Looking beyond the well-known master-planned communities of Lakewood Ranch and Wellen Park? These three hidden gems in Sarasota County offer exceptional value, resort-style amenities, and proximity to Florida's world-famous beaches without the premium price tag. Discover why Talon Preserve, Aria, and Skye Ranch should be on your radar for new construction living in Southwest Florida.
Why These Communities Are Flying Under the Radar
When most people think of new construction in Southwest Florida, their minds immediately go to the two major master-planned communities: Lakewood Ranch and Wellen Park. However, there are some exceptional alternatives that offer comparable amenities, better beach proximity, and often better value for your money.
About Your Guide: Ryan Zachos, born and raised in Sarasota, represents the third generation of Zachos Realty & Design Group. With deep local roots and expertise from working alongside his father (a retired Sarasota County Sheriff's Deputy), Ryan brings unparalleled insight into these markets.
Frequently Asked Questions About These Communities
Are these communities still building new homes?
Yes, all three communities are actively constructing new homes. Talon Preserve just began construction in 2020, Aria is actively building exclusively single-family homes, and Skye Ranch continues to expand with new construction across different price points.
How close are these communities to the beach?
Each community offers excellent beach access: Talon Preserve is about 5 miles to Casey Key and Nokomis Beach, Aria is approximately 7 miles to Venice Island, and Skye Ranch is about 8 miles to the world-renowned Casey Key beaches.
What price ranges can I expect?
These communities offer varying price points to suit different budgets:
- Talon Preserve: High $400s for villas, up to $1.4 million for luxury single-family homes
- Aria: Higher price point with single-family homes only (exact ranges vary)
- Skye Ranch: Villas start in the $400s, single-family homes up to $1 million+
Do these communities have HOA fees and CDDs?
- Talon Preserve: $350/month HOA, NO CDD
- Aria: HOA amount varies (generally higher), NO CDD
- Skye Ranch: $350/month HOA, YES CDD (approximately $1,800/year)
What amenities do these communities offer?
All three communities feature resort-style pools, fitness centers, clubhouses, tennis and pickleball courts, and various recreational facilities. Notably, Talon Preserve offers a rare full liquor license with restaurant and bar service.
Are these communities family-friendly?
Absolutely! Each community includes family amenities such as playgrounds, splash pads (Skye Ranch), kids' game rooms (Talon Preserve), and various sports facilities including baseball and soccer fields (Skye Ranch).
Talon Preserve: South Sarasota County's Best Kept Secret
Location and Access
Located in Palmer Ranch on the south side of Sarasota, Talon Preserve sits perfectly positioned just south of I-41 (Clark Road) and close to I-75. This strategic location puts you:
- 5 miles from Casey Key and Nokomis Beach
- Directly adjacent to the Legacy Trail
- Easy access to both downtown Sarasota and downtown Venice
What Makes Talon Preserve Special
Built by D.R. Horton (parent company of PulteGroup and Del Webb), Talon Preserve stands out from other communities with several unique features:
Full Liquor License Restaurant and Bar
This is exceptionally rare in Florida communities—even prestigious Lakewood Ranch doesn't offer this amenity. Talon Preserve provides full restaurant and bar service within the community.
Legacy Trail Access
Step out your back door onto the Legacy Trail, a multi-use pathway that connects downtown Sarasota to Venice. This 18-mile trail offers:
- Direct bike access to downtown Sarasota
- Connection to Beach Trolley service
- Safe pedestrian and cycling path through preserve areas
- Access to downtown Venice shops and restaurants
Comprehensive Amenities Package
- Resort-style pool and hot tub
- State-of-the-art fitness center
- Tennis courts
- Pickleball courts
- Bocce ball courts
- Children's playground and splash area
- Game room with arcade games and basketball
- Restaurant and full-service bar
Housing Options and Pricing
With approximately 925-926 homes planned, Talon Preserve offers diverse housing options:
- Villa homes starting in the high $400s
- Single-family homes ranging up to $1.3-1.4 million
- Large, private lots available
- No CDD fees (a significant cost savings)
- HOA fees around $350/month
Currently, new construction continues with many lots still available for building your dream home.
Aria: Luxury Living in North Venice
Prime North Venice Location
Situated in the up-and-coming North Venice corridor, Aria represents luxury living at its finest. This master-planned community by Neal combines exclusivity with convenience.
Why Aria Stands Out
Quality Construction by Lennar
Lennar's reputation for quality construction and attention to detail shines through in Aria. Their building standards and finish quality consistently rank among the best in the industry.
Intimate Community Feel
With only 196 homes planned, Aria maintains an exclusive, intimate community atmosphere while providing full resort-style amenities. This smaller scale means:
- Less crowded amenities
- Stronger sense of community
- Larger individual lot sizes
- Average home sizes from 2,200-3,000+ square feet
Proximity to Venice Island
Just 7 miles from Venice Island, Aria offers easy access to:
- Shark's Tooth Beach
- Downtown Venice shops and restaurants
- Historic Venice Train Depot
- Caspersen Beach for fossil hunting
Aria's Luxury Amenities
While maintaining a smaller footprint, Aria doesn't compromise on amenities:
- Gated community entrance
- Resort-style pool complex
- Modern fitness center and spa
- Event lawn for community gatherings
- Maintenance-free living
- Single-family homes only (no villas)
Investment Considerations
The North Venice corridor is experiencing significant growth and appreciation. Factors driving this include:
- Proximity to beaches (7 miles to Venice Island)
- New construction developments in the area
- Excellent access to I-75 and downtown Sarasota
- Growing commercial and dining options in North Port
Skye Ranch: Central Sarasota Living at Its Best
Strategic Central Location
Skye Ranch, developed by Taylor Morrison (known for their Esplanade communities), sits in central Sarasota off Clark Road, offering:
- Only 8 miles to Casey Key
- Closer proximity to downtown Sarasota than southern communities
- Direct access to Casey Key via the South Bridge
- Excellent public school options in the Sarasota County School District
The Power of Taylor Morrison Development
Taylor Morrison has established multiple successful Esplanade communities throughout the area:
- Esplanade Golf & Country Club (Lakewood Ranch)
- Esplanade at Azario (Lakewood Ranch)
- Esplanade at Palmer Ranch
Their expertise in creating "mini master-planned" communities within neighborhoods is evident throughout Skye Ranch.
Extensive Community Amenities
Skye Ranch feels like a self-contained resort within a residential community:
25,000 Square Foot Amenity Center
The impressive clubhouse includes:
- Multiple pools (resort-style, lap pool, adults-only pool)
- Children's splash pad
- State-of-the-art fitness facilities
- Tennis courts
- Pickleball courts
- Baseball and softball fields
- Soccer fields
- Playground areas
- Dog park
Natural Features and Recreation
- Walking trails throughout the community
- Multiple ponds for fishing and scenic walks
- Preserved natural areas
- Extensive landscaping
Housing and Pricing Structure
Skye Ranch accommodates various lifestyles and budgets:
Housing Options
- Villas starting in the $400s
- Single-family homes up to $1 million+
- Custom builder lots available (with WCI and Ryland representatives)
- Approximately 1,200 total homes and townhomes
Financial Considerations
- HOA: Approximately $350/month
- CDD: Around $1,800/year (rolled into property taxes)
- Various floor plans from multiple builders
Which Community Is Right for You?
Choose Talon Preserve If:
- You want excellent beach access (5 miles)
- The full-service restaurant and bar appeals to you
- You value access to the Legacy Trail
- No CDD is important to your budget
- You want variety in home styles and prices
Choose Aria If:
- Quality construction is your top priority
- You prefer a more exclusive, smaller community
- Single-family homes only appeals to you
- You want to be in the growing North Venice area
- No CDD matters to your budget
Choose Skye Ranch If:
- You want to stay closer to central Sarasota
- Extensive amenities are your priority
- You're looking for a mini master-planned community
- You value excellent school access
- You don't mind paying a CDD for additional services
The New Construction Advantage
All three communities offer the benefits of new construction living:
- Modern energy-efficient features
- Today's open floor plans
- Smart home capabilities
- Builder warranties
- Customization options during construction
- Contemporary architectural styles
Making Your Decision
When comparing these communities to the larger master-planned developments like Lakewood Ranch and Wellen Park, consider these three communities for:
- Better Beach Access: All three communities offer significantly closer proximity to world-class beaches
- Value Proposition: Generally lower HOAs and purchase prices for comparable amenities
- Unique Features: Full-service bar (Talon Preserve), Legacy Trail access, and smaller community feel
- New Construction Opportunities: All actively building with lots and homes available
Final Thoughts
These three communities represent exceptional opportunities for those seeking new construction homes in Southwest Florida. Each offers its own unique combination of location, amenities, and value proposition.
Whether you're drawn to Talon Preserve's full-service restaurant and beach proximity, Aria's luxury construction and intimate setting, or Skye Ranch's extensive amenities and central location, these communities deserve serious consideration in your home search.
Remember, these "hidden gems" won't stay hidden forever. As more buyers discover their advantages over the well-known communities, inventory may become limited and prices may increase.
Ready to Explore These Hidden Gems?
If you're considering relocating to any of these communities or elsewhere on Florida's beautiful Gulf Coast, the Zachos Realty & Design Group is here to help. With over 40 years of local expertise and a unique combination of real estate knowledge and award-winning design vision, we can help you find the perfect property that matches your lifestyle needs.
Contact us today:
- Phone: 941-500-5457
- Email: [email protected]
- Sarasota Office: 205 N Orange Ave Suite 202, Sarasota, Florida 34236
- Venice Office: 217 Nassau St S, Venice, FL 34285
Visit our YouTube channel "Relocation Experts | Florida's Gulf Coast" for more insider guides to Florida's Gulf Coast communities.
