Best Neighborhoods in Sarasota for Singles & Young Professionals

Written by Mike Beutler

Thinking about living in Sarasota? Circus City has a lot to offer for young adults-thanks to its prime location near the Gulf Coast, fun attractions, and world-class amenities. Check out these five best neighborhoods in Sarasota for singles and young professionals!

Alta Vista

Located near the shores of Sarasota Bay, Alta Vista is perfect for singles and young professionals who want to live near the water. This residential Sarasota neighborhood is fairly quiet, with plenty of lush parks and pet-friendly areas nearby! Yet Alta Vista also offers easy access to amenities in other parts of the city-with the entertainment and job prospects of Downtown Sarasota just a few minutes away. Sarasota Memorial Hospital is also close by, providing easy access to employment opportunities for healthcare professionals. As for housing, Alta Vista is full of 1920s Bungalows, along with coastal ranches, townhomes, and modern apartments.

Things to Do in Alta Vista

Attend events like Jazz Thursdays, check out the gift shop, or stroll through exhibits like Truth of the Night Sky at the Sarasota Art Museum. Take a flying trapeze, trampoline fitness, or aerial lyra class at the Circus Arts Conservatory. Play a game of pickleball, swim laps, or sign up for a group fitness class at the Sarasota City YMCA Branch. Walk your dog, host a BBQ with friends, or go for a swim in the pool at the Arlington Park & Aquatic Complex. Grab Mediterranean dishes like a Gyro Platter, Curry Chicken, or Sahara Meza Platter at Sahara Cafe & Mediterranean Foods. Savor Chinese-American cuisine like Egg Drop Soup, Beef Chow Mein, or Chicken Fried Rice at China Garden. Order Chicken & Waffles, Boneless Chicken Wings, a Nashville Style Chicken Sandwich, and more at HCK Hot Chicken. Or make reservations and listen to live music while sipping drinks like a Pinot Noir or Chardonnay for happy hour at the piano bar Michael's On East.

Downtown

If you're looking to settle down in the heart of the city, consider living in Downtown Sarasota! The area has a wide range of condos and apartments with beautiful waterfront views to choose from. Most of Downtown overlooks Sarasota Bay, and singles and young professionals will enjoy being near trails and parks or taking a 15 to 25-minute drive to nearby Sarasota beaches like Lido Key Beach, Sarasota Beach, or Siesta Key Beach. On the weekends, residents can go to the year-round Sarasota Farmers Market, which features products from local artisans and farmers and provides community support for non-profits like Big Brothers Big Sisters and Children First. And with various entertainment, live music, world-class restaurants, and dive bars filling Downtown, there are plenty of attractions to explore.

Things to Do in Downtown Sarasota

Go kayaking, canoeing, or jogging along the waterfront at Bayfront Park and Marina. Explore deep-sea fishing near the Gulf of Mexico with the Flying Fish Fleet fishing charter. Grab tickets to an opera concert or join the apprentice program at the Sarasota Opera House. Get tickets to comedy shows from acts like the Bermuda Mavericks or Cathy Ladman at McCurdy's Comedy Theatre. Start your morning with a Garden Omelet, French Toast, or Egg Sandwich paired with a Mimosa at the tropical-themed O'Leary's Tiki Bar & Grill. Get your seafood fix with plates like Seared Sea Scallops, Pecan Crusted Trout, or Shrimp & Grits at the eclectic Owen's Fish Camp. Enjoy date night with elevated dishes like Grilled Octopus, Fried Calamari & Greens, or Moussaka at the modern 1592 Wood Fired Kitchen & Cocktails. Or sit on the patio with an order of St. Louis Ribs, Pulled Pork, or a Fried Catfish Sandwich at Brick's Smoked Meats.

Gillespie Park

Known as a funky and artsy neighborhood, Gillespie Park is one of the best places for singles and young professionals in Sarasota. If you're looking for an urban lifestyle with tons of character, this area is the place to live thanks in part to its walkability and beautifully-renovated homes. Residents will find a variety of housing options, including 1920s to mid-1960s ranches, colorful Bungalows, bright apartments, and modern new construction. Plus, this Sarasota neighborhood is within walking distance of shopping and dining in the up-and-coming Rosemary District. Gillespie Park itself also has fun things to do, including outdoor recreation, arts and entertainment, and dining.

Things to Do in Gillespie Park

Walk your dog or go fishing or kayaking at Centennial Park. Take an acting class or watch musicals like Ruby and Marvin Gaye: Prince of Soul from the Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe. Catch shows like Little Women and Hamilton or get tickets to see touring performers like Kristen Chenoweth at the bay-front Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall. View exhibitions, attend an art talk, or take art classes at Art Center Sarasota. Begin your day with Truffle Eggs Benedict, a Nutella Waffle, or Cinnamon Roll Pancakes at Station 400. Indulge in Siesta Steak & Eggs, Chicken & French Toast, or a Sunrise Omelette for brunch at Sarasota brewhouse Mandeville Beer Garden. Enjoy outdoor dining with your dog and try the Boo's Burger, Greek Salad, or Dream Dog pizza at Boo's Ice House & Dog Bar. Or meet up with friends and sample drinks like a Pisco Sour, Tequila Mojito, or Flower Drop Martini at the quaint Rosemary & Thyme.

Indian Beach-Sapphire Shores

Indian Beach-Sapphire Shores is a beautiful Sarasota neighborhood with plenty to offer for young adults. This location is especially ideal for students, staff, and faculty at the University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee campus, New College of Florida, and Ringling College of Art and Design -all of which are located in or right next to the neighborhood. The Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport is also nearby, making it easy to travel for business or pleasure. Indian Beach-Sapphire Shores features many waterfront properties, historic single-family homes, and apartments. Plus, its prime location near Sarasota Bay offers residents waterfront access for fun recreational activities like kayaking, canoeing, or fishing at Indian Beach Park!

Things to Do in Indian Beach-Sapphire Shores

Watch the stunning Florida sunset or have a picnic with friends at Sapphire Shores Park. Check out the 21 art galleries, a variety of performances, or exhibits like Embodied or On the Road at Renaissance-style The Ringling Museum of Art. Get tickets to Sarasota Ballet programs that feature pieces like Panoramic Score and In a State of Weightlessness at the FSU Center for the Performing Arts. See an animal show, hold a parrot, or view exhibits featuring flamingos, lemurs, and much more at the historic Sarasota Jungle Gardens-established in 1939. Order a Zesty Salmon Burger, Fish and Chips, or a New York Strip Loin Steak for lunch at Sunnyside. Chow down Fish Soup, Lamb Ribs, or a Caprese Salad at the local European deli, Bacres. Find dishes like Cauliflower Pizza, the Italian Tuna Sub, or Eggplant Rollatini at Rico's Pizzeria & Pasta House. Or participate in Trivia Night while sipping handcrafted cocktails like the signature Mai Tai at Bahi Hut Tiki Cocktail Lounge.

Park East

Ideal for singles and young professionals who want a calmer lifestyle, Park East is a quiet, laid-back neighborhood that's still just minutes away from Downtown Sarasota and the iconic Sarasota Bay. In fact, Park East is well-connected for commuters to any part of the city, with Washington Blvd running along the neighborhood's western edge. Residents can choose from a mixture of housing styles, ranging from charming and affordable ranch-style homes to luxury condos. For those who want to spend time outdoors, the neighborhood is home to small but picturesque green spaces like Shenandoah Park and Tuttle Walkway Park. Plus, residents can stay active in the community through the Park East Neighborhood Association, which hosts neighborhood meetings and supports local causes.

Things to Do in Park East

Find art, decor, clothing, plants, and more from 40+ local vendors at the indie indoor market The Bazaar On Apricot & Lime. Catch games from the Baltimore Orioles (MLB) during spring training at Ed Smith Stadium. Get in shape at an upscale personal training gym that features kickboxing and workout classes at The Vault Strength and Fitness, located just outside the neighborhood. Practice your BMX skills or check out state, regional, and national races at Sarasota BMX track, which was established in 1974. Order the Egg Salad, Tuna Melt, or Bacon Burger for lunch at a Sarasota hidden gem, Bob's Train. Try Mexican cuisine like the Bean Burrito, Quesadilla, Chimichanga, and more at La Brisa Tacos y Mariscos. Feast on an Original Gyro, Coconut Shrimp, or a Fish Sandwich at Gyros & Seafood Express. Or dig in to Italian favorites like Pappardelle Bolognese, Chicken Alfredo, and Penne Primavera while dining indoors or outdoors at Amore Restaurant.

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Neighborhood statistics from AreaVibes

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