It’s one thing to fall in love with a house. It’s another to realize the nearest place to buy milk is twenty minutes away and closes at 6 p.m.
If you're buying a home and groceries are a regular part of your life (for most of us, they are) it’s worth knowing which neighborhoods are close to Sarasota’s best markets. And which one works best for your lifestyle. Organic? Gourmet? Budget-friendly? Somewhere that makes your toddler happy and also has a wine bar? Yes, we have that too.
Morton’s Gourmet Market
Location: Southside Village.
Vibe: Upscale, prepared foods, boutique grocery.
What locals love: The chicken salad, the wine selection, and the fact that you can buy a steak and a charcuterie board without hitting two stores.
Live nearby:
Southside Village is packed with charm, think mature trees, walkable streets, and a five-minute drive to downtown. Homes in this area are a mix of old Sarasota classics and sleek new builds. It’s popular with professionals and retirees who appreciate quality and don’t mind paying a little more for it.
Whole Foods Market
Location: Downtown Sarasota.
Vibe: Organic, health-focused, slightly bougie.
What locals love: The hot bar is a lifesaver. So is the underground parking when Main Street gets busy.
Live nearby:
You’ve got options. Condo life on Main Street if you want to walk there, Laurel Park if you want character and tree-lined streets, or the Rosemary District if you prefer a loft-style modern look. All within ten minutes of your almond milk and chia seeds.
Detwiler’s Farm Market
Locations: Palmer Blvd, Clark Rd, University Pkwy, and Venice.
Vibe: Local, affordable, packed with fresh local produce.
What locals love: Prices that make you do a double take (in a good way), farm-fresh everything, and the deli counter that’s always worth the wait.
Live nearby:
The Palmer location is near Lakewood Ranch and Tatum Ridge, both great for families and newer construction homes. The Clark Road location is convenient to Gulf Gate, Riverview High, and South Sarasota communities like Red Hawk Reserve. If you're commuting between Sarasota and Venice, Detwiler’s off Jacaranda is a hidden win.
Trader Joe’s
Location: Tamiami Trail near Siesta Key.
Vibe: Quirky, fun, affordable staples with a cult following.
What locals love: The frozen section, the snacks, and the fact that the parking situation has finally improved.
Live nearby:
The nearby neighborhoods of Oyster Bay, Southgate, and Pine Shores offer solid real estate choices with easy beach access and schools close by. You can grab your cookie butter and hit the beach in the same afternoon. Not a bad way to live.
The Fresh Market
Location: University Parkway.
Vibe: Polished, gourmet, excellent prepared meals.
What locals love: Weekly sales on meats and seafood, an atmosphere that feels more like a boutique than a supermarket.
Live nearby:
University Park and Palm Aire are practically next door, planned communities with golf, trails, and well-maintained homes. Lakewood Ranch is also a short drive away and has its own growing shopping scene.
Groceries might not be the most glamorous part of house hunting, but they’re part of the rhythm of our everyday life. Having the right store nearby can make your day a lot easier.
In Sarasota, we’re lucky, quality options are spread across the map. And with a little planning, you can match your next address to your shopping habits without compromising on either.
Kelli Eggen
