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
Jennifer Thompson,
an experienced agent in this area.
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Your slice of waterfront paradise awaits in the exclusive gated boating community of Hawks Harbor in Bradenton. This rare deep-water enclave of just 54 custom-built homes is one of the area's best-kept secrets, offering direct access to Sarasota Bay and the Gulf of Mexico with no fixed bridges—an exceptional opportunity for avid boaters and waterfront enthusiasts. Perfectly positioned on a
Discover timeless European elegance and exceptional gated waterfront living at this meticulously remodeled bay-front residence. This 4-bedroom, 3.5-bath home offers 4,383 square feet of refined living space on a spacious 37,800-square-foot lot with 100 feet of direct Sarasota Bay frontage. Enjoy breathtaking water views in a private, natural setting protected by mangroves, mature landscaping, and
This single-story 3-bedroom, 2-bath split-plan pool home sits on an oversized 0.29-acre lot in historic Whitfield Estates — Sarasota's first golf community, home to the Donald Ross–designed Sara Bay Country Club. It offers a 1-car garage and a private in-ground pool with a covered poolside pergola, set on a fenced lot — all in a low-risk Flood Zone X location. The kitchen includes newer
Welcome to 361 Scott Avenue, a beautifully refreshed pool home in the heart of Whitfield Estates, westof the Tamiami Trail. Set on a rare double lot just minutes from Sarasota Bay, the property offers the kind oflaid-back Florida living that's getting harder to find at this price. You'll step into a bright, open great room that flows right into the kitchen, where Corian counters, a
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
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.
Opportunity knocks in sought-after Whitfield! This solid concrete block 3-bedroom, 2-bath home with a 2-car garage offers the perfect chance to create the Florida home you've been dreaming of. While the property is ready for cosmetic updates, the desirable floorplan, generous room sizes, and strong bones provide an excellent foundation for your vision. The roof was replaced in 2023 and A/C
Just listed! 3.26 acres located in the Berrydale/Jay area featuring a fixer-upper mobile home. Property is beautiful with hardwoods and pines. Mobile home could be renovated or removed for new home construction. Property could also potentially be divided into three lots. All utilities are in place. Bring the horses and enjoy quiet country living!
Jodi Jackson
Better Homes And Gardens Real Estate Main Street Properties
Set on a premier waterfront lot in the Sarasota/Bradenton area, this single-family estate offers panoramic water views, 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 pool and outdoor
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
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
A rare opportunity to create a legacy property along the shores of Sarasota Bay. Set on over half an acre in the heart of historic Whitfield Estates, 7538 Westmoreland Drive offers one of the area’s most compelling waterfront redevelopment opportunities. Framed by breathtaking bay views and unforgettable sunsets, this expansive homesite is where vision, architecture, and lifestyle come together.
EXCITING NEWS: WE ARE CURRENTLY RENOVATING THIS HOME! NOTE THAT THE PHOTOS SHOWN REPRESENT THE HOME BEFORE RENOVATION AND DO NOT REFLECT ANY UPDATES. PLANNED 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
Please note, our homes are available on a first-come, first-serve basis and are not reserved until the holding fee agreement is signed and the holding fee is paid by the primary applicant.This home is priced to rent and won't be around for long. Apply now, while we make this home ready for you, or call to arrange a meeting with your local Progress Residential leasing specialist
Property Id: 2581785Close to ALL of Florida's top rated beaches - Siesta Key, Lido Key & Anna Maria Island - Ringling Museum, IMG, downtown Sarasota and Sarasota-Bradenton airport, this property is situated on almost a half an acre on a golf course & features a newly remodeled kitchen & 2 bathrooms, screened-in lanai, MASSAGE CHAIR, all the KID-FRIENDLY essentials & more. Every part of
Coming soon - this home is currently being enjoyed by another resident but will be available soon. 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
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 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 August 21*** 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.
Lawn care and pest control included for one full year of occupancy. 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
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
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