If you’ve lived in Sarasota long enough, you know the places that get all the attention. Downtown. Siesta. The newer developments that name-drop “resort-style living” in every brochure. And then there’s The Meadows.
For those who want something established, well-planned, and quiet in a way that feels intentional, the Meadows is worth paying attention to.
Built with patience
The Meadows started in the 1970s, which in Sarasota years means it was built during a time when developers still cared about trees and space between houses. The neighborhood is woven around golf courses, winding trails, wide sidewalks, and actual green space that hasn’t been paved over in the name of “progress.”
There are over 80 lakes and waterways. You’ll find mature oaks, native palms, and long stretches where the only sound is someone’s sprinklers or a heron landing near a pond.
And because this isn’t a brand-new community, the vegetation has had time to grow in. Shade matters and so does privacy.
The golf is real
The Meadows has golf. Three courses, in fact. One private, two public.
The country club recently completed a major renovation, which added fresh amenities without trying to become a resort. It’s local, casual, and neighbor-focused. There’s also tennis, pickleball, a pool, a fitness center, and a great little restaurant that doesn’t require a dress code or a reservation two weeks in advance.
What makes the real estate here different?
The homes in the Meadows come in many flavors. Townhomes with lake views. Condos near the trails. Single-family homes with generous lots and long driveways. There are more than 3,400 residences spread out across several smaller communities, each with their own feel.
Because the neighborhood was developed over decades, you’ll find a mix of architecture and price points. It’s not all cookie-cutter, and that’s part of the appeal. Some homes have been fully renovated, others need a little love. But you’re not buying into an HOA experiment or a place where you’re waiting for the landscaping to fill in.
You’re buying into a real, functional neighborhood that has already proven it works.
Not flashy, but smart
The Meadows has a loyal base of residents who stay for years. People buy here because they’re thinking long-term.
The HOA fees are reasonable. The amenities are already built. The trails don’t go in a circle. And the location is smart, you’re close to everything but not surrounded by chaos.
Five minutes to UTC. Ten to downtown. Twenty to the beach, give or take the season. You get convenience without the traffic noise or the transient feel.
And here’s a bonus: The Meadows has a great sense of community. There’s a farmers market. Yoga classes. Lecture series. Art groups… But if you’d rather wave from your porch and stay in, that’s fine too.
It works for introverts and social butterflies alike.
Do you need to move to The Meadows?
If Sarasota had a neighborhood that felt like an old friend (Low-key, reliable and knows where the good bagels are) it would be the Meadows. It has charm, sidewalks and a place to walk your dog without dodging golf carts and landscaping crews every morning.
And of course, if you want help finding the right spot in the Meadows, I’m always here to help. In fact, I have an amazing property listed there. Take a look!
Kelli Eggen
