Golf, arts, culture in the Sarasota Bay community of Whitfield
Locally known as Whitfield Estates, the community of Whitfield on the Sarasota Bay is a neighborhood born in the 1920s land boom. Still framed by the historic fairways of the Sara Bay Country Club, Tamiami Trail (U.S. 41) places residents minutes from the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, the Ringling College of Art and Design, and the Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport, while city buses keep the bayfront streets connected. The white sands of Lido Key beach lie just over the bridge, adding salt air to the community’s easygoing routine of gallery visits and evening golf rounds.
Some homes in Whitfield neighborhood are very vibrant with color & art work.
Enjoy your days golfing at the Sara Bay Country club.
1/2
Old Florida architecture mixes with waterfront estates
Homes in Whitfield highlight vibrant, Old Florida architecture alongside newer luxury builds. Modest ranch-style houses in (sometimes in pastel hues) line the older, well-established streets; these single-story homes generally list between $350,000 and $500,000. “Residents here love that there’s no HOA,” says longtime resident and Realtor Kim Donahue. “You can launch a kayak almost anywhere, catch the bus to dinner, and choose from houses as modest as fixer-uppers to waterfront estates topping $7.5 million—no two are alike.” Closer to Sarasota Bay, expansive estate properties sit directly on the water, showcasing Spanish and Mediterranean-inspired details—stucco walls, barrel-tile roofs, arched colonnades—and command premium prices well into the seven-figure range. Buyers also find a sprinkling of 1920s and 1930s cottages that preserve the area’s early-resort character, along with mid-century ranch-style homes updated with contemporary interiors.
You will find a few waterfront estates in Whitfield neighborhood that take your breath away.
With so many styles of homes it makes walking the streets in Whitfield neighborhood enjoyable.
1/2
Ringling-area schools build a creative talent pipeline
Students usually begin at Florine J. Abel Elementary, which holds a B-minus on Niche, advance to Electa Lee Magnet Middle School, rated C, and then move on to Bayshore High School, which carries a C-plus. Whitfield is a short drive from the acclaimed Ringling College of Art and Design, giving graduates an immediate pathway into design, animation, and fine-arts programs.
Bayshore High School in Bradenton has 1,774 students and a 20:1 Student to teacher ratio.
Electa Lee Magnet Middle School
1/2
Lido Key beaches and art-rich recreation options
The Marietta Museum of Art & Whimsy pairs playful outdoor sculptures with rotating indoor exhibits, while golfers refine their swing at the private Sara Bay Country Club, an 18-hole Donald Ross design dating to 1926. Families gather at Whitfield Park, where the turf playground, picnic tables and shaded oaks make for relaxed afternoons. Gulf beaches lie minutes away, and Lido Key’s soft sand and gentle surf remain a favorite for swimming, shelling and sunset walks. Nearby, Sarasota Jungle Gardens adds walk-through bird habitats and wildlife shows, rounding out a diverse mix of recreation close to home.
Tamiami Trail diners and St. Armands boutique shopping
For daily essentials, locals head to the Aldi on Tamiami Trail (U.S. 41) for budget produce and pantry items. Just south on the Tamiami Trail, Crager’s Restaurant serves classic diner breakfasts, while neighboring Waterfront Restaurant overlooks the harbor and offers fresh Gulf seafood with sunset views. In the evening, residents gather at Tarpon Grill & Tiki Bar for coconut shrimp and live music on the open-air deck. For special-occasion shopping, a short drive across Sarasota Bay leads to St. Armands Circle, where tree-lined streets feature upscale boutiques such as White House | Black Market, fine-jewelry stores and sidewalk cafés.
U.S. 41 and SRQ airport offer quick regional
access
Tamiami Trail (U.S. 41) serves as Whitfield’s main corridor, carrying residents south six miles to downtown Sarasota and north eight miles to central Bradenton. Sarasota–Bradenton International Airport sits just two miles away, so most flights are a five-minute drive or quick ride-share. Sarasota County’s Breeze Route 99 buses stop along U.S. 41, linking the neighborhood to both city centers and the airport for $2 a ride. East of Whitfield, University Parkway reaches Interstate 75 in about ten minutes, opening a direct route to Tampa and Fort Myers. For beach time, Lido Key’s public access and parking are roughly eight miles south, while Sarasota Memorial Hospital is a 15-minute drive down the Trail for full-service medical care.
Written By
Braxton Chea
Photography Contributed By
Leila Sally
Video By
Matthew Bloch
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Cynthia Brock,
an experienced agent in this area.
Nestled in a peaceful neighborhood, this stunning, fully remodeled log cabin is your perfect retreat to unwind and reconnect with nature. With three cozy bedrooms and two beautifully designed bathrooms, this home exudes rustic charm at every turn. As you step inside, you’ll be welcomed by an open living area with cathedral ceilings and an inviting loft space. The cabin’s thoughtful updates shine
**BRAND NEW ROOF AUGUST 2025** CATCH SHIMMERING GLIMPSES OF THE BAY RIGHT FROM YOUR FRONT YARD** Enjoy the best of both worlds with also a spacious fenced back yard. This exquisite property offers a serene setting with endless potential to make it your own. The kitchen offers a thoughtful layout, featuring sleek stainless-steel appliances, a central island for extra storage and prep space, and
One or more photo(s) has been virtually staged. 100-Day Home Warranty coverage available at closing. Coastal-chic pool home in 34243! Flooded with natural light and styled in a fresh, neutral palette, this move-in-ready residence blends clean modern updates with relaxed Florida living. Curb appeal starts with crisp exterior lines, a durable metal roof, and solar panels. Inside, wide-plank
LOCATION ALERT!!! This Mid-Century Modern Home West of the Trail has been Completely Updated Inside! New Stylish Bathrooms, New Paint, and New Refrigerator. New Ceiling Fans, Fixtures, and Window Treatments. New Back Patio and a Makeover on the Front and Back Yards. The Terrazzo Floors are in Excellent Condition Keeping the Mid Century Feel. Outside are 2 Large Storage Sheds and a Nice Big Fenced
One or more photo(s) has been virtually staged. Welcome to Whitfield Country Club Estates, one of Sarasota’s most established and desirable communities! This charming 3-bedroom, 2-bath home with 1,623 sq. ft. offers a spacious and inviting floor plan designed for comfortable Florida living. Inside, you’ll find bright, open living areas, a well-appointed kitchen, and a cozy dining space perfect
**Prime Vacant Land Opportunity in Sarasota’s Whitfield Estates on Sarasota Bay*****Owner Financing Available with approved terms***Discover this exceptional vacant lot situated on Jungle Way in the highly desirable Whitfield Estates on Sarasota Bay subdivision. Offering over 8,000 square feet of prime real estate, this spacious lot features a generous 60-foot frontage, providing
This is a gorgeous duplex located 1/2 block away from the beautiful sunsets over Sarasota Bay and surrounded by single-family homes in a safe, quiet, and wonderful neighborhood. This location is great because it's only minutes from grocery stores, shopping, banks, and the Sarasota airport.This residence has two bedrooms and 1 full bathroom. Large yard. Single garage attached to the
Very nicely maintained home in a quiet residential neighborhood. Newer kitchen appliances and AC. Recently landscaped front yard: all shell and natural coastal plantings. A huge, screened, roofed lanai doubles the size of the living room. There is a separate laundry room attached to the carport. A convenient location only minutes away from SR-301 and US-41, SRQ airport, New College, Ringling
Gorgeous Whitfield Estates Home – Available December 1, 2025Offered as an Annual Rental (Furnished or Unfurnished)or Seasonal Rental (January–March 2026 Minimum Stay)This charming cottage-style 2-bedroom, 2-bath ensuite home is perfectly situated in the historic Whitfield Estates neighborhood, just steps from the spectacular Sara Bay Country Club and its Donald Ross–designed
Walk Score® measures the walkability of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.
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.
