Anyone familiar with the work of D.R. Horton can tell you about the high level of quality this American home builder puts into every residential project. Oak Vistas in Sarasota is a prime example of a D.R. Horton neighborhood: this is an intimate and secluded enclave of just 69 single-family residences neatly arranged around lakes, ponds, and greenbelt spaces. Development of Oak Vistas started in 2005 with a local builder involved until D.R. Horton took over five years later; since then, properties have seen their values rise considerably.

Oak Vistas is located in the Fruitville district between Honore Avenue and I-75, not far from the Palmer Ranch master-planned development. The entrance is hidden by winding roads that cut through other neighborhoods in the area, but all the streets in this small community end in cul-de-sacs, thus cutting down on through-traffic and making it safer for children to play outside. Most of the residents here are families who were searching for more spacious homes, and they certainly found them thanks to the models selected by D.R. Horton.

The homes at Oak Vistas offer three, four, or five bedrooms; living space ranges between 1,800 and 2,701 square feet. The architectural style is a mix of Tuscan with some Mediterranean revival design. Some properties have private swimming pools, and nearly all of them offer lakefront views. The greenbelt spaces are meticulously landscaped through the homeowners association fees, which are very reasonable. Some of the extras include by D.R. Horton include stainless steel appliances, granite countertops, crown molding, and decorative foyers.

Thus far, most homeowners in this community have decided to hold onto their properties. In May 2020, a couple of four-bedroom homes with three bathrooms and two levels were listed for $335K, which is pretty reasonable when you consider that the Mall at University Town Center is just seven miles north. You don’t even have to drive that far for shopping and entertainment; a nearby commercial district along Fruitville Road has everything from a Winn-Dixie supermarket to a Big Top Brewery restaurant. When you need to head to the beach for the weekend, a 20-minute drive to Siesta Key will be there.