Best Sarasota Neighborhoods for Nature Lovers to Build a Custom Home

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Introduction: Build Where Nature Is Your Neighbor

For many homebuyers, Florida’s sunshine and beaches aren’t the only draw—Sarasota’s natural beauty is equally irresistible. From mangrove-lined shorelines and nature preserves to lush, tree-lined communities, Sarasota is a haven for outdoor lovers and wildlife enthusiasts alike.

If your dream is to wake up to birdsong, kayak after breakfast, or live steps from a hiking trail, you’re in luck. At Homes By Strong, we help nature lovers build custom homes in Sarasota FL near the best trails, preserves, and natural spaces. Here are some of the top neighborhoods and areas to consider if nature is at the heart of your lifestyle.

🌿 1. The Landings – Old Florida Charm Meets Lush Greenery

Why it’s perfect for nature lovers:
Tucked under a canopy of oaks and banyans, The Landings offers mature landscaping, private trails, and access to Phillippi Creek and Roberts Bay. It’s a peaceful, gated enclave with easy access to the water and nature preserves nearby.

Highlights:

  • Private nature trail and kayak launch

  • Gated community with large custom home lots

  • Minutes from Siesta Key Beach and downtown Sarasota

🌳 Perfect for building a private retreat with direct connection to Florida’s native ecosystems.

🌾 2. Myakka Valley Ranches – Nature Without Boundaries

Why it’s perfect:
Looking for space, solitude, and stars at night? This equestrian community near Myakka River State Park offers large acreage lots (5+ acres), wildlife sightings, and off-grid potential—ideal for eco-conscious, solar-focused builds.

Highlights:

  • Horse trails, nature preserves, and no HOA

  • Zoned for custom estates and energy-efficient homes

  • Borders one of Florida’s largest and wildest state parks

🦌 Ideal for those who want to build a true custom homestead surrounded by nature.

🌊 3. Casey Key – Waterfront + Wildlife

Why it’s perfect:
Casey Key blends exclusivity with environmental richness. This barrier island has dense tropical foliage, beachfront access, and nearby nature spots like Oscar Scherer State Park and Blackburn Bay.

Highlights:

  • One of Sarasota’s most scenic and private island communities

  • Protected dune systems and native plantings

  • Stunning opportunities for luxury coastal custom homes

🌅 Live where dolphins and ospreys are your daily neighbors.

🐦 4. The Lake Club at Lakewood Ranch – Nature Meets Luxury

Why it’s perfect:
This gated community inside Lakewood Ranch blends Mediterranean-inspired architecture with preserved wetlands, lakes, and trails. Custom homesites back to conservation areas and offer walkability to green spaces.

Highlights:

  • Over 150 miles of trails throughout Lakewood Ranch

  • Nature preserves, birdwatching spots, and lakes

  • Build with Homes By Strong in designated custom homesites

🏞️ Luxury living with daily access to Florida’s native flora and fauna.

🌺 5. Red Hawk Reserve – Hidden Gem for Outdoor Enthusiasts

Why it’s perfect:
Located near Twin Lakes Park and Celery Fields, Red Hawk Reserve offers half-acre+ lots, quiet streets, and proximity to one of Sarasota’s best birding locations.

Highlights:

  • Close to the Audubon Society’s Celery Fields Nature Preserve

  • Newer custom homes and estate-style lots

  • Easy access to I-75 while maintaining a serene, natural feel

🐦 Perfect for homeowners who want green space, space to grow, and nature at their doorstep.

🌄 6. Sarasota National (Venice Borderline)

Why it’s perfect:
A golf and nature-focused community on the southern edge of Sarasota County. Homes here back to preserved wetlands, lakes, and conservation zones. Walking trails and open vistas are part of the master plan.

Highlights:

  • 1,300+ acres of preserved land and lakes

  • Homesites built with natural buffers and native plantings

  • Ideal for active homeowners who want nature and amenities

🌴 Bonus Picks: More Nature-Loving Communities to Explore

  • Osprey & Nokomis – Quieter towns with access to Legacy Trail and nature parks

  • Laurel Oak Estates – Golf meets wildlife in a gated east Sarasota enclave

  • Palmer Farms/East Sarasota – Large rural lots perfect for custom eco-builds

Build a Home That Honors the Landscape

At Homes By Strong, we don’t just build homes—we build custom residences that work with nature, not against it. From solar integration and native landscaping to designing with views, breezes, and light in mind, we specialize in homes that reflect the Florida environment.

Ready to Build Your Nature-Lover’s Paradise in Sarasota?

📞 Contact Homes By Strong today to schedule a consultation.
Let’s find your perfect homesite and start designing a one-of-a-kind custom home surrounded by the natural beauty of Sarasota.

Tags:
best Sarasota neighborhoods for nature lovers, build near nature preserve Sarasota, custom homes near parks FL, eco-friendly homes Sarasota, custom home builder Sarasota FL

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