Suburban living just east of Sarasota and Siesta Key
Named for the wild bees that once inhabited this naturally abundant area, Bee Ridge is one of the first neighborhoods to be settled in Sarasota County, Florida. Today, approximately 10,000 people call this 4-square-mile neighborhood home. Just 20 minutes from the crystal white sands of Siesta Beach and 7 miles from Downtown Sarasota, Bee Ridge offers large green lawns and shady backyards where residents can often be found grilling a meal or spending time outside. "It's a whole lifestyle. 90% of homes here come with pools and built-in grills out back, so the area is really popular with families," says Michael Klanot, a local resident and real estate agent who has been selling homes throughout Sarasota since 2006. "It's also just 15 to 20 minutes to get anywhere around here," Klanot says. With Interstate 75 cutting just east of the neighborhood, Bee Ridge balances access to access to nearby amenities and world-renowned beaches with a small-scale, family-friendly vibe. "It's very local. Besides homes and private land, there are just a few small motels and locally owned restaurants," adds Klanot. Sunsets at the beach, days spent with family and a welcoming, suburban community may sound old-fashioned, but this laid-back, Floridian lifestyle is still alive and well in Bee Ridge.
Screened in pools are exceptionally popular in Bee Ridge.
Urfer Family Park in Bee Ridge is dog friendly with miles of trails.
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Sarasota homes in a quiet, nature-filled neighborhood
Homes in Bee Ridge are often surrounded by tall, swaying palms and leafy live oaks that provide shade for grassy lots ranging up to two acres. Built mostly in the 1990s and early 2000s, homes here are known for their diverse designs. "No two look just the same. A healthy mix of different styles keeps the neighborhood feeling fresh and well taken care of," Klanot says. Buyers might spot details like colorful coats of paint, large, light-filled windows or barrel-tiled roofs that add unique character to each different home. Mediterranean and ranch-style architecture is the most common, and home types range from condominiums to traditional single-family homes. Condominium communities like Lake Tippecanoe also offer private amenities like a clubhouse and swimming pool. While the neighborhood is not on the coast, some homes in the Bryants Pond community do have waterfront property thanks to the large, spring-fed pond at its center. Prices range from $200,000 to $400,000 for older ranch-style homes and from $600,000 to $850,000 for large traditional homes with up to 3,500 square feet of space. Bee Ridge has a 3 out of 10 CAP Index Crime Score, which is lower than the national average of 4.
Bee Ridge offers a variety of housing architecture.
The playgrounds at Urfer Family Park in Bee Ridge are conveniently separated by age groups.
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Top-rated Sarasota County Schools close to home
Neighborhood students don't have far to go to get to school at Ashton Elementary, which is located right in Bee Ridge and also earns an A rating from Niche. Schools here are part of Sarasota County Schools, which is highly sought-after, according to Klanot. Schools like Sarasota Middle and Riverview High, which both receive A ratings from Niche, educate the neighborhood's older students and provide plenty of extracurriculars. Riverview High is rated by Niche as the third-best public high school in Sarasota County and is also known for its competitive sports programs, which range from basketball and football to volleyball and baseball. "Riverview High is also part of the International Baccalaureate program, so, for students interested in academics or sports, there really is no ceiling to how high they can go," Klanot says.
Ashton Elementary School provides education in the neighborhood of
Bee Ridge.
Riverview High School was established in 1958 and designed by renowned architect Paul Rudolph.
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Heading outdoors in Coastal Florida
While some parts of Sarasota no longer feel natural, Bee Ridge has maintained an older-fashioned proximity to Florida's greenery. "It still feels like paradise here. Homes are surrounded by really nice, exotic-looking plants, so you don't need to go far to find a nice spot outdoors." Siesta Key, known for its crystal white sand, local array of beachy shopping and dining and warm gulf breezes blowing across sky-blue water, is just a short 6-mile drive west of Bee Ridge. To the east, a short day trip takes residents over to Myakka River State Park. Covering 37,000 acres, residents can see Florda's swampy ecosystems and perhaps some of its toothy, reptilian inhabitants. Besides the water, another nice option is Urfer Family Park, a 55-acre lot with four playgrounds, fitness equipment and over a mile of walking trails. For those looking to escape into nature, a boardwalk leads to a scenic overlook with a view of seasonal wetlands. History buffs will enjoy the century-old buildings that have been moved to the park, including the Dr. C.B. Wilson House, which is open for self-guided tours on Saturdays and select weekdays. Picnic tables, grills and pavilions also make the park popular for parties, reunions, potlucks and other events.
Residents of Bee Ridge can enjoy an active, outdoor lifestyle due to its great weather.
Residents of Bee Ridge enjoy easy access to America's #1 Beach - Siesta Key.
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Shopping and dining in the Sarasota area
With Interstate 75 and Clark Road forming the boundaries of Bee Ridge, residents can find nearby options for shopping and dining right outside their neighborhood. Publix, Walmart and Home Depot can all be found in Bee Ridge Square, while restaurants like Pho 99 and Basil's Flame Broiled Chicken are locally owned options in the area. Located on Ashton Road, Calusa Brewing is a local outpost that brews classic ales and modern IPAs. Named after indigenous people of Florida's Gulf Coast, the brewery releases a new in-house beer every week. For more options, a drive to Sarasota or Siesta Key is also no big deal. Phillipi Creek Oyster Bar is one community staple serving time-perfected seafood dishes paired with southern cuisine like gumbo. Diners can also sit beneath string lights and umbrellas on the restaurant's dock seating to listen to the water as they eat. Another local choice is Walt's Fish Market Restaurant, a favorite spot for fresh seafood served in a comfortable, mellow environment.
Casa Patron Mexican Kitchen in Bee Ridge is a newly opened restaurant featuring artful ambiance.
There are a number of strip malls with myriad shopping options in Bee Ridge.
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Getting around Bee Ridge
Despite the laid-back, quiet feel of Bee Ridge, the area is still very close to major highways like Interstate 75 and Clark Road, so getting around town is a breeze. Downtown Sarasota is just 7 miles northwest, with Proctor Road and Tamiami Trail cutting the commute down to just 20 minutes. Bee Ridge also gets a bonus when it comes to health, with Doctors Hospital of Sarasota located just across Bee Ridge Road from the neighborhood. For residents who want a healthy way to commute, main roads in the area have dedicated bike lanes so pedalers can get around safely. Bus stops are also located along the primary arteries of Clark Road and Bee Ridge Road. For those traveling out of state, the Sarasota Bradenton International Airport is located about 11 miles northwest along McIntosh Road.
Berry and flower picking at Albritton Fruit Farms
An annual ritual, residents of Bee Ridge and surrounding areas head out each spring to nearby Albritton Fruit Farms to pick blueberries and flowers for a low fee. It’s a fun way to enjoy the fresh air and warm weather while supporting a local, long-standing farm.
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