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?
Reach out to
Jeremy Egglefield,
an experienced agent in this area.
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INVESTOR ALERT!!! This Mid-Century Modern Home West of the Trail has been Nicely Updated Inside! It is Currently a Short Term Rental Generating Very Good Income! 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
**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 ample space
Just listed! 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
Whitfield Estates is an established community of single-family homes in North Sarasota and was the area’s original golfing neighborhood. Ideally located, it offers convenient access to downtown Sarasota, the Ringling Museum district, SRQ Airport, and Sarabay Country Club. This thoughtfully designed home features a split floor plan, with the primary suite—complete with a private office—separate
Welcome to Las Casas, a pet-friendly boutique 55+ community of just 22 detached villas, located 8 miles from downtown Sarasota and the Gulf Coast beaches. Nestled on a private cul-de-sac backing onto McArthur Park, this villa offers excellent curb appeal and a peaceful setting. Recently updated, the home features new luxury vinyl plank flooring and has been freshly painted inside and out. 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
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
Pre-Construction. To be built. Pre-Construction. To be built. Unit 203: 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
$20,000 PRICE ADJUSTMENT...updated first-level condo at the Sarasota Cay Club. This unit offers easy hotel access and season reservations! Featuring brand new flooring, fresh paint and modern furnishings, this unit is located within the Ramada by Wyndham Sarasota Waterfront Resort. The condo is perfect for short-term rentals with no minimum leasing restrictions, allowing you to use it for your
NO RENTAL RESTRICTIONS at this studio condo in Sarasota, Florida! Enjoy staying in this updated unit which is located inside a waterfront community with direct access to the GULF WATERS. This studio has a full bathroom and microwave, cooktop & with mini fridge. With no minimum rental restrictions, you can enjoy the unit whenever you like or rent it out through AIRBNB, VRBO, or the onsite program.
One or more photo(s) has been virtually staged. The Abaco Model is a stunning Sarasota luxury residence offering 4,343 square feet of refined living space and 6,273 square feet under roof, featuring four true bedrooms and six total rooms. This home is Florida Green Home Bronze Certified, reflecting thoughtful construction, energy efficiency, and sustainable building practices. Upon arrival
We make Pre-Leasing easy! Apply now and, once you’re approved, take this home off the market by paying a Pre-Lease Hold Fee; ask your Leasing Professional for more information. Once the home is made ready, we'll notify you that it's available for touring and for you to accept or decline. If you decline the home, we'll be happy to help you find a different home or refund your Hold Fee. This home
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 $2763.90. That covers your base rent, $2499.00 + our required services designed to make your life easier: Air Filter Delivery Fee ($9.95), Internet
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.
Available October 1st! Looking for a professional mid-20s to 30s to join two other females as a suitemate. We have one-bedroom available in a shared three-bedroom condo located in Sarasota. Amenities include:- Central air conditioning and heating- Dishwasher- Pool- Stainless steel appliances- Updated kitchen and bathroom- Washer and dryer- YardUtilities
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
Nestled west of the trail and just steps from Sarasota Bay, this beautifully maintained home offers a rare blend of comfort, location, and lifestyle.This spacious residence features 2 oversized master suites, each with its own private upgraded bathroom, providing ideal privacy for families or roommates. One of the suites opens directly to the pool area through elegant French doors, creating a
***Available April 20th*** 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
Gabrielle ChannellCHANNELL REAL ESTATE & INVESTMENTS
Live on the water!! Located within the Sarasota Cay Club at the Ramada, this second-floor efficiency is a fantastic deal! Fully furnished and recently updated, this unit includes stunning wood plank tile flooring throughout and fresh neutral paint., and more! The room is nicely furnished with a queen bed, leather electric recliner, kitchenette with refrigerator, microwave and all the essentials!
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.
Welcome to this charming 2-bedroom, 1-bath single-family home located in the desirable Whitfield Estates community. Offering an open floorplan and comfortable living spaces, this home is designed for easy everyday living. Tile flooring flows throughout the spacious living room, kitchen, and bathroom, while warm wood laminate flooring adds style and comfort to both bedrooms and the bonus room. The
SNOWBIRD ALERT This fully furnished and stocked 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom, pool home is great for vacations or short term renters. This vacation rental is available immediately for the 2024 Winter season (Jan-April) In addition to being close to the beaches it is also close to Downtown Sarasota, and Downtown Bradenton with quick access to all the best beaches, shopping, restaurants, colleges, UTC
This completely remodeled home over 375k spent up to an exceptional standard with expansive views of Sara Bay Golf Club. The home sits on a .38-acre lot and has a large completely enclosed swimming pool. Outdoor entertaining is a breeze with the indoor-outdoor patio accessed through expansive sliding doors. The kitchen designed for the chef of the family has stainless steel appliances along with
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