Center Gate Estates is an established, conveniently located Sarasota neighborhood | Market Snapshot

Part of Center Gate, a collection of residential subdivisions south of Bee Ridge Road near I-75, Center Gate Estates is an attractive, well-maintained neighborhood of single-family homes. Between Wilkinson and Proctor Roads, and bordered by Honore Avenue to the west and Center Gate Boulevard to the east, it offers great location in quiet, charming surroundings.

The entire area originally consisted of citrus fields and cattle grazing pastures. Development began in 1977 by First Communities of Sarasota Inc., which also created the South Gate, Gulf Gate and Forest Lakes neighborhoods. By the early 1990s, it was pretty well built out.

Altogether, there are 442 attached villa and condominiums and 199 single-family residences, of which a little more than a hundred make up Center Gate Estates. Nearly a third of them back onto two retention ponds, providing lovely water views. Home values range from the mid-$500,000 to the mid-$800,000s.

The spacious one- and two-story dwellings come in a variety of styles and exteriors. You can see Florida ranches, homes with cathedral ceilings, and homes featuring gabled attics and fully built out second floors. Facades include brick finishes, stone columns and stone work elements, stucco, and horizontal and vertical siding, giving the neighborhood a custom-built look.

Lots are generous in size, between a third and half an acre. Some driveways have pavers, others are concrete. Many houses have covered lanais and private swimming pools. The foliage is mature and lush throughout. Homes are beautifully landscaped, reflecting pride of ownership.

“There is a welcoming feel as you drive through. The people are happy to live there. They smile, stop, talk to each other,” said Jerry Zaback, an agent with Premier Sotheby’s International Realty. “Everybody knows everybody and watches out for one another.”

His listing at 5466 Exuma Place Place is a four-bed, three-bath home with 2,675 square feet under air. Built in 1989, it has an open floor plan with natural hardwood floors and a vaulted ceiling living room.

The screened-in, gas-heated, saltwater swimming pool and spa features an attractive rock display and waterfall in back. The deck is covered with ipe wood, one of the densest hardwoods available for outdoor construction (it sinks in water). A bar with four stools and plenty of space for tables and chairs completes what feels like a tropical oasis. “In the evenings it’s a delightful place to sit, have dinner with cocktails and relax,” said Zaback.

The asking price is $799,000.

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Residents of Center Gate Estates include retirees, families and empty nesters. Most of them live there year-round. “As you drive through, you’ll see basketball hoops, kids walking and playing,” said Zaback. “Some people have lived here for 20 years.”

Parents appreciate the close proximity of the district schools, Ashton Elementary and Sarasota Middle, less than 1.5 miles away. New Gate Montessori School is close by, too.

“Center Gate Estates has a great location, convenient to shopping, I-75, hospital services,” said Lorraine Neal, a realtor with Michael Saunders & Company.

Her listing at 5438 Dominica Circle, a three-bed, two-bath ranch home, backs onto one of the lakes. Built in 1981, it has 2,051 square feet of living space. Vaulted ceilings and five skylights allow for natural light and an airy atmosphere. Updates include new impact windows, new washer and dryer in the laundry room, and a new roof.

The asking price of $590,000 is at the lower end valuation for neighborhood properties. “It’s a very affordable home for the market now,” Neal said, “People don’t want to pay top dollar and then have to do a lot of renovating.”

Homeowners association fees are quite reasonable, from $130 to $160 annually depending on the size of the lot.

Above all, Center Gate Estates has a great location. Within a mile radius, you can find big box stores like Walmart, Lowe’s and Home Depot on Cattlemen Road. A Publix supermarket, Doctors Hospital and eateries, including First Watch, Panera, Miller’s Ale House and Madfish Grill, are less than five minutes away.

Urfer Family Park with walking trails, a picnic area and grills, and two children’s playgrounds is within easy walking distance.

Currently, there are three homes on the market in Center Gate Estates, Zaback’s, Neal’s and a three-bed, 2-bath home at 5404 Aruba Place, with a list price of $839,000.

This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Sarasota real estate: Center Gate Estates well suited for families