In the field of suburban development, experts will often mention that organic growth is the key to successful residential districts; this has certainly been the case with University Park, one of the most desirable places to live in Southwest Florida.

University Park started with the construction of a semiprivate country club that included golf, tennis and other athletic amenities along with refined dining and socializing options. Over the years, development of the University Park Country Club expanded to 31 residential communities that will appeal to various lifestyles; anything from condo units to golf villas and from modest single-family residences to opulent estates can be found here.

As residential development of University Country Club continued, schools such as Keiser University, the State College of Florida-Manatee and the Meridian University based their campuses nearby; moreover, the Mall at University Town Center and the Nathan Benderson Park Aquatic Sports Complex open their doors, thereby elevating quality of life for residents of this district.

As of 2018, the median price of University Park homes stood around $595K. The most affordable residences are low-rise condos with two bedrooms and two bathrooms with more than 950 square feet of interior; they start around $150K. Townhouses with three bedrooms and three bathrooms start under $210K. Large single-family residences with three bedrooms and three bathrooms with views of the lakes or the fairways start around $400K.

Pricing in University Park will vary according to square footage, home features and proximity to neighborhood attractions. Some neighborhoods are located within walking distance of the Shoppes at University Center and The Mall at University Town Center. This large commercial district includes department stores, boutiques, electronics retailers, and quite a few restaurants such as California Pizza Kitchen, Lee Roy Selmon’s Bar and Grill, the Rusty Bucket Sports Bar, and Ruby Tuesday. For even more shopping and entertainment, the growing Main Street at Lakewood Ranch commercial district is just a short drive away. For amenities closer to home, a country club membership at University Park offers more than just golf; there is also a tennis club, a gym that offers yoga and personal training, an elegant clubhouse, and a fine-dining restaurant.

University Park is ideal for college students not just because of the schools within the district; additional universities can be found in nearby Sarasota. The famous white sands of Siesta Key Beach are close enough to visit on a daily basis, and easy access to I-75 makes commuting for work and business purposes very convenient.

Real estate investors should keep in mind that more development is planned for University Park, which means that property values are bound to continue appreciating.