Three Things: Starting Out Downtown

Downtown Sarasota has become a magnet for young professionals who want to start their careers in an increasingly sophisticated environment. In addition to the town’s famous cultural activities, there are plenty of hip bars and restaurants, plus upscale shopping and even a few old-time bookstores. Fitness options are everywhere, and a run across the bridge is a part of many millennials’ daily routines. Such a rarified atmosphere doesn’t come cheap. But look around. You’ll find some great places to live at prices within the financial reach of today’s creative class.

Quintessential Downtown
1350 Main St., Unit 1005

1350 Main St. holds title to the quintessential downtown high-rise for Sarasota’s young professionals. The lower Main Street location is perfect; the building is sleek and modern; and the amenities are state of the art.
Here’s a one-bedroom, one-and-a-half bath unit on the 10th floor that comes in at just under 1,000 square feet. It has elegant finishes, including marble floors, specialty lighting and a cool glass-and-granite breakfast bar. There’s also a balcony with a view, indoor parking for one car and a washer and dryer in the unit. And the resort-style pool is one of downtown’s nicest.

Priced at $399,900. For more information, call Amy Robinson of ReMax Alliance at 928-2044.

For the Young Couple
1020 Brewer Place

The downtown core is circled by a group of vintage neighborhoods with older homes that have been updated with style and imagination. Here is a 1940s bungalow in Avondale, on the southern edge of downtown, that’s full of light and old-fashioned charm. It even has a white picket fence. Inside you’ll find two bedrooms, one-and-a-half baths, a living room with a wood-burning fireplace, a formal dining room with built-ins, a sunroom that doubles as a TV room and a fenced yard with deck. You can walk to Main Street and Michael’s On East; Publix and Starbucks are even closer.

Priced at $479,000. For more information, call Tammy Garner of Coldwell Banker at 374-4161.

Just for Starters
1221 N. Palm Ave., Unit 102

At 675 square feet, this apartment on Palm Avenue is a little on the small side but its cool factor — and price — makes it the perfect Sarasota starter. Located next door to Florida Studio Theatre and just a block from the The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota, it’s in the venerable Frances Carlton, just about the only remaining apartment house from the 1920s boom. This ground-floor unit is in the back and overlooks the swimming pool. It has one bedroom, one bath, wood floors and a renovated kitchen with custom cabinetry. The most appealing feature is the quaint sunroom featuring arched windows on three sides. There’s also gated, assigned parking.

Priced at $175,000. For more information, call Candy Swick of Candy Swick and Co. at 954-9000.