Sarasota · Sarasota County
University Town Center
The largest retail and dining destination in the two counties, on University Parkway between Sarasota and Lakewood Ranch. For a buyer the relevant fact is position: it sits almost exactly between the two, which is why communities in both market themselves on being close to it.
It is in Sarasota County, which is worth stating because the address reads Sarasota 34243 and that ZIP covers ground in both counties, while University Parkway itself is the county line. The Sarasota roll settles it: the mall parcels are assessed in Sarasota County.
The mall opened in 2014 and runs to roughly 880,000 square feet across two floors. Mote Marine Laboratory holds a parcel in the district, where its science education aquarium sits.
What it is built around
- The Mall at University Town Center, anchored by Saks Fifth Avenue, Macy's, Dillard's and Apple
- Surrounding retail, restaurants and hotels
- Nathan Benderson Park
- Mote Science Education Aquarium
Communities this serves
The part a restaurant list cannot tell you: what it costs to live within reach of this district, and who actually lives there. Figures are recorded sales from the county, not asking prices.
University Park
0% of the 0 finished houses carry a homestead exemption, which reads as almost entirely second homes, rentals and investors.
University Park Country Club
Palm Aire
Median recorded sale $400,000. 60% of the 1,889 finished houses carry a homestead exemption, which reads as mostly full-time residents.
Quick answers
What is University Town Center?
The largest retail and dining destination in the two counties, on University Parkway between Sarasota and Lakewood Ranch. For a buyer the relevant fact is position: it sits almost exactly between the two, which is why communities in both market themselves on being close to it.
Which communities are closest to University Town Center?
University Park, University Park Country Club, Palm Aire. Each of those has a page on this site with the county's recorded sale prices, the fee structure and the build years.
Is University Town Center in Sarasota or Manatee County?
University Town Center is in Sarasota County. The question comes up because this part of the market straddles the Sarasota and Manatee county line, and a mailing address is not a reliable guide to it: University Parkway is the boundary itself, and the 34243 ZIP covers ground in both counties. The county decides which property appraiser holds the record, which tax collector bills you and which county services apply, so it is worth establishing for any specific address rather than assuming it from the postal town. Confirmed against Sarasota County certified tax roll.
Source: Sarasota County certified tax roll, 14 parcels on University Town Center Drive including TB Mall at UTC LLC, Macy's Florida Stores and The Higbee Company; anchors and opening date from the mall's own Simon listing. Last verified 2026-10-02. Business information changes frequently. Contact an establishment directly for current hours, menus and availability.
Thinking about living near University Town Center?
Tell me which communities you are weighing up and I will send you what they actually cost to own, what the county records say sold there, and what is approved to be built around them.
Or call or text (941) 350-0224.