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.
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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.
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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 is part of the learning pipeline for kids in Whitfield.
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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?
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****THIS PROPERTY IS LOCATED IN AN OVERLAY DISTRICT - SO, WHILE NO HOA, MANATEE COUNTY HAS JURISDICTIONS PERTAINING TO ATTRIBUTES OF THE HOME DUE TO ITS LOCATION IN A HISTORIC DISTRICT. BOTH THE OVERLAY RESTRICTIONS AND THE GIS MAP ARE ATTACHED FOR VIEWING - ASK YOUR REALTOR FOR A COPY PLEASE READ THESE BEFORE SCHEDULING A SHOWING AS IT INCLUDES RESTRICTIONS SUCH AS COMMERCIAL VEHICLE PARKING, RV
Welcome to this charming mid-century Florida rancher nestled in the sought-after waterfront neighborhood of Whitfield Estates — one of Sarasota's most beloved and established communities. Set on a generous 0.29-acre corner lot, this 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom home offers 1,371 square feet of comfortable living space with genuine Florida character and serious income-producing potential. Whether you're
Back on the market and ready for its next owner. Welcome to 361 Scott Avenue, a refreshed pool home set on a rare double lot in Whitfield Estates, west of the Tamiami Trail and just minutes from Sarasota Bay. Step inside to a bright, open great room that flows into a kitchen built for hosting, with Corian counters, a center island, built-in oven, and separate cooktop. Original terrazzo and
Investor alert!! 3.26 acres located in the Berrydale/ Jay area. Property is beautiful with hardwoods, pines and partially cleared ready for your house plans. It does have power, water and septic. There is a mobile home on the property that could be renovated. Bring the horses and enjoy quiet country living!
Jodi Jackson
Better Homes And Gardens Real Estate Main Street Properties
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Great location for an investment or vacation in Sunny Florida. Onsite tiki bar and heated pool. Less than 2 miles from Sarasota Bradenton National Airport. Short drive across the beautiful Ringling Bridge to St Armands Circle and Lido Beach.
Most buyers walk into a home wondering what they'll have to replace. Here, you'll spend more time deciding where to put your furniture than planning your next renovation.Welcome to a beautifully updated 3-bedroom, 2-bath pool home where the expensive improvements have already been completed. From the newer roof, interior and exterior paint, insulated PEX plumbing with Armor Flex, updated
Set on a premier waterfront lot in the Sarasota/Bradenton area, this single-family estate offers panoramic water views of Sarasota Bay, a separate guest house, and the kind of indoor-outdoor living buyers expect at the luxury level. The main residence (3806 sq ft) is designed for entertaining and everyday comfort, with expansive living spaces, a well-appointed kitchen, and seamless access to the
Pre-Construction. To be built. Pre-Construction. To be built. Unit 208: Experience a new level of automotive luxury at The Motor Enclave Sarasota, where a limited collection of just 59 customizable private garage residences has been thoughtfully designed for discerning car enthusiasts. These units range from approximately 796 to nearly 3,336 square feet, offering exceptional flexibility to create
Discover a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to own a PREMIER 1.08-ACRE BAYFRONT LOT located “WEST OF THE TRAIL” at 8258 Long Bay Blvd., Sarasota, FL — a true TROPHY PROPERTY offering UNOBSTRUCTED VIEWS OF SARASOTA BAY, priceless SUNRISES & SUNSETS, and endless possibilities to build your CUSTOM LUXURY ESTATE! This OVER 1 ACRE WATERFRONT LOT features UTILITIES AVAILABLE, a NEWER SEA WALL already in
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Enjoy your getaway with the full hotel experience at the Ramada Inn, complete with a huge heated pool, World Famous Tiki Bar & Grill, Live music, and an arcade all just steps from your door. This adorably updated room has everything you need for a relaxing beach vacation or a comfortable extended stay. Perfect for families, business travelers, or solo guests seeking convenience and comfort.
Experience the best of Sarasota living in this beautifully updated single-story ranch home with pool, nestled in sought-after Whitfield Estates—a Manatee County gem with a Sarasota address. Situated near Sarasota Bay, this home sits among multi-million-dollar residences and offers the perfect blend of comfort, charm, and opportunity. This 3-bedroom, 3-bath home welcomes you with bright, open
Lease this home and get more from Invitation Homes professional property management. This home comes fully loaded with quality amenities, must-have services, high-end tech and ProCare® professional maintenance. Your estimated total monthly payment is $2489.90. That covers your base rent, $2345.00 + our required services designed to make your life easier: Air Filter Delivery Fee ($9.95), Internet
EXCITING NEWS: WE RECENTLY RENOVATED THIS HOME! IMPROVEMENTS INCLUDE: NEW STAINLESS-STEEL APPLIANCES. APPLY TODAY OR ASK YOUR LEASING SPECIALIST FOR MORE DETAILS! Apply now or schedule your self-tour today and take the first step toward getting more than just a place to live. Rent with FirstKey Homes for a home that's right for you, plus professional service and maintenance, innovative
This home is professionally managed by Tricon, dedicated to creating exceptional rental experiences. Featuring 3 bedrooms, 2.0 bathrooms, and approximately 1,412 square feet, this well-maintained home offers a high standard of rental living, supported by a team that puts residents first. As a Tricon resident, you'll enjoy access to Tricon Vantage — a program designed to support your rental
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Both Units of this Duplex for rent separately - 304 Lantana Ave and 308 Lantana Ave. Annual rental opportunity in the highly desirable Whitfield Estates neighborhood! Each side of this duplex offers a 2-bedroom, 1-bath unit, featuring a functional layout with a spacious living area, dedicated dining space, kitchen, and an additional bonus room perfect for a home office, den, or extra storage.
The advertised rate of $5,952/month is the lowest available price, based on a 1 month(s) stay with a move-in date of November 24, 2026.Rates vary depending on the duration of stay, season, and other parameters. For exact pricing and additional pricing components, please visit our website and enter your desired move-in and move-out dates. The rate is applicable when billed upfront; it can
Available April 15 - December 31 month to month. Furnished 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, roomy - open floor plan with a peek a boo view of the Sarasota Bay. Inside the bathrooms have been remodeled and a new luxury vinyl floor has been added. there are New dual pane windows to keep things quiet. Enjoy the comfortable front porch ready for you to relax and sneak a peek at the Bay or the open, tree
The advertised rate of $11,308/month is the lowest available price, based on a 1 month(s) stay with a move-in date of September 14, 2026.Rates vary depending on the duration of stay, season, and other parameters. For exact pricing and additional pricing components, please visit our website and enter your desired move-in and move-out dates. The rate is applicable when billed upfront; it
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***Available Sept 1*** Charming farmhouse-decor style duplex, ideally located just minutes from vibrant downtown dining, shopping, and entertainment! Thoughtfully updated and beautifully decorated, this inviting home offers the perfect blend of comfort, style, and convenience. Step inside to enjoy laminate flooring throughout the living, dining, and bedroom areas, with tile in all wet spaces for
Gabrielle ChannellCHANNELL REAL ESTATE & INVESTMENTS
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Both Units of this Duplex for rent separately - 304 Lantana Ave and 308 Lantana Ave. Annual rental opportunity in the highly desirable Whitfield Estates neighborhood! Each side of this duplex offers a 2-bedroom, 1-bath unit, featuring a functional layout with a spacious living area, dedicated dining space, kitchen, and an additional bonus room perfect for a home office, den, or extra storage.
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