West of the Trail
Near the beach, downtown and everything in between!
"If a client tells me they want to live in a area that is walkable or bikable to cafes, shopping, downtown and the beaches, close to everything, this is the first place I'll start looking!"
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Great Schools
The schools in Sarasota are excellent, A-rated and in this area, homebuyers will often buy here to get their kids into the school, specifically Southside Elementary, Phillippi Shores (IB Program) and Riverview High School.
Near the beach
Take either the south or north bridge to Siesta Key and within minutes be plunging your toes into the gorgeous sand. Both Siesta beaches, Crescent (the main beach) and Turtle Beach have facilities and play/picnic areas.
Restaurants/cafes
Whether it's fine dining you're looking for or a place to grab some fish tacos after coming off the beach, this area has got it. Libby's, Ruth's Chris to Square One Burgers. There is a bounty of eclectic and ethnic options up and down the trail and in Gulf Gate!
Shopping
Westfield Southgate Mall down to the Westfield Sarasota Square Mall (Movie Theatres and Costco) with dozens of strip malls in between. Head out to I75 & pop up to University Town Center, the new big mall with Saks, Dillards, Macys and Apple.
The neighborhoods tucked between Sarasota Bay and Tamiami Trail are affectionately called by the locals “West of the Trail.” Since these areas were the first to be developed, West of the Trail is a mixture of charming vintage bungalows nestled amongst old growth Florida Oaks standing proudly next to New Construction homes that make a statement, all within minutes of the edges of the Bay and the bustling Downtown. Most people who live here, a perfect blend of families, empty nesters and retirees, live year round. There are distinct differences up and down Sarasota:
SOUTHSIDE
The area North of Bay Road and South of Mound (US41 on the Bayfront) is perfectly situated within minutes to the Heart of Downtown Sarasota, the powder white sand on Siesta Key and all the amenities on US41 and Osprey Ave.
Southside Village, Sarasota Memorial Hospital and Hillview Street.
Elementary School: Southside Elementary
Middle School: Brookside Middle
High School: Sarasota High
SOUTHSIDE
The area North of Bay Road and South of Mound (US41 on the Bayfront) is perfectly situated within minutes to the Heart of Downtown Sarasota, the powder white sand on Siesta Key and all the amenities on US41 and Osprey Ave.
Southside Village, Sarasota Memorial Hospital and Hillview Street.
Elementary School: Southside Elementary
Middle School: Brookside Middle School
High School: Sarasota High School
Oyster Bay Area
South of Bay Road, all the way south to the Landings is typically called the Oyster Bay area and includes the largest gated community West of the Trail.
Although it's not walking distance to Southside Village, it's winding, Oak tree canopied streets are nonetheless lovely and convenient to commerce, schools and downtown.
Elementary School: Phillippi Shores
Middle School: Brookside Middle School
High School: Riverview High School
MUSEUM AREA
North of Downtown, the neighborhoods up to the Ringling Museum offer everything from modest ranch homes, Mediteranean Revival homes from the 20s to some of the largest Bayfront estates in Sarasota.
Residents here enjoy a quick drive down to the Downtown, a walk to the Bayfront parks at sunset and being so close to one of the country's most beautiful homes and museums
Elementary: Emma E. Booker Elementary
Middle School: Booker Middle School
HighSchool: Booker High School