Located right between the Lake Sarasota and Fruitville districts, just north of Bee Ridge Road and east of I-75, Shadow Oaks Estates is a secluded residential enclave ideal for home buyers looking for a family-oriented neighborhood. In this aptly-named community, large single-family homes with plenty of yard space are shaded by magnificent and fully mature oak trees; plus, the neighborhood is dotted with ponds and leafy green spaces.

With just 54 residences averaging 2,700 square feet of interior, Shadow Oaks Estates in Sarasota feels like an exclusive neighborhood, but it is not a gated community. Once you drive into Shadow Oaks from its Porter Road entrance, you immediately notice that the lush greenbelt spaces surrounding the neighborhood effectively create a buffer against traffic noise; moreover, the thick canopies and leafy sidewalks provide a nice and quiet suburban atmosphere filled with privacy.

Most of the homes in this community offer three and four bedrooms, but a few are proper estates with five bedrooms, four bathrooms, and more than 5,000 square feet of space; these larger properties tend to be priced around $800K, but most others are listed starting at $500K. Since there are no restrictions on architectural style, the home designs range from American Craftsman to Spanish Colonial and from Mediterranean revival to Caribbean. Some of the most desirable homes get water views by virtue of being located near ponds.

Adding to the family-friendly charm of Shadow Oaks Estates is the fact that children can safely ride their bikes because this is not a thorough-traffic neighborhood. Nearby family attractions include Celery Fields and the Big Cat Habitat where you can check out wild felines living in a sanctuary. There is also the Sky Zone Trampoline Park near Bee Ridge Road, which is in the same commercial district where you can find a Publix supermarket, Home Depot, and a Miller’s Ale House. The beaches of Siesta Key are only 25 minutes away under regular traffic conditions.