Waterside offers the perfect blend of Sarasota's cultural attractions and Lakewood Ranch's master-planned amenities, featuring 10 distinct neighborhoods ranging from luxury estates to affordable maintenance-free options. This northeast Sarasota County community provides exceptional access to downtown Sarasota, Gulf Coast beaches, and the vibrant Waterside Place town center, making it an ideal choice for new construction homebuyers.
Nestled in the heart of northeast Sarasota County, Waterside represents one of Florida's most thoughtfully designed communities, offering an exceptional blend of luxury living and small-town charm. This expansive development combines the sophisticated amenities of Lakewood Ranch with convenient access to downtown Sarasota's cultural scene and the pristine beaches of the Gulf Coast. With 10 unique neighborhoods, each offering distinct lifestyle options and price points, Waterside has become a premier destination for homebuyers seeking new construction opportunities in Southwest Florida.
What sets Waterside apart is its carefully planned village atmosphere, anchored by Waterside Place—a vibrant town center featuring restaurants, bars, shopping, and entertainment options including Kilwin's ice cream parlor. The community's strategic location provides residents with walkable neighborhoods, boat launches for kayaking enthusiasts, extensive parks and trails, and seamless connectivity to both urban amenities and natural attractions.
Frequently Asked Questions About Waterside Sarasota
What makes Waterside different from other Sarasota communities?
Waterside combines the best of both worlds by offering Lakewood Ranch-style amenities with closer proximity to downtown Sarasota and Gulf Coast beaches. The community features its own town center, Waterside Place, creating a village-like atmosphere with dining, shopping, and entertainment options within walking distance of most neighborhoods.
What are the price ranges for homes in Waterside?
Home prices in Waterside range from the high $300,000s in communities like Avanti to over $2 million for luxury custom homes in Wild Blue and Kingfisher Estates. Mid-range options typically fall between $500,000-$900,000, with maintenance-free villas starting in the $500,000s.
Which neighborhoods in Waterside are best for families?
Family-friendly neighborhoods include Lakehouse Cove, Shellstone, and Emerald Landing, which offer resort-style amenities, activities directors, and proximity to future schools. Shellstone features a 13-acre Midway Park and has a planned school site, making it particularly attractive for families with children.
Are there maintenance-free options in Waterside?
Yes, several neighborhoods offer low-maintenance living including Avanti (townhomes and villas), Nautique (townhomes), Emerald Landing (townhomes and single-family), and Bungalow Walk. Most include lawn maintenance in their HOA fees, with monthly costs ranging from $175-$300.
What builders are active in Waterside?
Waterside features homes from premium builders including Homes by Towne, Pulte, David Weekley, Dream Finders, and luxury custom builders like John Cannon, Lee Wetherington, Arthur Rutenberg, Stock Development, and Neal Communities.
How is the access to beaches and downtown Sarasota from Waterside?
Waterside's northeast Sarasota County location provides excellent access to downtown Sarasota via major thoroughfares, and residents can reach Gulf Coast beaches including Siesta Key and Longboat Key within a reasonable drive. The community's geography offers one of the best combinations of suburban living with urban and beach access.
What amenities does Waterside Place offer?
Waterside Place serves as the community's town center, featuring diverse dining options including Mexican and seafood restaurants, retail shopping, entertainment venues, and specialty shops like Kilwins ice cream. It creates a walkable downtown atmosphere unique among Sarasota-area communities.
Luxury Estates and Custom Home Communities
For discerning homebuyers seeking the ultimate in luxury living, Waterside offers three exceptional neighborhoods that deliver unparalleled quality, customization, and amenities.
Wild Blue: Ultra-Luxury Living at Its Finest
Wild Blue stands as Waterside's crown jewel, representing the pinnacle of luxury living in northeast Sarasota County. This exclusive community of approximately 500 homes caters to buyers with budgets starting at $1.5 million and extending well beyond $2 million for the most spectacular custom estates.
The community showcases homes from Florida's most prestigious builders, including Anchor Builders, Lee Wetherington, Arthur Rutenberg, Stock Development, and John Cannon. Each builder brings their signature style and attention to detail, ensuring that every home meets the highest standards of luxury construction and design.
What truly sets Wild Blue apart is its amenity package—the most comprehensive in all of Waterside. Residents enjoy resort-style facilities that rival the finest private clubs, creating an unmatched lifestyle experience. The community's size allows for intimate, exclusive living while still providing substantial amenities and social opportunities.
The architectural diversity in Wild Blue ensures that homebuyers can find their perfect match, whether they prefer Mediterranean elegance, contemporary sophistication, or traditional Florida luxury. Custom and semi-custom options allow for personalization that reflects individual tastes and lifestyle needs.
Kingfisher Estates: Lakefront Luxury with Exclusive Appeal
Kingfisher Estates represents intimate luxury living with only 13 exclusive lakefront homesites, all featuring custom construction by the renowned John Cannon Homes. With price points starting at $2 million, this community caters to buyers seeking the ultimate in privacy, customization, and waterfront lifestyle.
The strategic location provides immediate access to Waterside Place, allowing residents to enjoy the town center's dining, shopping, and entertainment options with just a short walk or golf cart ride. This proximity creates a unique lifestyle where luxury living meets village charm.
Each homesite in Kingfisher Estates offers direct lake frontage, providing stunning water views and private outdoor living opportunities. The exclusive nature of this community ensures that residents enjoy maximum privacy while still being part of the broader Waterside community fabric.
John Cannon's reputation for luxury construction means that each home will feature premium materials, custom architectural details, and the kind of craftsmanship that defines Florida's finest residential properties. The all-inclusive pricing model simplifies the building process while ensuring that no detail is overlooked.
The Alcove: Intimate Semi-Custom Living
The Alcove offers a more intimate approach to luxury living through Neal Communities' signature semi-custom homes. This smaller community focuses on quality over quantity, providing a select number of homesites for buyers who appreciate understated elegance and walkability to Waterside Place.
With no community amenities, The Alcove appeals to buyers who prefer a quieter, more private living environment while still enjoying access to all that Waterside has to offer. The $500 monthly HOA fee includes lawn maintenance, making this an attractive option for buyers seeking luxury without the maintenance responsibilities.
The walkable location to Waterside Place means residents can easily access restaurants, shopping, and community events while returning to the tranquility of their private enclave. This balance between accessibility and privacy makes The Alcove particularly appealing to buyers who want luxury living without the bustle of larger amenity-rich communities.
Neal Communities' reputation for quality construction and attention to detail ensures that each home meets high standards while offering the flexibility of semi-custom design options.
Upscale Amenity-Rich Communities
Three neighborhoods in Waterside excel at combining upscale living with comprehensive amenity packages, creating vibrant communities perfect for active lifestyles and social engagement.
Lakehouse Cove: The Complete Amenity-Rich Experience
Lakehouse Cove stands as one of Waterside's most successful communities, featuring approximately 626 homes that showcase a perfect blend of production and custom construction options. Homes by Towne serves as the primary builder, offering their signature semi-custom approach, while luxury custom options from John Cannon and Lee Wetherington provide opportunities for complete personalization.
The price range in Lakehouse Cove reflects its diverse housing options, starting around $700,000 for production homes and extending well over $2 million for custom waterfront estates. This range ensures that buyers with varying budgets can find their ideal home within this amenity-rich environment.
Waterfront and preserve lots offer premium positioning within the community, providing either stunning lake views or peaceful natural settings. The community's geography takes full advantage of Waterside's natural beauty while ensuring convenient access to Waterside Place and major transportation routes.
The amenities in Lakehouse Cove rival those of premier resort destinations. Residents enjoy pickleball courts, a resort-style pool, lap pool for fitness enthusiasts, and a full-time activities director who coordinates social events, fitness classes, and community gatherings. This comprehensive amenity package creates a vibrant social atmosphere that appeals particularly to active adults and families.
The HOA includes lawn maintenance, simplifying home ownership and allowing residents to focus on enjoying their lifestyle rather than maintaining their properties. This maintenance-free approach has become increasingly popular among buyers seeking luxury without the associated responsibilities.
Shore View: Completed Luxury by Pulte Homes
Shore View represents the appeal of move-in ready luxury living through Pulte's completed community offering. Seamlessly connected to Lakehouse Cove, Shore View feels like a natural extension of its neighbor while maintaining its own distinct identity and amenities.
Homes in Shore View range from approximately $900,000 to $2 million, reflecting Pulte's reputation for quality construction and premium positioning. The completed nature of this community means buyers can see exactly what they're purchasing, from mature landscaping to established neighborhood character.
Waterfront view homes and preserve lots provide premium options for buyers seeking specific views or privacy. The established nature of Shore View means that landscaping is mature and the community has developed its unique personality and social dynamics.
Shore View's dedicated amenity center ensures that residents have exclusive access to recreation facilities while still enjoying the broader Waterside community benefits. This balance between exclusive community amenities and access to Waterside Place creates an ideal lifestyle combination.
The seamless connection between Shore View and Lakehouse Cove means residents can enjoy the amenities and social opportunities of both communities, effectively doubling their recreational and social options.
Shellstone: New Construction Amenity Paradise
Shellstone represents the newest addition to Waterside's amenity-rich communities, building on the tremendous success of Lakehouse Cove. Homes by Towne leads the construction, with Lee Wetherington providing custom options for buyers seeking personalization and premium finishes.
The community's crown jewel is the 13-acre Midway Park, providing extensive recreational opportunities and open space for residents to enjoy. Additionally, a future school site within Shellstone makes this community particularly attractive to families with school-age children.
Amenities include tennis courts, pickleball courts, activities directors, resort-style pools, and lap pools—essentially matching and potentially exceeding what Lakehouse Cove offers. The comprehensive amenity package reflects lessons learned from successful neighboring communities.
Shellstone's pricing structure offers something for every buyer. New villa options start in the $500,000s, providing maintenance-free living in an upscale environment—something that wasn't previously available in Lakehouse Cove. Single-family homes begin in the $600,000s and extend to over $2 million for Lee Wetherington's custom offerings.
The maintenance-free villa option represents a significant addition to Waterside's housing mix, allowing buyers who prefer smaller, low-maintenance homes to enjoy the same amenity-rich lifestyle as single-family homeowners.
Low-Maintenance and Affordable Communities
Four neighborhoods in Waterside cater to buyers seeking affordability, convenience, or maintenance-free living without sacrificing location or community quality.
Avanti: Waterside's Most Affordable Entry Point
Avanti serves as Waterside's most accessible community, offering townhomes and villas ranging from the high $300,000s to around $500,000. Located in the southwestern quadrant of Waterside, this completed community provides excellent geography and proximity to downtown Sarasota, Waterside Place, and Gulf Coast beaches.
The affordability of Avanti makes it particularly attractive to first-time buyers, downsizers, or investors seeking new construction quality at accessible price points. The resale market in Avanti offers additional value opportunities for buyers willing to consider previously owned homes.
While Avanti doesn't offer community amenities, its location within Waterside means residents have access to Waterside Place and can utilize amenities at neighboring communities through various reciprocal arrangements or public access points.
The community's position provides some of the best access to downtown Sarasota while maintaining the Waterside address and lifestyle benefits. This combination of affordability and location makes Avanti an exceptional value proposition.
Nautique: Mid-Range Maintenance-Free Living
Nautique represents a step up from Avanti while maintaining affordability and adding community amenities. M/I Homes constructs townhomes in the $400,000s, appealing to buyers seeking quality construction from a respected national builder.
The community features a community pool, providing recreational opportunities that Avanti lacks while maintaining an affordable $175 monthly HOA fee. This combination of amenities and reasonable costs creates excellent value for homeowners.
Lawn maintenance is included in the HOA, making Nautique truly maintenance-free and appealing to busy professionals, active adults, or anyone preferring to spend time on activities other than yard work.
The proximity to Waterside Place ensures that residents can walk or bike to dining, shopping, and entertainment options, creating a lifestyle that combines affordable homeownership with urban-style convenience.
Emerald Landing: David Weekley's Diverse Community
Emerald Landing showcases David Weekley Homes' reputation for quality construction at accessible price points, offering both single-family homes and townhomes ranging from the $500,000s to around $900,000. This price range provides options for various family sizes and budget requirements.
The community's standout feature is its boat taxi service to Waterside Place, creating a unique transportation option that adds both convenience and charm to daily life. Residents can also walk or bike directly to Waterside Place, providing multiple access options to the town center.
Resort-style pools, lap pools, pickleball courts, and a dog park create a comprehensive amenity package that rivals more expensive communities. The HOA fee in the $300s includes lawn maintenance, making this a true maintenance-free community.
David Weekley's reputation for construction quality and customer service, combined with the diverse housing options and comprehensive amenities, makes Emerald Landing an excellent choice for buyers seeking value without compromising on lifestyle.
Bungalow Walk: Charming New Construction
Bungalow Walk introduces Dream Finders Homes to the Waterside area, bringing their expertise from other Florida markets to northeast Sarasota County. The community features charming bungalow-style homes ranging from the $500,000s to around $700,000.
Located in the more northeast section of Waterside, Bungalow Walk offers a quieter, more removed setting while still providing access to community amenities and Waterside Place. This location appeals to buyers who prefer less traffic and a more intimate community feel.
The $190 monthly HOA fee includes lot maintenance, ensuring that homeowners can focus on enjoying their new homes rather than maintaining them. Dream Finders' construction quality and architectural style create homes with character and charm.
While slightly more removed from Waterside Place than other neighborhoods, Bungalow Walk's location provides easy access to other Lakewood Ranch amenities and is closer to communities like Wild Blue and The Lake Club.
The Perfect Complement: Windward Community
For buyers considering Waterside but seeking additional options, Windward represents an excellent alternative that combines the benefits of Waterside proximity with its own distinct advantages. While not technically within Waterside, this Neal Communities development offers easy access via golf cart, bicycle, or walking paths.
Windward features both villas and single-family homes with Neal's signature construction quality and comprehensive amenity packages. The community includes a lifestyle director, pickleball courts, and resort-style pools, matching the amenity-rich experience found in Waterside's premium neighborhoods.
The strategic location directly off Fruitville Road provides exceptional access to downtown Sarasota and creates one of the most convenient commutes to the city center. Additionally, this positioning offers direct routes to Siesta Key and other Gulf Coast beaches.
Lawn maintenance and comprehensive amenities are included, making Windward a maintenance-free option for buyers who appreciate Neal Communities' reputation for quality and customer service.
The gated community design adds an extra layer of security and exclusivity while maintaining the open, welcoming atmosphere that characterizes the greater Waterside area.
Why Waterside Should Be on Your List
Waterside represents a unique opportunity in Southwest Florida's competitive real estate market. The combination of new construction quality, diverse price points, comprehensive amenities, and strategic location creates value propositions that are difficult to find elsewhere in the Sarasota area.
The community's village atmosphere, anchored by Waterside Place, provides residents with a true sense of place and community connection. This town center concept creates opportunities for spontaneous social interactions, convenient services, and entertainment options that enhance daily life.
Access to both Lakewood Ranch amenities and downtown Sarasota attractions positions Waterside residents to enjoy the best of both worlds—master-planned community benefits with urban cultural opportunities and beach access.
The 10 distinct neighborhoods ensure that buyers with varying lifestyles, family situations, and budgets can find their ideal home within the greater Waterside community. From luxury estates to affordable townhomes, the diversity of options is remarkable.
New construction quality means buyers can customize their homes, benefit from modern energy efficiency, and avoid the maintenance issues that sometimes accompany older properties. The variety of reputable builders ensures quality construction and reliable warranty coverage.
Making Your Waterside Decision
When evaluating Waterside neighborhoods, consider your lifestyle priorities, budget parameters, and long-term goals. Luxury buyers will gravitate toward Wild Blue, Kingfisher Estates, and The Alcove, while those seeking amenity-rich experiences should focus on Lakehouse Cove, Shore View, and Shellstone.
Budget-conscious buyers will find excellent value in Avanti, Nautique, Emerald Landing, and Bungalow Walk, each offering different approaches to affordable living without sacrificing location benefits.
Maintenance preferences should heavily influence your decision, as some communities include comprehensive maintenance while others focus on amenities and custom options.
Timeline considerations matter as well—completed communities like Shore View and Avanti offer immediate move-in opportunities, while new construction communities provide customization options but require patience during the building process.
The proximity to Waterside Place varies by neighborhood, so consider how important walkability to the town center is for your daily lifestyle and long-term satisfaction.
Conclusion
Waterside stands as one of Southwest Florida's most compelling community developments, offering an exceptional blend of location, lifestyle, and value across its 10 unique neighborhoods. Whether you're drawn to the ultra-luxury amenities of Wild Blue, the family-friendly atmosphere of Shellstone, or the affordable charm of Avanti, Waterside provides new construction opportunities that are increasingly rare in the Sarasota market.
The community's strategic positioning in northeast Sarasota County creates unparalleled access to urban amenities, cultural attractions, and pristine beaches while maintaining the master-planned community benefits that make daily life convenient and enjoyable. The village atmosphere created by Waterside Place adds a unique dimension that sets this development apart from typical residential communities.
For homebuyers seeking new construction in the Sarasota area, Waterside represents an opportunity to secure a piece of one of Florida's most thoughtfully planned communities. The diversity of neighborhoods, builders, and price points ensures that your ideal Florida lifestyle awaits within this exceptional development.
Ready to Explore Waterside?
If you're considering relocating to Waterside or anywhere else 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
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