Area Guides
Explore Southwest Florida
From Gulf Coast barrier islands to growing inland towns, each area has its own personality. Pick one below to see what everyday life looks like, schools, beaches, dining, commute, and real estate.
Area Guide
Bird Key
A local's guide to living on Bird Key in Sarasota, FL, the residential island between downtown and St. Armands. Waterfront homes, deep-water...
Area Guide
Lido Key
A local's guide to living on Lido Key in Sarasota, FL, Gulf-front condos, Lido Shores architecture, St. Armands Circle at your doorstep, the...
Area Guide
Venice
A local’s guide to living in Venice, FL, the historic island city in southern Sarasota County. Downtown charm, Gulf beaches, shark teeth, go...
Area Guide
Siesta Key
A local’s guide to living on Siesta Key, FL, home to one of America’s top-ranked beaches. The village, the real estate (condos, luxury & vac...
Area Guide
Longboat Key
A local’s guide to living on Longboat Key, FL, the exclusive barrier island between Sarasota and Anna Maria. Luxury condos, gated communitie...
Area Guide
Anna Maria Island
A local’s guide to living on Anna Maria Island, FL, old-Florida charm, sugar-sand beaches, no high-rises. Cottages, condos, vacation-rental ...
Area Guide
Nokomis & Osprey
A local’s guide to living in Nokomis & Osprey, FL, quiet, value-friendly coastal communities between Sarasota and Venice. Beaches, Casey Key...
Area Guide
North Port
A local's guide to living in North Port, FL, the fast-growing city in southern Sarasota County home to Wellen Park, CoolToday Park, and atta...
Area Guide
Englewood
A local's guide to living in Englewood, FL, the laid-back coastal community straddling Sarasota and Charlotte counties, known for Englewood ...
Area Guide
University Park
A local's guide to living in University Park, FL, the established gated golf community between Lakewood Ranch and Sarasota, with a 27-hole c...
Area Guide
Bradenton
A practical guide to living in Bradenton, FL, riverfront neighborhoods, golf communities, family-friendly suburbs, cost of living, and who i...
Area Guide
Parrish
A practical guide to living in Parrish, FL, the fast-growing corridor north of Lakewood Ranch and Bradenton. New construction, family commun...
Area Guide
Palmer Ranch
A practical guide to Palmer Ranch in Sarasota, established gated communities, proximity to Siesta Key, top schools, and who this master-plan...
Area Guide
Downtown Sarasota
A practical guide to living in downtown Sarasota, walkable urban living, cultural attractions, bayfront condos, and historic neighborhoods. ...
Area Guide
Palmetto
A practical guide to living in Palmetto, FL, waterfront neighborhoods, new construction at Artisan Lakes and Coasterra, value-driven living ...
Area Guide
St. Petersburg
A guide to living in St. Petersburg, FL, arts, waterfront living, downtown culture, and real estate in the Sunshine City on Tampa Bay, from ...
Area Guide
Tampa
A guide to living in Tampa, FL, the Gulf Coast metro hub with a booming downtown, pro sports, diverse neighborhoods, and a strong job market...
Area Guide
Wimauma
A guide to living in Wimauma, FL, a fast-growing area in south Hillsborough County with new construction, rural character, and proximity to ...