Myakka Valley Ranches is an established equestian community in rural Sarasota County
Live oak canopies and horse pastures flank the quiet country roads in Myakka Valley Ranches. This subdivision was developed in the 1970s as an equestrian community, offering five-acre minimum lots and saddle trails. The equestrian lifestyle is still strong, and in recent years, the large parcels have drawn animal enthusiasts of all sorts, according to Roni-Marie Gold, a resident and Realtor at Coldwell Banker. Surrounded by natural landscapes and wildlife in Myakka River State Park, the neighborhood offers an old Florida feel in the otherwise developing Sarasota County. "People are realizing it's nice to have space from your neighbors, and a lot of people want animals," Gold says. "They want a little garden, pigs, cows, chickens — they want to get back to their roots and they can't really do that elsewhere."
Barns in Myakka Valley Ranches support equestrian life.
Barn and field in Myakka Valley Ranches show rural charm.
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Spacious lots with horse barns and additional structures
The housing stock includes the original ranch-style homes and farmhouses from the 1970s and '80s. The properties evoke traditional horse ranches with wooden, T-shaped gates and fences at the entrances. For most buyers, it comes down to the land, according to Gold. Homes are set back from the street on private, wooded lots around 5 acres or more. "The house may be a simple two-bedroom ranch, but you also get a barn with six stalls, a garage to put all of your equipment. You get all those extra structures with the property," Gold says. Prices can range from about $700,000 to $1.5 million.
Large barns in Myakka Valley Ranches house horses and gear.
Ranch entrances in Myakka Valley Ranches feature classic gates.
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Florida wilderness and equestrian trails
Myakka River State Park is a vast landscape of wilderness and wildlife as one of Florida's oldest and largest parks. The namesake river is a venue for anglers, boaters, canoers and kayakers, while the trail system draws hikers, bikers and equestrians. The Myakka Canopy Walkway provides a bird's-eye view of the landscape from the tree tops. Myakka Valley Ranches residents share their backyards with gopher tortoises, alligators, deer, and many bird species. Easements serve as riding trails along the neighborhood's 17 miles of paved roads. "Most people slow down when they see someone on horseback," Gold says. The Trail Club meets for group rides and social potlucks. The neighborhood's two natural areas are popular for fishing and picnicking.
Tree views at Myakka River Park near Myakka Valley Ranches.
Picnic pavilion at Myakka River Park near Myakka Valley Ranches.
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Sarasota County schools earn high marks
Kids have access to highly rated public schools in the city. Lakeview Elementary School, Sarasota Middle School and Riverview High School all earn A grades from Niche. Riverview High has an International Baccalaureate program focused on engineering and international business. The arts programs include the 220-musician Kiltie band, which has earned consecutive superior ratings for over 50 years. Buses are available to the schools, which are between 9 and 15 miles away.
Riverview High’s field supports Myakka Valley Ranches athletes.
Sarasota Middle School supports Myakka Valley Ranches students.
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About 10 miles to shops and restaurants
State Road 72 transitions from farmland to commercial spaces as it gets closer to the city. Gas stations, strip malls, grocery stores, drive-through chains and eat-in restaurant line the strip. Publix and Walmart Neighborhood Market are among the grocery options. The dining scene includes some local staples such as Café Barbosso, an art-friendly Italian restaurant with decked out walls and live painting demonstrations. The meatballs and chicken parmigiana are menu favorites. Sarasota's foodie scene is centered downtown, with upscale restaurants, French cafes and bars. Restaurants overlook the Gulf on the beachy Siesta Key.
In about half an hour, Myakka Valley Ranch residents can be at the beautiful beaches of Sarasota.
Publix near Myakka Valley Ranches is great for everyday essentials.
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Food trucks, Santa visits and trick-or-treating
The neighborhood events committee brings special celebrations and activities. Friday night food trucks are a convenient dinner option, according to Gold. "It's really cool because we are still far enough away to have to go drive to pick up a pizza. A lot of places don't deliver yet," she says. "There is usually a dessert truck and some kind of dinner option." Horses lead Santa's carriage through the neighborhood for the holidays. On Halloween, kids get a map of the homes handing out candy. "The owners sit out on the driveways because the properties are so large it's hard to go all the way up to the front door," Gold says.
Roadways and infrastructure improvements
Myakka Valley Ranches is about 20 miles southeast of Sarasota. State Road 72 is the main westward connection toward the city and the beaches. Interstate 75 is about 7 miles west. Residents mainly rely on cars as public buses don't stop here. Sarasota County's rising population, development and resulting traffic have prompted an SR 72 road widening project. The community's 2023 Roads and Trails Masterplan outlines future road paving, speed mitigation, gated entry access and drainage improvement projects. Flooding can occur near the neighborhood creeks and canals.
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Welcome to one of Myakka Valley Ranches’ most picturesque properties, set on nearly 6 acres of manicured pastures dotted with majestic oaks and centered around a private, tranquil pond. This fully renovated estate delivers the perfect blend of rustic charm and modern luxury, designed for both relaxation and equestrian living. Step inside to discover a spacious and modern interior featuring four
Shangri-La or Southwest Florida?? This spectacular Mennonite built custom home whispers the joys and beauties of both from the moment of entering the gracious, winding drive surrounded by native trees , meandering trails and pond to the enchanting flower gardens. An impressive and charming Cape Cod style home overlooks a shimmering pond with a fountain feature . Boasting a NEWER ROOF (2023) and
NEW PRICE! MAKE AN OFFER! BEST DEAL FOR 10 ACRES IN SARASOTA! Welcome to your own piece of paradise on 10 ACRES in Sarasota! This unique property features a 3-bedroom, 3-bath main home with 1,904 sq. ft. under air, soaring ceilings, a dramatic stone fireplace, a wraparound porch, new roof (2023), and A/C (2019). The kitchen has been updated, but the rest of the home could use some TLC—offering an
AVAILABLE NOW (MONTHLY / ANNUAL / LONG TERM) ~ $5,500.00 MONTHLY ~ JUST BRING TRANSPORTATION / FOOD ~ PETS WELCOME:RARE SARASOTA FURNISHED MONTHLY RENTALNestled within a serene small farm setting, this ranch-style property spans over 8 private acres. Horse boarding is available for equestrian enthusiasts.Conveniently located near:Siesta Key Beach AreaInterstate
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Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Owners
Demographics
Total Population
645
Median Age
50
Population under 18
19.7%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
25.9%
Above the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$80,357
Above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$109,971
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
95.4%
College Graduates
49.1%
Above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
18.2%
% Population in Labor Force
56.6%
Below the national average
65.1%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
56''
Average Winter Low Temperature
53°F
Average Summer High Temperature
92°F
Annual Snowfall
0''
Area Factors
Somewhat Bikeable
Bike Score®
25/ 100
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®
0/ 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
