Previously a citrus grove, Southgate, Florida, was transformed into a beautiful Sarasota suburb by developers Rolland King and Frank Smith in the 1950s. They bought the land from Bertha Honore Potter, a famous Chicago socialite of the time.
Southgate is a deed-restricted community and one of the older suburbs of Sarasota
Previously a citrus grove, Southgate, Florida, was transformed into a beautiful Sarasota suburb by developers Rolland King and Frank Smith in the 1950s. They bought the land from Bertha Honore Potter, a famous Chicago socialite of the time.
Southgate is a deed-restricted community and one of the older suburbs of Sarasota. It is a great neighborhood to live in because of its convenient location. It provides tranquil suburban living, away from the rush and traffic congestion associated with city life, but it is only 10 minutes from downtown Sarasota and close to pristine beaches. Just don't start dreaming of finding a cozy studio apartment for rent in some high-rise apartment block, because you won't find something like that in Southgate. If you are single and interested in living in Southgate, partner up with someone you can split the rent with, or win the lottery so you can afford a bigger place. Hopefully you like retro architecture -- most homes in Southgate are one-story buildings in the Florida ranch style. There are also some modern buildings, which you may find using our apartment locator.
Places for rent in Southgate are usually two- to four-bedroom units, with some one-bedroom apartments for rent. Investors love to purchase "fixer uppers" and renovate them, so you may be lucky enough to find one of these modernized homes during your search. However, be sure to act quickly once you find one, as they tend to go like hotcakes. As much as 78 percent of the properties in the neighborhood are owner-occupied, which leaves only about 21 percent for tenants. Have a fat security deposit ready to help convince potential landlords, as apartments in Southgate are not the cheapest (especially the ones with a view over the Phillippi Creek).
Southgate is a charming neighborhood with much to offer residents. For one, you will benefit from the lovely Florida weather and be but a stone's throw away from white sands and turquoise waters.
Recreation and Shopping
The neighborhood boasts a beautiful community center, which includes a pool area, and is a great place to book for events. Shopaholics get their fix at the Westfield Mall if they don't feel like driving to downtown Sarasota. Golfers are catered to at the Village Green Golf Club, where they can practice shots at the driving ranges. For a taste of excellent cuisine, sample the eats at Morel Restaurant and Tasty Home Cookin, which both get rave reviews from the online community.
Getting Around
Although most Southgaters prefer driving their own wheels, hopping on a bus is easy enough and should make commuting a breeze. If you prefer cycling, the neighborhood has some dedicated cycle routes.
If Sarasota has lured you with its nice weather, sandy beaches, and crystal-clear water, Southgate is not a bad neighborhood to choose. You should settle in quickly and enjoy a peaceful life in one of America's most vibrant metropolitan areas.
