One of the nicest neighborhoods of Sarasota is located just east of I-75 and south of Palmer Road. Deerfield has the feel of a gated community within a master-planned development, but it is actually a subdivision with 93 single-family residences built in the late 1990s. If you are looking for larger homes in a charming neighborhood that truly offers quality of life, you should put Deerfield at the top of your house hunting list.

With lot sizes around 8,000 square feet and floor plans measuring from 1,1650 to 2,000 square feet, the homes at Deerfield will appeal to home buyers who wish to live in a park-like peaceful setting. The expansive green areas and manicured landscaping of this neighborhood were carefully planned to attract both families and retirees. There is no through-traffic in this community; the only vehicular access point is provided by Deering Circle right off Porter Road, which means that a few properties are situated on a cul-de-sac. The homes are arranged around a large lake where you can watch sunsets from a viewing pier. You can also invite guests for picnics at the neighborhood park, which is adorned with a gazebo.

Listings tend to be very reasonably priced at Deerfield, but they are not available as often as buyers would like. For less than $300K in 2019, you can find a three-bedroom with two bathrooms and a two-car garage plus granite counter tops on a split-floor plan for maximum privacy. The affordable homeowners association fees cover everything from landscaping to lake maintenance and from cable television to monitored security systems.

Major attractions near Deerfield include Celery Fields Park, a preserve that is home to the Sarasota Audubon Nature center. Next door to this park is the Big Cat Habitat Gulf Coast Sanctuary, which takes care of felines that cannot return to their wildlife habitats. Fruitville Grove, a store that specializes in Florida produce, is just a few minutes to the north, and the Publix supermarket at Bee Ridge plaza is about 10 minutes away. Driving to the beaches at Siesta Key will take you less than 30 minutes.