Nearly 10 years have passed since a major redevelopment plan started at Golden Gate Point, an exclusive neighborhood that feels like an island in the middle of Downtown Sarasota, and things are looking really good for prospective home buyers.

Golden Gate Point is a peninsula that juts out from the southern section of the John Ringling Causeway, opposite from the Bayfront district; this is the final neighborhood you see on your way to the Sarasota Keys, and it is one of the most spectacular. In less than a decade, this 22-acre residential district has been transformed into an elegant waterfront community similar to SoFi in Miami Beach or Punta del Este in Uruguay.

If the maintenance-free resort lifestyle is what you are after, Golden Gate Point has several options. This is where you can find the Grande Riviera, one of the most visually striking buildings in Southwest Florida, located at the tip of the peninsula and offering the best views of Sarasota and the Gulf of Mexico. There’s also La Bellasara, an imposing condominium tower with an architectural style that resembles the French Riviera.

Many of the condominium properties in Golden Gate Point cater to residents who enjoy boating, fishing and very luxurious amenities. There are more buildings with concierge service within this neighborhood than in the rest of Sarasota, and a few of the condo towers offer their own private docking space complete with fishing pier. In fact, a good way to search for ideal Golden Gate Point listings is by asking real estate agents about specific amenities. Some condo towers have rooftop swimming pools and fire pits while others have cinemas and wine cellars. You can inquire about properties that feature private elevators, billiards rooms, private suites for overnight guests, spas, and more. You can even choose between views of the city skyline, the Sarasota Keys or the Gulf of Mexico.

In 2018, pricing at Golden Gate Points started just under $400K for two-bedroom units in a low rise condo located in the middle of the peninsula. The most princely properties are located along the waterfront in buildings such as La Bellasara, where a three-bedroom penthouse with panoramic balconies can be negotiated under $3 million; these units are more likely to offer significant price reductions.

Aside from being very private and luxurious, Golden Gate Point also offers residents a very convenient and strategic location. Everything from waterfront parks to museums and from gourmet restaurants to art galleries is within walking distance. Even the beach and the nearest golf course can be reached by means of a reasonable bike ride. Without a doubt, Golden Gate Point is the type of neighborhood where even the most demanding home buyers are bound to feel at home.