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Ridge Wood Heights

Ridge Wood Heights

Suburban Neighborhood in Sarasota, Florida

Sarasota County 34231

Neighborhood Reviews
4.0
$420,971 Average Value
$312 Average Price per Sq Ft
43 Homes For Sale

Homes near A-rated schools and popular attractions

Ridge Wood Heights is a quiet part of Sarasota, about 5 miles from Downtown and Siesta Key. Residents can easily travel to some of the city’s most popular amenities, including the sandy beaches of Siesta Key and the Sarasota Art Museum. Still, there is plenty in Ridge Wood Heights itself. Mid-20th century homes are down the street from Riverview High School, which Niche gives an A. Bee Ridge Park features a teen center that offers free afterschool activities. “It’s a good area for families to live,” says Realtor Erick Shumway with Re/Max Alliance Group, who has been working in the city for over 50 years.

Established homes with low flood risk

Ridge Wood Heights is an established neighborhood, with most houses built between the 1950s and 1980s. There is some new construction. Ranch styles make up much of the neighborhood, although there are some two-story coastal cottages and new traditional homes with colonial influences. Spanish moss hangs from the live oaks that shade the grassy front lawns, which occasionally feature palm trees and gardens. Wide driveways lead to carports and front-facing garages. Most homes under 1,500 square feet range from $300,000 to $575,000, while most larger properties cost $575,000 to $725,000. A handful of luxury estates are in the area, often including amenities such as a pool or custom construction, which can go from $1 million to over $2 million. Condos in Ridge Wood Heights can cost $100,000 to $175,000 for a one-bedroom unit, while two-to-three bedrooms range from $175,000 to over $350,000. The Federal Emergency Management Agency says that Ridge Wood Heights has a very high risk of hurricanes and a relatively low risk of flooding.

A-rated high school in neighborhood

Sarasota County Schools serve Ridge Wood Heights. Wilkinson Elementary School receives a B from Niche, and Brookside Middle School gets an A-minus. At the A-rated Riverview High School, students can enroll in one of the International Baccalaureate Career Pathways, including the marine biology-focused Stars to Starfish program. The district does have school choice, so residents can apply to programs at institutions outside of their zoning. Pine View earns an A-plus and offers a rigorous curriculum from second to 12th grade. This public school is part of Sarasota County. Unlike other schools in the district, it is application only. Students are admitted based on referrals, testing and interviews. “It’s a great, great school,” says Shumway, whose son graduated from Pine View. Niche says Pine View is the second-best public high school in Florida.

Teen center in neighborhood park

Ridge Wood Heights is situated near some of Sarasota’s more popular attractions, including Siesta Keys. The island, about 5 miles away, is known for its white quartz sand. “It’s sand as white as your shirt,” Shumway says. Beachgoers can play a round of sand volleyball and rent out bikes, kayaks and boats. Bee Ridge Park is in the neighborhood and features a playground and softball field. “I used to play a lot of softball there, back in the day,” Shumway says. Another highlight of the park is The Ridge, a free afterschool center for teens ages 11 to 17 that will host events like a pool tournament and movie marathon. Just south of Ridge Wood Heights is the Red Bug Slough Preserve, which spans 72 acres. Hikers can explore miles of trails with their dogs, keeping an eye out for birds. There is also plenty to do Downtown, including visiting the Sarasota Art Museum and attending a show at the Sarasota Opera House.

Access to Interstate 75 and Siesta Keys

U.S. Route 41 is to the east of Ridge Wood Heights, and Interstate 75 is to the west. Drivers can take Bee Ridge or Proctor Road to either. “Your ingress and egress are great,” Shumway says. Breeze, Sarasota’s public transit system, offers bus routes along Bee Ridge and Swift roads that connect with the free, open-air trolley that goes to Siesta Key and Downtown Sarasota. The closest emergency room is at the Sarasota Medical Center, less than 1 mile away. Sarasota Bradenton International Airport is about a 10-mile drive.

Near Siesta Key Village shops and eateries

There are a couple of locally owned restaurants in Ridge Wood Heights, including the Thai Bangkok Restaurant and La Violetta, which serves Italian food. However, Shumway says that many people travel to Downtown Sarasota or Siesta Key for a bite to eat. “You’ve got a number of nice areas in Siesta Key,” Shumway says. Miguel’s Restaurant is just one of his recommendations. This establishment has been open for over 40 years and specializes in fine dining and French cuisine. Gecko’s Grill & Pub is a much more casual option. Several boutiques are in Siesta Key Village, such as Foxy Lady, a clothing shop. The closest grocery store is the Walmart Neighborhood Market. For fresh produce, coffee, locally made soaps, and art, shoppers can visit the Sarasota Farmers Market in the heart of Downtown Sarasota. The market is open every Saturday morning, rain or shine.

Siesta Key sand sculptures every November

Ridge Wood Heights residents can attend events throughout Sarasota. Every November, people flock to Siesta Key for the Crystal Classic, a sand sculpting competition that draws in 24 artists from across the world. They spend three and a half days working on their pieces, during which the public can observe the process. Prizes are given to People’s Choice and solo and doubles sculptures. The Bay is a community park in the heart of Downtown Sarasota that hosts free events, including yoga classes and weekly concerts.

Zia Sampson
Written By
Zia Sampson
Kristjan Veski
Photography Contributed By
Kristjan Veski
Logan Cox
Video By
Logan Cox

Agents Specializing in this Area

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Schools

Source:
GreatSchools: The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process. View GreatSchools Rating Methodology

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Lisa Bouck, PA, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Parks in this Area

Transit

Airport

Sarasota/Bradenton International

19 min drive

Bus

Swift Rd & Proctor Rd

Bus

Swift Rd & Maiden Ln

Bus

Swift Rd & Alliance Ave

Bus

Swift Rd & Ashton Rd

Bus

Swift Rd & Sterling Ln

Bus

Bee Ridge Rd & Murdock Ave

Bus

Swift Rd & Wilkinson Rd

Reviews

Niche Reviews
4.0 5 Reviews
3.0 Niche User
7/18/2016 Niche Review
You're generally safe, but crime is on the rise.
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Crime and Safety

1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime Ridge Wood Heights US
Homicide 2 4
Sexual Assault 4 4
Assault with Weapon 3 4
Robbery 3 4
Burglary 4 4
Motor Vehicle Theft 3 4
Larceny 4 4
Crime Score 4 4

Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com

Demographics and Home Trends

Home Trends

Median Price (12 Mo)
$387,500
Median Single Family Price
$434,250
Median Townhouse Price
$127,500
Median 2 Bedroom Price
$210,000
Median 1 Bedroom Price
$119,000
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$312
Number of Homes for Sale
43
Last 12 months Home Sales
74
Months of Supply
7.00
Median List Price
$424,777
Median Discount From 1st List Price
5%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
2%

Home Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
2,183
Median Year Built
1978
Avg. Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,507
Significantly below the national average
1,935
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
954
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,353
Average 1 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
712
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
9,147

Open Houses

  • Sunday, Apr 27
    1 - 4pm

    2720 Herwald St, Sarasota, FL 34231

    $450,000

    • 2 Beds
    • 2 Baths
    • 1,752 Sq Ft
    • 2720 Herwald St
    • New 2 days ago

    This unique, light-filled artist's home is a rare Sarasota modern contemporary (1977) designed by Architect Tom Bertram, whose work was inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright. This two-bedroom, two-bath split-plan gem features soaring ceilings, clerestory windows and a seamless indoor-outdoor flow that celebrates Florida living. Behind a tranquil, walled front courtyard, the home opens into a dramatic

    Martie Lieberman PREMIER SOTHEBYS INTL REALTY

    Section Image
  • Sunday, Apr 27
    12 - 3pm

    4112 Swift Rd, Sarasota, FL 34231

    $775,000

    • 4 Beds
    • 3 Baths
    • 2,836 Sq Ft
    • 4112 Swift Rd
    • New 21 days ago

    Location, location, location! This contemporary gem is just minutes from Siesta Key beach and downtown Sarasota. This custom home with brand new standing seam metal roof was built with detail in mind. The first floor offers a beautiful open floor plan feature living, dining and custom kitchen. The kitchen stuns with quartz counter tops, stainless steel appliances and large cooking island. The

    Cassandra Meyer BRIGHT REALTY

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  • Saturday, Apr 26
    12 - 3pm

    4711 Placid Cir, Sarasota, FL 34231

    $800,000

    • 3 Beds
    • 2 Baths
    • 2,153 Sq Ft
    • 4711 Placid Cir

    Must see the renovations in this totally updated home on over half an acre! The Kitchen and Bar area were renovated completely in 2022 with New Cabinets, Lighting, Quartz Countertops, Appliances. The Guest bath has a new vanity. Entire home was painted inside and out in 2022 and 2023. Pool and Pool heater were installed in 2022, Wait until you see it! It has a huge pavilion that would rival

    Miranda Oswald KELLER WILLIAMS ON THE WATER

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Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Lisa Bouck, PA, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Average Home Value




Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Owners

Demographics

Total Population
5,072
Median Age
45
Population Density
6 ppl/acre
Population under 18
19.7%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
22.8%
On par with the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$59,103
Below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$70,652

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
92.4%
College Graduates
29.8%
On par with the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
9.8%
% Population in Labor Force
59.5%
Below the national average
65.1%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
56''
Average Winter Low Temperature
53°F
Average Summer High Temperature
92°F
Annual Snowfall
0''

Area Factors

Somewhat Bikeable

Bike Score®

39 / 100

Car-Dependent

Walk Score®

37 / 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score

Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.

Nearby Neighborhoods

Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
NEIGHBORHOOD
Ridge Wood Heights