A 2019 Bankrate.com survey indicates that younger investors are keen on acquiring assets that can deliver long-term value while supporting their lifestyle. More than 30 percent of survey respondents see real estate as a smart investment that they can take advantage of for periods lasting at least 10 years; to this effect, acquiring properties in Sarasota districts such as South Gate Ridge makes perfect sense.

Located between Ridge Wood Heights and Bee Ridge, South Gate Ridge is a large suburban community originally developed in the late 1960s. The demographics in many of the neighborhoods that make up the South Gate district shows that this is a part of Sarasota preferred by families and first-time home buyers who wish to settle down and allow their properties to build equity. South Gate extends from Bee Ridge Road on the north all the way south to Clark Road; most of the residential sections feature single-family residences, but a few attached villas can be found at Wilkinson Woods.

Pricing at South Gate in 2019 is very affordable when you take into account that many properties sit on large lots. If you are looking for a classic Florida ranch with two bedrooms and two bathrooms, you can find one for as little as $220K. Since this is a place where residents like to feel at home, most of the properties are in great shape or have been renovated in recent years. For $256K, you can find a three-bedroom home with two full bathrooms and 1,075 square feet of living space; you also get lots of front and back yard space plus fruit trees.

South Gate is a very tranquil district filled with mature trees and tropical landscaping. The nearby Red Bug Slough Preserve is a favorite family attraction that local residents like to explore. The closest shopping district is located on Bee Ridge Road, where you can find a Walmart Neighborhood Market plus a HomeGoods store. Your best bet for fun weekend trips would be to take Clark Road west towards the Stickney Point Bridge connecting you to the beaches of Siesta Key, a 15-minute drive.