In 2012, when national builder D.R. Horton acquired 70 acres of land in Parrish to develop a new residential community, the local housing market was just starting to recover from the downturn in 2008. The Southern Oaks project hit some initial snags in its early years, but the wait has certainly been worth it. A couple of model are already listed for sale, and quite a few others are right on schedule to be completed in 2020.

Southern Oaks is a neighborhood that will appeal to home buyers looking for a nice and safe place to call home. This is a community located in a section of Parrish that has not seen as much development as the area closer to Highway 301, where most of the new construction projects are currently underway. The homes here are surrounded by a wetlands preserve just west of North Rye Road, which crosses the final section of the Manatee River and connects with Lakewood Ranch to the south.

The floor plans at Southern Oaks reflect a new architectural direction for D.R. Horton; the new designs have more American Coastal elements while still featuring some Mediterranean revival touches. D.R. Horton is a builder known to be generous with interior space, and this is evident in the Aria model, which offers three bedrooms, two bathrooms, and 1,627 square feet of living space. Larger families will probably find the Hemingway floor plan, which has a strong Key West vibe, more attractive; this is a two-level structure with five bedrooms, three bathrooms, and nearly 2,950 square feet under air conditioning.

A few homeowners have already taken advantage of the initial pricing at Southern Oaks; in late 2019, one four-bedroom home was listed at $278,990, but you could also work with D.R. Horton and sign a new construction contract for less than $276K on a four-bedroom house to be completed in 2020. In the near future, residents of Southern Oaks will be able to enjoy a playground, a picnic area with a pavilion, and a dog park. Anna Maria Island and its gorgeous beaches are about an hour away, and the nearest Publix supermarket is located at the new Silver Leaf shopping center.