The Best Sarasota Neighborhoods for Renting: Culture, Beaches, and Affordable Apartments

Current Rental Pricing for Apartments in Sarasota

Hi, I’m Joyce, your ApartmentHomeLiving.com Expert for Sarasota, Florida. My husband and I moved to the Sarasota area more than 20 years ago, and since then, we’ve learned about the city’s many surprising and enjoyable features. Sarasota’s proximity to the big city life of Tampa-St. Pete gives access to all of life’s necessities, while still maintaining a relaxed, beachy attitude. Orlando, just 2 hours away, provides fun for both residents and visitors throughout the year. The concept of “community” is strong in Sarasota, and people are proud of their city and care deeply about its history and development. Although the city has a luxurious feel to it in many ways, with access to beautiful beaches and many cultural events that make it a popular location, it still offers many affordable living options for residents.

Consideration of Your Housing Needs

Because Sarasota offers such a variety of desirable amenities, you should do a careful assessment of your housing needs. You might prefer a walkable neighborhood, with access to shopping, restaurants and entertainments.. Being close to a large transportation artery, such as Interstate 75, may be important for your job or other activities. Access to Sarasota’s art scene, concerts and theater may be important for your leisure time fun. If you’re an outdoorsy type, you may wish to be close to the beaches, parks or other natural areas that the city offers. Rental prices vary across the city, but affordability is a hallmark of many neighborhoods in Sarasota. You can find both large multi-unit complexes and smaller units in various areas of the Sarasota.

Granada

With its close location to Gulf beaches, as well as Sarasota’s downtown, the Granada area of Sarasota is a popular location for young singles, retirees and anyone who enjoys a quiet community with plenty of activities to enjoy nearby. Granada is a scenic, historic and close to one of my favorite places in the city, the Ringling Museum and Ca' Azana, the beautiful home of John and Mable Ringling, which is also a great place to take your out-of-town guests. You can also easily access the beach islands, water sports and boating facilities from the Granada area.

The Isles On Palmer Ranch

The Palmer Ranch area is rich in history, and today, continues to offer many advantages for those seeking affordable housing. The area has many convenient shopping venues nearby that give it a high livability. What strikes me about The Isles On Palmer Ranch is its demographic diversity. You can find retirees, young professionals, families and couples enjoying the many conveniences of the area and its closeness to the downtown areas. The Palmer Ranch Farmers Market, running from October to May is a favorite for many residents. The Legacy Trail provides outdoor activities to enjoy in our year-round Florida sunshine.

North Sarasota

For those who enjoy a more suburban-rural environment, North Sarasota offers a quiet retreat from the bustle of the city center, with the amenities you need for a comfortable lifestyle. Families, retirees and couples enjoy the unhurried atmosphere and natural surroundings. You can find many affordable homes and apartments in the area, and new housing is under development. You’ll need a car for driving to stopping venues, medical facilities and other amenities that are available. Although North Sarasota offers the tranquility you may desire, the attractions and cultural amenities of the downtown area are still close at hand.

South Sarasota

If you like a more open, spacious residential community, South Sarasota provides an environment with plenty of parks, good schools, medical facilities and all the conveniences you require. Add a low crime rate and access to all the city’s popular entertainments, and you begin to understand why South Sarasota has become such a popular area. Many retirees, professionals and part-time residents make their homes in South Sarasota. You will need a car to get around to various shopping venues and entertainments. The city’s waterfront and downtown cultural amenities are just a short drive away.

Arlington Park

Arlington Park in Sarasota in one of those well-established, tree-lined areas of the city that have a history and character of its own. The area has a mix of housing styles that makes it feel natural and accessible. I felt a sense of community here, with a dog-friendly atmosphere and a clear feel of people enjoying their public spaces together. Stores and restaurants are available nearby. The aquatic center attracts a large population of fitness buffs of all ages. This is a comfortable community, with plenty of amenities and convenient access to downtown and beach areas.

Whitfield

The Whitfield area is still growing and continues to offer many affordable housing options for retirees, families and singles. If you are dog people, as we are, you’ll find many fellow enthusiasts in this area of the city. With easy access to the Sarasota-Bradenton Airport, this neighborhood of Sarasota keeps growing and changing. There’s a strong sense of energy and community here. You can enjoy the local fitness centers and parks, or enjoy one of the area’s local restaurants. You’ll need a vehicle for getting to shopping venues and recreational activities.

Cherokee Park

Close to downtown, yet separate and serene, the Cherokee Park area of Sarasota offers a variety of apartment options for singles, seniors and families. This is a friendly community, with a long history and clear sense of itself, where you can enjoy walking the tree-lined streets and local green spaces. The nearby Sarasota Memorial Hospital provides quality medical care. All the conveniences are nearby, including downtown cultural venues. The relaxed attitude and convenience of the Cherokee Park area makes it an enjoyable place to live.

Sarasota Springs

For those who prefer a quieter, more suburban living environment, the Sarasota Springs area offers plenty of natural areas, good schools and convenient access to beaches and the downtown area. The area consists mainly of single-family homes, but affordable apartments are available. Like most suburban areas, you will need a vehicle to get to shopping and entertainment venues, but the safe and relaxed atmosphere here more than makes up for any inconvenience. One of the advantages of the Sarasota Springs area is its closeness to Interstate 75, making transportation for work and other activities convenient. Sarasota Springs also offers access to the Legacy Trail, which offers hard and natural surfaces for hiking and biking fun.

Downtown Sarasota

Although the downtown area of Sarasota generally offers apartments at the higher end of the pricing scale, it’s the perfect place to be for those who want to be in the heart of city’s action. Downtown Sarasota offers restaurants, art galleries, theaters, concerts, bars and a variety of local events throughout the year. Just strolling along through this highly walkable area is an enjoyable experience. Young professionals and couples seem to enjoy this area of the city. Of course, it’s also a convenient area for getting to Siesta Key and enjoying beach activities, but there are also many land-based activities and events along the bay front. For those of all ages who want access to local amenities and the pulse of this coastal city, Downtown Sarasota can’t be beat.

Alta-Vista

This area has a youthful feel, with many young professionals, couples and singles who find the affordable housing, proximity to downtown amenities and access to beach activities the perfect environment for their social activities and leisure time. Alta Vista is a quiet neighborhood with a sociable atmosphere and walkable conveniences. It’s dog-friendly and a number of fitness and outdoor activities are available. A suburban feel with urban proximity, this neighborhood is both cozy and convenient.

Sarasota’s many options provide a wealth of housing choices for those looking for affordable places to live in the city. If you spend a little time in each of these desirable areas, you’re sure to find the one that suits your needs perfectly.