The Highlands is an established residential section within The Meadows in Sarasota, Florida. Known for larger homesites, mature landscaping, winding streets, golf-course scenery, lakes, and preserved green space, The Highlands offers some of the more substantial detached single-family homes found within the greater Meadows community.
Development of The Highlands began as an expansion of The Meadows during the 1980s and continued into the early 1990s. The area includes several recorded single-family sections as well as separate villa and condominium neighborhoods that carry The Highlands name. This page focuses on the detached, fee-simple residences found within the single-family portions of The Highlands.
The Highlands Homes
Single-family homes in The Highlands vary considerably in size, design, and lot setting. Many residences offer approximately 1,700 to more than 2,800 square feet of air-conditioned living space, although larger custom homes can occasionally exceed that range.
Three-bedroom floor plans are especially common, with some homes offering additional bedrooms, offices, dens, family rooms, or flexible living spaces. Features may include attached two-car garages, vaulted or volume ceilings, fireplaces, split-bedroom layouts, large windows, screened lanais, and expansive indoor-outdoor living areas.
Private swimming pools and spas are common among larger Highlands residences. Depending on location, homes may overlook golf fairways, lakes, mature landscaping, wooded greenbelts, or preserve areas.
Because The Highlands was developed over a number of years, condition and renovation levels vary considerably. Buyers may find homes with updated kitchens and baths, hurricane-impact windows and doors, newer roofs, remodeled pools and lanais, upgraded flooring, modern mechanical systems, and other substantial improvements.
Larger Lots & Established Landscaping
One of the distinguishing features of The Highlands is the amount of space surrounding many of its detached homes. Quarter-acre and larger homesites are common, and certain properties extend beyond one-third acre or even approximately one-half acre.
Mature oak trees, palms, established tropical landscaping, golf-course frontage, lakes, and preserved areas give this section of The Meadows a character that differs noticeably from many newer Sarasota developments.
Lot dimensions, views, pools, fencing, stormwater areas, and surrounding open space vary by property and should be evaluated individually when considering available homes.
The Highlands Single-Family Sections
The Highlands is not simply one subdivision street. It was developed through multiple recorded sections and phases within the broader Meadows community.
Detached single-family homes associated with The Highlands can be found along streets and residential enclaves including:
- Highland Oaks Circle
- Highlands Bridge Road
- Longleat Woods
- portions of Hadfield Drive
Other nearby communities such as Hadfield Greene, Chatsworth Greene, Oakley Greene, Penshurst Park, and Whisperwood may also include The Highlands in their legal or MLS subdivision descriptions, but those neighborhoods have their own distinct housing styles, association structures, and individual community pages.
Fee-Simple Single-Family Ownership
The detached residences covered on this page are fee-simple single-family homes rather than condominium-owned villas. Owners are members of The Meadows Community Association, which serves as the master association for The Meadows.
Association obligations, rental requirements, architectural standards, pet rules, landscaping responsibilities, and other restrictions should be verified through the current Meadows governing documents and the records applicable to the specific property.
The Meadows Amenities
Highlands homeowners are part of the larger Meadows community and may participate in recreational opportunities offered through current resident-access programs.
- Community swimming and recreation facilities
- Fitness and wellness facilities
- Tennis
- Pickleball
- Approximately 14 miles of walking and biking trails
- More than 85 lakes and waterways throughout The Meadows
- Dog park
- Playground
- Basketball court
- Community clubs and organized activities
- Golf available within The Meadows
Amenity access, resident programs, user fees, and facility policies can change. Buyers should verify current information with The Meadows Community Association and the applicable recreation or golf operation.
Golf & Open-Space Views
Golf has played an important role in the development of The Highlands and The Meadows, and many Highlands homes were positioned to take advantage of fairway and open-space views.
The current Meadows Golf Club operation offers golf on the Meadows and Groves courses. Golf participation is not required to own a home in The Highlands, and resident benefits and optional golf programs may be available under the current operating structure.
Buyers should verify current golf access, course configuration, resident benefits, rates, and optional programs directly with Meadows Golf Club.
The Highlands Location
The Highlands is located in Sarasota’s 34235 zip code within the western and central portions of The Meadows. Longmeadow, Hadfield Drive, Highlands Bridge Road, Honore Avenue, University Parkway, and 17th Street provide convenient access throughout the area.
University Town Center is only a short drive away and provides extensive shopping, dining, entertainment, healthcare services, hotels, and businesses. Nathan Benderson Park is also nearby for walking, cycling, rowing, paddling, and community events.
Downtown Sarasota & Gulf Coast Beaches
Residents can reach Downtown Sarasota for waterfront parks, restaurants, theaters, galleries, performing arts, and cultural attractions.
The Gulf Coast beaches of Lido Key, Siesta Key, and Longboat Key are also within driving distance for swimming, boating, fishing, beach walks, and waterfront dining.
Similar Single-Family Communities in The Meadows
- Devonshire Place – Detached fee-simple homes with larger lots and golf, lake, and landscaped settings.
- Penshurst Park – An established residential enclave within The Highlands area featuring larger homes and scenic surroundings.
- Sandringham – A Meadows single-family neighborhood with mature landscaping and spacious residences.
- Windsor Park – An established Meadows neighborhood offering detached homes, larger floor plans, and mature surroundings.
- Wood Ridge – A residential enclave within The Meadows offering detached homes in a maintenance-oriented setting.
The Highlands Homes for Sale | The Meadows Sarasota Florida
View current Highlands homes for sale below. Available properties may include private-pool residences, golf-course homes, lake-view properties, preserve settings, and updated single-family homes. Buyers can also explore additional homes, villas, and condos throughout The Meadows Sarasota.
Frequently Asked Questions About The Highlands
Where is The Highlands located?
The Highlands is located within The Meadows in Sarasota, Florida 34235. Its single-family sections include homes along Highland Oaks Circle, Highlands Bridge Road, Longleat Woods, and portions of Hadfield Drive.
Is The Highlands a single neighborhood?
The Highlands is a larger residential section of The Meadows containing multiple recorded single-family phases as well as several independently named villa and condominium communities. This page focuses on the detached single-family homes within The Highlands.
What types of homes are found in The Highlands?
The detached portions of The Highlands feature fee-simple single-family homes, generally with larger floor plans and homesites. Private pools, attached garages, golf-course views, lake views, and preserve settings can be found throughout the area.
Are there golf-course homes in The Highlands?
Yes. A number of Highlands homes overlook golf-course and open-space areas. Buyers should verify the specific view, course configuration, and surrounding land for any individual property.
Is golf membership required in The Highlands?
No. Golf participation is not required to own a home in The Highlands. Golf is currently available within The Meadows through Meadows Golf Club, with resident benefits and optional programs available.
Interested in The Highlands or another neighborhood within The Meadows? Contact Wendy Lynn | eXp Realty for help comparing available homes, association requirements, golf and lake settings, property updates, amenities, and other Sarasota real estate opportunities.
