Sarasota & Manatee’s Retirement Hotspots: How to Find the Perfect Community for Your Next Chapter

Retirement destinations are evolving, opening more opportunities for you.

“Inventory is up. Prices are cooling. And for the first time in years, buyers hold the cards.” That’s how the REALTOR® Association of Sarasota and Manatee summed up our local market this summer.

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They’re right. If you’re planning to retire in Sarasota or Manatee County, you’re stepping into a moment of opportunity.

For two straight years, sellers called the shots. Homes flew off the market in days, bidding wars got fierce, and buyers often waived inspections just to compete. It was stressful. Fast. Expensive. And not exactly how you want to make one of the biggest decisions of your retirement years.

But 2025 feels different.

Median home prices for single-family homes have dropped 12.3% in Sarasota County and 8.9% in Manatee County compared to last year. Condo and townhome prices are down nearly 13% in both counties. And inventory? We’re seeing 6–9 months of supply—numbers that give buyers leverage they haven’t had in years.

That means you can take your time. Tour communities. Compare floorplans. Negotiate. And most importantly—you can choose the lifestyle that fits you, not just whatever you can grab before someone else does.

This guide dives deep into the communities shaping retirement on Florida’s Cultural Coast—from the all-inclusive luxury of Lakewood Ranch to the value frontier of Parrish. You’ll learn what makes each neighborhood unique, what you can expect to pay, and which options fit different retirement goals.

By the end, you’ll be able to answer the single most important question: Which Sarasota-Manatee community is right for me?

The Market Reality — Why 2025 is the Year for Retiree Buyers

Let’s start with the big picture.

The Sarasota-Manatee housing market isn’t “crashing”—it’s normalizing. After the pandemic-fueled spike, prices are finding a sustainable level, and supply is catching up to demand.

Here’s the May 2025 snapshot

Why this matters for retirees:

• More choices in your price range – Inventory growth means you’re not competing over the only three homes that fit your needs.
• Less pressure to make rushed offers – Days on market have stretched, giving you breathing room.
• More negotiating power – You can ask for seller credits, repairs, or upgrades without fear of losing the deal instantly.

The takeaway? This is a strategic time to buy, especially if you want to align your retirement move with a favorable market cycle.

Why Master-Planned Communities Dominate the Retirement Market

In Sarasota and Manatee, master-planned communities (MPCs) are the gold standard for retirement living. These aren’t just neighborhoods; they’re self-contained ecosystems where residents can live, play, and—often—get healthcare without leaving the community.

What you can expect in most MPCs:

• Safety & Security – Gated entrances, patrols, and low crime rates.
• Resort-Style Amenities – Pools, tennis, pickleball, golf, fitness centers, walking trails.
• Social Infrastructure – Clubs, classes, and events organized by professional lifestyle directors.
• Convenience – On-site shopping, dining, medical offices, and even cultural venues.

In short: you’re buying into a lifestyle, not just a home.

The Big Players in Sarasota-Manatee Retirement Living

Lakewood Ranch: The Benchmark

Spanning 31,000 acres across Sarasota and Manatee counties, Lakewood Ranch (LWR) is consistently ranked the #1 multi-generational master-planned community in the U.S.

Why retirees love it:

• Access to Lakewood Ranch Medical Center (120-bed hospital) and multiple specialty care offices.
• Over 50 local charities and active clubs.
• Low crime rates, well-maintained streets, and manicured landscapes.
  
  

Retiree standouts:

• Cresswind LWR
  Gated 55+ village with an award-winning clubhouse, SmartFIT gym, yoga studio, art spaces, pickleball, dog park, and a full-time lifestyle director.
  
  
• Waterside
  Lakefront village with a dynamic town center (Waterside Place), water taxis, weekly farmers’ markets, and live events.
  
  
• Del Webb LWR
  Known nationally for its resort-style 55+ living, with pools, tennis, pickleball, and a robust social calendar.
  
  

Price range: Mid $400Ks to $1M+ depending on village and home type.

Wellen Park & Venice: Wellness Meets Coastal Living

Located near downtown Venice, Wellen Park is designed around wellness, activity, and Gulf Coast charm.

Retiree standouts:

• Brightmore at Wellen Park – New 55+ development with paired villas and single-family homes from the upper $300Ks, plus a future 11-acre amenity campus.
• Venetian Falls – Established 55+ community with mature landscaping, 16,000 sq ft clubhouse, and proximity to Venice Beach.
• Grand Living – Luxury CCRC with independent living, assisted living, and memory care, featuring theaters, spas, dining venues, and chauffeured service.
  
  

Price range: $350K–$900K for most 55+ resale and new homes. Luxury CCRCs operate on entrance fee + monthly model.

Parrish: The Value Frontier

Parrish is quickly earning a reputation as the “Next Lakewood Ranch” for its affordability and quality of life.

Retiree standouts:

• Prosperity Lakes – Lennar’s “everything included” model, robust amenities, lowest price point for new 55+ builds.
• Woodland Preserve – Smaller scale (420 homesites), nature preserve views, quiet setting.
• Del Webb BayView – Large, socially vibrant 55+ community with pools, dining, and organized activities.

Price range: $300K–$550K for most homes, making it a standout for budget-conscious buyers.

Palmer Ranch: Location, Location, Location

Closer to downtown Sarasota and Siesta Key Beach, Palmer Ranch offers mature, lush landscapes and cultural convenience.

Retiree standouts:

• The Glenridge – Luxury CCRC with performing arts center, tennis, lap pool, and full continuum of care.
• The Isles – All-ages, maintenance-free community with lagoon pool, tennis, bocce, and active clubs.
  
  

Price range: $300K–$1M depending on community and amenities.

Matching Communities to Your Retirement Style

Here’s a quick guide based on retiree priorities:

Financial Considerations for Retiree Buyers

1. Factor in HOA & CDD fees – Many MPCs have community development district fees in addition to HOA dues. These can range from $100–$400+ monthly.
   
   
2. Understand property taxes – Sarasota and Manatee rates differ slightly; factor in portability if moving within Florida.
   
   
3. Plan for future care costs – If healthcare is a priority, a CCRC may offer long-term savings and peace of mind.
   
   
4. Financing options – Even retirees sometimes choose to finance to preserve liquidity. A community bank can tailor solutions like portfolio loans for unique retirement purchases.

Action Plan for Choosing Your Retirement Community

1. Clarify your priorities – Location, budget, amenities, healthcare access.
   
   
2. Tour communities in person – Attend events, eat at on-site restaurants, talk to residents.
   
   
3. Review financial details – Get HOA/CDD fee schedules, tax estimates, and projected utility costs.
   
   
4. Work with a local lender – Community banks understand neighborhood nuances and can streamline financing.

Your Moment Is Now

2025 has opened a rare window for retirees in Sarasota and Manatee Counties. Prices are realistic, inventory is healthy, and the variety of communities means you can tailor your retirement exactly to your needs.

Whether you dream of sunrise pickleball matches, walking distance to the beach, or the security of lifetime healthcare, there’s a community here that’s a perfect match. The key is to start exploring now—before the market shifts again.