Downtown Sarasota Condos ..it’s a matter of a 1/3 of a mile.

From Sarasota Bay a simple stroll up Main Street will immediately bring you to: restaurants, cafes, shops, galleries, the opera house, the library, theatres and on Saturday morning the farmers market.

Sarasota has everything a big city offers without the attitude and hustle & bustle. That is why so many choose the Sarasota downtown lifestyle. People from the Keys are trading their beach front condos and many newcomers to Sarasota are recognizing the vibrancy and convenience of downtown living.For many the objective is to be as close to the center of downtown as possible. But for those not wanting to pay the "Main Street prices" there is a great complex to consider… Alinari. It really comes down to price versus distance.

I measured out 1/3 of a mile from Main Street and Orange Avenue… and found Kanaya, Rivo at Ringling, Savoy on Palm, Citrus Sq., Burns Court Villas to be the furthest. 1350 Main is only .29 miles, One Hundred Central and Plaza at Five Points are only .23 miles from Main and Orange. All of these developments were built between 2005 - 2007 and have the typical amenities one would expect from a newer building.

When looking at active listings in all of these buildings the average sq. ft. unit presently on the market is 2156 and the average asking price per sq. ft. is $444.00.

Now, to the Alinari - built in 2007. It is located 2 1/3 of a mile from Main and Orange. The average sq. ft. listing for sale is 1770 and the average asking price is $313.00 a sq.ft. Therefore, the difference between the Alinari and the other condo buildings is 1/3 of a mile and $131 a sq.ft asking price. Another way to look at it … on average an 1800 sq. ft condo unit in Alinari would be listed at $565,000 vs $799,200 in the more centrally located buildings. Another thing worth mentioning about the Alinari are the amenities… Perhaps the best of all the condo buildings with an over sized lap pool, large fitness room, multiple lounges, conference rooms, a theatre, wine cellar, a sports lounge and 24 hour concierge. It is also right across the street from the { purple } Van Wezel Performing Arts Center.

The bottom line is the Alinari is more affordable and something definitely worth considering when you are looking to purchase a new downtown Sarasota Condo.

Call me for a list of units for sale in each building… 941-993-3159… or check out the links below……

Alinari Condo
100 Central Condo
1350 Main Condo
Plaza at Five Points Condo
Citrus Square Condos Sarasota
Kanaya Condo
Rivo at Ringling Condo

And, as always, go to my Downtown Sarasota Blog for news you can use!

Posted by:Maureen & Pat Doherty

What better way to enjoy life than living in a prestigious golf course, gated community. How about a home on the fairway of the 3rd hole, of the Championship Course at the TPC Prestancia Country Club, which is a 15 minute drive from one of the best beaches in America.

Welcome home to 4022 Losillias Drive in Sarasota, Florida.

This Mediterranean style home is just over 4,300 sq. feet with 5 bedrooms, a large area for your dinning room, and a sunken living room with a wood burning fireplace with views of the golf course.  The sliding glass doors slide completely out of the way to open up the living room to the screened-in lanai pool area giving you the Florida feel of one large entertaining area.  Enjoy Florida living in a home that has been completely remodeled from the new roof, to the new travertine marble floors, to the new plush Karastan carpeting, to a complete interior and exterior repainting, to the freshly resurfaced Crystal Krete pool, to the new landscaping and more.  The spacious eat-in gourmet kitchen features Wood Mode custom oak cabinetry and dramatic black granite tile countertops.

Offered at $825,000 this home has tremendous value.  If you would like to know more about this home contact me at SaraLeicht@michaelsaunders.com or click here to view pictures and a virtual tour with links to the country club.

You can also visit my web site to view other fine Prestancia Country Club homes that are for sale by going to Prestancia Golf Course Homes for Sale.

Come join us in paradise, where the sun spends the winter, on the beaches and golf courses of  Sarasota.

Posted by:Sara Leicht

One of Sarasota’s best attributes is a quickly growing fitness and exercise scene. Every Tuesday night during June, July, and August, hundreds of athletes of various abilities gather at world-famous Siesta Key beach for run course that changes every week. Sometimes the run is a simple 5k, while last night’s run was an adventure race which had hills, obstacles, and finally a potato sack hop just before the finish.

The runs are generously hosted by the Manasota Track Club and start at 7pm. There is also a 1 mile kids fun run that starts at 6:30pm. For those who want even more of a workout, there is a large group that meets at 6pm for a group open water swim before the run. What makes this event so special are the people - by attending you will make many friends and get to see what makes Sarasota have such a special community.

If you are looking for more information on community life in Sarasota, Florida as you contemplate a move, feel free to contact me at 941.966.8000 or you can visit my personal website.

Posted by:Drew Russell

Sunsets are not just made for beaches? Lakewood Ranch, Florida is an award winning 8500 acre master-planned community. Lakewood Ranch engages in an excellent combination of location and amenities, attracts large numbers of savvy businesses and families. Lakewood Ranch offers the golf lover 54 holes of championship golf designed by Arnold Palmer and 18 holes designed by Rick Robbins.

Recently, made available is a magnificent 8663 square foot home positioned on the 10th hole of the Lakewoood Ranch Country Club… and talk about hypnotic sunsets… well, look for yourself.

Located in the heart of Lakewood Ranch in an exclusive enclave of 29 estate homes, Portmarnock, this custom built residence has been designed and built to enjoy the outdoors our area has to offer. The interior design is dynamic yet simple…hues and ceiling details to mimic the sunset sky….limestone floors and cabinetry with warm tones gives that understated elegant ambiance. A theatre and fitness center sure to keep guests entertained for hours…you will find yourself immersed in the outdoor living area with fireplace and summer kitchen and enjoy the resort-style heated pool and spa…..oh, did I forget to mention the 5-car garage…well if you want to experience more click here… enjoy!

Posted by:Barbara Najmy

The city of Sarasota is one of Florida’s premiere destinations for those wanting the most out of life. Located along the state’s sunny southwestern coast, just 60 miles south of Tampa, the city and its barrier islands—Lido Key, St. Armand’s Key, Longboat Key, Siesta Key, Casey Key and others–boast a fascinating history and cozy hometown feel intermingled with modern luxury and opulent amenities. While some relocate to Sarasota for its famous beaches and bountiful sunshine, others come for its vibrant culture. The city offers an exciting collection of restaurants, world-class shopping districts, thrilling nightlife, and captivating attractions. Known as “the cultural coast of Florida,” Sarasota has more than 10 major theatres, more than 30 art galleries and museums, and a variety of annual art and music festivals that draw thousands of residents and visitors. The city is also home to the Sarasota Ballet, the Florida West Coast Symphony, and the Sarasota Opera House, located in a vintage 1920’s Vaudeville venue.

In addition to its great culture, one of the best Sarasota attractions is simply its exceptional natural beauty. The Sarasota region is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, and is visited by people all over the world who come to enjoy miles of white sandy beaches, crystal clear waters and lush tropical landscaping, accented by a variety of nature facilities, such as the Mote Marine Aquarium and the Marie Selby Botanical Gardens. Sarasota County is home to the Myakka River State Park and the Oscar Scherer State Park, which offer over 30,000 acres for biking, hiking, camping and other activities. In addition, there are more than 80 Sarasota golf courses to choose from, including the historic Bobby Jones Golf Club, established in 1927. Whether you are seeking the best Sarasota fishing, a MLB spring training game, or a warm spot on the world-renowned Siesta Key beach, Sarasota and its islands are as thrilling or relaxing as you want them to be.