The golf legacy of Southwest Florida is rooted in the history of the DeSoto Lakes Golf Club, a legendary tournament stop for PGA greats such as Arnold Palmer. By the early 1970s, developers started to transition of DeSoto Lakes into Palm Aire in Sarasota, one of the first communities that catered to the golf lifestyle.

Palm Aire is a very large country club located near the border between Sarasota and Manatee counties, right next to the University Park commercial district. There are more than 30 neighborhoods in this community; some are gated sections with large estates while others offer maintenance-free golf villas and condos. The diversity of residential styles includes Florida ranch, Mediterranean and modern homes.

Life at Palm Aire can be as relaxing or as active as residents choose to make it. For golf enthusiasts, Palm Aire is a dream come true. The original 18-hole course remains as challenging as it was during its PGA days; plus, the practice area features plenty of technical challenges such as sand traps, hard putting greens and a chipping area. Naturally, there is a pro shop and players lounge near the 18th hole.

Aside from golf, active residents of Palm Aire can also enjoy swimming, tennis, cross-training at the fitness center, and pickleball. The clubhouse is always teeming with activities organized by various social clubs.

Amenities located adjacent to Palm Aire include The Mall at University Park and the pleasant Conservatory Park. Driving to Downtown Sarasota takes about 15 minutes, and the beach is less than 30 minutes away.

The abundance of real estate in Palm Aire means that home buyers can always find available listings that can start as low as $219K for a two-bedroom villa with two full bathrooms and views of the golf course. A four-bedroom Mediterranean estate with more than 2,500 square feet of living space was priced under $420K in January 2018, a very good deal when considering the location, amenities and quality construction.