Have you ever heard someone complain about waterfront real estate becoming scarce in Sarasota County? To a certain degree, this assumption is correct, but only if you leave Englewood out of your house hunting efforts.
As the southernmost housing market of Sarasota County, Englewood is a real estate treasure that snowbirds discovered decades ago. Most of this coastal town lies along the Lemon Bay east of Manasota Key; some people consider it a suburb of Port Charlotte, Punta Gorda and Venice, but the history of this sleepy community dates back to the 1890s.
At one point, Englewood was a regional hub for the Florida lumber mill industry, and quite a few horse breeders set up their stables here. If you purchase a home along Old Englewood Road and East Dearborn Street, you will live near many wooden structures that have been preserved as part of Old Florida history.
Englewood is a very charming place to live; many families drive down from Sarasota on the weekends to enjoy the quiet and pristine beaches or to visit nearby parks such as the Myakka State Forest, the Lemon Bay Aquatic Preserve and Don Pedro Island.
As for real estate opportunities, Englewood has more than 30 neighborhoods and subdivisions, and many of them are on the beach, near the bay, along a canal, or in front of a lake. Most home buyers who visit this town are amazed at the number of waterfront opportunities, many of them starting under $200K for a three-bedroom and two bathroom Florida ranch with access to a saltwater canal. There is a lot of water in and around Englewood; if your idea of a perfect home includes is a large Mediterranean estate featuring views of the bay, a private dock and access to the Intracoastal Waterway, you can find it listed for less than a million dollars.
Englewood is also home to waterside condominiums with resort-like amenities starting at just $125K. In general, real estate tends to be more affordable in this part of Sarasota County, although truly spectacular beach homes can be found in Manasota Key and Blind Pass Beach. Naturally, Englewood residents are never far from public and private golf courses.
In the past, zoning measures to preserve the charm of Englewood prevented major commercial chains from setting up shop in this town; however, the rules were relaxed a bit for the convenience of residents. The Olde Village Publix at the center is near a Walgreens and a Burger King restaurant, but most other pubs, bistros, shops, and other commercial establishments are locally owned.
Homes for Sale in Englewood Florida
Condos for Sale in Englewood Florida
