A Favorite Sarasota Neighborhood - Laurel Meadows

From time to time, I enjoy introducing my readers to local neighborhoods that may be of interest to those considering relocating to the sunny Sarasota Florida area just named one of the "Top 10 Places to Retire" by BankRate.  Laurel Meadows is just such a community.

  Located just east of I-75, the homes in Laurel Meadows features things many families want, reasonably-priced  3 and 4 bedroom homes on larger than usual lots in an attractive setting away from downtown traffic but still convenient to everything one could want including access to all of Downtown Sarasota's many amenities and, of course, our wonderful beaches.

 Developed in the early 2000's, the three local builders of Laurel Meadows offered a variety of Florida contemporary design floor plans; many with 3-car garages.  Today, Laurel Meadows is still an unusually attractive community. Bordered by a large lake and a wooded natural preserve, Laurel Meadows is surrounded by natural beauty.  Palm trees line the divided entrance with 84 homes arranged around 5 picturesque lakes, one of which can be fished, but by residents only. The modest $215 quarterly homeowners association fee is another attractive feature of this community.

  Today the community includes a mix of residents including families with children, professionals, empty-nesters and retirees, and snowbirds.  “People walk their dogs and take strolls in the evening here and neighbors here look out for each other,” says Judie Berger, a well-known Sarasota Realtor.  Families with children especially like the schools serving the Laurel Meadows, Tatum Ridge Elementary, McIntosh Middle School and Sarasota High School.

  For shopping convenience, there’s a Publix grocery within walking distance at the intersection of Iona and Bee Ridge Roads, across from Rothenbach Park with its 5 miles of recreational walking, jogging and cycling trails and 2 playground areas with the latest in safe playground equipment.  The Big Cat Habitat & Gulf Coast Sanctuary wildlife preserve and the 360+ acre Celery Fields Park & Audubon Center are just down Palmer Boulevard.  Shopping and restaurants are a short drive away at Westfield Sarasota Mall, University Town Center, Walmart, Home Depot and Lowe’s.  Doctor’s Hospital is nearby on Bee Ridge Road.  For golfers, the 45-hole municipal Bobby Jones Golf Club is just minutes away and for those who prefer a private club, several private and semi-private course are also close by.  All of Sarasota’s cultural venues like the  Asolo Theater, the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall,  and the Ringling Art Museum are only a 20 to 25 minute drive away, and the soft, crystalline sands of Siesta Beach are also within an easy drive. 

  With its quiet streets and plentiful year-round sunshine, Laurel Meadows offers plenty of home options  at reasonable price levels.  But understand that people who live in Laurel Meadows really like it there so homes are not always available.  In the past 18 months, just five homes have sold ranging in price from about $260,000 to $340,000.  Of the 84 homes in the community there are  just 2 homes for sale right now so if Laurel Meadows sounds like the kind of community you’d like, call me at 941.928.3424 so I can show these two and other Laurel Meadows homes as they become available.