The Meadows
You’ll see neighbors walking, biking, exercising and walking their dogs throughout the day.
You’ll see neighbors walking, biking, exercising and walking their dogs throughout the day.
The Meadows is one of Sarasota’s largest and most established communities, developed beginning in the 1970s around golf, lakes and an incredible amount of green space. Today, it covers about 1,650 acres with more than 85 lakes and waterways and 14 miles of walking and biking trails.
What really sets it apart, though, is how livable it feels. Sidewalks and paths wind throughout the community, and people actually use them. You’ll see neighbors walking, biking, exercising and walking their dogs throughout the day.
The Meadows is green, mature and wonderfully established. Large trees, lakes and open spaces are everywhere, and the many smaller condo, villa and single-family sections blend together rather than feeling like separate gated developments.
Much of the community was built during the 1980s, and it shows in a good way. There’s space here. Rooms tend to be generous, floor plans flow well, and many of the homes were designed for comfortable everyday living.
The location has also gotten better with time. Sarasota has grown around The Meadows, putting UTC, restaurants, shopping and I-75 remarkably close while downtown Sarasota is still an easy drive west.
The Meadows has an unusually broad housing mix, from condos and villas to substantial single-family homes.
Pricing varies just as much. Condos can sell in the $300s, while larger and extensively updated single-family homes can reach $1 million and beyond. Home styles and levels of renovation vary considerably, so two properties within The Meadows can offer very different experiences.
Golf has been part of The Meadows since its early days, although the club structure has recently changed. The former private country club has transitioned to a public golf operation.
Meadows residents continue to have access to a wide range of recreational amenities through the Renaissance Access program, including the fitness center, pool, tennis, pickleball and community activities. Certain golf benefits are also currently available to Meadows residents.
Because the golf operation has recently changed, buyers who consider golf or specific club amenities important should verify current access, fees and benefits.
The Meadows is one of those neighborhoods I wish I’d known about years ago. I have a soft spot for homes from the 1980s—the rooms are generous, the floor plans make sense, and they were designed for easy everyday living.
I’ve sold a condo here and shown homes at the other end of the spectrum topping $1 million, and that variety is part of what makes The Meadows interesting.
But mostly, I just like being here. It’s green, walkable, comfortable and established. People are outside using the paths, riding their bikes and enjoying their neighborhood.
Had I known about The Meadows when we were looking for a home, I might have moved heaven and earth to live here.
I focus on Bradenton real estate, helping buyers and sellers navigate the local market with confidence. I also work with clients in nearby areas like Palmetto, Parrish, and Sarasota -when that’s where the right fit is.
