
Located along Central Avenue, between Fruitville Road and Orange Avenue, the Rosemary District is an up-and-coming area undergoing a major makeover. Redevelopment is at an all-time high here, attracting young investors, start-ups and creatives. Hip spaces like The Overton and Artisan Cheese Company are popping up everywhere, suiting the nearby clientele’s tastes. Several apartment buildings are new to this area also, attracting young professionals and couples.
Gillespie Park
Another up-and-coming area, within walking distance of all that Downtown Sarasota has to offer, is Gillespie Park. Much of the last affordable real estate is being picked up here, with old deteriorating structures being redeveloped into stunning modern farmhouse homes. This area feels like it’s on the brink of greatness. A lush park at its center features tennis courts, basketball courts, a dog park and running paths. The residents here are a mixture of renters and new homeowners, and on any given day, you’ll find neighbors walking their dogs or enjoying an active lifestyle.
Golden Gate Point
If you’re lucky, you might find an available unit in one of the condo buildings on Golden Gate. Back in the day, this area at the foot of the John Ringling Causeway, was an iconic scene from a Florida vacation dream. Now, the older low buildings are being replaced with larger bayfront highrises, and the view is the why. This 22 acre peninsula on Sarasota Bay offers surround views of both the marina and the bridge, which is a stunning sight at sunset.
Dining in Downtown Sarasota
Downtown Sarasota is a melting pot for international cuisines, and the restaurants here serve up an abundance of different atmospheres, from formal white tablecloth settings to casual, all-American dining. Head to BOCA on Lemon Avenue for a lively farm-to-table scene where chefs whip up fresh menu items, all made with locally-sourced ingredients. For a more laid-back feel, head to local staple Owen’s Fish Camp. Here you can chow down on fresh seafood to the sound of live bluegrass swing music in a rustic and true-Florida setting. For a more up-market setting, Hyde Park Prime Steakhouse serves up juicy, tender cuts of meat in a classic white tablecloth atmosphere. Come for the steak, stay for the wine. And, of course, we can’t forget waterfront dining. Marina Jacks offers a prime ocean view and serves classic meals. Open for both lunch and dinner, Marina Jacks is renowned for exceptional views and delicious frozen drinks.
Culture in Downtown Sarasota
Downtown Sarasota is known as a cultural hotspot. For such a small municipality, Sarasota possesses the arts and culture of many much larger cities. Many head to downtown Sarasota for the hot cultural scene, where the ballet, opera, theatre and symphony all thrive. On any given night during season, you will find hordes of spectators spilling out of the Sarasota Opera House or catching an early dinner before heading to their show. If you are not interested in the fine arts, you can simply meander along Main Street and take in live music playing at local restaurants.
If you are interested in finding the perfect home in Downtown Sarasota, or would like to list your home in the area, please contact me today.